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Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses (Readers' Pick)

Voorthuis Opticians Inc.

Envisioning a trip to your optometrist that doesn’t feel quite so clinical? Look no further than Voorthuis Opticians Inc., where vision care is all in the family.

Founded 38 years ago, the optometry clinic’s seven locations (including three in Bethesda) are still run by family members. Dr. Rebecca Voorthuis says that’s what gives the business that little something extra.

“Family businesses are sort of rare dinosaurs these days and we have always prided ourselves on [caring for patients] and being able to go the extra mile,” Voorthuis says. “Watching a patient come in miserable and walk out with a solution never gets old.”

Voorthuis, who works with her dad, sister, husband and brother-in-law, says the only drawback of working alongside family is avoiding “shop talk” during holidays and family picnics.

The company, which carries frames from designers such as Christian Dior and Gucci, was named one of the “Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers” by Vision Monday magazine in 2009.

Westwood Shopping Center, 5442 Westbard Ave., Bethesda, 301-652-6490; Wildwood Shopping Center, 10231 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-530-6266; Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-469-9058; www.voorthuis.com

Other top vote-getters: Apex Optical, Colonial Opticians, MyEyeDr., Edmonds Optician, Eyes on the Road

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