Serving Greater Lexington Area
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About Pal Optical
Pal Optical was founded in 1955 by Dr. Herman Abel and his wife, Hennie, who was a licensed optician. Dr. Abel brought his family from Louisville and started the business on Main Street. The company was operated with the optical store located on the main level and the doctor's office located upstairs. There was a mechanical chairlift that carried patients up to the doctor's waiting area.
Expanding the Practice
A second location was opened in Lexington Mall in 1980. This store did not contain an in-house lab, and the glasses were transported to the Main Street location for fabrication. By 1984, the Lexington Mall location had become more favored by the patient base, and the decision was made to close the Main Street location and relocate everything to Lexington Mall.
In 1976, Dr. Abel hired a new optometrist, Dr. Steven Klecker, to assist with the optometry practice. Dr. Klecker worked at the downtown location, as well as Lexington Mall, and eventually became a partner and then owner of the optometry practice located beside Pal Optical. Just as Dr. Abel had done in 1976, in 2005, Dr. Klecker hired a new optometrist, Dr. Kathryn Robbins. She possesses a special attribute—she is also his daughter.
In 2002, Pal Optical was again relocated to Woodhill Circle Plaza where it remains today. The optometrists, Dr. Klecker and Dr. Robbins, are located in the same suite. Pal Optical is now managed by licensed optician, Linda Gilliam, who has been an employee since May of 1984.
Meet Dr. Robbins
Dr. Kathryn Robbins, O.D.
Pal Optical Independent Doctor of Optometry
Dr. Kathryn Robbins is the daughter of Dr. Steven Klecker and his wife, Carol. She was born and raised right here in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Robbins is a 1996 graduate of Lexington Catholic High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.
Dr. Robbins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, a minor in management at University of Dayton, and is a 2005 graduate of Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. After spending many summers working various jobs at Pal Optical, as well as Dr. Klecker's office, she knows the ins and outs of the company.
Dr. Robbins enjoys working with patients and takes great pride in helping people achieve healthy eyes and great vision. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Kentucky Optometric Association, and the Kentucky Optometric Association-PAC, and she enjoys volunteering with the Special Olympics when she can. Dr. Robbins currently lives in Lexington.
Lab Managers
Pal Optical has two of the most experienced lab co-managers, Mark McKinley and Robert Hodges. Together they are responsible for fabrication and completion of the final lens product in our in-house lab.
Mark McKinley
Comes to Pal Optical from Indiana. He has co-managed the Pal Optical lab since 1986. Prior to 1986 he was employed by a super lab in Indiana where he perfected his craft on cutting-edge equipment and learned from masters in the field. Mr. McKinley brings diligence, integrity, and keen analytical skills to the area of lens fabrication.
Robert Hodges
Is a Lexington, KY native and acquired his optical lens fabrication skills as well as optical machine repair skills from the master craftsmen in and around Lexington. He has been employed in the field since 1981. His optical education period included a previous employment with Pal Optical in the mid 1980's. Mr. Hodges has been employed in the Pal Optical lab since 2005 and became co-manager in 2006. Mr. Hodges brings mechanical ability, analytical math skills, and dedication to the optical field.
Why Choose Us?
A wide variety of eyeglasses and contact lens brands
Flexible appointment scheduling
Convenient office hours
Business Hours
- Mon - Sat
- -
- Sunday
- Closed