CraftOptics
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Since 2009
CraftOptics

About Us

A family-owned company revolutionizing magnification and lighting since the 80's.

Our Roots in Dentistry

CraftOptics was founded in 2009 by Dr. Charles Caplan and Jeff Caplan, but its roots go back to the early 1980s. Dr. Caplan, a dentist, wanted to see his work better and alleviate eye, back and neck strain during dental procedures. To solve this, he created magnifying eyeglasses for himself that allowed him to see great detail without hunching over his patients.

They worked so well for him, he thought other dentists experiencing physical strain might like the glasses as well. He created magnifying eyewear and founded the company Orascoptic, the first company to market magnification to general dentists. We hit the road visiting hundreds of dental shows and meetings.

In short order, the glasses helped thousands of dentists improve their vision, posture, and quality of their work. Today, the product is standard equipment for dental professionals around the globe.

“I Want Those Glasses!”

Over the years, dental patients showed strong interest in the glasses they saw their dentists wearing. After many inquiries, we were convinced that the ergonomic benefits of using magnification and lighting devices should be available to any detail-oriented creator.

After extensive research with a wide variety of artists and creators, CraftOptics was formed in 2009 (not associated with Orascoptic). Our products were designed and patented to address the specific visual challenges, habits and working positions of creators.

We understand how detailed creative work can often lead to eye and back strain. Having helped thousands of artists over the past 14 years, we are confident we can guide you toward the best solution for the type of intricate work you do.

This is our Focus.

CraftOptics is 100% dedicated to solving vision challenges of creative people like you. This is all we do.

Our experienced, personal guidance will ensure your set of CraftOptics works with your vision correction and meets the specific needs of your craft. Our founders have over 40 years of experience helping artists, dentists, and surgeons work with precision and comfort, and we’re here to help you when you decide it’s time to take action.

Here’s what you can expect when you when you wear CraftOptics Magnifying Eyeglasses and DreamBeam Light:

  • You will stop hunching over to see.
  • You will stop searching for brighter light.
  • You will no longer have your creativity disrupted by strain.

We believe CraftOptics is the solution you have been searching for, and we back it up with a 45 day trial period with a full refund if we don’t meet your needs.

Give us a call at 888 444 7728 when you’re ready. We look forward to speaking with you!

 

Meet Our Team

CraftOptics has over 40 years of experience helping artists and other professionals reduce eye strain and physical stress while working.

Jeff Caplan

President
Jeff has over 30 years of international product marketing, investment, and management experience. He holds a BSBA in Marketing from the Olin School of Business at Washington University, and an MS from the University of Wisconsin. His experience dates back to the 1980s during Orascoptic’s early development. There he served as Executive Vice President, and General Manager of Europe.
Today, you will still find Jeff online and at CraftOptics trade shows, guiding artists and getting direct feedback on their product needs. His mission is to help clients see their work without strain so they can be their creative best.

Dr. Charles Caplan

Co-Founder

Dr. Caplan founded Orascoptic Research, now part of the Danaher-owned group of companies (DHR), in 1981. As CEO and primary product designer, Dr. Caplan focused on optical/magnification, surgical lighting, and ergonomic seating. The company’s products are now sold across the globe and hold the largest worldwide market share. Dr. Caplan has a rare ability to effectively balance the desires of end users with the technological focus of his team of optical and mechanical engineers. This skill has created some of the most successful magnification and lighting products sold in the dental and surgical market today.

Lynn Richgels, ABOC

Customer Service Manager

Lynn has over 25 years of optical experience, starting her career as an Optometric Technician and later becoming an ABO Certified Optician. Lynn is an expert in guiding patients through their eyewear and prescription options and specializes in helping CraftOptics customers solve their vision challenges, so they can see the fine details of their work with precision and comfort. If you have a question about your prescription or want to know what CraftOptics product is right for you, Lynn is here for you and is only a phone call away.

Kim Havey

Product Assembly Manager

Kim oversees our product assembly and shipping, and helps with customer service.  It’s highly likely she personally inspected, packed and shipped your CraftOptics!

Stacey Caplan

Marketing, Design and Trade Show Representative

Since 2009, Stacey has traveled the country demonstrating CraftOptics products, meeting with a wide variety of artists, learning about how they work and guiding them through their order options. An artist herself, she understands the challenges our customers face. She has spent countless hours face to face with our customers, and looks forward to seeing you at a show or if you ever stop by the office in Madison!

Dick Buchroeder

Optical Engineering

Holder of 13 US patents, Mr. Buchroeder has over 40 years of optical design experience, both as an independent consultant and with Hughes Aircraft, Bausch & Lomb, and several others. His client list ranges from nearly every major US defense contractor to international optical companies and numerous US Universities. Mr. Buchroeder and Dr. Caplan have collaborated on several optical products and patents, including those now in the dental and medical marketplace being sold by Dr. Caplan’s former company. Mr. Buchroeder has a BSME from UC Berkeley, an MS from the University of Rochester, and a PhD from the University of Arizona.

"What a difference they make. They are comfortable, fit perfectly, not too heavy and I can see the smallest details sitting in a better upright position."

- Janis Patten - Hand Quilting, Embroidery and Applique' Artist
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