Meet the family
Our team of licensed opticians is trained and led by our first and second-generation family with over 35 years of industry experience.
Allen Friedman
Allen founded Optical Designs over 35 years ago in Needham, MA. He obtained his Optician’s License in 1986 and holds an MBA in Finance and International Trade from The University of the Americas in Mexico City. Allen loves working alongside his three children providing amazing service for patients.
In his spare time, he loves spending time with his seven grandchildren, playing tennis and traveling the world with his wife.
Ronnie Friedman
Ronnie is the youngest member of the family and has loved working in the family business for the past 12 years. Along with his optician’s license, Ronnie has earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication from American University.
His family is his top priority and he spends as much time as possible with his wife and three young children. With Mexican in-laws, they jump at every opportunity to travel to Mexico, and are all bilingual in Spanish and English. He is an avid sports fan, never missing a Patriots game. He enjoys CrossFit, exploring new restaurants and staying as active as possible.
ILANA DOWNES
Ilana has been in the family business for 18 years, and is a licensed optician. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University. She loves the optical business, and truly values the relationships she builds with customers.
Family is very important to her, and she enjoys any time spent with her husband and two teenage children. When possible, they love to travel, and have had the opportunity to visit Mexico, Japan, and different European countries together. Ilana and her children are bilingual in Spanish and English. Other interests include eating out, working out, keeping up with current events, and spending time with friends.
Michelle Lieberman
Michelle has been working for the family business for 20 years. She is a licensed optician and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Michelle worked at the Needham location for 10 years and when the family decided to expand the business, she was excited for the opportunity to open the Wellesley location. She has been in Wellesley ever since. Michelle’s favorite part of her job is building lasting relationships with her clients.
Michelle loves to spend time with her husband, two sons and her dog. She loves reading the latest best sellers, working out, traveling, and trying out the hottest new restaurants.
Schedule an Eye exam
Please contact the location most convenient to you to book your next eye exam.
1211 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA
781.449.4455
68 Central Street
Wellesley, MA
781.239.9811
663 VFW Parkway
Chestnut Hill, MA
617.522.3443
