Communication and Creativity Keep Patients Coming Back to Boston’s Envision

BOSTON—When Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO, purchased her practice, Envision, on Jan. 1, 2020, this was definitely not the year she was expecting. A graduate of the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Garlich had been working at Envision, located in Boston’s Financial District, since 2018, before she purchased the practice. Now, as practice owner and optometrist, she and her team are working their way through a pandemic both in-store and online. 

Lots to Learn from Others: At CO's 'The Big Week for Small Business'

NEW YORK—For readers of VM's The Independent Eye, every day is a day to focus on small, independent eyewear businesses. But at CO, the special resource created for small businesses in all sectors by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, last week was special—it was The Big Week for Small Business, a series of videos, speakers and special programs that was designed to inspire and help small businesses "navigate uncertain times." CO, which always has as its mission a range of services, tips, inspiration and help to encourage local business and independent initiatives, offers a range of webinars, e-news updates and programs designed to help people find the resources they need to start or expand their own initiatives.

For Indie Oxford Eyes, a Grand Reopening Is the Talk of the Town

ORLANDO, Fla—For the team at Oxford Eyes in Orlando, Florida, it’s been an exciting, bustling two years on Swanson’s Ivanhoe Row in Ivanhoe Village—and now things are about to get even better. This week, the family-owned indie eyewear shop is moving on up—six doors down, that is, to a larger location on “The Row,” in Ivanhoe Village, which will allow the shop to host bigger trunk shows, popups, and other events, as well as carry an expanded eyewear collection and offer other additional services in the future. 

The Fall Frames Are Out

NEW YORK—Believe it or not, it’s officially fall—and it’s officially acceptable to pull out the Halloween decorations, the chunky sweaters, the big scarves, and, of course, the autumnal eyewear. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, independent ECPs across the country are showing off their in-store fall collections, featuring earthy shades, exciting shapes and the coziest of aesthetics. This week, we’re taking a look at how some independents are sharing their 2020 fall flavor on social media.

Project Eyecare in California

The team at Project Eyecare in Mission Viejo, California, celebrated one year in business with a socially distanced SALT. trunk show, food, and more. Image via projecteyecare on Instagram.