DETROIT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

First opening its doors on July 14, 1975, Heritage Optical has been in business for nearly 28 years. It was the first African American owned ophthalmology center in Michigan. Today Heritage is an upscale optical center that carries highly fashionable eyewear.

A fellow practitioner first introduced George Barnes, president of Heritage Optical, to the field. He explained to Barnes that the need for ophthalmologist far out weighed the number of practicing doctors in the field. Prior to opening Heritage Optical, Barnes worked at the Metropolitan Hospital in Detroit from 1969 to 1975.

Barnes opened up his shop in Detroit because he saw a need for this type of business in the city. "I think it is a good place to do business for African Americans and minorities," Barnes said. "The business I bring is something the city has never had." Heritage Optical has now expanded to three different locations in the city of Detroit.

Barnes has been a member of the NAACP as long as he can remember. He began as a member long before Heritage Optical opened; now his family and his business are involved with the NAACP as well. "You go to the NAACP to serve not for them to help you or your business," Barnes said, "but the relationships that you build help to bring in business." In addition to serving his community through the Detroit Branch NAACP, Barnes also sits on the Advisory Board at University of Detroit Mercy and is involved with the Michigan Minority Business Development Council.

Heritage Optical is a complete ophthalmology center with three convenient locations in Detroit. The Livernois Center is located at 19010 Livernois, the Millender Center is located at 333 E. Jefferson in Suite 248 and the Chene Square Center is located at 2678 E. Jefferson. The hours of operation for the Livernois Center are Mon. - Fri. 9am to 6pm and Saturdays 9am - 4pm.