We were lucky to catch up with Catherine Kristynik recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Catherine, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Let’s face it, your eye care journey has probably had one of two experiences:
Either you walk into a stiff, cold medical optometry office to get a routine eye exam and find yourself counting down the minutes to your escape, or, you walk into an optometry boutique with fun lights and soft music making you feel like you’re the special guest they’ve been waiting for.
In the optometry world, it seems to be either one or the other–a stiff and cold clinic or a whimsical boutique.
But where are you supposed to go when you’re needing both eye care and flair?
The answer is simple: Blinc Eye Care.
Blinc Eye Care isn’t just another run-of-the-mill optometry office–it is a one-stop-shop that offers the best of both worlds.
We specialize in diagnostic eye health and treatment of ocular conditions, but also offer upscale frame lines with custom lenses made in-house, ensuring a perfect style suited specifically for you.
The minute you open our doors, you’re greeted by our amazing staff (who actually know you by name) and are guided through our optical showroom that helps you find the perfect frames to reflect your vibe and lifestyle. You’ll find yourself feeling as if you’re picking out that perfect piece of jewelry that hones in on and completely complements the essence of your style.
In the back of the clinic, you’ll find our exam rooms that are aesthetically designed with the patient experience as a top priority. You can say goodbye to the bright fluorescent lighting and white wash walls you’ve been accustomed to in traditional optometry offices! Here you’ll receive exceptional care as I offer the latest ophthalmic technology whether it’s for a general eye exam or treating a condition that requires an in-depth diagnosis.
Blinc Eye Care is truly an “eye-opening” experience with customer service as its driving force.
Catherine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always had a passion for two things: helping people fulfill their visions and the medical field. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, I found my love for neuroscience and optics through studying Microbiology, and my two passions collided. It was then that my vision for Blinc Eye Care was born.
Among many unknowns, one thing was certain:
I wanted to break the stigma of the rolling eyes, uneasiness, and groanings associated with eye care. I wanted my future patients to have a personalized medical experience different from what they were used to experiencing. I wanted to provide an atmosphere where people felt served and genuinely cared for while receiving the highest quality optometric care possible.
After graduation, I practiced at several locations in the north Houston area, and in 2019, this dream finally became a reality. With my husband and I both having patient service industry backgrounds, creating a business that was centered around patient service while maintaining a modern and comfortable environment was a no-brainer.
With the small-town feel and community-centered atmosphere of Woodforest, we jumped at the first opportunity to build our home practice, and haven’t looked back since.
We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.
Who would have guessed that a waitress and bartender working in the restaurant industry would meet, fall in love, and 8 years later build a one-of-a-kind optometry office utilizing both of our strengths and talents?
Yet that’s not just a story that would be perfect for Netflix’s next big hit – it’s the all too real story of my husband, Stan, and me who met while working at Truluck’s over a decade ago.
Because of our backgrounds in the restaurant industry, making customer service our top priority was a no-brainer when it came to establishing Blinc Eye Care. (Just another facet that makes Blinc Eye Care stand out among traditional optometry offices).
Both personally and professionally, our legacy has always been commitment, exceptional care, and putting people first.
Even though Stan isn’t an optometrist, he compensates for my weaknesses as a manager and owner. He is able to step in and give a different perspective which always benefits both staff and patients.
A perfect example of two being better than one.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
My husband and I don’t just serve the Woodforest community–we are part of it.
And it’s for this very reason that Blinc Eye Care exists not just as a service, but as a place where every patient feels like family.
We owe a huge shoutout to the Woodforest community. The referrals of family and friends we’ve received from our current Woodforest clients have been monumental for our growth, and we are truly grateful.
With a dedication to serving the community both professionally and personally, it’s no wonder that Blinc Eye Care is the place patients go to receive the respect, attention, and experience they can’t find anywhere else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blinceyecare.com
- Instagram: blinc_eye_care
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blinceyecare/
Image Credits
Alisa Bailey Imagery
Taylor’s Illustrations
Caitlin Lambert