New optical store in town

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This article was published 11/02/2020 (2288 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new optical business is already catching the eye of St. James residents.

Heritage Sight Optical opened its doors on Jan. 20 at 3073-A Ness Ave. between Siggi’s Men’s Hair Styling and Forget Me Not Body Image.

Owner Lorenzo Sciarretta, licensed optician contact lens fitter, represents the third generation of his family to set sights on a career in the optical industry. In 1938, his grandfather Salvatore launched his practice and became the first optometrist in Termoli, Italy. Over time, Sciarretta’s father Gianfranco, also an optometrist, took over the family business and continued to operate one of the most successful optical stores in the Italian town. In Italy, Lorenzo graduated as an optician refractionist.

“It’s definitely an industry I grew up in. I started when I was 16 years old helping my father, who has been retired for the last 10 years,” said 46-year-old Lorenzo, who came to Canada in 1998.
“I’ve worked in the city for a few optical stores and for the last 10 years I worked for a clinic that does eye surgeries.”

An optometrist visits Heritage Sight Optical each Monday for scheduled eye exams. In addition, the local business offers a range of vision-related products.

“We’ve got contact lenses, prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, prescription swimming goggles, accessories and we do repairs,” Lorenzo said.

Adding to the sense of ease for his clients, Lorenzo offers his services in three languages: English, Italian and Spanish.

“Two years ago, I moved to Mexico and opened my first optical store in Playa del Carmen. In Mexico, about 60 per cent of my clients were Canadians and Americans, including some from Winnipeg,” he said.

“It went well. It was a great adventure, but at some point we decided to move back to Winnipeg in St. James. We used to live in the area, so we decided to move back here again. It’s a beautiful community and we love it.”

Heritage Sight Optical welcomes clients of all ages. Lorenzo reminds parents that Manitoba Health covers children’s eye exams and they should have their eyes checked regularly. Electronic devices aren’t helping, he added, since spending seven hours or more a week using computers or mobile video games will increase their risk for myopia or nearsightedness.

“It is our responsibility as parents to make sure that they see an eye doctor,” he said. “Eye exams are important for everybody.”

The new business is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“I invite everyone to come in to say hi and see what we have to offer. I’m here to answer any questions regarding glasses and related products. It isn’t just about selling. For me, it’s about customer service, attention to detail and educating people. I love taking care my clients and making them feel comfortable with their purchase. This is my commitment to you,” Lorenzo said.  

“We are excited to open in St. James and to be the community optical store and to show people that independent businesses have a lot to offer. I am here to help; knowledge is free.”