Celebrating a sweet 16 years in Hewlett

Eyes on Broadway patrons feel like family

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Described by Hewlett Harbor resident and store manager Beth Star as a “cool, chic mom and pop shop,” Eyes on Broadway at 1344 Broadway in Hewlett is celebrating 16 years in business. Star’s father, Dr. Steven B. Agin, an optometrist, owns the family business; his daughter runs the retail side of their business. 

In honor of the 16th anniversary, Star said all eyeglasses are on sale for the month of October, a tradition they have kept up since their first year in business. This year, for the first time, they are offering a scratch off card to any customer that purchased a regular priced item in the months of August and September that they may use in addition to the existing sale in October. Every card wins and features varying levels of discounts.

Also to honor 16 years, Star said, the store will remain open an extra hour in October on Thursday nights until 8 p.m., instead of 7 p.m., and will serve cocktails and appetizers from 5 to 8 p.m. to customers. 

Competition was stiff in 2000, as there were several other optical stores in the immediate area then. Star said that competitors have dwindled and cites that by keeping up with changing trends and styles and working within customer’s budgets, Eyes on Broadway has been able to succeed.

“The community watched my family grow up and develop, and we watched the community grow up and develop,” Star said, of working with generations of families in the Five Towns. 

Miera Mednick, Woodmere resident and customer for about 14 years said: “People stop me in the street to ask about my glasses.” Mednick added that where she bought them is one of the main questions.

Her husband, mother, father, sister, mother-in-law and sister-in-law are all also customers, and she said her kids are jealous because they do not need eyeglasses to improve their vision. “Coming in here is like seeing your favorite cousins,” Mednick said, in describing the comfortable store environment.

Three years ago, Eyes expanded in size to accommodate a larger lab, which they update regularly. Since they do most work in-house, a more extensive lab allows them to fit lenses quicker and service their customers’ needs. 

Overall, Agin has practiced optometry for 41 years. “It’s been an absolute labor of love,” he said, about growing his business from the ground up.