CCM Local Spotlight: Eyewear by David
From Local Boy to Eyewear Maven: David Ghent Reinvents Lancaster's Style
Lancaster, SC, may not be the first place you think of when you consider premium eyewear from top designers, but David Ghent is on a mission to change that. David is the founder and owner of Eyewear by David, a boutique eyewear shop that offers access to exclusive fashion trends in glasses and sunglasses, including frames from brands like Monoqool, NW 77th, LaFont, and Silhouette.
Eyewear by David offers a relaxed atmosphere that is welcoming to all
Big Dreams and Lessons Learned: A Visionary's Journey in the Eyewear Industry
Ghent’s history in the eyewear industry stretches back decades, beginning over 25 years ago when he started working as a sales professional for an eyewear company.
“I’m a local boy from Lancaster,” smiles David. “Back then, I was green as grass, and while I loved my job, I didn’t feel like I had the tools to truly succeed,” he says. As a sales representative, David regularly traveled across a territory consisting of four states, and he says he learned a lot during that time.
A friend of his who was a licensed optician was working at a vision care practice, and through this connection, David discovered his passion for fitting people with the right eyewear. He soon began pursuing licensure of his own in South Carolina.
After years of hard work and dedication, David received his optician license. Afterward, he decided the road wasn’t where he wanted to be, and instead, he looked into local options to continue his signature brand of customer service.
You can find a variety of unique designer trends at Eyewear by David, including frames from NW77th
The Personal Touch Makes All the Difference
He notes, “I worked with an ophthalmology practice for 25 years, and in those 25 years, I saw a lot of things. In that setting, you come across some very difficult prescriptions.
It’s not as easy as maybe some other places you’d walk into and say, ‘Hey, I like this frame’ – boom, boom, boom, you’re out the door. No, no – there’s much more to it than that.” He continues, “To truly help people, you have to take your time and learn what’s important to each individual.”
To drive this point home, David recalls an early memory from the start of his career as an optician where a woman who was, for all intents and purposes, blind without corrective lenses. “I still recall the moment she put her new glasses on. As she reached into her purse to complete the transaction, she gasped and said, ‘Oh my...I can see!’ I’ve never forgotten that moment.
Seeing how much that meant to her, to see the change in her life and knowing that she could finally get back to enjoying the beauty around her – that is why I do what I do.”
Customers of Eyewear by David love the welcoming interior and vast selection
It Takes a Community to Evoke Change
David accounts much of his success in Lancaster and the Charlotte Metro to the people. “I’ve met a lot of people, a lot of really amazing people,” he says.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to attend various vision shows in New York and other major cities where I’ve met reps from some of the top designer eyewear brands. Getting to know them has been a big part of my success since they always come to me with exclusives.”
He continues, “Of course, I couldn’t be where I’m at today without all of the support I’ve received from friends, family, and my customers in the local area either.”
Anyone who visits Eyewear by David, located at 927 University Dr, Lancaster, SC, 29720, is bound to notice his selection among the well-decorated interior.
The frames available from Eyewear by David are far from ordinary in that they come from some of the world’s leading designer brands, and each has something new to offer. From trendy and sophisticated to fun and fashionable, all of the frames David carries offer something unique.
Eyewear by David carries a large selection of designer frames, including brands like Monoqool
“Part of the reason I’m able to access these exclusives is because I know how to get my customers into the right frames, “says David.
“Some of my reps stop by and say, ‘I can’t believe you can sell this product. We have a hard time moving these frames in larger markets, yet you’re always finding buyers.’
“I tell them that so many people in Lancaster and the Charlotte Metro region are looking for something different, something nice, something they can treat themselves to. When these people discover our selection here and experience the difference of premium eyewear, I gain customers for life.”
‘I’m Gonna’ Do This’
Eyewear by David opened its doors in 2017 after David felt that the vision practice where he served people for 25 years would no longer meet his needs.
He did a brief stint at a retail chain but was quickly disillusioned and felt he had more to offer. He decided it was time to take a leap of faith and rely on his decades of experience to open his own shop.
You can visit Eyewear by David at 927 University Dr, Lancaster, SC, 29720
“I found this location and thought – I’m gonna’ do this. And I can’t lie...I did it on a shoestring budget to begin with.”
Despite the look of things today, David notes that he had help along the way from friends, family, his reps, and others in the Lancaster community. He continually expresses gratitude for those who stuck by him in the early days, recognizing his accomplishments are shared among those who stood by his side.
