ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—This year, Eye Q Eyewear celebrates 30 years in business. Co-founded by Jeffrey Frumkin in Massachusetts in 1993, Eye Q has been a leader in the value eyewear segment. By offering both in-house collections and well-known name brands with value at the center of what they do, the company made a name for itself in the optical industry, adhering to Eye Q's mission to develop accessible and stylish eyewear at the lowest possible prices.

“Wow, 30 years. Boy, time flies. It seems like only yesterday Larry Bell and I embarked on this venture,” stated Jeffrey Frumkin. “We’ve seen many changes in the industry, from how patients shop to corporate acquisitions. So we have had to reinvent ourselves to ensure we remain a valuable supplier to our many customers, with the idea of providing the greatest quality product for the lowest price possible always being at the heart of Eye Q’s business model.”

Frumkin’s first taste of the optical industry began while working for his father in an optical laboratory, Barry Optical, in Hempstead, N.Y., initially making boxes and ending his time there as an apprentice bench-man in the 1960s. After attending Erie Community College for opticianry followed by the University of Buffalo and Buffalo State, he segued into the retail side of the business and was a pioneer in the development of the eyewear superstore concept, then known as Eye World.

 
 (L to R) Eye Q's Jeff Frumkin, Jackie Frumkin and Zack Frumkin.
With extensive knowledge of optical labs, retail operations, and product quality needs, the next logical step for Frumkin was to break into the manufacturing and distribution arena. Following the inception of Eye Q in 1993, he grew the company by closely partnering with certified factories and passing the savings onto customers. When designing and creating new styles, the company's focus remains on the best price they can offer their customers, not on the highest price they can sell a particular style for.

The company has licensed and distributed various name brands, in addition to its own proprietary or private label collections for clients. Previous licensed brands have included The John Lennon Collection, MAX STUDIO, and Dickies, and those brands currently available include Ecko Unltd., Dr. Seuss, Buxton, Sydney Love and Yudu.

In 2013, Jackie and Zach Frumkin joined their father at Eye Q, creating a true family business. Jackie serves as Eye Q’s vice president of business development, overseeing sales, customer satisfaction and product development. Zach’s role as the vice president of operations keeps him focused on the company’s supply chain, inventory management, and making sure Eye Q is running smoothly.

The Frumkins' combined proven success with innovative business solutions are launching the company into its next stage of growth. Since then, Eye Q has moved its headquarters and distribution center to sunny St. Petersburg, Fla., where the Frumkins, their families, and Eye Q continue to thrive.

Jeff continued, “In the beginning, I was never sure this would be a ‘family business,’ but when Jackie and Zach joined the company over 10 years ago, it’s clear that their efforts and contributions have helped take us in the right direction. As many family businesses have evolved over the years, the future of our industry will be led by the next generation.”

Eye Q remains committed to delivering the highest quality products that uphold their dedication to great value and styling, and providing personalized customer service along with marketing content assistance to aid in the success of their customers. The Eye Q design team is creating fashion-forward styles to fit the needs of eyeglass wearers around the world through retail chains, laboratories, ECPs and international distributors.

The Frumkins invite customers, friends, and colleagues to join them at Eye Q’s Booth #P1941, at Vision Expo East to toast 30 years on Friday, March 15, at 3:30 pm to take advantage of their 30th Anniversary show specials and enter to win prizes.