Phase 2 - A&J Optical is on Track!

By Tabitha Ervin
Editorial Director

I was recently able to catch up with Amber, owner of A&J Optical, the only Black female optical boutique in Fort Wayne, about what she’s been up to and how phase 2 of her business plan is progressing. When we last spoke, she told me about her 3 phase business plan as she continues her Optical business in Fort Wayne. A&J is now offering eye exams along with her own line of frames. In phase 3, Amber looks to be able to produce lenses in-house and for regular frames you should get them in an hour! More to come on that!

Ervin: Congrats on starting phase 2! So tell me more about what is available?

Tinsley: We started taking appointments in January 2023. We are calling the days the Doctor is in, Dr. Days. We started slow but it has definitely picked up. I have contracted with an optometrist from Kendalville and he comes in one day a week. On that one day, we book all eye exams. So far we have been able to regularly fill the doctor day with appointments and will soon look to add a second day.

Ervin: Well congrats on Phase 2! What else is new?

Tinsley: We are also able to bill all insurances but one and people can call to double check if we accept their insurance for their eye exam. I also now have my own line of frames which I am super excited about! They have been selling pretty well and are mostly “fun and funky” styles.

Ervin: I will have to come check them out for sure! When I last saw you at a vendor event you did have some nice new frames that I liked!

Tinsley: Thank you! Our foot traffic has also increased about 30% and the building has a new owner so I think he will be looking at changing a few things which may draw more foot traffic to the area.

Ervin: So when do you think phase 3 will be starting?

Tinsley: I don’t have an exact date yet but once I am able to get there, we will be excited to have a quick turnaround on single vision lenses in the building. We should be able to turn around a frame in about an hour and I am very excited that everything is going as planned! We are also increasing our social media awareness so I hope people jump on and follow us so they can keep up to date with everything we will be doing!

Ervin: Well thank you for your time today! I know you have a full schedule of 19 patients for the doctor today so good luck!

A&J Optical is located at 3629 North Clinton.

Phone: 260-444-2415

Social media: Facebook and Instagram