OPTIMAL OPTICAL – HEYWEAR

*Accessories Council Magazine — Spring 2021 issue. Published online 2021-10-06.*

HEYWEAR, A NEW OPTICAL BRAND AIMS TO REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR VISIT TO THE EYE DOCTOR

Emily MacLeod, our Accessories Council Event Manager and I walked into HEYWEAR and left with eye exams and brand new prescription eyeglasses faster than a trip to DryBar!

HEYWEAR, a new optical brand, is set to revolutionize the traditional eye doctor visit. The sleek, walk-in, no appointment necessary studio, offers a complete eye exam and made-to-order glasses in a quick, 30 minute visit.

Opened in March 2021, the first studio is located in Noho, NYC at Lafayette & Bond. HEYWEAR is spacious, modern and loaded with 33 exclusive frames in an array of colors, offering clients over 130 different style choices (and that doesn't include the sunglass options).

Upon entering, Emily and I were greeted by a Studio Associate who helped us find the perfect pairs. Once our frames were selected, the Associate use a proprietary HEYWEAR software to measure our faces. Next, we were taken to see the optometrist in their state-of-the-art exam room for a complete eye exam.

The exam process is strategic. Once your prescription is determined, it's immediately sent to their on-site lab to make your glasses. Then, the exam continues with a multi-step medical screening to ensure the health of your eyes. Although they don't treat eye conditions, they will refer you to a specialist, if needed. Very much like the dentist, they show you a blown-up visual of your eye scan and give you an explanation of your health evaluation. By the time we returned to the showroom, our glasses were ready. A quick fit adjustment and we were out the door. From start to finish, the team was knowledgeable, professional and the facility was top-notch.

The frames, designed by industry veteran Selin Olmsted, are globally sourced using high quality materials. By avoiding the middleman, the glasses are very affordable, ranging from $50-125 including prescription. Sunglasses run approximately $25 more, and an exam, alone is $50. Post exam, you receive a digital copy of your prescription. Unfortunately, they don't accept insurance or perform contact lens exams and cannot fill bi-focal and progressive lens prescriptions on-site, at this time.

The HEYWEAR concept, inspired by Alexandre Jais, CTO and led by Jaclyn Pascocello, CEO, has big plans ahead. They have a 5-year goal to open 100 full-scale locations throughout the United States. A second NYC location is already planned and they're looking at Boston, Washington DC and Miami next. Keep an eye out for this hot new brand…Jaclyn hinted to us to "look out for collaborations." so I'm sure we can expect more fun, frames to come.

©Accessories Council.