Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Kling.
Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have had the fortune to live and work over the last 25 years, in the greatest city in America with some of the finest eye doctors in the country. I fell in love with San Diego the first time I visited back in 1990. After graduating from Southern College of Optometry in 1993 and completing a residency at Omega Eye Care Center in Jackson, TN a year later, I packed my bags and moved west. I started my professional career working for a large ophthalmology practice, then soon after, along with several colleagues, started a laser center where we began performing LASIK and PRK for our patients with a local surgeon. In 2002, we sold the company to TLC Laser Eye Centers (TLC – La Jolla) where I became one of the clinical directors.
In 1999, I purchased my first practice. In 2006, I made the decision to purchase the second practice and leave the laser business altogether. Since then, I have acquired 3 additional practices (5 in total), along with a new building, and parlayed them into one of the largest single location practices in San Diego. We now have one of the most unique and innovative practices in the country. In fact, in 2017, Invision Magazine recognized our office as “America’s Finest Optical Retailer”. To this day, I continue to be intimately involved in the day to day operations of the practice, and still enjoy the challenges of running the business.
Has it been a smooth road?
Mostly yes, it has been a smooth road and I have enjoyed the journey. There are always challenges as is the case when growing a business. Throughout this process, I have learned how to manage a large team, be an effective leader, oversee the finances of a small business and create the right company culture.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Invision Optometry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Invision Optometry provides comprehensive medical eye care including routine vision exams, medical management of eye diseases, contact lens services, Vision Therapy, surgical post-op care and cosmetic eye care services.
Ultimately, customer care is at the core of our business. Rather than being greeted by a grumpy receptionist who is constantly on the phone, our patients are instead met by a friendly concierge who offers them a latte or cappuccino from our full-service coffee bar and asks about their day.
We are continually focused on creating a unique shopping experience, establishing lasting relationships and providing quality products at a fair value. As a brand, our goal is to always keep things simple, transparent and honest. As an independent retailer, we have learned that differentiation with unique brands and products sets us apart from our competition. Our focus is on interesting frame lines with unique stories that resonate with our customers.
Throughout our retail space, you’ll find cleverly lit frame shelving and digital display screens highlighting each brand with an interactive social media experience. Our ultra-modern office design emphasizes cutting-edge technology throughout both the retail and clinical space. State of the art technology is also utilized during every exam to provide next level care.
Customers are given the convenience of shopping from home through our quick and efficient online store, which offers contact lenses and many other eye care products. We offer on-site lab services, in many cases with same day turnaround times to control the quality of work while ensuring the quickest delivery possible. We are also exploring a curbside pick-up service and home delivery of eyewear.
Our goal is to provide patients with the most comprehensive eye care possible which is why we offer an integrative Vision Therapy Program. This Eyes + Brain + Body approach focuses on helping patients develop effective visual skills and visual processing that go beyond 20/20 eyesight.
Finally, we strive to create a memorable experience for our community. This is why we are intentional about hosting special events at our office that allow our patients to have one of a kind experiences. For example, our Grand Opening featured a frame show, local food, live music, a selfie station, face painting, shave ice and giveaways.
We also host a monthly Cosmetic Clinic in which our patients can schedule anti-aging treatments such as Botox and Juvederm, with a board-certified ophthalmologist right here at our office. Our goal is to always give our patients the quality of care and the next level of service that they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3434 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103
- Website: www.invisioncare.com
- Phone: 619-222-2020
- Email: info@invisioncare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisionoptometry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InvisionOptometry
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OptometrySD
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/invision-optometry-san-diego
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIw6ngkOFsS4jGjY2WgW_8Q
Image Credit:
Angela Hess Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
