According to co-owner Dr. Tommy Pinkston, with the new location he and co-owner Dr. Aimee McBride sought to give the practice the room to create a patient experience that rivals any in the country. “Our business focuses on providing high quality eye care with a unique detail oriented approach,” he says.

Subtle lighting creates a feel that is both elegant and inviting in the optical.

A large chandelier serves as the centerpiece of the retail space.

In business since 1955, Haywood Family Eye Care is the only locally owned optometric clinic in Haywood County.

Jan Ennnis, president and CEO of Ennco Display Group and one of the judges of INVISION’s America’s Finest Optical Retailers contest, observed, “The use of painted galvanized pipe to give a more industrial look around the frame displays is well done.” Patterned wall décor is another striking feature.

Opened in late 2021, the new location is a gorgeous standalone building that makes striking use of stone and wood both inside and out.

Co-owners Dr. Tommy Pinkston (back row, left) and Dr. Aimee McBride (back row, second from right) strive to create the best possible workplace for staff, one that gives every team member confidence and ownership in their role.

At each dispense patients are presented their glasses on custom trays with chocolates.

The office has no check-out area. “We wanted every member of our team to be able to conclude a purchase or payment at any point,” says Pinkston. “This has minimized wait time, patient frustration, and most importantly the loss of potential sales.”

Haywood Family Eye Care has eight exam lanes and two ODs seeing patients at any given time. Most offices of this size would have a large waiting area, but Haywood has just two oversized chairs—and the team strives to ensure that customers don’t need them.

The chandelier accentuates the optical’s high ceiling. “Breathtaking at certain times of the day, the light reflects off [it] into the room,” Dr. Pinkston says.

Being in business for nearly 70 years has given Haywood the opportunity to serve generations of customers and patients. “Being a part of an established small town practice is truly a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Dr. Pinkston.