Rhody Gem: In-store Lens Lab is a Must-See at The Novel Eye in North Kingstown

What it is:

An independent optical studio.

Where it is:

Nestled in the heart of Wickford Village on Main Street, look for the white sign with a pair of glasses.   

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Style, function, and prescription come naturally to Anthony Rebello, licensed optician and one of three owners of the family-run business (the other two owners are his wife, Kristen Rebello, and daughter Mackenna). The Novel Eye offers on-site prescription and non-prescription lens fabrication for optical and sunglasses, along with eyewear adjustments, repairs and cleanings, and personalized frame and lens recommendations. The shop specializes in “prescription eyewear from smaller, independent eyewear companies who make their own frames in house,” says Rebello, who has 18 years of experience within the eyecare industry prior to opening the storefront in 2022. The shop was recently recognized as one of “America’s Finest Optical Retailers” 2023 by Invision Magazine. Rebello’s lens finishing lab is right on the retail floor. “This is a seldom exposed area of most optometric practices, and very few of them are cutting prescription lenses on site,” Rebello explains. Exposing the lab “shows our customers what goes into making a pair of specs [and] also allows us to get completed eyewear done within a week!”

The Novel Eye

1 West Main Street, Wickford

251-2309

TheNovelEye.com

@thenoveleyeri