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Updates
 

July 12, 2009

Meet Frame Stylist Nadia Raghei

Need help choosing frames that look great on you? Our superb frame stylist Nadia Raghei is here to help. If you haven't already met her, here's an intro:

Life before Dr. Tracy
I was born in Vienna, Austria and lived there until I was 10, when I moved to Pittsburgh. I'm half Libyan and half American, and speak three languages: English, German, and some Arabic. Currently I am a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in fashion design.

How she found out about the job
I found out about this job from FIT's career services website -- I wanted to find a part-time job that would give me good experience in the fashion industry. While this particular job did not pertain exactly to my area of study, the "stylist" aspects of the job gave a lot of opportunities for expansion in my fashion expertise. I was also very impressed with Dr. Tracy's business when I looked at his website, and it seemed like a really nice, welcoming place to work.

What is a "Frame Stylist?"
My job title is "Frame Stylist" and my primary responsibilities are helping customers select frames (and sunglasses) that work for them aesthetically. I'm also responsible for the displays.

Best advice for trying frames
One of the main things I've learned is that you never know how a frame will look until you try it on! Many times a customer has tried on a frame that normally they'd never even notice, only to be surprised by how good it looks and feels once they try it. So, my advice to everybody is be fearless when searching for a new frame!

What's hot in the frame industry? > I have trouble answering this question because I'm a firm believer that everyone should choose their frames based on what's best for their features. Having said that, round Lennon-style frames are said to be making a comeback. Bold colors -- especially jewel tones -- are doing well. But this should all be taken with a grain of salt because a pair of glasses is very different than most other accessories or articles of clothing. They should be customized to match each wearer.

Most thrilling customer
When my favorite star from The Princess Bride came in to the store - only Johnny Depp could top that!

Photobucket

January 18, 2008

Hard-to-fit Contact Lenses: Doris's story

Hi everyone - Mitch Teplitsky here. I've been Dr. Tracy's client forever (well, nearly 20 years). And for the past 2 years, his web marketing consultant.

Usually Dr. Tracy writes his own blogs and newsletters. But this month I wanted to share my own story, about how Dr. Tracy helped my wife Doris wear contact lenses for the first time.

Doris is from Peru, and had never tried contacts before. Last summer we visited friends on Cape Cod, where Doris left her glasses on the beach. Lost at sea.

We hopped on our bikes to the nearby optometrist at Walmart, where Doris figured she'd try contacts.

The optometrist did a thorough exam and fitted her with a reputable trial brand. But Doris couldn't tolerate them. Her eyes got red and irritated.

Did this mean Doris couldn't wear contacts? Was it some pre-disposed condition? Maybe the type or brand of contacts wasn't right? The store didn't have other trial brands in stock to try.

Having edited several blogs about contacts with Dr. Tracy, I decided to place a call to The Man himself.

"Fitting contact lens is as much an art as a science," Dr. Tracy explained. "I have to really examine the health of Doris's eyes, her history, and then try to match her up with the right lenses -- and the right solution. It takes time. And some people just aren't meant for contacts at all, their eyes can't produce enough tears to support comfortable wear."

Doris saw Dr. Tracy upon returning to New York. In fact it took several exams and fittings to hone in on a system of lenses and solution that worked comfortably. We discovered that Doris's eyes were unusually sensitive, and worked best with a chemical-free solution.

It's one thing to edit and read Dr. Tracy's blogs about the art of fitting contacts, but another thing to witness it up close on one's wife! I was grateful. And it's nice to have a doctor who takes such pride in his craft.

"After many years of fitting contact lenses, I find it's very satisfying to fit someone successfully, who was unable to find a comfortable lens in the past, sometimes having tried many times."


July 22, 2007

"I love the new Acuvue lenses"

Hello Dr. Tracy,

I just wanted to tell you before our next appointment that I love the new Acuvue lenses. I didn't intend to be brand-loyal, but these are much better than the first pair I tried. I am not having the issues with focusing either for distances or close up. Plus they are very comfortable.

Thank you so much for seeing me so quickly on Friday. I appreciate your follow-up time and care.

- Best, Sophia F.

May 09, 2007

Writers Russell Clay and Stephanie Cowell

Russell Clay and Stephanie Cowell share a marriage, a talent for writing...and an optometrist!

Russell is an award-winning poet whose book "Father Poems" explores the theme of having, losing, and being a father.

"When I moved to Manhattan from Atlanta in 1995, I needed a good optometrist, so Stephanie sent me to Dr. Tracy. During the exam, Dr. Tracy asked 'How long have you been in New York?' I replied, 'About 3 weeks.' 'Well,' said the doc, 'You've already been here longer than 80 percent of the population - you are definitely a New Yorker!' And that helped me feel at home. Thanks to Dr. Tracy, I can actually see the words I pen!

Stephanie is a historical novelist whose latest work, "Marrying Mozart," received widespread acclaim:

"Russell and I live on the Upper West Side with thousands of books and all the music Mozart ever wrote...Dr. Tracy is an incredibly caring, congenial, and gifted doctor. Russell and I are fortunate to know him."

Filmmaker Pamela Yates

I'm proud to have clients like Pamela Yates, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker who makes human-rights and social-issue films.

We caught up with her at a recent screening of her current film, State of Fear:

"Gary Tracy's been my eye doctor ever since I came to New York more than 20 years ago. As a visual artist, film director and president of a company celebrating 25 years of human rights filmmaking, I rely on Gary to keep my sight sharp. He always knows about and can discuss the latest technology and innovations in the field."

Santa Claus (AKA Roger Franklin) Needs Glasses Too

That's right, even Santas need eyecare! And not just any Santa, but actor Roger Franklin, ranked New York's top-rated Santa by The Daily News for his beloved appearances at the South Street Seaport.

Roger's been a client and friend since the 1970s, when he dropped by my first store on Columbus Avenue. Roger was a West Side institution even then, having played Officer Krupke in the original Broadway production of West Side Story, and roles in other classics like The Sound of Music and the King and I.

Now Roger's got a new generation of fans as Santa. And one of the most fun parts of working with a Santa is helping him choose his glasses! Roger's are based on an authentic 17th century design.

Getting to meet and serve people like Roger Franklin is one of the reasons why I love working in New York — where else could you find so many fascinating clients?!

May 08, 2007

How Len Mitchell's Vision Improved (After Ophthalmologists Had Given up Hope)

Len Mitchell came to me last year after several ophthalmologists told him his vision couldn't be improved. He had many problems, including a detached retina, glaucoma and need for a corneal transplant. He could only see the biggest letters on the vision. We went to work, with an exhaustive series of tests. The result? Len's vision went from from 20/100 to 20/50 - twice as good. It felt really good to help give a patient their vision back.

"Dr. Tracy's prescription improved my vision substantially. His support staff was equally proficient. I enthusiastically recommend him."
- Len Mitchell

 
 
 
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