Northend Optical has been a fixture in North Tacoma for years. It was originally known as Franske Optical and was opened by Don Franske in 1957. The current owner Diane Blair took over the business in 2002. Although Diane never met Don she feels like she has come to know him from the people who still drop in and speak of what a nice and caring optician he was. He laid a great foundation for the company with his caring, customer service.

Linda Orton bought the business in 1992 and changed the name to Northend Optical Inc. She too treated the patients with care and respect. She even made house calls occasionally; her patients were like her friends and family. To this day she is close with many of them and occasionally helps out at Northend Optical. She stays active in the Opticians Association of Washington as president of the Tacoma Chapter.

When Diane bought the business she decided to keep the name Northend Optical because the name fit the type of office suited for the north end of Tacoma. Diane wanted to keep it the friendly neighborhood optical shop known for taking care of people, staying up to date with the latest styles and the newest technology. The shop is also known as the place to find unique products that you won't find everywhere else. Diane is a Licensed Dispensing Optician, ABO certified and has more than 30 years of experience in the optical field. She is active in the Opticians Association of Washington as vice president of the Tacoma Chapter.