Pioneer Lutz optician, Charley Chaney, who owned and operated Keystone Optical Lab and The Eyeglass Factory for 30 years, has opened a new optical store at the former location of The Eyeglass Factory.
Conveniently located across from the Ferman Auto dealership on SR 54, just east of Oak Grove Boulevard, Charley has named his business The Optical Shop and Showroom.
“I sold my original optical business in 2008 and semi-retired, although I continued to own the building and did some part-time work for the new owner,” said Charley. “Recently that doctor moved to a different location, leaving my building empty, and I seized the opportunity to get back into the business.”
By popular demand of many of his long-time customers, Charley has decorated his new showroom with his unique display of antique radios, cameras and other Americana folk art that the original Eyeglass Factory was famous for.
“Unfortunately, we cannot bring back our two black cats, Spike and Pita, who are remembered and loved by many of our patients,” said Charley. “But we do have pictures of the cats, and they will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Returning to the practice with Charley is optometrist Dr. Kevin Smith, O.D., who did eye exams and prescribed contacts and eyeglass lenses at The Eyeglass Factory from 2002 to 2008.
“Many will remember Dr. Smith, who began with us at our old location on US 41 and Dale Mabry Highway,” said Charley. “Dr. Smith moved with us to the new building in 2005, but left in 2008 to begin a practice in south Tampa. He has always lived in the area with his family, and we are thrilled to have him back!”
Dr. Smith also provides eye exams to seniors who live in area nursing homes, bringing his services to residents where it is most convenient and comfortable for them.
Also working at The Optical Shop and Showroom are licensed opticians, Rhonda and Al. Assisting patients with their optical needs are Charley’s wife, Jeannie, and Dr. Smith’s wife, Sharon.
“Everyone here strives to provide the utmost care, consideration and quality in comfortable, unpretentious, surroundings,” said Charley. “We do every day what we have been noted for in our 30 years of operation — providing great products and service.”
Charley is a master craftsman edging and fabricating lenses so that a lens perfectly matches its prescription and frames.
“I have 55 years experience grinding lenses and making lenses fit per- fectly to the frames,” said Charley. “My experience and expertise is so refined that I can image what a lens will look like and how it should be fabricated just by looking at the pre- scription.”
To celebrate the opening of The Optical Shop and Showroom, Charley, Dr. Smith and their entire team invite their many friends and patients from the past three decades to attend their Grand Re-Opening Celebration this Saturday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We will be celebrating our new business with the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting, snacks and drinks,” said Charley. “We can’t wait to see many of our old friends and customers.”
The Optical Shop and Showroom is located at 24444 State Road 54, Lutz. They can be reached at (813) 909-7200.
This story was written by the advertising department.
