EP# 189: Beyond the Lens: Creating Community Through Quality Eyewear with Aura Optical

Good Neighbor Podcast: Tri-Cities

What makes Steve Casey and John Kaudewitz with Aura Optical a good neighbor?

Eyewear shouldn't be an afterthought—it's the accessory you wear every day, sitting front and center on your face. Yet so many of us settle for cookie-cutter glasses from chain stores or overpay for luxury brands that lack personality. That's exactly the gap Steven Casey and John Kaudewitz identified before opening Aura Optical in downtown Johnson City.
Their modern eyewear boutique reimagines what buying glasses should feel like. Walking into their space on East Main Street feels "more like a cozy cafe than a clinic," with warm lighting, abundant greenery, and locally roasted coffee served while you browse their thoughtfully curated collection. No rushed appointments, no pressure sales tactics—just genuine care and exceptional service.
A common misconception they're quick to dispel? That independent optical shops are always more expensive than chains. Aura Optical offers frames across various price points without compromising quality, and they accept most major vision insurance plans including VSP, iMed, UnitedHealthcare, Spectera, and Superior. For those without insurance, they've created competitive package pricing that makes sense for real people.
What makes this seven-month-old business truly special is their philosophy that eyewear should reflect your personality. As Steven poignantly shares, "It isn't just a place to buy glasses. It's a space where people are truly seen, both literally and emotionally." Every frame on their shelves has been intentionally selected—no fillers, no afterthoughts—ensuring you'll find something that feels authentically you.
Ready to experience eyewear shopping the way it should be? Visit Aura Optical at 312 East Main Street (next to Mulligan's Pub), check out their website at auraopticalco.com, or follow their Instagram @aura_optical_JC for a glimpse into their unique collection and vibrant shop atmosphere. Your eyes—and your sense of style—will thank you.

To learn more about Aura Optical go to:

https://auraoptical.co/

Aura Optical

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Chapters

1. Welcome to Good Neighbor Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Aura Optical Boutique (00:00:38)

3. Misconceptions About Eyewear Quality (00:01:52)

4. Marketing and Insurance Coverage (00:03:38)

5. Personal Lives and Business Challenges (00:05:31)

6. Finding Aura Optical (00:08:01)