Urban Optiks Optometry, a local source of eyewear and eyecare, presents its fourth annual “Raise Your Glasses,” a vendor trunk show and 10th anniversary celebration, on May 9.

In the past four years, the event has garnered national attention within the optometric world. It continues to grow in size each year as more vendors get involved in the evening of shopping, education and celebration.

Urban Optiks’ signature vintage-inspired, eclectic style will come alive in the largest space for the event to date — the Conservatory Room at the Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club.

“The evening will showcase 20 of our high-end, hand-crafted frame lines in a mega trunk show experience providing a truly unique opportunity for attendees to see the entire collections from each vendor,” managing optician Kristy Cambone said. “There will literally be thousands of frames to view, try on and purchase.”

Attendees have an opportunity to learn about new technology available at Urban Optiks. The company will introduce a new Eyecare Education Expo with representatives from their digital lens manufacturers — such as Zeiss, Hoya & Shamir — as well as their exam equipment suppliers and LASIK vision correction partners.

Dr. Gary Klein, owner and principle optometrist of Urban Optiks, opened the business in 2008 with a mission to provide San Diego with a high level of eyecare by using the most advanced exam and lens technology available, cultivate a collection of high-quality eyewear, and provide exceptional customer service with attention to detail.

“I began my optometric career 35 years ago and ended up owning several optometry practices located within the big-box retailer LensCrafters,” Dr. Klein said. “Over the course of years, I began seeing the landscape change in the optical world and how it was starting to be controlled by large corporate interests with cost-cutting reductions to services and quality products.”

Dr. Klein decided to sell those practices and pursue his dream of opening an optical boutique.

“I take extraordinary pride in taking the necessary time with each patient to provide an exceptional optometric and optical experience in a comfortable, caring and professional manner,” Klein continued.

Today, Urban Optiks has positioned itself as a heavy hitter in the San Diego market, staffed by an experienced, knowledgeable optical staff and supported by a growing customer base.

Dr. Klein’s care extends well beyond the exam room. He is active in the community and supports an array of charitable organizations. He is very honored to have been recognized for his philanthropy, but for him it’s always been a part of his life-long commitment to give back.

In keeping with that tradition, Raise Your Glasses will be raising funds for The Vision of Children Foundation, a nonprofit located in Del Mar working to cure hereditary childhood blindness and vision disorders. Through their organizationally-funded research, they are dedicated to improving the quality of life of visually impaired individuals and their families.

Representatives from the charity will be on-hand educating participants about childhood blindness and their research and development work. An opportunity drawing and silent auction raffle, with prizes donated by many of Urban Optiks’ community partners, will be just a few of the ways that funds will be raised.

Additionally, the social affair will feature food, craft cocktails, shopping opportunities and more.

Raise Your Glasses will take place on Wednesday, May 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club, located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd. A $10 donation benefiting The Vision of Children Foundation is requested at the door. For more information and to RSVP, go to uoosd.com/raise.