Neighbor Spotlight: Eye doctor celebrates 30th anniversary of business in Monroeville

Editor’s note: Neighbor Spotlight is a monthly feature that aims to let our readers learn more about the people in their communities who are working to make them a better place, who have interesting stories to tell or who the community feels deserve “15 minutes of fame.” If you would like to nominate someone as a Neighbor Spotlight, see timesexpress.com, select the “Post Story” button in the upper right corner and complete the form to publish your nomination. Questions? Email Neighborhood News Network editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.

As Dr. James Budd celebrates 30 years of owning his eye care practice, “The Eyeglass Store,” he is grateful for all the patients whose vision he has helped improve.

“The Monroeville community has always been very good,” Budd said.

Budd, 62, bought the practice from another doctor in 1991. The Eyeglass Store is one of the longest-operating businesses in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center, and it is independently owned, Budd said.

The longevity has allowed Budd to see generations of patients enter his practice to receive eye care service. Having that loyal customer base has been gratifying for Budd.

“That makes me feel like I’m helping them out and doing a good job,” he said.

He also learned throughout his career that he does not know everything. His patients are constantly teaching him something new, he said.

Budd recalled a time a patient had bumps on her cornea and was told by others that nothing could be done about it. Budd knew surgeons who could help, and she was able to get the bumps removed to be able to see again.

“When you are talking to patients, you can learn more about how to help them out than immediately doing anything,” he said.

Giving the customers what they want is key, Budd said.

”We want to provide people with what they want,” he said. “To keep them happy, you have to give them what they want.”

Over the years, Budd has noticed glasses becoming a fashion statement for patients. Budd said people want to look good in addition to being able to see better.

“It has been interesting to see frames get smaller then, now they get bigger,” he said.

Kelly Thomas, an optician at the practice, has worked at the store for 20 years. Thomas appreciates being able to talk to Budd about anything beyond work.

“He has watched my kids grow up. He’s kind of like family,” Thomas said.

Carol Halko, an assistant optician, said Budd goes out of his way to make patients happy.

“He’s very thorough with everything he does,” Halko said.

While Budd is grateful for the work he has done, he said he does not want to take all the credit. He said his staff works hard to make everything possible.

“There is a synergy amongst myself and the staff that we do the best we can for the people who walk through our door,” Budd said.

Retirement has not crossed Budd’s mind yet, as he remains focused on his mission at his business.

“My main goal in this office is to help people see better so that they can have a better life,” he said.