Michael Leff is an optician with a vision (pun intended). He knows the process people go through to find glasses, and is looking to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Now, as Private Eyewear’s traveling optician, he hopes to do just that.
Anyone who has shopped for frames with children knows the many difficulties that come into play. Working around everyone’s schedules can be difficult, and once in a store with frames, younger hands love the invitation to pull everything down.
This can leave the customer feeling frustrated and often results in their not selecting anything. Leff knows this process can be trying for families and for people whose schedules do not fit into the limited hours of optical departments, as well as for people who are homebound for various reasons. What if the frames came to the customer, instead of the other way around? By offering appointments, he can work within the customer’s schedule, and in a setting where they can have his undivided attention as well as his expertise in selecting the right frame for the right face and prescription. Leff also goes to senior citizen communities and offices in order to accommodate the client’s schedule.
As those who wear glasses know, an optician utilizes certain tools and technology to make the glasses a perfect fit. Rest assured, Leff has all the latest technology in order to provide “a crisp, accurate prescription, combined with a complete look,” he explained. “Anything the customer needs I can provide,” he continued. “Progressive lenses, sunglasses, occupational glasses—anything is possible.” In further efforts to ease the process, Leff even contacts the eye doctor for the customer and verifies the prescription.
Of course, everyone assumes convenience comes at a price, but with Private Eyewear that is not the case. While Leff carries well-known brands (and if a customer requests a specific kind before the appointment he can provide it), Leff and his team also carry an extensive variety of high-quality frames without the brand recognition. Frames start at $70—that includes lenses and scratch coating—and while the price can increase, many stronger prescriptions still stay in an affordable and competitive range.
But convenience is not the only factor Leff wants wearers to consider. He is also looking to change their view on frames. Just as women have multiple bags for different occasions, he feels that glasses are just as much of a fashion accessory, rather than only utilitarian in their purpose. Leff will help customers select multiple frames to complement different wardrobe and lifestyle needs. If someone has a simcha, they may want a fancier or trendy look. For everyday wear, they may want something lighter weight and conservative. Leff has actually fitted many customers with frames with non-prescription lenses, when they have wanted certain frames as part of their look.
Continuing to provide fashion and practicality for one’s lifestyle, Leff will also help those who need reading glasses make choices that do not make them feel as though the glasses “age” them.
“It’s so important to listen to the customer and get to know them and get a sense of their style and what they are looking for,” Leff said, and further described his knack for picking out the right frame. Once the frames are complete, Leff’s relationship does not end there. “I will always come back and follow up—whether it’s a new frame, or something as little as swapping out a nose pad,” he explained. With a counter set up in Teaneck’s Bespoke Men’s Grooming, found at 1395 Queen Anne Road, customers can come to him, too, but he is always happy to follow up in whatever way is easiest for the client.
“My biggest priority is making sure my customers feel comfortable with their prescription and their look.” To learn more and to see many happy customers, follow Private Eyewear on Facebook and Instagram (@PrivateEyewear). To set up a consultation, e-mail [email protected]. Or call him at 732-688-3583.
By Jenny Gans
