When visiting Vision Associates of Westfield, you’ll not only find Westfield’s premiere selection of eyewear, but also a staff with over 70 years combined experience. Owner and optician Nickolas Linna has fulfilled his vision for a different kind of optometry experience.
As soon as you enter the building, the difference is immediate. The 2,000 square foot space is covered in welcoming warm tones along with handmade desks and beautiful oak flooring. The vibe is not what one would expect, and that is exactly the point.
“We want patients to feel as comfortable as possible when visiting, which is why we don't wear uniforms or lab coats,” Nick explained. “Giving people choices is what we do, and that shouldn’t be any different for our employees.”
“Thankfully my wife, Sue, and Jamie are a little more fashionable than I am,” he joked.
Nick and Sue started the business five years ago when they moved the practice from a small office downtown to its current location at 509 Southwick Rd. The renovation was extensive, he noted, but he said it was an investment in their patients for the support they've shown.
“Our patients deserve the best all-around experience and this is our way of delivering that.”
Nick adds, “I am most proud of the fact that we are offering a unique experience to the Westfield area as an Independent Eyewear provider. This means with all of the decisions we make, whether it be eye care or eyewear, only the patient's best interests are in mind.”
Nick compared the experience of choosing new eyewear to a mini fashion show, explaining that the process between staff and patients is very interactive.
“It's the best part of what we do,” he said, explaining that fashion is more about confidence than trends. “ When you look great, you feel great and that's our goal everyday.”
There are over 1,500 pieces of eyewear on display at Vision Associates on any given day, so having an experienced staff to fit patients with the perfect pair is important. Jamie, a licensed optician, and Nick work together to see fashion and function come together.
Sue and I have traveled extensively throughout Europe giving us the opportunity to see what’s up and coming in fashion. Eyewear is a big fashion statement in many countries and we believe it should be here as well.
Vision Associates carries eyewear by Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Furla, Carolina Herrera, Etnia Barcelona, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Nike and Calvin Klein, among others. Bringing the world's finest quality eyewear to Westfield was one of my goals.
Nick does all of the finish work for eyewear on site, which reduces wait time and allows him to control the quality of the eyewear Vision Associates dispenses. This also means that in some cases, he can deliver eyewear the next day.
On the optometry side, Dr. Michael Gousy, has 34 years of experience practicing in the area and provides complete comprehensive eye exams for adults and children. Dr Gousy’s approach to optometry is solely focused on patient care. He also sees patients for medical visits and has a large peer network for referral to specialists if needed. He’s kind and caring, so he’s always been a natural fit for optometry.
Nick summed up his vision like this: “When people walk in, I want them to feel welcome; I want them to feel they made the best choice for their eye care.”
Vision Associates of Westfield
509 Southwick Rd
Westfield, MA
413-568-0180
