Linwood Optical Providing Eye Care, Eyewear

After seven years experience working in an optical boutique in downtown Manhattan learning about the eyewear and eye care profession, Dr. Paul Shahinian was drawn to Fort Lee to pursue better opportunity.

"One of the things that attracted me was the diversity and the cosmopolitan feeling of Fort Lee," Dr. Shahinian said. "In the last 10 years, the diversity has lessened, to my disappointment. However, there are still plenty of people who know who we are and understand what we do to remain well supported. And for that I am thankful."

He added, "As it turns out, people have the taste and appreciation for what we offer."

And for 22 years, has been serving the Fort Lee community, offering primary eye care as an "upscale optical boutique."

Born in Englewood, Dr. Shahinian was trained at the New England College of Optometry. He grew up in River Edge and Oradell, and after living in Manhattan for several years, he decided that coming back to New Jersey was right for him.

"It seemed to me that Fort Lee had that New York City taste in eyewear," he said.

Dr. Shahinian also discussed the aspiration that helped him get to where he is today.

He said, “With family having faith in me, after 22 years, we (my wife Seta and I) grew something. I’m a therapeutic optometrist. I pride myself on the ability to take the best care of my patients using the latest diagnostic equipment and having the expertise and experience to use it to its fullest potential. Having a full service optical is important.”

On the subject of the longevity of his business, Dr. Shahinian said, "People are willing to spend money when they get value for their money, even in these tough economic times, and we believe we offer just that."

He said clients appreciate the quality, service and expertise the optical boutique provides.

"We have an eclectic choice of frames that we consider to be very 'New York City,' a variety of European styles not available elsewhere," Dr. Shahinian said. "You have to be able to provide people with what they want and need, not to be afraid of working hard and making sure that everybody leaves the store seeing well and having their eye health well cared for. I had seven years experience, 1982 to 1989, in an optical boutique working in Manhattan, where I learned my profession working for others, so by the time Seta and I started in 1989, we had the skills to succeed.”

Speaking about the effect the tough economic times are having on his business, Dr. Shahinian said, “The bad economy has put a crimp on things, as it has every business, but you make adjustments and life goes on. People still have eye problems and look for creative solutions that will not break the bank.”

There are five employees at Linwood Optical: Arilys Nisler, an optician, who serves as manager, doing billing and other duties; Anna Esendir, a sales consultant; Hovig, a master optician, who has been a stalwart at the business for more than 20 years; Harout, the optical benchman (he makes the eyeglasses), who boasts that he has the best equipment in all of Bergen County; and Jen Ipekci, who works as part-time sales help.

"The beauty of this profession is the ability to combine art and science," Dr. Shahinian said. "You have to be able to deliver a competent eye exam and take care of people’s eyes - then there’s the fun part in delivering fashion eyewear. You can look at eyeglasses as an ophthalmic prosthetic device or have fun with it by combining fashion and function in a totally aesthetically pleasing frame that can really impact a person’s appearance and self esteem. When we get it right, it can really positively impact a person’s life."

Shop hours at Linwood Optical, which is located at 104 Linwood Plaza in Fort Lee, are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday.

In February 2010 Dr. Shahinian opened a second location at 55 Westwood Ave. in downtown Westwood.