CINCINNATI, Ohio—Lyric Optical, doing business as Super Optical International, maker of the FastGrind Modified Lens Surfacing System and other optical products, announced the completion of a 100 percent sale of the company to Andy Hawes, an engineering and software executive. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. The previous owners of the Cincinnati-based company include Don Gilman, John Corsini and Hugh McManus. Gilman and Corsini have announced their retirement from the optical industry. McManus, who joined the company in 2012 and has worked on customer satisfaction, product development and quality control, will remain with the company and lead the sales team.

Hawes, the company’s new CEO, has a broad industrial background that includes engineering and management of complex electromechanical and software systems. “Andy’s technical background paired with a fresh perspective is exactly what Super Optical and FastGrind needs to push to the next level,” said Gilman. He noted that Hawes, who is from the Cincinnati area, will continue Lyric Optical’s tradition of family ownership and providing personalized service to independent eyecare professionals.
 
Commenting on his new role, Hawes said, “Super Optical’s history and extensive network of loyal FastGrind customers worldwide are what first brought me to the company. We’re going to continue to provide superior customer service and a product line that empowers independent eyecare professionals to be as profitable as possible.”
 
Looking ahead, Hawes said he anticipates a new growth phase for Super Optical, which is developing a network of third-party sales representatives that can serve their respective regions faster with a personal approach.
 
Don Gilman’s father started Lyric Optical in 1923 as a retail optical and wholesale lab. Gilman took over the company in the 1960s, transforming it to fill the needs of an evolving industry. This culminated in the launch of FastGrind, a compact, all-in-one surfacing system, in 1991. John Corsini was brought on soon after to oversee sales and distribution.
 
FastGrind is now operated in nearly 60 countries and by the U.S. military, with over two million lenses sold, according to Super Optical.