Rochester Optical Named to Rochester Top 100, Sharpening Its Focus on Innovation and Growth
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – June 6, 2014 – Rochester Optical, a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of eyewear and lenses, has been recognized on the Rochester Top 100 list, reflecting years of sustained growth driven by innovation and a broadened customer base.
Since acquiring the company in 1990, President and CEO Patrick Ho has transformed Rochester Optical from a struggling, single-customer operation into a diversified business serving military, safety, fashion, and retail markets.
“Focusing on innovation and creating proprietary products is what can put a company on a fast pace of growth,” Ho said. “That’s been our strategy and will continue to guide our future.”
Rochester Optical’s offerings span:
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Military, safety, and fashion eyewear
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Eye exams and optical services
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Lens and frame restoration
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Custom-made eyewear
From its headquarters on Lyell Avenue—which houses both a state-of-the-art lens-manufacturing facility and a retail store—the company has expanded with additional retail locations across Monroe County.
Sustained Growth in Sales and Employment
Organic growth has been a major driver of the company’s success. Annual sales increased by:
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25% in 2010
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30% in 2011
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10% in 2012
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20% in 2013
Ho projects another 20% increase in the current year.
Employment has kept pace with this expansion. Rochester Optical’s workforce has grown from 136 employees in 2010 to 215 employees today, reflecting steady investment in people, technology, and infrastructure. Looking ahead, Ho’s focus is less on headcount and more on increasing productivity and automation.
The company, like many others, continues to navigate external challenges such as proposed increases in the minimum wage, health care changes, and taxes.
“There are certain things you have no control over; you just have to deal with it,” Ho noted.
Leadership Rooted in Learning and Opportunity
Ho’s leadership has drawn praise from business peers.
Bobbie Goheen, CEO of Rochester-based leadership development firm Synthesis Management Group, has worked with Ho for the past three years. She describes him as a humble, committed learner.
“He never believes he knows everything, which keeps him open to new ideas,” Goheen said. “He’s a classic entrepreneur, and he owns that. Instead of seeing problems, he sees opportunities.”
From Military Roots to Global Reach
Founded in 1932 as a lens manufacturer, Rochester Optical later became one of the few frame manufacturers in the United States, primarily supplying the U.S. Army with combat-ready eyewear for soldiers.
When Ho purchased the company—then known as Rochester Optical Manufacturing Co.—in 1990, it was heavily dependent on a single customer and close to shutting its doors. Rather than being discouraged by its circumstances, Ho was motivated to rebuild and reposition the business.
Before acquiring Rochester Optical, Ho operated his own optical frame import and distribution business out of his home and previously worked in banking for Norstar Bank (now part of Bank of America) in Newburgh, N.Y.
A key milestone in the company’s growth came in 1995, when Rochester Optical acquired the optical lab of Waldert Opticians Inc. out of bankruptcy. This move added in-house lens fabrication capabilities and brought several experienced Waldert staff members into the organization.
In April 2001, the company opened its first retail outlet at its city location, further expanding into direct-to-consumer sales. Today, Rochester Optical serves:
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Individual consumers
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Wholesale customers such as eye care professionals
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Military and government channels
Once focused primarily on the Northeast, the company has expanded its reach into the South and is now prioritizing international growth. Rochester Optical has established reseller and distribution agreements in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Canada, with a growing emphasis on high-technology products such as digital vision solutions and smart glasses.
Innovation as a Growth Engine
To support ongoing innovation, Rochester Optical maintains its own research and development department, continually investing in new products and advanced technologies.
“We are focusing on innovation to drive future growth,” Ho said.
