AN EYE FOR DETAIL; OWNERS OF SILBERT OPTICAL EMPHASIZE CUSTOMER SERVICE.(Neighbors Cayuga)

Byline: Compiled by Editorial Assistant Julie M. King.

Mark DiVietro of Silbert Optical recently answered questions about the business he owns and operates with his father, Joseph DiVietro.

Name of business: Silbert Optical.

Hours and days open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Saturday; evenings by appointment.

In a few words, describe what your business is: "We are independent dispensing opticians that fill prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses. We have a state of the art finishing lab, to assure quality and better service for patients. We have an optometrist, who does complete eye exams."

Address: 97 Genesee St., Auburn

Phone: 253-7032

Fax: 252-6377

Are you on the Internet? No

Name of owners: Joseph E. DiVietro, optician (father); Mark A. DiVietro, optician (son).

Number of employees: Three full-time and two part-time.

How long have you owned it? "Joe DiVietro purchased this business in 1968. I have been involved for over eight years."

How long has the business existed? "Silbert Optical was established in 1946, which makes it the oldest optical business in downtown Auburn and Cayuga County. I share my parents' belief that downtown is the hub of our community and a great place to have a business."

Were you involved in the business before owning it? "It has been a family local business since 1946. Dad bought it in 1968, and I joined him in 1994 after graduating from college and receiving my license."

Describe a typical day for you: "It is a mix of sitting down with patients, taking care of their needs, and making sure everything is ordered and checked for accuracy. Spending time in lab, assembling glasses and fitting people to contact lenses."

In a few words, what is your business best known for? "Consistent personal service and quality and meeting the needs of everyone's lifestyles."

What's your favorite part of running this business? "Meeting people from all corners of the county and fulfilling their needs 100 percent."

What's the most challenging part? "I enjoy the challenge of making our customers 100 percent satisfied by keeping ahead of all the new contact lens designs and products, the ever-changing frame styles, and new eyeglass lens technologies."

What led you to do this? "I always enjoyed working after school in my parents' store during high school."

What are some of the current trends in eyeglass fashions? "Seventies sunwear and pastel tints are creeping back. Two of today's trends are drilled rimless or invisible look; or trendy, small plastic "statement" looks."

How have those trends changed over the years? "Eyewear is constantly changing with trends, similar to clothing. Smaller styles are very popular."

Why is it important to have your eyes checked regularly? "To correct your vision as best as possible with contact lenses or glasses. Many eye disorders or diseases won't necessarily affect your vision during early stages, but are best treated with early detection."

How do you feel about the contact lenses currently popular among youth featuring various designs? "They are a good product if they are properly fit to patients and the patient takes care of them properly and maintains them."

What's the greatest compliment you've received from a customer? "I think most of the compliments we receive are not necessarily verbally, but the fact that most of our patients and family happily come back to us year after year very satisfied."

How would you describe the business climate in Cayuga County? "There is competition in Cayuga County, but I think like any business if you work hard and earn a good reputation and trust, produce a good product at a fair price, we will always be able to capture our share of the market. We find Cayuga County a great place to live and to work."

Is there a person in business you admire? "I have always enjoyed working along side my father in our family business. It makes for a relaxed work atmosphere."

What advice would you give someone starting out in a business like yours? "Keep personal service and quality No. 1 and prepare for hard work and knowing and understanding the new technologies and overwhelming changes in the insurance industry."

If someone else took over running the business for a day, how would you spend your time? "I enjoy the change in seasons, so either being on the lake in the summer or snowmobiling and hunting in the winter."

In five years, what do you hope to be doing? Any changes you'd like to see for your business? "To be the sole proprietor, with my dad semi-retired, and carrying on the business name as it has always been known."

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PHOTO

David Lassman/Staff photographer

MARK DiVIETRO owns and operates Silbert Optical with his father, Joseph. Color.