Our story begins in 1956, when the late Paul Frank learned the optical trade while working at Vorpe Optical. In 1961, Paul launched Main Optical at the corner of Main and Greene, in a space attached to the old Piqua Schines Theatre—now the Hallmark store. His idea was simple: anyone struggling to see clearly at the movies might walk next door for help.
In 1963, Paul moved the business to a slightly larger space on the northeast side of the Fort Piqua Hotel on Main Street. This location is currently located at the back of the Public Library.
In 1968, Paul and his wife Arbie, who was also an Optician, moved to another location on Main Street due to more growth in the business. Paul and Arbie moved their business to 406 N. Main St., which formerly housed Walker Shoes. In 1998, Main Optical once again outgrew their space and moved next door to the current location of Main Optical, 400 North Main St. After owning Main Optical for 30 years, Paul and Arbie decided that, in addition to making glasses, they also needed an Optometrist to do Eye Exams in-house.
Jon, one of Paul and Arbie’s six sons, decided to learn his parents’ business. In 1989, Jon took the State Board exam and became a Licensed Optician. Jon and Lori purchased the family business years later and together co-own it. Jon is the Optician, and Lori oversees all the business aspects of Main Optical.
Jon and Lori have 4 daughters, one of which is a Licensed Optician and works in the family business along with her 3 sisters.
The Frank Family will continue carrying on the family business with integrity and giving the same great customer service the family has been giving for the past 60-plus years at Main Optical.