The District : The ‘eyes’ have it — about 80 percent of the time
Posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Did you know that 80 percent of what enters your brain is from your eyes ? Of our six senses, the eyes contribute 80 percent of what goes in.
Long story, short … I have worn glasses since I was about 18 months old, so they are a natural part of me. Ten years ago I had spinal meningitis and was one sick puppy; one of the side effects that never went away was a major loss of eye sight. When I went to the eye doctor they put me in bifocals.
OK, I can accept that. My issue was that I could not see without having to move my head or put my glasses down on my nose, or just take them off. In my disgust when I moved back to Rogers, I was complaining to my friend, Kay (Douglas ) Clancy, and she put me on the right path to resolve this issue. She pointed me in the direction of Edward's Optical.
When I walked into Edward's, I was greeted and I was amazed at all the eyeglasses - cool eye glasses.
Both Lyric and Michelle had customers, so I took a seat in a very comfortable chair and learned a great lesson in customer service. Both Lyric and Michelle let me know they knew I was there, but they took their time and completely dealt with their customers. (Yes, I was very impatient. ) Then it was my turn. I was so humbled by the time I left.
Did you know there are many, many kinds of progressive lenses to choose from ? Did you know it really matters what you do on a daily basis on what type of frames and lenses you need ? I was thoroughly educated and was able to choose the correct frame and lenses that fit my lifestyle and I could see better than I had in years. I turned my mom, my dad, my best friends and anyone who needs glasses onto Edward's Optical. I had no idea how important the correct lenses and frames are. They even make the glasses for my daughter Elizabeth Ann.
So who are these two wise people behind Edwards's Optical ? Michelle and Lyric - you will learn very quickly that Michelle is the beauty with a great smile and sense of humor, and Lyric is the one who ponders before each important statement, but is so passionate about your glasses. They came here 16 years ago; Lyric worked for a vendor that serviced Wal-Mart optical departments and Michelle worked for Dr. Parenti. Their dream when they moved here was to own an optical dispensary and live on the lake. They celebrated 10 years of living their dream this past April 1.
Before their life in Arkansas, Lyric spent time in the Army where he was trained to be an optician and Michelle went to college to study to be an optician also. They met in California at a Lenscrafter function.
You need to ask Michelle about her first date with Lyric.
When I asked them why they would spend so much time on each customer and how they could get up in the morning and deal with customers like myself, they quickly responded," We love helping people to see better, and that the customer needs to be equally informed to be a partner in their eye care. "They both agreed they had the best job in the world and their favorite part was to see the person's reaction the first time they put on the new glasses and they got to see firsthand the enhanced vision, and therefore the enhanced life.
Why downtown ? (Remember, just 10 years in business. ) They said it was the only place to be when they started out. The Scottsdale shopping area was only a sign then. Wow - how fast our community has changed. They both love downtown, actively participate in making it a wonderful place to work and live.
One of the things you will notice when you walk into Edward's is that they have new, cool and hip styles. They carry Lindberg (my favorites ), Alain Mikle, Cazal / Caviar, Kata and Try Change. (These are just a few of the frames they carry. ) Once they read your prescription and get to know what your eyes are viewing most of the time, they will educate you on the choices of lenses and they will fit you so you do not have to move your head, or push your glasses down on your nose to see.
I got to experience the loss of my glasses at the end of April - and I learned the hard way about needing the second pair. No glasses, can't see. Both eyes are very different, so reading glasses do not help.
Lyric and Michelle to the rescue. Due to my grumpy personality during this time, my friends and family visited often to see when my glasses were arriving. But within a week I had a great pair of glasses. My husband knows where they are at all times, and I have my second pair on order.
Experiencing the amount of energy I was using to see and how hard it was to do simple things, it is truly a pleasure to be a customer of Edward's Optical. I know that when I refer them to anyone, that I have really done that person a great favor.
Edward's Optical is located at First and Walnut on the corner. Their hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may contact them at 936-8228.
Last words from Lyric," Get a prescription because if you ain't seeing right, you ain't thinking right !"
Have a great week.
Mary Elizabeth Schopp owns Poor Richard's Art and The Rabbit's Lair in downtown Rogers. She can be contacted by e-mail at mary @ poorrichardsart. com.
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