BRONX, N.Y.—Metro Optics Eyewear threw a party on Dec. 9 to celebrate the opening of its new flagship store in the Throgg’s Neck Shopping Center. Employees, vendors, local celebrities, a Bronx assemblyman and a cable TV crew filled the 4,000 square foot high ceilinged space, which resembles an Apple store infused with elements of a Las Vegas boutique.

In addition to its stylish decor, the store has other features that distinguish it from the other three Metro Optics Eyewear stores in the Bronx, including an electronic eyewear department featuring the latest products from Vuzix, Epson and other vendors.

“M4, as we refer to it, marries health care, technology, and fashion, for a show-stopping impact,” explained John Bonizio, Metro Optics general manager, who hosted the event with Metro Optics founder Michael Ungaro. “Virtually every industry is being disrupted by technology, and the optical industry is no exception. We saw a valuable opportunity to take the lead by creating a dedicated electronic eyewear department, in order to ensure the safe and effective use of wearable technology within the context of our extensive optical expertise.”

Additionally, the store is fully “wired,” not only with electronic medical records and the latest digital eyecare tools to aid in proper patient diagnosis and measurement, but also with a full audio-visual outfitting to supplement patient communication through educational videos and product information. M4 also houses a fully equipped in-store finishing lab which fabricates lenses for all four Metro Optics Eyewear locations.

akarp@jobson.com