Childhood vision impairment proves gift for optician Eric Smith

Sharing the gift of vision comes naturally for optician Eric Smith. Born legally blind, Eric had to have eye surgery and wear glasses by the age of three. After additional surgery at age 13, his vision gained measurable improvement, but only after wearing an eye patch for several months.

This childhood experience inspires Eric’s commitment to better vision care as a Florida licensed optician at Treasure Coast Opticians. Experiencing the challenge of vision impairment firsthand has given Eric a keen empathy for those struggling with vision loss and a unique insight into proper corrective measures.

Treasure Coast Opticians is recognized as the first optical company in Vero Beach, with ownership dating back to 1962. Eric’s mother was an optician and began her career at the very same store. This was another contributing factor to Eric’s career choice and his subsequent decision to follow in her footsteps at Treasure Coast Opticians. Eric fondly remembers running around the shop as a child. This enthusiasm has not wavered since Eric took over as optician with a commitment to keep the business on the cutting edge of optical technology and eyewear style.

Struggling with his eyesight as a youth, Eric found a safe haven at the Florida Lions Camp in Lake Wales, a camping and recreational facility for special-needs youth supported by the Lions Club. Today, Eric works closely with the Lions Club and serves every summer as a volunteer at the Florida Lions Camp.

“The Lions Camp helped me build confidence and deal with my vision impairment as a youth,” said Smith. “It’s an honor to be able to give back later in life to an organization that helped me and so many other kids with disabilities experience the same activities as other kids, and build confidence to move on to bigger challenges. It also helped me develop a great appreciation for the outdoors that I can share with others.”

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Treasure Coast Opticians
Treasure Coast Opticians
715 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Call 772-569-4822
Open M-F 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday by Appointment

 

Two Locations in Vero Beach

Treasure Coast Opticians

17th Street Office
715 17th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960

58th Ave Office
2152 58th Ave
Vero Beach, FL 32966

(772) 569-4822

Monday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday: By Appointment Only

Our 58th Ave office can be reached on (772) 900-2020.

58th Ave 17th Street Appointments

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