3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Dana Cohen of Medford Optical

Dana Cohen, the owner of Medford Optical, tells the Patch about his passion for music and about why he pursed a career in Opticianry.

Patch: What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

Dana: First of all I want to thank my beautiful wife Ginny for all her love and support for the past 39 years! We have two wonderful daughters Rachel and Laura who continue to make us proud! I enjoy taking walks with my wife and our two dogs around the back shore of Gloucester, MA. The scenery is often spectacular and it is a site to treasure. When I am not at the optical shops I play trombone with several bands. I perform with the Cape Ann Big Band, a classic rock group called Garfish, and a national rock band called Eye Rock! This is a group of Optometrists and Opticians who play a musical instrument and donate their time to perform at The Hard Rock Café in Times Square New York,. The concert raises money for visually impaired children who are from financially challenged families from all over the country.

Patch: How are you involved in the community?

Dana: I am a long time member of the Medford Chamber Of Commerce and have always been actively involved in supporting local merchants in finding creative ways of improving the way they do business. I played in the Medford High Alumni Band for many years even though I did not grow up in Medford! That was always a lot of fun entertaining the local Medford crowds!

Patch: If you had to recommend someone some books what would they be and why?

Dana: I would recommend any of Steven King`s books because I find him to be a wonderful writer. His creative mind leads one to become immersed in a web of suspense and intrigue. It also helps that I know Steven because his Red Sox season tickets are a few rows in front of mine so I see him often and we exchange hellos!Isaac Asimov was one of my favorite authors. He lived behind my house when I grew up in Newton, MA. One day as I went to the local mailbox I met Mr. Asimov and opened the box for him to drop in an envelope. As he was doing this he told me that it was a manuscript for a book he had written and it was soon to be a movie. It was called The Fantastic Voyage and it soon became a major motion picture! The plot was as follows:Four men and a woman are reduced to a microscopic fraction of their original size, sent in a miniaturized atomic sub through a dying man’s carotid artery to destroy a blood clot in his brain. If they fail, the entire world will be doomed.P: What is your favorite part of working in Medford?I have been in business in Medford Square since 1976! Medford has gone through many changes through the years but it is now on the steady up rise as many young affluent couples are moving to town. The Real Estate market is booming and it has become a very diverse community. Medford is very convenient to Boston and it is a great place to do business!

Patch: What are the most common conditions you treat?

Dana: I am a Licensed Dispensing Optician and fill eyeglass prescriptions. We do everything after you see the Eye Doctor. I have owned and operated Medford Optical for 39 years and provide great eyewear for the complete family. We see people from newborns to age ninety who are in need of prescription eyewear.

Patch: What made you want to pursue a career in optical?

Dana: My Dad was an Optometrist and he encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. I grew up wanting to be a Pediatrician so that is why I have always specialized in Pediatric Eyewear! Medford Optical has been recognized several times in National Trade Journals as being the leading Pediatric Optical Shop in the country! This is something that I am very proud of as my staff and I have worked very hard to become the “go to” optical shop with the Ophthalmology Profession. Many of the local Eye Surgeons refer their patients to us when there is a difficult eyeglass prescription to be handled.

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Dana: I have developed an expertise in fitting all types of Progressive Lenses for the person who needs a bifocal lens with no lines. There are now some new High Definition Progressive Lenses that give you clearer, wider and more defined vision. They also allow you to have a much smoother optical power zone and it is much easier to adapt to your new eyewear! We also have an independent Doctor Of Optometrist in the store so anyone can schedule a complete eye exam if needed. Medford Optical has become a Regional Optical Shop that serves people from the entire Greater Boston area.

Patch: How can readers contact you?

Dana: We have a very convenient number for those calling from a distance. Call 1-800-OPTICIAN from anywhere in Massachusetts and you will reach us at Medford Optical. For local towns we can be reached at 781-391-8222. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Patch: How does someone know when it is time to see an optometrist?

Dana: It is usually recommended that you have a complete eye exam every two years. If there are vision medical conditions that are present then it is best to seek out a local Ophthalmologist and then take the new eyeglass prescription to us.

Patch: What are the top three tips you could give readers to help improve or maintain their eye health?

Dana: 1) Get regular eye exams to make sure you are receiving the best possible vision. 2) Eat healthy and get daily exercise to keep your mind, body and vision as sharp as possible. 3) It is important to visit a Licensed Optician for your new eyeglasses. The precise fabrication of your new eyewear and a perfect fit is the most important part of having great vision following your eye examination!