At Schroeder Optical, we utilize the latest technology often found in the large national chain laboratories; however, we are a small third generation family-owned, independent laboratory dedicated to serving and partnering with the independent eye care professional. For instance, we can provide your dispensary with a remote trace and transfer ordering system and fabricate your patients' lenses with the latest state of the art equipment.

We use new technology to compliment our traditional means of customer service -- not replace it. If you are looking for a laboratory that wants to be your partner and that is dedicated to keeping up with technology, yet understands the importance of being responsive in a human way, then give us your serious consideration. You will reach one of our customer service personnel ready and willing to respond - no automated attendants!

An Emphasis on Training and Education
Furthermore, we offer our accounts continuing education through annual seminars, and through office presentations and personalized in-office training. We have Virginia-Licensed Optician, Robert Flippin, on staff who provides these services. We are committed to partnering with our accounts in many ways, one of which is through offering training and education.

Please enjoy our web site and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Thanks for giving us a visit.



Schroeder Optical opened its doors in 1972. However, its history begins well before the company's beginning. Bill Schroeder, co-founder of Schroeder Optical, began his lifelong career in the business in 1912 in Richmond, VA with Galeski Optical. At the age of thirteen, Bill was taking tickets at a theater owned by the Galeski family when Mr. Galeski asked Bill if he would like to work in the family's optical business. Bill accepted the offer and began his career in wholesale optics.

Father and Son Team Found Schroeder Optical
Galeski's wholesale division became a part of Bausch & Lomb in the early 1920's, and Bill moved up and down the east coast before settling in Roanoke, VA. While in Roanoke, Bill left Baush & Lomb to be a manager at an independent lab, Blue Ridge Optical. In 1956, he left Blue Ridge to form his first lab, Professional Opthalmic Laboratories (POL). He and two other investors started the company, and in 1961 his son Bob came to work for him. With Bob's business sense and Bill's optical experience, the two decided to start their own business, Schroeder Optical.

The father and son team entered the venture with 71 years of experience between them and brought on other experienced opticians. Bill Schroeder worked in the business until his death in 1981.

Third Generation Joins Company
In 1991, Schroeder Optical entered not only its third decade, but its third generation of Schroeders. Tom Schroeder grew up in his father and grandfather's business and has helped with every aspect of the business. After nine years managing the company's sales and marketing efforts, Tom Schroeder now serves as President, succeeding his father, Bob.

Schroeder Optical Looks Toward the Future
The company is always looking ahead by placing an emphasis on educating its staff and customers on new products and services offered throughout the industry. Customer-oriented seminars and staff-specific training keep the company, and in turn the customer, updated on the latest trends. Schroeder Optical looks to its future success, through such innovations as our Trace and Transfer ordering system that enables our accounts to receive the fastest and most accurate service available. Our membership in the Lightbenders wholesale lab group keeps our lab in constant contact and collaboration with many of the best labs in the country. The information we gather from our affiliation with Lightbenders enables our lab to plan for the future, which in turn helps our accounts plan for the future too.