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 founded the company Orascoptic, and created Orascoptic eyewear, the first such product marketed to general dentistry. The products quickly became the standard of care in magnification devices for dental professionals around the globe.
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 (not associated with Orascoptic). Our products were designed and patented to address their specific visual challenges, habits and working positions.
CraftOptics has over 40 years of experience helping artists and other professionals reduce eye strain and physical stress while working.
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 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 oversees our product assembly and shipping, and helps with customer service. It’s highly likely she personally inspected, packed and shipped your CraftOptics!
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!
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.