The Story of Distinctive Eyewear
Our Story
The story of Distinctive Eyewear began with two women and one idea – focus the business of eye care on the patient and give them the best, healthiest outcome possible. Founded by visionary optician Judy Mileti in 2001, Distinctive Eyewear originally opened in Parma as an optical retail showroom. While finding the perfect frame for patients was fulfilling, Judy soon realized in addition to providing beautiful eyewear, she could provide her customers complete eye care by bringing on an optometrist.
Dr. Mentessi and her parents on graduation day.
In that same year, Dr. Mentessi was an up-and-coming doctor, working throughout Ohio as an independent optometrist. Since college (Go, Buckeyes!) Dr. Mentessi dreamed of having her own practice so that she could enact her vision - spending as much time with patients as possible to ensure they were getting the right care.
Judy, Dr. Mentessi and Sue B. at the opening of Distinctive Eyewear in 2003.
When Judy and Dr. Mentessi met in 2002, thier focuses aligned. On February 1, 2003, Distinctive Eyewear opened its doors in North Royalton as an optometry practice and retail showroom featuring the latest in eyewear trends. Dr. Orehek joined the practice in 2006, and together over time, the team grew Distinctive Eyewear from five patients to a patient database of over 12,000.
Judy retired in 2014. This same year the younger of Dr. Mentessi’s two boys started school, and she realized it was the perfect time to make the goal of owning her own business a reality. There was a seamless transition of ownership and customers experienced the same amazing level of care they’ve always enjoyed. What did evolve was our eyewear selection -- Distinctive Eyewear now offers over 60 brands representing more than 1,000 frames and sunglasses. If you want traditional or unique eyewear, this is the place for you!
Licensed Optician Sheryl helps a patient find the perfect eyewear!
What really makes Distinctive Eyewear special is our staff. Our licensed opticians have been helping people see the world beautifully for decades. Many of them have been with the practice from the beginning, and over that time they have fostered a culture that they truly believe in - personalized patient service.
We have caring, attentive doctors who listen. We have thoughtful, knowledgeable opticians. Our team gets to know our patients and their families so we can take the best care possible and make thoughtful recommendations for eye health and eyewear for their lifestyle.
Distinctive Eyewear’s roots are in helping people look good while seeing well, and we still live that calling today.
Your face is a masterpiece! Let us frame it.