Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Optical Lab in Columbus, OH
Founded in 1963, Select Optical has established itself as one of the Midwest's oldest and most experienced optical laboratories. Our company was created through the vision of an independent optometrist and optician, initially operating from a small house where patient care and craftsmanship were prioritized from day one. Over decades, we've grown from a modest operation into a state-of-the-art facility employing 115 skilled professionals who combine advanced technology with meticulous hand-crafted techniques. We specialize in producing premium optical lenses from industry-leading brands like Essilor, Varilux, TransDura, and Xperio, while maintaining our founding philosophy of delivering quality eyewear at fair prices. Our services extend to independent optometrists, vision care plans, and businesses requiring safety eyewear across America.Through continuous innovation in lens technology, including blue light protection and UV filtering solutions, we remain committed to advancing eye health and visual comfort. Our facility features modern production processes that balance automation with human expertise to ensure precision in every pair of glasses. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, supported by comprehensive warranties and personalized service from our dedicated team. We actively develop specialized programs like the Millennial Package and Ultra C Kids Program to address evolving patient needs. With our deep-rooted history and forward-thinking approach, Select Optical continues to serve as a trusted partner for eye care professionals seeking reliable, high-quality optical solutions.
Services
Premium Lenses
Optical Lab Services
Safety Glasses
Lens Coatings
Customized Packages
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of specialized optical laboratory experience
- Our partnerships include leading lens brands like Essilor and Varilux
- We maintain in-house craftsmanship with 115 skilled professionals
- We provide exclusive programs like the Millennial Package and Ultra C Kids Program
- We guarantee 100% patient satisfaction with comprehensive warranties
Services
Premium Lenses
We provide high-quality prescription lenses from top brands like Essilor, Varilux, TransDura, and Xperio. Our lenses incorporate advanced technologies for blue light filtration, UV protection, and visual comfort. Each pair is crafted to meet individual patient needs while maintaining exceptional optical clarity.
Optical Lab Services
Our state-of-the-art laboratory produces custom eyewear using automated precision and skilled craftsmanship. We handle all stages from lens edging to anti-reflective coatings, ensuring perfect frame integration. Our 115 employees combine technology with manual expertise for consistent quality.
Safety Glasses
We manufacture durable safety glasses for workplace environments. Our protective eyewear meets industry standards while incorporating comfort features. Custom prescriptions are available for various occupational settings requiring eye protection against impact and UV exposure.
Lens Coatings
We apply specialized coatings including anti-reflective, UV protection, and scratch-resistant finishes. Our Crizal Prevencia and Transitions lenses offer enhanced visual comfort. Each treatment is optimized for specific patient requirements and environmental conditions.
Customized Packages
We develop specialized programs like the Millennial Package and Ultra C Kids Program. These packages combine protective lenses with stylish frames at fixed prices. Each program includes warranties and satisfaction guarantees tailored to specific patient demographics.
People
Chip Lothes
President
As President of Select Optical, Chip Lothes leads the company's strategic direction with decades of industry experience. He maintains our founding commitment to quality eyewear while driving technological innovation in lens manufacturing and optical solutions.
Dr. Bernard Abrams
Founder
One of Select Optical's visionary founders, Dr. Abrams established our commitment to independent optometrists. His original concept of combining patient care with precision lens crafting continues to influence our approach to optical excellence and community service.
Del Lothes
Co-Founder
As co-founder and pioneering optician, Del Lothes helped shape our hands-on approach to lens manufacturing. His dedication to craftsmanship remains integral to our production processes that still incorporate significant manual expertise alongside modern technology.
Questions
What services does Select Optical provide for optometrists?
We offer premium prescription lenses, optical lab services, and specialized programs like the Millennial Package for digital eye strain protection.
How long has Select Optical been in business?
We've proudly served the optical community since our founding in 1963, making us one of the Midwest's oldest optical laboratories.
What lens brands do you work with?
We offer leading brands including Essilor, Varilux, TransDura, and Xperio, along with specialized coatings from Crizal and Transitions.
Do you offer warranties on your products?
Yes, we provide comprehensive warranties including our 100% patient satisfaction guarantee and two-year lens warranties on select programs.
Where are your services available?
We serve independent optometrists and vision care professionals throughout Ohio and surrounding states from our Columbus facility.