Have you found it difficult to find stores in the eyewear and eye care world that were black owned? Yes? Well, so did we. So, we decided to compile a list of brick and mortar stores you can purchase your eyewear from while also supporting the black community. Here's a list of five black-owned eyewear stores in North American. And do you know what makes this list even better? They’re all owned by black women. Take a look:
1. Style Eyes Optical
Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Style Eyes Optical describes itself as “a black, woman-owned boutique specializing in rare eyewear from independent labels”. They are all about bringing style and fashion to the eyewear industry, as frames are personally selected by owner Margie Toney to suit each customer. If you’re in the New York area be sure to check them out!
2. Bespoke Eye Care
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Bespoke Eye Care is an optometry practice that serves Dallas and its surrounding areas with “everything you need to care for your eyes and vision”. Their black, female-owned optometrist Dr. Johnson provides her community with a full range of services including a store where you can purchase your prescription frames.
3. Norwood Family Eye Care
Location: Barlette, Tennessee, USA
Norwood Family Eye Care was started by Dr. Chaka Norwood in 2012 and offers “exceptional service to patients of all ages.” Not only do they offer quality eyecare, but they carry a variety of eyewear brands in their clinic for anyone to purchase. Curious to know more about Dr. Norwood and her journey? Check out her short documentary that uncovers the path she took to become the black woman optometrist and business owner she is today.
4. Family Eye Care Atlanta
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From sports vision, to eye exams to pediatric care, Family Eye Care Atlanta offers a slew of services to the people of Buckhead and its surrounding areas. Not to mention, they provide a “quality selection of fashionable eyeglasses and premium lenses.” Dr. Takeia Locke the black, female owner and optometrist brings a variety of eye care services to the Atlanta community.
5. Sphere Optometry
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Sphere Optometry offers a “ full-scope purpose-driven optometry clinic and optical shop in the beautiful neighborhood of Westman Village. At Sphere, we love independent hand-crafted eyewear, and delivering intuitive and compassionate care.” A balance of ultimate care and ultimate quality in the eyewear industry, Calgary is left in good hands when it comes to the black, woman optometrist and owner Dr. Danielle Gordon.
If you live or are passing through any of these places, we encourage you to support these wonderful black women on their journeys in the eye care world!
All photos and videos were sourced from each clinic/store's websites. Bohten does not own the rights to any imagery or visuals used.