Licensed optician and owner Gregor Owen has decades of experience in the optical business and has worn corrective lenses since the fourth grade. It's been more years than he cares to count since Gregor first obtained his optician license, but even after all this time, he is "having a lot of fun doing the eyeglass thing." He continues to follow his passion for making the eyewear experience seamlessly functional and uniquely artistic.
Owner Gregor Owen's Pursuit of Eyewear Excellence
April 30, 2025
At CustomEyes, we are constantly striving for innovation in our craft. As a lifelong learner and teacher, shop owner Gregor Owen's participation in continuing education propels industrious technique and savvy know-how.
Gregor's Story
A Life of Learning
After graduating from Wake Forest and Florida Atlantic University with his BA in English, Gregor apprenticed under three of the most talented optical craftsmen in the US, each having more than 30 years of industry experience. He has consulted with and managed business solutions for ophthalmology, optometry, and large and small chain optical businesses. He has been a licensed optician in Florida and is currently licensed in North Carolina. Gregor is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry, a certified optician with the American Board of Opticianry, a Certified Contact Lens Fitter, and a member of the North Carolina Opticians Association. He has written, lectured, and taught optical technology and business solutions to a variety of eye care professionals.
Continuing Education
Inspired by his own learning opportunities, Gregor began teaching continuing education courses in 2011. Regular attendance and participation made Gregor question the topics he encountered for their intrigue. He began to consider eyewear topics beyond the usual ("with all due respect"), long and sometimes boring coursework without much real application to the day-to-day challenges of opticians everywhere.
His subject matter has included:
- A Study of Color and Light
- Faces: Form, Function, Fashion, and Frames
- Expert Progressive Troubleshooting
- The Art of Eyewear
- Prism Science and Optical Solutions
- Facts about Ultraviolet, High Energy Wave Protection, and Anti-Reflection Lens Science
- Eyewear Protection and Safety for Optical Clients and Patients
- Truths About Blue Light Dangers and Protection for the Digital Age
- Talking the Talk: Communication in the Optical Dispensary
- A Clinical Study of a Lifetime of Eyewear and Contact Lenses (Co-Lecture with Scott Wilkins, OD, Raleigh, NC)
After opening CustomEyes optical shop in Wilmington, NC, in 2019, Gregor is back on the teaching circuit. He has taught all over North Carolina, consulted and lectured in Omaha, where his lens design lab is located, given a remote lecture to opticians in Great Britain, and to a countrywide US audience. Gregor was also privileged to lecture at the international optical event Vision Expo in NYC to a collection of visiting opticians gathered together from all over the world. He prefers the personal touch of an in-person class setting instead of the remote lecture, as he believes interaction with the class is important in both teaching and learning from the audience in real time.
Experience the Difference
CustomEyes knows that an experienced optician is invaluable. With continual professional development, Gregor and his team provide exceptional optical services catered to the individual. Every detail is taken into consideration, and no component goes overlooked. He blends quality service with stylishly comfortable frames, technologically advanced lenses, and customization that personalizes eyewear to each prescription.
CustomEyes truly provides an especially unique eyewear experience.
Find statement eyewear that innovates and excites. Visit CustomEyes in the South Front District to meet with Gregor Owens and his team, or call today for a direct consultation.
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