Family owned and operated for over 30 years
We offer over a century of combined optical experience and combine cutting-edge technology with our specialty lenses in addition to our huge selection of frame styles to choose from. We have something for everyone’s lifestyle and budget in our 3,000 square foot facility. To ensure the highest quality lens mounting, The Optical Factory owns and operates its own lab located inside our showroom. Our very own lab technician inspects all lens orders to ensure our patients are receiving the best quality product. We edge and mount any lens we currently have in stock for a quick turn-around. We have a passion for renowned quality service and it certainly shows!
Our History
Born in New Britain and raised in Southington Connecticut, our company’s founder, Robert “Bob” Holm, served his country faithfully as a corporal in the US Army during the Korean War. On a furlough and visiting family in Cuba, he met and later married the love of his life, Maria. Honorably discharged, he decided on a career in the optical industry. In 1957, he moved his growing family to Tampa, where he opened Gulf Optical, a wholesale fame distribution company. In 1969, he moved his family to the Clearwater-Largo area. After various optical ventures, he founded the Optical Factory and Showroom in 1977. With his dedicated work ethics, philanthropic enterprises and unshakable integrity, the Optical Factory flourished into a successful business that is operated today by his daughter, Darlene Holm Fincher, and his “adopted” daughter, Kara Colecchia. Bob Holm was a generous, witty, dedicated man who loved his family and was passionate about helping others. His heart and soul live on through Darlene, Kara and the staff at the Optical Factory and Showroom.
Our Staff of Board Certified & Licensed Opticians:
Kara Colecchia
Owner & Licensed Optician
I was born and raised here in Largo and graduated from Largo high school in 1985. I started working at the Optical Factory and Showroom part time after school and I’ve been here ever since – haha! My staff would probably describe me as the “easy button” – I’m always up for a challenge when it comes to helping our patients with difficult prescriptions find the lenses that work best for their lifestyle. I currently reside in Palm Harbor, happily married with one grown-up son and one furry son at home. I couldn’t ask for a better career these past 30 years – I get to spend my days helping others see beautifully!
Darlene Holm Fincher
Owner & Licensed Optician
Licensed since 1976, I was blessed to open the Optical Factory & Showroom with my wonderful father and founder, Robert Holm. Since 1977, our motto “Dedicated to making you see beautifully” highlights our commitment to providing the highest standard in personalized care, quality and an amazing array of products. We obtain the most advanced technology and education for the benefit of our clientele. Kara, our wonderful optical family and I are rewarded daily with the joy of providing the gift sight. Outside my optical world, I enjoy gatherings with family and friends, reading, sports, theater, movies, trips to the beach, and traveling.
Renea Golly
Licensed Optician
Happily married for 20 years and in the optical business for over 26 years. I’m proud to call The Optical Factory & Showroom my second family. I love working for a family owned business because of all the support we have for each other to help fit our patients with the best eyewear possible. I also have a third love — my love for the sea! I love to be by the water. In my spare time you can find me fishing, snorkeling, and sailing with husband and my sweet pup, Max.
Nathan Souto
Licensed Optician
I’ve been working in the optical industry for over 36 years, and I started working for The Optical Factory & Showroom back in 2009. Dr. Tucker and I have worked together in the past, and I enjoy helping his patients have clearer vision for over a decade now. In my spare time, I am an avid aviator and flight instructor. My co-workers would probably describe me as being the most eco-friendly person in the office. Like the rest of the staff here, I’m a dog lover — I’ve rescued 6 dogs and currently have Jade, Josh, Zeus, and Apollo.Ronald Tucker, O.D., an independent doctor of optometry, performs eye examinations for patients. Licensed hearing aid specialist William Ingham performs free hearing tests.
Popular frames we offer:
