New Optics Plus Vision Center Location Provides Better Patient Access

• Optics Plus Vision Center has moved to a new location at 224 Chestnut Street from Main Street.
• Dr Charles Fornara arrived in Coshocton in 2006 from Arizona and acquired the practice from Dr Charles Snide.
• The new location is larger and has better access for patients. The frames and lenses department has grown.

COSHOCTON – A recent initiative from the Optics Plus Vision Center was designed to give more space to patients and staff while making it easier to add new products and equipment.

The office of optometrist Dr. Charles Fornara was previously located at 537 Main Street and is now located at 224 Chestnut Street. Fornara acquired the former practice of Dr. Charles Snide in 2006, which had been at the location since the 1950s. Fornara also owns the Tri-Valley Vision Center in Dresden. It employs five full-time people and one part-time person between the two locations.

Fornara said patient feedback has been positive so far. They appreciate the ease of access to the car park and the building as well as a larger reception area so as not to feel too cramped while waiting.

“Mainly, I was looking for something bigger, newer, better location, better parking and better access for our patients. A lot of our patients are older so it can be difficult to park and get out on Main Street, ”Fornara said. “It makes a good impression on the patients, but also on the staff and myself, coming to work in a new office has improved attitudes and morale a lot.”

There were only a few minor renovations over the course of eight weeks, such as new flooring, paint, and cabinetry. Fornara said it was not turnkey, but close.

The biggest benefit for patients, according to Fornara, is a major upgrade to the frames and lenses section with new displays and product lines. He has no plans at the moment, but the larger space could lead to the addition of a new supplier in the future.

It has yet to add new testing equipment, but is looking to install improved imaging systems to take high-resolution images of various parts of the eye. He said it would help better diagnose and treat eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Fornara said that over the past 20 years, optometrists have become more involved with eye health issues. He can see and treat patients for almost anything involving the eyes up to the point of surgery. Fornara co-manages care with ophthalmologists, which the move has also improved as he’s only a few doors down from Dr Thomas Magness.

“I just don’t offer optical eye care, but also medical eye care,” Fornara said.

Vision Center in Dresden. . It employs five full-time people and one part-time person between the two locations.”/>

Fornara practiced in Arizona for almost 20 years. He said the area was hot and windy and they were looking for a better climate to raise their two children. They watched Coshocton because his wife, Sarah, is from the area.

“We wanted a smaller town and we looked at several of them. Coshocton has a lot to offer culturally, things for kids, 4-H, different schools, for all these reasons we thought it was a good one. decision, ”Fornara said. “I really love the Coshocton community and the people we have met here.”

Having a successful business allows him to give back to the community. Fornara volunteers at the Hope Clinic, is a member of Kiwanis, and is involved with the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart.

“It’s like giving back. It helps from a business standpoint, but it’s not just about starting a business. Being part of a small community means getting involved. In a big city, you can kind of get swallowed up and people do their own thing, “he said.” In a city like Coshocton, you have a vested interest in the success of the city. The future of Coshocton ensures the future of my company.

The Optics Plus Vision Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. For more information, call 740-622-1484.

Leonard Hayhurst with a reporter from the Coshocton Tribune. He can be reached at llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com or by calling 740-295-3417.