Focal Point Opticians came into existence during the fall of 1977 with the objective of providing quality personal service at discount prices to the retail consumer. At the time the largest optical chain store was Sear's Cole National and the regional Sterling Lensco. Lenscrafter's and Pearle Optical did not exist.  The late 70's were heady times for the optical industry as designer branded eyeglass frames were ushered in. Ordinary frames were placed into "collections" and metal plaques affixed to the temples; each plaque representing a particular designer or personality. Among the most successful of these were: Diane Von Furstenberg, Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci, Christian Dior and American Optical's Dorothy Hamill collection. The store's somewhat remote Palisade Avenue shopping location would prove to be challenging right from the start and continued to be vexing throughout its existence. This in conjunction with management's inexperience proved to be particular handicap in the early years. Despite many initial setbacks the business gradually began to find solid footing and establish itself, building an unusually loyal customer base far beyond Cliffside Park. Many customers would travel from New York City to as far away as Florida to fill their eyeglass prescriptions. Images of Focal Point as it appeared in the year 2005. The business remained under the same ownership for nearly 30 years, eventually being sold to new management in 2006.