Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Schwartz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The business was started by my father, Dr. Ted Schwartz in 1949 after he graduated from Illinois College of Optometry. We have been in the same location throughout the years. The neighborhood has gone through numerous changes, from Italian, to Polish, to Hispanic and presently it is gentrified.
I began working at the office in 1986. My father died in 1987, and I took over the business. Many of our patients are third and fourth generation clients. A lot of our long time patients have moved over the years, but many are loyal and still return from far suburbs, as well as other states.
Schwartz Eye Care has a small but experienced professional staff. Both Dr. Binder and our optician Mario have worked at Schwartz Eye Care for over 20 years each.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been very lucky to have had good people working with me over the years. The biggest struggle is recent, the internet. There are some people who think that we should compete with online pricing of major corporations, while giving them the customer service that they want.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Schwartz Eye Care – what should we know?
Schwartz Eye Care is a full service private optometry practice. We have an excellent doctor for a complete eye examination for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and the health of your eye. What sets our practice apart is the individual care each patient receives. Our exams are 30-45 minutes, unlike the 10 chain store exams. We are very different than a chain in many ways, our prices are much less expensive, and the staff is very experienced. There are very few individual private optometry practices left in Chicago. Most optometrists are either part of a chain or group practice. We believe all patients deserve high quality care, regardless of what type of insurance they have or don’t have. Our patients are our priority.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality which is most important to our success is honesty. We never bait and switch. We provide high quality lenses and frames.
Contact Info:
- Address: 749 N. Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622 - Website: schwartzeyecarechicago.com
- Phone: 312-421-5870
- Email: schwartzeyecare@aol.com
- Facebook: schwartzeyecare
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