Member Spotlight

This month we take a look at longtime Crescenta Valley Chamber member, La Cañada Eye Care. Owned by La Crescenta resident Dr. Tony Chahine, La Cañada Eye Care has been in existence since 1960. Dr. Chahine took it over from Dr. Klingerman in 2001 and has had a steady, successful practice since then.

“I have a long history in this area,” said Chahine. “In fact Dr. Klingerman was my eye doctor as a little kid!”

Dr. Chahine was raised in La Cañada, attending local schools up to La Cañada High. His father, Moustafa Chahine, was chief scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory and his mother, Marina Chahine, had a long career as history teacher at LCHS. It was from her that young Tony learned his love of all things historical. At the La Cañada Eye Care offices, patients can gaze at all sorts of vintage optometry instruments over 100 years old, with some dating back to the 1700s.

“It was a hobby that started while haunting antique stores but it’s really exploded since the advent of eBay,” said Chahine.

Dr. Chahine’s parents came to California as students when they attended UC Berkeley studying history and physics. Tony also attended Berkeley (and UCLA) but found his interest was in optometry. Why optometry?

“Three reasons,” said Chahine. “I’ve always enjoyed healthcare and helping people. Second, I love numbers. Third, I never cared for the sight of blood.”

Thus, helping people see better by finding the perfect corrective lenses was his calling.

La Cañada Eye Care Optometry is your one-stop vision shop. They can help with contact lenses and glasses as well as keep your eyes healthy by diagnosing and monitoring diseases like glaucoma, pink eye and other infections. They stop at surgery, however. For that you’ll need an ophthalmologist.

The employees in the optical shop are top notch – they’ve helped outfit my whole family with glasses. Ric, Rose and Anita can help with choosing frames, measuring lenses and fitting glasses just right.

Dr. Chahine is a member of not only the CV Chamber but the La Cañada and Montrose-Verdugo City chambers as well.

“It’s my way of being part of the business community,” he said. “I’m too busy with my practice to be physically out there but I feel it’s important to support the community and keep it healthy.”

Dr. Chahine lives in La Crescenta where his two children, Orion, aged 4, and nine-month old Carina will one day attend Dunsmore Elementary. He and his family plan on staying here.

“This is my home,” he said. “I can’t go to Vons or Ralphs without seeing someone I know.  It makes the trip longer but much more enjoyable.”

La Cañada Eye Care is located at 1419 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada. They can be reached at (818) 790-0422.

Upcoming Events

Ribbon cutting and grand opening party at Courtesy Electric Wholesale, 3522 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta on Friday, Dec. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Get your reservations in by Dec. 31 for the installation lunch at Oakmont Country Club on Thursday, Jan. 14. See the website for more information.

  Lisa DUPUY