They’ve been around since 1978 providing prescription eyewear and more for the Treasure Coast. Even though they’ve changed locations, Schmidt’s Optical has always been in Stuart. Their first location was near the Roosevelt Bridge, but now they’ve been in the Stuart Centre on South Federal Highway since 1980. Schmidt’s Optical has kept their doors open for more than 30 years, and they find ways to give back to the community.
Brian Schmidt, founder and owner, took a series of examinations to get his license. He says it’s a way of learning a trade without having to go to college. They provide the largest amount of frames in the southeastern part of the United States. Customers find them to be convenient because they offer same day services on anything. Schmidt’s Optical offers progressives, specialty lenses, eye exams and much more.
Schmidt’s Optical has been offering free services to Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic’s patients, such as free budget frame eyeglasses. They like giving back to the community and helping others who may not have the means too. They also help other organizations such as the Lions Club and local churches.
Brian admires the VIM Clinic for their services for people in Martin County. He feels they’re numerous amounts of people who can utilize their amenities.
“I think it’s a good thing. Most of the people that I run into who come in for [eye] glasses look like they need it. For some reason they’re falling through the cracks and they can’t get medical services. If VIM didn’t do it, who would?” said Brian.
The VIM Clinic provides free healthcare for Martin County residents who are not insured and make less than $24,000 annually. Being able to offer free services for those people could go a long way.
“It always feels good to provide a service for somebody that needs it for free. That’s part of the feel good feeling,” said Brian.
Kristi Churchill is a VIM patient who benefited from Schmidt’s Optical. She came in for an eye exam and Dr. Alan Siegel made a referral. Her vision improved tremendously once she received her new eyeglasses.
Outside of the Schmidt’s Optical building
“I was very happy and I think it was wonderful that I was able to get free [eye] glasses,” said Churchill. “It really helped me out because I have double vision and getting help from Volunteers in Medicine is beautiful.”
She doesn’t have an issue seeing long distance, but short distance tends to be problematic. It effects her mostly when she’s reading, but now it’s resolved.
Brian Schmidt was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and decided he needed a change. He came to Stuart, FL and the rest is history. He just renewed another option for 20 years in their building, so Schmidt’s Optical isn’t going anywhere.
The two oldest of his four children are currently working at Schmidt’s Optical and his daughter is a licensed optician. As Brian slowly retires over time his children will take over the business. When Brian is not at Schmidt’s Optical he’s normally fishing or flying his plane to his home in the Bahamas. He also plays golf, tennis and sometimes you’ll see him on his boat out in the ocean.
The VIM Clinic is more than thankful for the services they provide for us. It may be just free eyeglasses, but for our patients it means the world.