How Contact Lenses Built a 66-Year-Old Full-Service Eye Care Practice

Overview

Founded in 1958 as a contact lens-only practice, Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates evolved over six decades into a comprehensive primary care and specialty contact lens clinic. Strategic adoption of new technologies, external marketing, and patient-centered care fueled its growth and diversification.

Background

The practice was established to meet the unmet needs of patients with aphakia following intracapsular cataract surgery, who sought alternatives to spectacle lenses. Over time, advances in contact lens materials and designs, such as gas permeable lenses, orthokeratology, and scleral lenses, were incorporated to enhance patient care. The founders emphasized patient loyalty through quality service and continuous innovation, which laid the foundation for expanding into broader ocular health services.

Data Highlights

The practice began exclusively with contact lenses in 1958 and expanded to a two-location full-service clinic over 66 years. Key technological investments included tomographers, topographers with A-scan, anterior segment OCT, and impression-molding devices. The team grew from the original founders to include multiple optometrists skilled in both contact lens fitting and primary eye care, with ownership transitions occurring approximately 15 years ago.

Key Findings

• The practice originated to address aphakic patients’ needs post-cataract surgery, focusing exclusively on contact lenses.
• Continuous adoption of new contact lens technologies (e.g., gas permeable, orthokeratology, scleral lenses) maintained clinical relevance and patient satisfaction.
• External marketing efforts targeted ophthalmologists, fostering referral networks and co-management of ocular conditions beyond contact lenses.
• A strong patient-first culture led to loyalty and demand for expanded services, including complimentary keratoconus screenings for at-risk family members.
• Investment in advanced diagnostic technologies positioned the practice as state-of-the-art, facilitating expansion into primary eye care and ocular surface disease management.
• Growth of the clinical team ensured comprehensive care delivery and supported practice expansion into surgical co-management and spectacle eyewear services.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should recognize the value of evolving a specialty practice by integrating emerging technologies and expanding services to meet broader patient needs. Building strong referral relationships with ophthalmologists can enhance patient care continuity and practice growth. Maintaining a patient-centered approach fosters loyalty and opens opportunities for early detection and management of ocular diseases.

Conclusion

The legacy of a contact lens-focused practice can serve as a strong foundation for developing a full-service eye care clinic. Strategic innovation, patient engagement, and collaborative care are key drivers of sustained growth and clinical excellence.

References

1. Resnick SA, Optometric Management, 2024 -- How contact lenses built our practice