Bob Ham Eyewear Jacksonville History
Bob Ham Sr. and his wife Peggy
Bob Ham Sr. (1922 - 2012) spent many years as a representative of Bausch and Lomb. Following that career in the optical industry, he became one of the early Florida Licensed Opticians. In 1966, Bob Sr. along with his wife Peggy, opened Lakewood Opticians.
Bob Ham Jr. joined his father at Lakewood Opticians in 1977. After mastering the art of opticianry and becoming a Florida Licensed Optician he opened a second location. In 1983, Bob Ham Eyewear on Crown Point Rd. Jacksonville began serving the growing Mandarin community.
In 1985, Ruth Ann (Swenka) Ham joined Lakewood Opticians. She became a Florida Licensed Optician and continued her career at Bob Ham Eyewear. She and Bob Jr. were married in 1992.
Lakewood Opticians was sold in 1986, when Bob Ham Sr. retired and later closed. In 1990 Bob Ham Jr. moved his location to the popular Mandarin Landing and continued to serve his customers there for 16 years. It became necessary to change locations again in 2006, when Whole Foods required the space he occupied in Mandarin Landing.
The move was made to 9760 San Jose Blvd, a building which was originally a bank across from Outback. Extensive renovations were made by himself, Ruth Ann and many generous friends. He enjoyed serving his customers there for 12 years.
In 2018, the need arose to relocate, and Bob Ham Eyewear moved to the current location at 9965-24 San Jose Blvd in Merchants Walk. Again, the renovation was a labor of love, and they were proud to be serving customers, old and new from this location.
They have enjoyed a long friendship with many customers, some they have been serving for over 45 years.
Bob and Ruth Ann Ham retired in March of 2022. After thoughtful consideration, prayers, and with the love and care of their customers in mind, Bob Ham Eyewear was sold to Martijn Heuts and Karen English. Both are Licensed Opticians with over 50 years of combined experience in the optical industry.
Together with Dr. Sheila Merritt, Bob Ham Eyewear will continue to stand for the highest quality of care for your eyes, providing excellence in customer service and quality eyewear.
Bob W. Ham Jr and his wife Ruth Ann Ham.
February 2022
The legacy of Bob and Ruth Ann Ham will continue with the amazing business model the Ham family has built for so long. Martijn and Karen are dedicated to continuing in their footsteps, leaving a footprint behind that new and existing customers will remember.
Martijn Heuts, Karen English and Bob Ham Jr. A toast to the continuation of legendary business "Bob Ham Eyewear". A business what stands for Quality and Excellence in customer service.