By Chiara Sebastiani
Interview with Emilio Cacini, owner of Cacini Ottica.
In the heart of Tuscany, in Lucca, the tradition of optics is being renewed thanks to the passion and professionalism of Emilio Cacini, founder of Cacini Ottica, a well-established company with four stores in Lunata, Marlia, Porcari, and Borgo a Mozzano. In the brand new store in Lunata, which opened a few months ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Emilio and discovering his story, the philosophy that guides his work, and the technological innovations that have made Ottica Cacini a point of reference for the Province.
Emilio’s career did not begin in optics, but in the world of photography. “I was a photographer and then I decided to expand a little, just to increase my budget,” says Emilio. What was supposed to be a simple extension of his business turned out to be a real discovery: “I became passionate about it, I discovered that optics was very, very interesting, and from then on I only did optics.”
This passion, which arose almost by chance, led Emilio to build a solid professional career. “I got my optometry diploma and created a strong team around me,” he explains. But what makes his approach unique is the centrality of service and attention to people.
For Emilio, optics is not just about selling products, but about providing a service aimed at solving people’s problems. “I’ve always liked this: solving people’s problems, giving concrete help,” he says with conviction. His philosophy is based on professionalism and the ability to thoroughly understand the essential issues in order to offer personalized, quality solutions.
“One thing I always tell the kids, and it’s rare to find: people come in, get their glasses, pay, and then say thank you. It’s not something to be taken for granted.”
This recognition, this gratitude, is what continues to motivate Emilio after so many years in the business. Passing on his passion to his colleagues, his son Guido, and his daughter-in-law Veronica, who work with him, he has developed a specific working method that combines traditional and modern techniques to ensure optimal results.
The method applied by Ottica Cacini is based on two fundamental approaches: classic English optometry and American behavioural optometry. “We are a mix of these two techniques,” explains Emilio, emphasizing how this combination allows us to offer a complete and cutting-edge service.
Not just lenses and frames, but a real diagnosis of visual health using advanced technological tools. Emilio proudly shows us a recent ‘Visionix’ device that works with artificial intelligence, capable of performing a complete eye screening and sending all the data to an ophthalmologist for an online report on many characteristics of the eye:
- Corneal assessment and corneal thickness measurement;
- Intraocular pressure measurement;
- Assessment of the presence of cataracts;
- Examination of the back of the eye to monitor overall eye health.
This technology, exclusive to Ottica Cacini in the area, allows for accurate and accessible screening at a cost of only €40. “It’s a service I highly recommend because it allows for important screening to be done quickly and easily,” Emilio emphasizes.
Ottica Cacini has also developed a network of partnerships with local ophthalmologists, who can intervene quickly if necessary: “We have a team of doctors who perform eye exams and orthoptists for visual field assessments, all with the highest quality and at the lowest possible price.”
This delocalization of eye care services is a major innovation with significant social value: “Service is the foundation of everything, and this is something I liked very much right from the start.”
In the world of optics, fashion plays an important role, but at Ottica Cacini, the technical functionality of eyewear is never lost sight of. Emilio explains how the choice of model must always start from the satisfaction of technical characteristics, while still recommending eyewear that is aesthetically pleasing. This balance between aesthetics and technology makes each item a useful device for vision, but also a personal and stylish accessory.
Beyond his work, Emilio has cultivated other passions that reveal a lot about his personality. Among these is mountaineering, a discipline he has practiced with enthusiasm and which has taught him the value of determination and respect for nature.
Emilio also developed a special love for horses: he had a particularly special bond with a stallion that was Italian morphology champion for three consecutive years. “It was a wonderful experience,” he recalls fondly.
The story of Emilio Cacini and his team is a testament to how passion, professionalism, and innovation can coexist to offer a high-quality service to the community. With four stores in Lucca, Emilio has created not only an optician’s shop, but a true centre of excellence for visual health.
The combination of traditional techniques and advanced technological tools, combined with a human and personalized approach, makes Ottica Cacini a must-visit for anyone who wants to take care of their eyes with competence and attention.
Info: www.caciniottica.com
Borgo a Mozzano: Via Ludovica 17f (Lu) / Tel. 0583 88656 / borgo@caciniottica.com
Lunata: Via Pesciatina 23 (Lu) / Tel. 0583 469327 / lunata@caciniottica.com
Marlia: Viale Europa 313 (Lu) / Tel. 0583 577607 / marlia@caciniottica.com
Porcari: Via Stazione 39 (Lu) / Tel. 0583 210649 / porcari@caciniottica.com