The Art Schneck Optical Company, 720 Harrison St., Emmaus, is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Founded in 1959, the business has expanded and incorporated eyewear innovations while remaining focused on personal service and community commitment.

Initially, Arthur Schneck ran the business from his personal residence.

While still in high school, his son Donald began working for his father. He ground eyeglass lenses in the basement of the family home. Donald considered pursuing a career as a professional trumpet player but decided to participate in the family business instead. Consequently, after graduating from Emmaus High School, Donald joined his father as a full-time employee.

In 1959, the family moved the operation to a Main Street storefront location. During the next 20 years, the business experienced several site changes, and from 1973 to 1997, an additional distribution branch existed in Allentown. Arthur and Donald moved the central office and onsite lab to the current Harrison Street locale in 1979.

When Arthur retired in 1983, Donald took over. The business has enjoyed continual success, in large part due to the Schneck family’s commitment to the company and the community. Susan Schneck, Donald’s wife of 43 years, describes her late husband as “… [having] a strong work ethic and a monumental set of values.”

His high professional standards carried over into his community involvement.

Schneck was particularly active in the East Penn Jaycees and served for a time as chapter president. He was also a founding member of the original East Penn Bank and sat on its board of directors.

Today the Art Schneck Optical Company remains a vibrant family business with strong ties to the local community.

After her father’s passing, Amanda Schneck stepped in to run the business. Since 2016, she has worked to maintain the excellent business practices established by her grandfather and father.

In her words, “It brings me comfort and pride to carry on something that he [Donald] was so passionate about.” And she shares her father’s enthusiasm.

Each year Amanda travels to New York City and Las Vegas to attend optical conventions. She is committed to staying in step with an industry that incorporates advances in vision correction and cutting-edge fashion. As she states, “… [we will] expand our horizons to encompass the industry.”

The Art Schneck Optical Company has provided service to area residents for the past 60 years.

By retaining the high standards set by her predecessors and embracing current innovations and trends, Amanda is assuring that her family’s business, now three generations strong, remains vibrant and successful.