Buckeye Optical

Helping Marion See 20/20

Over 10 years ago, Jeramy Donelson was a licensed optician at a big box store in Marion. Today, he is the co-owner of a successful independent optical practice. Terrible hours, lack of control, and the corporate push to see as many customers as possible pushed Jeramy to the realization that it was time for him to leave his current job and pursue his own business. After 8 months of research, he was approved for a business loan to put his plan into motion. The first step was to put together a trustworthy team. In February of 2006, Buckeye Optical officially opened at 163 Jamesway with Jeramy, Dr. Kelly Bruch, and CJ.

Over 10 years ago, Jeramy Donelson was a licensed optician at a big box store in Marion. Today, he is the co-owner of a successful independent optical practice. Terrible hours, lack of control, and the corporate push to see as many customers as possible pushed Jeramy to the realization that it was time for him to leave his current job and pursue his own business. After 8 months of research, he was approved for a business loan to put his plan into motion. The first step was to put together a trustworthy team. In February of 2006, Buckeye Optical officially opened at 163 Jamesway with Jeramy, Dr. Kelly Bruch, and CJ.

The road to becoming Marion’s premier eye health provider wasn’t easy. Time after time, Jeramy risked everything to pursue his dream. In order make glasses on site, he needed expensive equipment. But when the supplier backed out, Jeramy had a choice to make. He put it all on the line.

“I maxed out the equity on my house, my credit, and asked the bank for more until I was denied another penny. I took the biggest risk of my life.”

Starting small, the business strategy was simple: Jeramy was to handle the retail/material end of the business, while Dr. Kelly was to oversee eye health and patient care. Jeramy and Dr. Kelly’s mission is to provide a friendly, personal alternative to big box stores. Refusing to put patients on an assembly line, Buckeye Optical offers a relaxed experience, no rushed exams or pushy sales. Many buy into the misconception that without insurance, private practices are too expensive and out of the question. With comprehensive and individualized care, retail varieties, and competitive rates, Buckeye Optical is making strides to prove that misconception wrong.

Not long after opening, the team at Buckeye Optical realized that they were outgrowing their facility. In 2010, Kelly was grabbing coffee, and saw the available space next door. She and Jeramy checked it out together and they knew it was the perfect fit. But many improvements needed to be made to the space before the practice could be moved. Balancing family and business, the two would work all day at the Jamesway location, and all evening at the new location. Working 12-16 hour days, the Donelson and Bruch families grew even closer. After six months of blood, sweat, and tears, they were ready to open with Dr. Kelly now as a partner and co-owner. Looking back on their hard work, Dr. Kelly remembers the events of one night specifically,

“we worked all day at the Jamesway location. After work, we took a U-Haul down to Cincinnati to get most of the furniture for our new space. I remember driving back at 2am to unload everything and then working early the next morning.”

Putting patient care / health above all else has been the recipe for success. Dr. Kelly and the team continue to educate the public on the importance of thorough and routine eye exams. Many don’t realize the eyes can carry a lot of silent symptoms of larger issues. A routine eye exam can lead to early diagnosis of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. With smartphones, tablets, tv and computer screens, people are blinking less, leading to higher rates of those suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome. Even if you don’t need glasses, it’s imperative to get your eyes checked annually, like your annual physical.

Whether you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, quality preventative care, a thorough exam, or just to stop in and say hello, you can find Jeramy and Dr. Kelly at 150 McMahan Blvd in Marion, OH. Visit them at www.BuckeyeOptical.net or give them a call at 740-389-1300.