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Join Dr. Darryl Glover in a conversation with Brad Sultan, the founder of Kids Bright Eyes, as they take you on a journey through the world of pediatric eye care innovation. Sultan shares the story of how his personal quest to find the perfect glasses for his daughter led to the inception of his eyewear brand and the cutting-edge solutions it provides for children and adults alike. Explore the durable, flexible, and stylish eyewear that has transformed how kids see the world, from glittery frames to prescription swim goggles that bring clarity to underwater adventures. Kids Bright Eyes has revolutionized vision correction, making it fun and functional. Discover the unique offerings that make Kids Bright Eyes a pioneer in pediatric eyewear and experience the creativity and practicality that make it stand out in the eye care industry.
What’s Covered?
The Genesis of Kids Bright Eyes: Turning Challenges into Solutions
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Are you a practice owner? Do you serve pediatric patients? Do you offer the right eyewear solutions for children, including prescription swim goggles? Today, I’m thrilled to have Brad Sultan with us. We will discuss addressing these challenges with practical solutions and products for your young patients.
I’m somewhat familiar with your story and background, Brad. However, could you share more about how you ventured into eye care and your journey within this field?
Brad Sultan:
Indeed, Dr. Glover. My name is Brad, and I’m Kids Bright Eyes’s founder, CEO, and owner. You might also say I’m a jack of all trades and a dad. I’ve been part of the eye care industry since 2007, which I entered by accident. I previously worked in a different sector when the district manager for Joanne Fabrics, who was transitioning back to eye care with over 20 years at Luxottica, decided to bring me along to Vision Works. I was initially intimidated due to my lack of optics knowledge, but I was determined to learn everything about optics. My career in eye care truly began in 2007 when I managed a Vision Works store in South Tampa. One of my first customers was a young child. The experience of fitting him with glasses was profoundly moving, making me realize this was my calling.
Despite my initial lack of industry knowledge, I was eager to learn and earn the trust of my staff by sharing knowledge on patient education and product offerings, thus enhancing our store’s performance. My journey in Florida ended when my wife and I, who are high school sweethearts, decided to move closer to home but still maintain some distance from Maryland, leading to a compromise location that kept us within a manageable distance from our families.
From Accidental Discovery to Purpose-Driven Innovation
Brad Sultan:
I eventually joined Eye Care Associates, where I managed their Knightdale location. I enjoyed private practice immensely, especially sharing knowledge on multi-pair sales and practice growth strategies across other locations. My career took a personal turn in 2010 when my wife became pregnant with our daughter, who was born with a rare eye condition, Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous, PHPV, in her left eye. This diagnosis received from one of the best doctors at Duke, Dr. Laura Enyedi, coincided with my industry experience, offering me a unique perspective on pediatric eye care.
When my daughter needed glasses at six weeks old, following surgery to address her cataract and save her eye, we faced challenges with the fit of her eyewear. The brand she initially wore, MiraFlex, which is no longer in business, didn’t stay on her face correctly. This experience led me to seek better solutions for pediatric eyewear, culminating in founding Kids Bright Eyes at the end of 2011. We aimed to provide glasses that fit correctly, were adjustment-free, and came with a sensible strap design, addressing the shortcomings we experienced with our daughter’s first pair of glasses.
Kids Bright Eyes Designs
Brad Sultan:
We initiated our line with a collection resembling other brands in the field. However, one day, my daughter desired glitter frames, which introduced a new direction for us. We expanded to offer glitter frames among our 17 vibrant colors. This diversity addresses the concerns of parents who might view single molded injection frames as more suited for toddlers or infants. In response, we developed what we call the Superior Flex Frames, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in children’s eyewear.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
No need to worry, Brad. We’ll make sure the details are clear for our viewers.
Brad Sultan:
What sets our frames apart is their incredible flexibility. These frames lack a spring hinge and don’t rely on a metal rod for structure, allowing them to bend dramatically without breaking. This feature is particularly striking in person, say at trade shows, where I often demonstrate their durability by bending them into extreme shapes, much to the amusement of attendees. This quality ensures our frames offer unparalleled value and durability.
We aim to provide affordable, fun, and durable eyewear that allows children to experience life fully and safely. Our frames’ unique construction, which allows them to withstand significant bending and twisting, ensures that children can continue wearing their glasses without frequent replacements or adjustments. This embodies our mission to let kids see the world as it should be seen.
Brad Sultan:
We started with a collection that resembled what you’ve seen from other manufacturers. Then, one day, my daughter expressed a desire for glitter frames. That’s how we expanded into offering glitter and 17 fun colors. However, some parents initially see these single-molded injection frames and think they’re more suited for toddlers or babies. In response, I decided to introduce what we call the Superior Flex frames, emphasizing extreme flexibility.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
We can highlight that, no problem.
Brad Sultan:
The unique aspect of our frames is their ability to bend in half without a metal rod in the temple, maintaining their shape thanks to their flexibility. This characteristic allows for durability and adaptability, making them ideal for any situation. I often joke at trade shows about making balloon animals out of them. Our frames are designed to be affordable without sacrificing quality, ensuring children can wear them comfortably and safely.
Revolutionizing Vision Underwater with Prescription Swim Goggles
Brad Sultan:
Exactly, and it doesn’t end with just everyday eyewear. We’ve also focused on specialized needs, like prescription swim goggles. These goggles cater to a wide range of prescriptions and sizes, ensuring everyone can have the correct visual correction, even in water. We’ve created goggles that adjust for different bridge sizes, accommodating a wide range of PD measurements.
The first success story we had was a child in Florida who was so comfortable with his new goggles, he wore them from the pool to the couch without realizing he didn’t need to take them off. It’s about providing the right correction to ensure the eyes receive the power they need, which is crucial for brain development and accurate perception.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Let’s also discuss the available color options.
Brad Sultan:
We introduced four main colors, including an orange that surprisingly became our top seller. The goggles are designed with a gasket and a lens that sits on a ridge, creating a tight seal without the need for glue. Each lens is marked with an R or L for easy identification, ensuring a perfect fit every time. Besides orange, we offer black gray, purple, and blue, and we’re even considering how to incorporate glitter into the goggles due to popular demand.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
It shows your attention to detail and responsiveness to customer feedback.
Learn More: https://www.kidsbrighteyes.com/
