A & A Optical

A & A Optical by Jodi Varnado

A& A Optical, a private practice in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, is rooted in passion for individualized, intentional service to everyone in their community. Sulicia Jones, half of the visionary pair who revitalized A & A Optical, states that their care for individuals stems from the concern with the way people see the world. This care is evident from only a brief conversation with Sulicia, as she exposed her heart for customers and their vision needs.

A & A Optical was established in 1987 by Optician Polly Fisher in Fort Oglethorpe. Fisher’s daughter, Gloria, eventually took over her mother’s business and relocated to Ringgold, GA. This office served as a place of training for Fisher’s niece, Kim Bates. Ultimately, Gloria retired and closed the practice in 2017. Two years later, Kim and Sulicia re-opened A & A Optical, moving it back into the original Fort Oglethorpe community. Today, this practice tells a story of God’s power to unite, restore, and strengthen individuals and communities alike.

With a history in corporate optometry, Sulicia slowly realized her desire to open a private practice—one that offered individuals affordable, personalized options for lenses and frames. With the encouragement from her husband and new friend Kim, Sulicia began to pray for a path forward. “I crossed paths with Kim and I knew that God was making a way,” said Sulicia. Mandisa’s hit-song “Way Maker” comes to mind when Jones describes their meeting: By faith, I believe that Even when I don’t see it, You’re working, You never stop You never stop working.

God is always fulfilling a plan and ordering our steps, sometimes in ways we never could have expected. This is true for Kim and Sulicia, who together have been serving this Georgia community for over three years. A & A Optical has come full circle, with the same level of care distinguished thirty-five years ago.

Kim and Sulicia are both licensed Dispensing Opticians (LDO) in Georgia and Tennessee through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Sulicia is also a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA). Together, they have fifty-two years of experience in the optometry field. Joining their team is licensed, board-certified optometrist, Dr. Katherine Cox, O.D. Dr. Cox provides exams, diagnoses, and treatments for all A & A Optical customers.

A & A Optical is known as hometown optical, a term that applies to the comfort and quality service you will find when you walk through the door. Kim, Sulicia, and Dr. Cox are here to listen to your concerns, assess your needs, and individualize products to fit them. A & A Optical has thousands of lens options and is able to customize frames to suit your preferences. After the practice closes each day, Kim and Sulicia will sit down and review your requests, making sure to order the perfect fit for your distinct needs. With time, thought, and expertise, A & A Optical can find exactly what you’re looking for.

A & A Optical loves to say yes, we can. With the ability to customize lenses and frames, A & A Optical stands apart from big-box stores with limiting options. A & A Optical also strives to house independent frame lines, as they know the value of supporting fellow small business owners. Thus, their selection is unique. Their selection of frames caters to everyone, from budget-minded shoppers to those who prefer luxury lines. A & A Optical even specializes in children’s wear, housing selections for even the most delicate eyes! Kim and Sulicia utilize up-to-date technology, while still remaining cost effective. A & A Optical works with most commercial insurance plans, including Medicaid—an often-underserved clientele.

Kim and Sulicia love serving the community of Fort Oglethorpe and surrounding areas, and have big plans to continue that service. Sulicia has begun creating a non-profit organization named Herschel’s Helping Hands. The mission behind this project is to supply children the eyecare they need through local school systems. With many hours of dedication and care, Sulicia is excited to share this ministry with the community in the future. A & A Optical is also hoping to expand their office services, including adding a full-time Optometrist to their team.

If you find yourself in need of personalized eyecare, you can look no further than A & A Optical. Their office is located at 1670 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. The office is open Monday, Thursday, Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. To make an appointment, you can call the office at (706)-866-2111. You can also reach any team member at healthyeyes@aaopticalga.com for any questions. You can also visit their website for more information, www.aaopticalga. com. We hope to see you there!