Here for You Through the Good Times & Bad
Apart from the boutique atmosphere of Eyewear by David, another unique thing about the location is that it’s all about finding the right eyewear. The shop does not have a staff optometrist, so customers bring their prescriptions in to learn about their options. Thankfully, as a licensed optician, David Ghent is able to find the perfect match for anyone.
David is also proud that Eyewear by David is committed to community service in Lancaster, SC, and the Charlotte Metro. David recognizes the importance of vision care, and during the Covid-19 closures of the past few years, his shop served as a vital resource for people in need.
David Ghent offers trendy, sophisticated frames to help you look and feel your best
“During Covid, we were an essential service provider. We had the opportunity to continue our mission of helping people find the right eyewear despite other businesses being closed.
This opportunity allowed me to help people who couldn’t find help elsewhere. If someone came in with a broken pair of frames, I would tell them, ‘Don’t worry. We’re going to get this sorted out. I’m here to help you.”
That commitment to improving people’s lives is one of the guiding principles David operates under each day, and it’s why so many people turn to Eyewear by David for all of their eyewear needs.
Eyewear by David also carries a range of designer sunglasses to complement your style
Honesty in Service Above All Else
On getting people into the right frames, David says, “I pride myself on being honest with individuals when they come in. It’s not about the dollar amount; it’s what will work for you.”
“If it’s not working, I tell people, ‘Honestly, it’s not gonna work.’ You might like it, but if it’s not right, it’s not right. That kind of honesty is something that’s hard to come by these days, but I’m not in this to make a buck. I’m in this to change lives, and I can’t do that if I’m not completely honest in trying to help you.”
David also emphasizes that he doesn’t want customers to feel intimidated by the selection at Eyewear by David. The location looks like something straight out of a magazine or movie, and some customers get the impression that they must fit a particular personality or come from a specific background to shop there. David says this isn’t true at all.
Media personality and author Barbara McKay with David Ghent, owner of Eyewear by David
Everyone is Welcome Here
“We have frames for everyone,” he states. “When you come in here, I want to get to know your hopes and dreams so we can work together on this journey.”
“I carry eyewear that is available and accessible to everyone. From our neighbors in Lancaster to friends across the Charlotte region, I help everyone. In fact, we recently enjoyed a visit by a great friend, acclaimed media personality and author Barbara McKay.
David notes, “Anybody that sits at my dispensing table, I can put a pair of glasses on them. We all want the best or as best as we can get.”
“I serve as your guide, leading you to what’s right for you. I provide an objective, experienced voice to help you look and, more importantly, feel your best. My motivation from day one has been to have fun and make connections while I figure out how to get each customer into the frames that fit their style.”
No matter your style, David Ghent can help you find the perfect frames for your personality
Change is a Good Thing
Looking to the future, David is excited to introduce his brand of customer service to new people as Lancaster County continues to experience unprecedented growth.
“I see what’s happening as Charlotte spreads into Indian Land and reaches us down here in Lancaster. Lancaster is still a small town, and I don’t want it to lose that small-town atmosphere,” He says. “After all, the connections I’ve formed here and the rapport I’ve built – A lot of that is due to Lancaster being a small town.”
At the same time, David recognizes that change and progress are good things and welcomes the influx of new customers his shop has experienced.
“I’m happy to see new faces, always. One thing about the customer experience here is that it is about taking your time. I never want anyone to feel rushed.”
David Ghent is dedicated to helping his customers find the right frames to look and feel their best
Building Relationships is the Key to Success
“You come in here, and we talk. In fact, you don’t even have to be looking for anything in particular. Stop in here, and let’s take our time and chat.”
“For example, if you’ve broken your glasses and you’re having a bad day, I’m here to listen. We’ll say, ‘Ok, deep breath. We’re not going to let this determine how the rest of our day is going to go. I can help you. There are more important things to worry about than glasses.”
In fact, David encourages friends and members of the Lancaster community to stop in anytime. He enjoys having the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new friends as well.
“It’s the small things that matter,” says David. “I take care of you when you walk through that door. When you walk out, I want you to know you’ve got something good, and I’m here to help you.”
Contact Eyewear by David to Learn More
You can learn more about David Ghent and Eyewear by David online by visiting their website or connecting on Facebook. You can also call David directly at (803) 416-3937 or send an email to EyewearbyDavid@comporium.net to find out how he can help you find the perfect frames or sunglasses in the southeast.
