While advances in technology have helped Colonial Opticians evolve, one aspect of the business has remained unchanged for six decades: its commitment to high-quality products and exemplary customer service.
Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, this beloved family-owned business continues to stand out as a local staple; even as big companies have taken over most smaller businesses. This enduring success is a testament to the company’s unique approach.
Colonial Opticians began when Lou and Sylvia Williams opened their first store in Bethesda, MD. Over the years, it has remained a trusted name in eye care. Today, as devoted clients and the community celebrate this milestone, the business continues to offer top-quality service and eyewear.
The company became known for offering customers well-fitting, attractive frames and state-of-the-art lenses — innovations unparalleled in the Washington, D.C. area, they now have four locations — Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville, and Kentlands. The family business is in its third generation, owned and operated by Lou and Sylvia's children—Gary, Jason, and Debby—along with daughter-in-law Karen, and grandsons Chase and Cortland.
"Even though we’ve grown to four locations, our philosophy hasn’t changed," says Debby Williams Allnutt, daughter of Lou and Sylvia. "We still provide excellent customer service, superior quality products, and a high level of expertise."
Throughout the decades, the staff at each location has consistently provided the best professional care and used the finest materials to fill every prescription. Their credo is simple: we will never compromise on quality or customer care, never offering bargains at the expense of a customer’s vision.
"Our team is dedicated to preserving the legacy of quality that my father started 60 years ago," Debby adds. "We’ve grown, but our core values remain unchanged."
Karen Williams, Debby’s sister-in-law, explains that it all starts with a passion for helping people. “Local doctors often send us their most challenging cases, and it’s incredibly rewarding to take on these difficult prescriptions and find the right frames and lenses for our patients. We don’t limit ourselves to any one manufacturer; we simply want to make sure every patient gets the best possible solution.”
The family-owned business also provides on-site appointments for eye exams at all four locations. They also donate their eye exam lane to low vision specialists working towards blindness prevention and improving vision care for the community, so those in need can receive treatment.
For many patients, Colonial Opticians solves common eyewear issues, like frames that don’t fit properly and cause discomfort or dissatisfaction. Unlike other optical shops that may simply direct customers to pick something from a display, the Colonial Opticians team takes the time to carefully select the right frames and lenses for each individual.
“When customers leave our stores with glasses that truly fit and look great, they’re thankful, happy, and eager to refer us to their family and friends,” Karen says. “We specialize in solving problems for people who need hard-to-fit eyewear.”
For complex cases, including head injuries, doctors also turn to Colonial Opticians for special tints and prisms tailored to each patient’s needs.
New customers, especially those with narrow or no nose bridges, have struggled for years with poorly fitting glasses. Colonial Opticians will find eyewear that fits and functions comfortably.
“We take pride in offering a wide range of options for every customer,” Karen says. "From children's frames, low/high bridges, to petite sizes, we provide 25-30 different choices, ensuring that each person finds what they need."
When it comes to purchasing glasses, Karen and her team don’t wait for customers to ask questions, they take the initiative to understand their needs. “We ask questions to get a full picture of what our customers’ needs are,” Karen adds. “There are so many variables with lenses like progressives, and we want to make sure the eyeglasses supersede their expectations.”
Karen’s advice for maintaining a thriving business is simple: “Always be open to new ideas and keep evolving. That means staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and thinking outside the box.”
Through the years, some doubters have questioned how a small, family-owned business could survive in a world dominated by big-box stores, online shopping, and chain optical shops. Colonial Opticians has not only survived for 60 years – it's thriving!
“Some customers try other options, but they often come back to us because they realize the difference in quality and service,” Debby says. “We have highly educated customers who appreciate the personal care and exceptional quality we provide.”
For more information, visit: colonialopticians.com
"The company became known for offering customers well-fitting, attractive frames and state-of-the-art lenses"
Doctors often send us their most challenging cases.