Pittsburgh Independent Eyewear Chain Eyetique Acquires Retail Operations at Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association

Eyetique acquired three optical sites within Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association locations, one of the largest independent specialty eye care providers of optometric and ophthalmic services.

Pittsburgh, PA (I-Newswire) March 20, 2013 - In an agreement signed March 7, family-owned eyewear retailer Eyetique acquired three optical sites within Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association locations in McMurray, Cranberry, and Forbes Ave. in Pittsburgh. The current retail eyewear operations in Pittsburgh and Cranberry will be closed down on March 22 to allow for Eyetique to redesign the space, complete construction, and bring in new products. During this transition, the eyewear needs of Everett & Hurite patients will be managed through the eight existing Eyetique locations. All three new sites are expected to open by May 1.

Everett & Hurite Ophthalmic Association is one of the largest independent specialty eye care providers in the Pittsburgh area and offers a full range of optometric and ophthalmic services through their eight locations. With a reputation built on providing first-class comprehensive eye care by exceptionally skilled physicians and staff since 1974, their services include the following subspecialties: anterior segment (cataract/glaucoma), corneal and external diseases and surgery, management of vitreo retinal diseases and surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and pediatric and adult strabismus.

“The quality of service at Everett & Hurite is parallel to the quality that Eyetique provides. It’s a perfect marriage for both of us,” said Norman Childs, Eyetique’s founder and president. Eyetique will be able to offer patients at Everett & Hurite high level products with the unique service experience that has built their distinguished reputation. They use the best lens technology available and can provide faster turnaround times through their own laboratory in Squirrel Hill.

The new locations will offer a variety of frames from over 40 international brands including Oliver Peoples, Theo, Ray Ban, Oakley, and Coach, as well as the Eyetique designer brand Norman Childs Eyewear, which is 95% handmade in America. With certified opticians at each location, patients will also be able to take their glasses to any Eyetique store for service for as long as they own them. “This will enhance the total eye care experience for our patients. We wanted to improve the delivery of our vision products and we believe Eyetique can do it better than we can,” said Steve McLean, practice administrator for Everett & Hurite.

The present opticians at Everett & Hurite will be offered employment with Eyetique and be able to take advantage of stronger training and educational programs. “As an optician, this is a great opportunity that includes the potential for advancement,” said McLean.

These three new locations are part of an expansion plan for Eyetique and bring the company up to a total of 13 stores in the Pittsburgh area including the Norman Childs Eyewear and two 3 Guys Optical locations. This acquisition will create several additional positions at Eyetique including a district manager, trainer, lab technician, and additional distribution personnel. Eyetique’s goal is to have 20 locations by the end of the year.

More information can be found at www.eyetique.com and www.everett-hurite.com.

Contacts:
Norman Childs
1-800-422-5320
norman@eyetique.com

Steve McLean
412-586-1243
smclean@everett-hurite.com

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