Originally known as Loewe's Optical located on Main Street since the late 1940's, Fred and Sylvia Soto purchased the business from Oscar and Lillian Loewe after Loewe's retirement in 1961. Fred and Sylvia opened the current location at 1843 Hillview Street in 1963 and changed the name to "Soto Opticians".
Customer care, quality eyewear and the most recent styles became synonymous with "Soto Opticians", and the Sotos expanded the business by opening nine different locations from Bradenton to Punta Gorda.
In 1981, Fred Soto hired Dan L. Schmidt, an experienced, energetic optician from Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area as Manager of Soto Opticians on Hillview Street. Upon his retirement in 1985, Soto sold his interest in all nine stores to their respective managers. Dan and his wife, Jill, purchased the business from Fred and Sylvia Soto, and have been part of the Soto family tradition of quality eyecare for 25 years.
Dan Schmidt holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Opticianry from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. SInce joining Soto Opticians in Sarasota, Florida, Dan has been involved with the Manasota Chapter of the Professional Opticians of Florida and Gulf Coast Kiwanis. Dan's expertise and knowledge in the area of dispensing progressive lenses has earned his recognition by the Varilux Corporation as the leader in the Southeast Region of the United States for Varilux lens sales. Professional customer care, the latest in fashion trends, and an emphasis on quality products are part of the Soto tradition that we have been providing to our customers for over 45 years.