Sunday, July 15, 2012

KEY LARGO -- A Key Largo business owner is hoping to capitalize on the sun's rays.

About two years ago, David Hansen opened Hometown Optical out of his home to offer prescription sunglasses and tend to other eye needs.

He then moved to the weekend Island Market Place before opening his first shop last month at Mile Marker 99.3, oceanside. The shop is geared toward prescription sunglasses, but Hansen offers regular sunglasses as well, including such brands as Maui, Costa, Oakley, Persol and Ray-Ban.

"It's whatever the customer wants," he said.

A self-proclaimed 20-year veteran of the business and a certified optician, Hansen has the white coat to look it.

"Things have started off pretty slow," said Hansen, who is sharing a location with a DVD store. He attributes the slow start to his customer base not knowing about his new location.

Hansen took advantage of the recent Independence Day crowds when crowds gathered around his shop to watch the parade. So he took his work outside to meet new customers.

"That parade is a really big deal," he said. "Now I know and am ready for next year."

Hansen said he does have some competition with a local optometrist, but described it as a working relationship.

"They do more with contacts and exams and I do more with prescriptions," Hansen said. "I actually send people down there."

With summer soon to be in full swing, Hansen is offering a deal to customers.

"This is a really big special," he said.

He is offering two pairs of single vision prescription sunglasses for $68. He said the sunglasses normally sell for about $100 apiece.

Hansen's lenses also come with a selection of coatings, including scratch protection.

Hansen said some of business comes through his website, www.hometownoptics.com, where customers can select which glasses they like and set up an order.

To reach Hansen at his business, call 404-219-3359.

jgore@keysnews.com