In 1984, Eye Designs quietly opened its doors in Westchester with a simple yet ambitious mission: to provide more than just eyewear but a sense of community. Over the years, what began as a small boutique in Scarsdale has grown into three trusted destinations where patients and customers are treated like family. With a focus on personalized service and high-quality frames, Eye Designs has become a local institution, seamlessly blending fashion with function. Founders and co-owners Sharon and Harris Decker’s dedication to transforming eyewear shopping into a meaningful experience has kept generations of Westchester residents returning, forging connections beyond the lenses.
Sharon’s love for glasses was more than a personal passion – it became the foundation of Eye Designs, a boutique optical store she opened in 1984. Working in Manhattan, she was inspired by the city’s cutting-edge fashion scene. At the time, most locals traveled into the city for a top-tier eyewear experience, with Westchester dominated by chain stores and only a few high-end optical shops. Sharon’s vision was clear: “Manhattan styles, Westchester convenience.” Despite early skepticism, Sharon was determined to prove otherwise. She created a space where fashion, function, and community seamlessly came together. 40 years later, Eye Designs stands as a testament to her belief that you don’t need to travel far for luxury eyewear.
As Eye Designs celebrates its 40th anniversary, Sharon reflects on its incredible journey. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years,” she says with pride. From the crash of the 2000’s to the challenges of the pandemic, Eye Designs has weathered every storm while staying on top of the latest eyewear trends and advancements in lens technology. “Thinking back from when I started to now, it’s the fashion and making customers happy that excites me most,” Sharon shares. For Sharon and Harris, the real joy comes from helping people feel good and confident–the right pair of glasses, they believe, can completely transform someone. Their team regularly attends optical shows to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that Eye Designs always offers the latest eyewear trends. For Sharon and Harris, that commitment to style and innovation has made the past 40 years so special.
As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Eye Designs launched the “Acts of Kindness Campaign,” a heartfelt initiative to give back to their communities. “We wanted to make sure the 40th anniversary coincided with the acknowledgment that Eye Designs would not be here without the community’s support,” says Harris. Through this campaign, they’re partnering with organizations close to their hearts, including donations to the Armonk Art Show and pet rescue organizations, among other charitable contributions. The campaign reflects Eye Designs’ commitment to making a positive impact and will continue throughout the rest of the year.
The Armonk store of Eye Designs, celebrating 25 years, has flourished under the leadership of manager Jaime Herman, who has played a key role in building the store from the ground up, creating a space that reflects the unique personality of the Armonk community. Each Eye Designs location carries its own distinct collection, and at the Armonk store, customers can explore the exclusive “Armonk Collection,” featuring frames and styles such as Cuttler and Gross, which is not found at other locations. With two to three exclusive lines that are only available in Armonk, each visit promises a personalized experience tailored to the local style and trends.
With the holiday season approaching, Sharon, Harris, and the Eye Designs team are recommending green frames as the standout choice for the festivities. From striking emerald greens to vibrant lime hues, there are so many unique options to choose from this year. Little oval frames, a style on the verge of a major comeback, are also trending. As always, each frame at Eye Designs is carefully curated for its quality and distinctiveness, ensuring you’ll find something truly special for the season.