The Merriam-Webster dictionary chose “authentic” as the word of the year for 2023. In a world filled with fake news, misleading social media posts, and even Artificial Intelligence, it’s not surprising that people are craving more genuine connections, ethical practices, and interactions with people who care. Beyond the basic transaction of receiving a product or service we paid for, sometimes our experiences fall short of expectations. Digging deeper, it’s often the lack of authenticity that leaves us wanting more.

What defines an authentic business? We’ve broken down the substance of what every business should be striving for to achieve true authenticity:

1. A Foundation of Trust: Trust is the bedrock of any successful relationship, and authenticity catalyzes building that trust. Actions and decisions should always be evaluated against the Core Values of a business.

2. Connecting on a Meaningful Level: The relationship with patients and customers is of paramount importance. What matters to you most is the primary focus. Listening with empathy, striving to understand, and taking a genuine interest are all equally important to serve clients most effectively.

3. Embracing a Unique Identity: In a world filled with options, you want a distinctive approach unlike all the rest. How the business delivers the service or product you are seeking makes a difference, as well as the specific features that define a high-quality experience.

4. Community Empowerment: A local business can derive a lot of value from the customers within its influence, and this value should be returned to the community in ways that extend beyond the product or service itself. A conscientious business will actively look at ways to give back.

5. Valuing Feedback: Being authentic means always striving to improve. Listening to customers’ thoughts, perspectives, and opinions helps an authentic business shape its direction and priorities. It also helps it stay agile and responsive to the changing needs of its customers.

We recognize you have a choice when it comes to your eye care provider, and we want to express our deepest appreciation for your ongoing support. Our Core Values of Compassion, Protection, and Professionalism were developed with our team and lived each and every day – our doctors and staff are always inspired when they can make a positive difference in someone’s life. We understand that quality means different things to different people. At MVO it means accuracy, precision, technology, performance, fashion, and durability. We promise to bring you products and services that live up to your expectations, without compromise. You’ve helped support our work locally and internationally ensuring that we all benefit from businesses that give back. Our contact lens recycling program, promotion of environmentally safe products and paperless charting system contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.



Thank you for entrusting us with your vision. You are the reason we strive to be the best version of ourselves every day. Together, we can continue to celebrate and support authentic businesses that make a meaningful impact on our lives and the world around us.