When it comes to investing in a good pair of eyeglasses, the process goes beyond simply choosing a frame and lenses. For Jerry York, owner of Gerald A. York Optician in Basking Ridge, it's about ensuring every client leaves satisfied and with glasses that truly fit their needs.
York's journey into the optical industry began when his father, a manager at an optical practice in Morristown, decided to open his own store after a disagreement with the owner. "No pun intended—but my dad didn’t see eye to eye with the owner, so he decided to branch out on his own," York explains. "My mom left her job at Drew University to help him run the office once it became too busy for him to manage alone."
Now, nearly 48 years later, York continues to run the family business with the same philosophy his father instilled in him: treat every customer like family and prioritize their unique needs. "We treat our clients like family," he says. "We understand their different needs as it pertains to eyewear, and everyone is different. We strive to meet all expectations, and our office is like a ‘Cheers’ atmosphere—where everyone knows your name."
Understanding Your Needs
When choosing the right eyeglasses, York believes that getting to know the customer is key. "It's not just about the eyewear; it's about understanding how people live and how glasses can help them function better," he shares. By asking questions about their daily lives, York can recommend frames and lenses that best suit their personal style and functional needs.
"Are they tough on glasses? Is it more of a fashion statement? The more I understand about them, the better I can guide them in making the right selection," he adds. York's ability to quickly assess what a client needs is honed through years of experience.
Finding the Right Fit for Every Budget
One of the common misconceptions about eyewear is that high-quality glasses are always expensive. According to York, his store offers a wide range of options to suit every budget. "If you don’t want to spend a lot, you don’t have to. But when it comes to progressive lenses, the better technology makes them easier to use," York explains.
Progressive lenses, which allow for multiple prescriptions in one lens, have improved dramatically over the years. York compares the differences in progressive lenses to car brands. "You can buy a Honda Civic or a Bentley. Everything in between is an option, and it all depends on what the client needs," he says.
Some customers, he notes, can be sensitive to the design of progressive lenses, which means they may need to spend a little more to achieve clearer vision. "This is another example of where getting to know your client comes into play," York notes.
Fashion and Technology: Staying Current
Eyewear trends, like fashion trends, are always evolving. York’s practice keeps up with the latest styles to ensure clients get the best of both fashion and function. "Fashion is always changing, and it’s important to stay relevant," he says.
In addition to keeping up with fashion, technology plays a huge role in today’s eyewear market. "The biggest changes in technology are anti-reflective coatings and progressive lens design. The best technology five years ago is now considered outdated," York shares. He adds that the advancements in progressive lenses are remarkable. "They’re the clearest and most seamless they’ve ever been. If someone has had trouble with progressive lenses in the past, they probably didn’t have the right lenses for them or they didn't fit properly."
York prides himself on being an expert at finding the right progressive lens fit for his clients’ needs and budgets. "It’s about finding the right balance between style, comfort, and technology," he explains.
The Importance of Routine Eye Exams
While many people invest in new glasses, York stresses the importance of routine eye exams as part of comprehensive eye care. “An eye doctor can tell a lot of other things that might be wrong with your body through a routine eye exam,” he says.
York shares a personal story about a friend whose life was saved by a routine eye exam. "My friend had a 90% blockage in an artery, and the symptoms were discovered during an eye exam," he explains. "Routine exams are essential, not only for vision health but also for your overall well-being."
Investing in quality eyewear is more than just about seeing better; it's about ensuring you're comfortable, stylish, and maintaining good eye health. Whether it's for fashion, function, or overall well-being, a trusted optician like Jerry York can help you make informed decisions about your eyewear needs.
Gerald A York Optician
Address: 21 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge
Phone: (908) 766-0939
Website: geraldayorkoptician.com
"We understand their different needs as it pertains to eyewear, and everyone is different." - Jerry York
"It's not just about the eyewear; it's about understanding how people live and how glasses can help them function better." - Jerry York