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Whether it's contact lenses or the latest featherweight frames, eye glasses today are a fashion statement. Not just functional anymore, they can enhance your look and style.
Need theatrical contacts, a new color? An extra pair of featherweight frames to go with a new outfit, or for a special event? Whatever your optical "must-haves", The Optical Gallery of Princeton has something for you. The latest look in frames, lenses created from the most advanced technology, even bi-focal contacts, and in addition, full service eye exams performed by owner and optometrist Dr. Mark Donlon, are available.
Opened in December at the Princeton Shopping Center, in the location formerly home to The Sight Center, The Optical Gallery offers a newly-renovated showroom, with an array of attractive displays.
Manager Gary Evans, former manager of The Sight Center, and in the optical business since 1984, is pleased to reconnect with the community. "This is really home to me. The shopping center is a great location. Among other things, you can't beat the parking!"
Imported Frames
Mr. Evans stresses the personal service offered by The Optical Gallery. "What we emphasize is what looks well on a person. We fit the frame to your features, eye color, hair color, and the shape of the face. No one is ever rushed. We take time to make sure it's right for you."
And there are so many choices. The latest technology has resulted in featherweight, highly durable frames, which can also be customized. "A lot of our frame lines are exclusive to us in the area, imported frames you will find in New York or Philadelphia," points out Mr. Evans. "A lot of them come from Europe, including Denmark, France, Switzerland, and Germany. They are a little different, available in a lot of colors and for custom orders, very lightweight, better quality materials, and twice as strong."
Lines include Air Titanium form Lindbergh Optics in Denmark, Pro Design from Denmark, T-2 from Switzerland, Caviar from France, and Tag Heuer from Germany. These are exclusive to the Optical Gallery in the area.
Some frames are lightweight plastic, hypoallergenic polypropianate, and hypoallergenic titanium, notes otpician Bernardo Nitkinas.
"Some are totally lightweight and weigh about two grams," adds Dr. Donlon. "The closest thing to wearing nothing."
The latest advances in lenses are equally impressive. "Lenses can be much more customized today because of advances in technology," explains Mr. Evans. "The lenses are not mass-produced. They are customized right here. We are a specialty shop for prescription lenses."
Latest Equipment
Optician Bernardo Nitkinas, who came to the U.S. from Lithuania in 1965 and to Princeton in 1976, grinds the lenses to the individual prescription. It is very precise and exacting work.
"My father was an optician too, and my playground was his office," remembers Mr. Nitkinas. "I made my first pair of glasses at the age of six, and I'm still having fun doing it today. And now we have all the latest equipment."
Lens choices abound today, points out Dr. Donlon. "Bifocals and trifocals with lines, and also progressive lenses without lines. One lens can take care of distance, close-up, and intermediate. There are also transition lenses, which change from light to dark. They are stimulated by ultraviolet light and vary with the extent of the ultraviolet."
With transition lenses, there is no need for a pair of sunglasses. It's all in one.
If contacts are your thing, Dr. Donlon can provide whatever you need. "We are fitting a lot more bifocal lenses," he reports. "And another new development is the 30-day continuous lens, which you wear for 30 days without removing them — even at night — and then discard. They are very convenient and very safe."
In addition, he points out that new technological advances are coming along all the time. "As the advances continue, in particular, a spin-off of laser technology, we will be able to correct higher order aberrations."
Kids Section
As an optometrist, Dr. Donlon is licensed to perform eye exams, write prescriptions for glasses and contacts, and prescribe certain medications, including for treatment of dry eye. "We see quite a lot of this, and there are new treatments for it."
The Optical Gallery is a full-service center for the entire family, notes Mr. Evans. "It's nice. We get everyone — kids, parents, grandparents, even great-grandparents. We take care of them all. We have a separate kids section, with bendable frames that can withstand hard use. And we have special kids' packages, offering lens and frames for $159.
Prices generally cover a wide range, with frames beginning at $100 and going up to $700. Lenses are determined by the prescription. There are also ongoing seasonal specials and promotions.
"We have something for every pocketbook," says Mr. Evans. "And all are quality frames, whatever the price. We look forward to reaching out to the community, letting them know we are here for them, for their lenses, frames, eye exams, and treatment. It's really one-stop shopping!"
The Optical Gallery is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 to 6:30, Thursday 9:30 to 2, Saturday 10 to 3. (609) 921-6620.
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