We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Kerri-Ann Coombs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Kerrri-Ann, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

De’Cordova Eyewear business is dedicated to serving an underserved community. We are blessed to partner with Dr. Desmond Parkin with Negril Vision Center, in Negril Jamaica to provide vision screening to children who struggle with vision issues but lack access to eye care. In many low-income areas, these kids often go without proper eye screenings, which can lead to undiagnosed vision problems that affect their learning and development.

One story that really highlights the impact of our work involves a young girl from a small town where resources are limited. Her teachers noticed that she was having trouble keeping up in class, but it wasn’t clear why. She often squinted at the board and had difficulty reading her assignments. Her family couldn’t afford an eye exam, and without insurance, getting her the help she needed seemed impossible. Our services allowed her a free vision screening with eye glasses to correct her vision. This allowed a great impact in her daily and school work activities, allowing her to thrive to be a better student and person.

Our brand serves these underserved children by bringing eye care directly to the community, ensuring that every child has access to the screenings, glasses, and school supplies they need to thrive. This mission is close to my heart, inspired by my father’s struggles with vision and my deep belief that no child should be held back due to preventable vision problems.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

De’Cordova Eyewear’s journey into the world of eye care is deeply personal and driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The inspiration for the business came from Dr. Kerri-Ann’s father, who struggled with vision issues throughout his life. Watching him face these challenges sparked my deep empathy for those dealing with similar issues, especially when access to quality eye care is limited.

Dr Kerri-Ann entered this industry with a passion for preventing vision problems and preserving sight, particularly in underserved communities. De’Cordova Eyewear business focuses on providing comprehensive eye care services, including vision screenings, prescription glasses, and educational resources. We take pride in reaching out to those who might not otherwise have access to these essential services out side of the office.

What sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility and community outreach. We don’t just wait for people to come to us; we go to them. We set up Annual Vision Screening in Jamaica, Dr. Kerri-Ann country of birth, at local eye doctors Negril Vision center with Dr. Desmond Parkin where we provide free eye exams, glasses, and even school supplies for children in need. Our goal is to remove any barriers that might prevent someone from receiving the eye care they deserve.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on the lives of the individuals and families we’ve served. Every time a child puts on their first pair of glasses and sees the world clearly, or a parent expresses relief because their child is now thriving in school, it reaffirms why we do what we do. These moments of transformation are what drive us every day.

For potential clients and supporters, I want you to know that our work is about more than just eye care—it’s about empowering individuals and communities. We believe that everyone has the right to clear vision and the opportunities that come with it. Whether it’s helping a child succeed in school or enabling an adult to continue working and providing for their family, our mission is to ensure that vision problems do not stand in the way of anyone’s future.

Our brand is built on a foundation of compassion, accessibility, and a commitment to making a difference. We’re not just in the business of providing products or services; we’re here to change lives, one pair of glasses at a time.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building our social media audience has been an incredible journey, and it all started with a focus on storytelling and community engagement. When I first ventured into social media, I knew that I didn’t just want to promote our services—I wanted to create a space where people felt connected to our mission and inspired by the impact we were making.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Acquiring new clients through Google has indeed been central to our growth strategy, with a strong emphasis on visibility, relevance, and trust. A big part of this involves managing and encouraging reviews. We’ve found that reviews give potential clients a sense of what to expect before they even visit our office, which helps them feel more confident in choosing us.

Interestingly, we’ve learned that negative reviews can be incredibly valuable. They’re not just feedback; they’re opportunities for us to improve and address issues head-on. When we respond to these reviews, it shows others that we are committed to resolving concerns and continuously enhancing our services. This proactive approach helps to build trust with potential clients, who see that we’re dedicated to providing the best possible experience.

In addition to our online presence, direct referrals from insurance companies, patients, and practitioners have been another vital source of new clients. These referrals are particularly powerful because they come from trusted sources, making new clients more likely to choose our services with confidence. By maintaining strong relationships with these referrers and consistently delivering high-quality care, we’ve been able to sustain and grow this important referral network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DeCordovaEyewear.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decordovaeyewear/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decordovaeyewear/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/de%27cordova-eyewear
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/decordeyewear

Image Credits

JO GOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
JAMAICAN PHOTOGRAPHY – AUDLEY GREEN