History Of Metro Optics Bronx STATS 2021
Through the eyes of the Bronx: Metro Optics
Metro Optics, serving the Bronx
community with its expertise
in eye care and eyewear, offers
family-like customer service to
each and every one of its patients. With
over 40 years of quality service offered
here in the borough, it’s no wonder
they’ve become an essential staple in
the eyecare industry.
The fi rst Metro Optics store was
founded in 1978 on Metropolitan Avenue
in Parkchester by licensed optician
Michael Ungaro. Michael,
who grew up in Castle Hill and returned
there after serving in the U.S.
Army Special Forces, opened the
Parkchester location in 1978. Dr. Eva
Yan, Metro Optics’ Head of Optometry
and co-owner, joined the practice in
1982, later marrying Michael. When
Michael met John Bonizio, a former
optician and current Chief Operating
Offi cer of Metro Optics, in the late
1970s, it was through their friendship,
as well as Bonizio’s industry experience
and business savvy, that the expansion
of Metro Optics began.
As Metro began to expand, their
Westchester Square store was opened
in 1988, followed by a Hunts Point
store in 2008. A fourth store opened in
the Throggs Neck Shopping Center in
2014, which is fully outfi tted with the
latest digital eye care tools, as well
as a Wearable Tech department of
“smart glasses” for every tech-savvy
person looking for the latest and greatest
in advanced eyewear capabilities.
In 2015, they added advanced screening
and special testing to help diagnose
several ocular diseases, with the
ability to diagnose and treat many eye
conditions in-offi ce.
6 BRONX STATS - AUGUST 23, 2019 BTR
Metro Optics Throggs Neck location
BRONX STATS - NOVEMBER 26, 2021
Metro Optics Group is proud of its
commitment to the community, which
include establishing partnerships with
local merchants and small businesses,
participating in business improvement
districts around the Bronx, and
being an active member of The Bronx
Chamber Of Commerce. Through
these efforts, Metro Optics prides itself
on its participation in community
events, health fairs, and other activities
that raise awareness of and advocate
for eye care and eye health.
Well known for their innovation
and a commitment to offering the latest
and greatest in eyewear technology,
they’ve recently added Lucyd
Eyewear to their line-up, where Bluetooth
speakers, a noise-canceling mic,
and easy touch controls come together
in an optical-quality frame at a price
point accessible to everyone. Sharp
open-ear playback with fl ush speakers
in each frame arm provides a safer,
more aware listening experience compared
to traditional headphones, and
answering calls hands-free becomes
a breeze with their integrated phone
call feature. They offer an assortment
of styles and colors to tailor to your everyday
lifestyle and personal fashion
aesthetic.
They’ve been honored to have been
recognized in their community with
a multitude of awards, both locally,
as well as nationally. Some of these
awards include the Top 50 Local Small
Business of NYC by 1010 wins in 2015,
Age Smart Employer of NYC in 2015,
America’s Finest Optical Retailers in
2018, as well as Vision Monday’s 50 Top
U.S. Optical Retailer three years in a
row (2019,2020,2021).
Wes Alexander, manager of the Westchester
Square location; Jessica Ullman community
outreach and marketing manager; and
Oscar Alburqurque, manager of the Hunts
Point location.
Aurora Susi, Denise Fitzpatrick, manager
of the Throggs Neck location; and Sharron
Sanchez, optician.
Michael Ungaro Dr. Eva Yan