By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name:? Magay & Barron Eye Center
Address:? 460 Lincoln St., Worcester
Owners:? Jim and Eddi Magay
Contact Information:? 508-852-3760, www.magayandbarron.com
What sets you apart from other opticians?
“We'se been doing this for a very long time, in my case, over 50 years,” said Jim Magay, who has continued the business started by his grandfather in 1912 and passed down to his father. (The Barron partner died in 1935, but the Magay family kept the original name.) “Our patients trust us to provide quality, unique style and the latest technology. We like to surprise and delight people.
“We'se one of the few shops in the area that offers almost all digitally-surfaced lenses. That means our lenses are designed by computer, and the accuracy and quality are a quantum leap over the old method of grinding lenses.”
You specialize in a variety of frames?
“Our selection of frames is very different. We try to avoid typical products and prefer to have a more interesting selection of artistic frames. Just about everything we carry is the latest style, in consultation with our designer friends and manufacturers. A lot of our frames are imported from France, Italy, Germany, even a nice line from northern California. Some manufacturers design special products for us, Classics from Magay & Barron,” Magay said.
“By no means are we the most expensive place around,” he added. “We start at $49 for a complete pair of eyeglasses. Sometimes, people just want a spare pair.
“We don's mind if people browse. We give them a chance to look around, then we help in the final selection, based on their bone structure, facial shape, coloring and visual needs, for a custom fit. We have supplied artists who need special lenses for seeing in the distance and at the easel, musicians who have to view different music stands with various instruments.”
What are the newest trends in eyewear?
“The Ziggy line is one of our newest collections, designed by a young lady up in Montreal. She uses a lot of elements from nature, including three-dimensional effects. We recently fitted a well-known musician from Boston with a frame she makes. He wanted something unique and distinctive when he is performing, and he got it.
“Colorful frames in both plastic and metal are very popular. We'se seeing a return to larger sizes, fuller lens shapes.
“We have the latest in changeable lens technology, with glasses that darken in the car, glasses that become polarized (non-glare) as they get darker, as well as traditional Transitions lenses. And we can now put your prescription in sport wraparound sunglasses.”
Do you do eye exams here?
“We have a very talented doctor who has been with us for 12 years, Dr. John Dadah. He fits contact lenses and does eye exams. People can also bring in a prescription.”
Magay & Barron is located at 460 Lincoln St. near Hanover Insurance in Worcester. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.