ST. CLOUD, Minn.—Eye-Kraft Optical, based here, announced that Jason Sharpe will be promoted to president and CEO, effective March 8, 2021. In this role, Sharpe will be responsible for leading Eye-Kraft’s wholesale ophthalmic laboratory and eyeglass frame distribution units. “I’m thrilled to take on the challenges of guiding an independent, family-owned company through a significant period of change in the market,” Sharpe said. “Working with people and customers in a business rooted in the community is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, and the potential to grow in and continue to contribute to that community are incredibly exciting prospects.”

Sharpe was previously the vice president of operations at Eye-Kraft. During his seven-year tenure, he spearheaded a modernization effort to integrate industry leading digital processing and design technology. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sharpe was an Air Force communications and information systems officer and later a laboratory general manager for Essilor Laboratories of America prior to coming to Eye-Kraft.

Eye-Kraft is an independent, family-owned wholesale ophthalmic laboratory manufacturing eyeglasses and accessories for eyecare providers across Minnesota and nationally. The company has operated in its St. Cloud location for over 65 years.