Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Langle.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been an optometrist since 2007 and have had the opportunity to practice in a variety of modalities. The one which I found most rewarding was private practice. It allows the ability to spend the most time with the patient, getting to know not only them but many times their family as well, in addition to being able to educate the patient on their condition and how it relates to their overall health. It is the true patient connection which I envisioned when I started practicing. Once I started a family, I knew I wanted to practice closer to home in order to be better able to balance being a mom and growing my career. The property on 111th Street remained vacant for years; I envisioned it to be the perfect location to bring quality service and products to the neighborhood in which I reside. Through much hard work and perseverance, Lunettes opened its doors in January 2017.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There were quite a few challenges in starting up the business. The property remained vacant for years prior to my husband and I acquiring it in 2012. Shortly thereafter we learned we were pregnant with our second child. While having a newborn and a 3-year-old, we were faced with the unknowns of a vacant property. Balancing motherhood, a career, and a large-scale demolition and construction project within budget was difficult, but with the support of my husband, family, and friends, the project was complete and the business was ready to open its doors in January 2017.
While I have been practicing optometry for over 10 years, this was my first foray into owning a business. Not only am I doctor, I am also balancing marketing, insurance issues, housekeeping, and HR among others. I am thankful to have a wonderful optician, Leeann, who helps in running the business according to my original vision.
Lunettes Family Eyecare and Optical Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
It is the mission of Lunettes Family Eyecare and Optical Boutique to provide the highest quality of comprehensive optometric care utilizing the established medical model of optometry; provide patients with the latest technology in optical vision correction, including contact lenses; and to educate patients on the importance of comprehensive vision care and how it relates to overall systemic health.
Lunettes Family Eyecare and Optical Boutique is dedicated to developing genuine connections with our patients while providing them with the highest quality and personalized attention they deserve in a comfortable neighborhood setting.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is measured in quality of life. You are successful when you are happy, and to be happy in all aspects of life should be life’s goal as all aspects feed into one another.
Being so close to home, there are many days where my children hang out with me after school Shortly before we opened our doors, they drew a picture of the family (including the dogs) outside of Lunettes and told me they loved me and liked coming to work with me. The picture hangs in my office as a happy reminder that the risk, hard work, and stress is worth it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3402 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655 - Website: www.lunetteseyecare.com
- Phone: 773.941.6519
- Email: drkarina@lunetteseyecare.com
- Instagram: lunettes.eyecare
- Facebook: @lunetteseyecare
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
