Situated in the heart of South Pasadena on historic Mission Street, Oculus Optometry offers comprehensive eye health services for all ages. It features the most technologically advanced optometric equipment and carries a wide variety of eyeglasses, including brands by high-end designers. The business has been open since July 2014 and is owned by Hripsime Shirvanian, O.D. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology from UC Irvine before attaining her Doctor of Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
“Oculus is Latin for ‘eye,’ and the name and design of the place was conceived by my brother who is an architect,” said Shirvanian. “He also created the curved shelves that display the glasses on both sides of the space. I wanted to do something different in here because I appreciate art. We decided to have fun with it.”
Oculus offers many services for patients, including eye exams, fitting for contact lenses, and treatment for infections, allergies and conjunctivitis. Appointments can be booked online via the website, and contact lenses can be mailed or delivered to patients’ homes for added convenience. The only thing Shirvanian doesn’t perform is surgery, but she does co-manage laser eye surgery, working with surgeons and offering post-operative follow-ups for patients who undergo eye procedures. She’s also an InfantSEE Provider, and offers a comprehensive infant eye assessment to patients between the ages of six months to a year in order to make sure that everything is on track developmentally.
The optical boutique also carries a range of stylish eyeglasses, including designers such as Anne Klein, Celine, and Tom Ford. It sells prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, with prices ranging from $75 to $550.
“Every three months we go through our inventory to make sure that we are hitting all demographics and satisfying everyone’s budget,” said Shirvanian. “We also offer some nice package deals as well.”
One of the things that patients love about coming to Oculus is the relaxed and comfortable office environment. Back when Shirvanian worked in the Beverly Hills office of optometrist Dr. David Eldridge, O.D., she enjoyed the friendly atmosphere there and was inspired to do the same with her own business.
“I just love having that comfort level with the patients,” said Shirvanian. “I always come out and chat with them. We’re easily reachable and I give everyone my email. Our main purpose is to serve the community—it’s all about making patients feel better. Our office manager Myrna and I will do everything we can to fix everything and go out of our way for them. One of my favorite perks of the job is when kids come in here for their first pair of glasses, and when they try them on, they’re smiling without realizing it. It’s the cutest thing and so rewarding.”
Oculus Optometry is located at 1024 Mission St., Suite B in South Pasadena. It is open Mon. & Wed. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues. & Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thur. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed Sunday. For more information, call (626) 460-6022.
Oculus Optometry Business Spotlight appeared in the print edition of the South Pasadena Review on 4.19.19. Support Local Business.
