Curated boutique frames, in-house lens making, and a customer experience rivaled by no other at Eyes on Chagrin

By Mary Malik

When Kevin Kretch opened Eyes on Chagrin 10 years ago, he had a vision. Pardon that very obvious pun, but Kevin has a true passion for the business fueled by his career as an optician and a deep family history in optometry and other areas of medicine and healthcare. When he first opened, Kevin carried 99% designer-named frames hoping to offer this community and beyond the best in both designer eyewear and eye care. Winning Scene magazine’s “Best Eyewear in Cleveland” award this year is just one more sign that customers appreciate Kevin’s dedication to providing the best of both.

“I had a lot of guidance from my father, an optometrist, and had learned a lot working as an optician for a large eyeglass retailer,” says Kevin. “Having my own business quickly showed me that all eyeglass frames are not created equal, even when they have a designer name attached to them.”

Kevin started seeing issues with customers coming back with broken frames and other problems. This was when he made the transition to carrying independent eyewear lines from all around the world that share the same dedication to quality, consistency and customer care that Kevin and his team at Eyes on Chagrin offer.

“Most so-called ‘designer’ frames are mass produced and just have the designer’s name stamped on them so the retailer can raise the cost,” says Kevin. “You’re most often not getting quality materials like you are with an independent company that only makes eyeglass frames. That’s all we work with.”

At Eyes on Chagrin, Kevin offers frames you won’t find anyplace else in Ohio and often in the entire country. Unique, highest-quality frames from independent suppliers like Jacque Marie Mage, Chrome Hearts, Garrett Leight California Optical, Lapima, Theo and Anne & Valentin and more are available along with eye exams for all ages and specialty eye care for things like dry eye, glaucoma and cataracts.

“We are a one-stop shop for your family’s eye care,” says Kevin. “And we’re the only place offering many of these frame lines. People come from all over or call and place orders by phone. For example, Jacque Marie Mage is a high-end line of frames that are extremely sought after. The popularity of this line has never been seen before in the industry. Each frame is a limited edition, so you are wearing something maybe only 300 other people in the world have. They are works of art and collectors’ items.”

While it’s true that the Jacque Marie Mage frames are exclusive and exclusive often equals expensive, Eyes on Chagrin offers quality frames at every price point—and even frames at no cost.

“We accommodate everyone,” says Kevin. “Our high-end frames can certainly be investments, but you won’t find better quality and more unique designs. And the level of customer service you receive both from us and from all our manufacturers is unmatched.”

Customer service is another area where Eyes on Chagrin shines. Particularly now, when businesses are having a hard time staffing their stores and customers are experiencing long wait times and less personal service, Eyes on Chagrin has maintained a full staff, trained and ready to make your experience pleasant and seamless.

“I don’t want frustrated customers,” says Kevin. “It is very uncommon to wait for service here, whether you’re looking for frames, have an appointment for an exam, need a frame adjustment or just have a question.”

Along with exams and one-of-a-kind frames, Eyes on Chagrin also has an on-site lab where glasses are made.

“We cut the lenses right here,” says Kevin. “There’s an art to it. Most places don’t do it, but it gives us more control over the final product. We don’t send it out and then try and troubleshoot issues when we get the glasses back. We make your glasses perfect for you right here in our store.”

Kevin can’t help expressing the appreciation he has for his enthusiastic customers.

“This is a unique field in that I get to combine my interests in the medical field and in the world of fashion,” says Kevin. “Connecting with people clinically, helping them to see better and troubleshooting any issues is very satisfying to me. On top of that I can have some fun with them while we search for the frames that fit their lifestyle and personality. It’s the perfect combination.”

Eyes on Chagrin is located at 28700 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 11, in Woodmere. For more information call 216-292-3937 or check the website EyesOnChagrin.com.