Retailers

Barry Santini

• New York State Licensed Optician and Contact Lens Fitter
• American Board of Opticianry Certified Master Optician, Advanced Certification
• National Lecturer and Speaker
• Contributing Author to 20/20 Magazine, Lens and Technology Magazine
• Recipient of the New York State Society of Dispensing Opticians Lifetime Achievement Award

Barry : Long Island Opticians is the realization of a dream.

My father, Alfred E. Santini, was an optician, born and trained into an era where learning a skilled trade was equivalent to 10 years of school. When I told my Dad that I wanted to “go into the business,” he first discouraged me. Why? Because he wanted me to be a doctor, specifically an optometrist. But I wanted to work with my hands, in a skilled craft environment. There’s nothing wrong with being an eye doctor, but I knew what I wanted to do: I wanted to personally make, fit and style eyewear with my own hands.

In February 1984, with two of my classmates from optical school, Robert Meyrowitz and Ralph Tisdale, I opened Long Island Opticians in Seaford. It’s been a wonderful and rewarding experience. Looking back, and even though I went to school while my Dad did not, he was right: It took me about 10+ years to really master the craft of making and dispensing eyewear. Together with my long time friends, we’re ready to help you look your best.