Our Family. Our Team. Our Vision.
An Optical Galleria was founded by Bob and Niki Pino with a simple goal: deliver exceptional eye care and beautifully crafted eyewear through a truly personalized experience. Bob began his career as an optician in Washington, D.C. in 1978, building more than four decades of expertise in optical craftsmanship and patient care. Together, Bob and Niki created An Optical Galleria as a family-owned practice that blends medical eye care, custom eyewear, and artistic design.
The practice first established its presence in Centreville, Maryland, in 2002, where it became known for its commitment to quality vision care and personalized service. As the practice grew, additional locations were opened in Ocean City in 2014 and Easton in 2018, allowing An Optical Galleria to serve patients across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
In a recent transition, the Centreville and Easton locations were sold to Dr. Carpenter, an Eastern Shore native who continues to care for patients in those communities while also providing optometric care for patients at the Ocean City location.
Today, the Ocean City location remains the flagship practice, where the Pino family and their experienced team continue to provide expert optical services, eyewear styling, repairs, and personalized vision care.
This transition also allows the Pino family to focus on the continued growth of Hook Optics, the performance eyewear brand born from their decades of optical expertise and deep connection to the coastal lifestyle.
At An Optical Galleria, the mission remains the same: help every patient see clearly, look great, and experience the highest level of personal care.
Bob Pino
Bob Pino is a master optician and co-founder of An Optical Galleria with more than 40 years of experience in professional vision care. He began his career in Washington, D.C. in 1978 and quickly built a reputation for precision, craftsmanship, and exceptional patient care.
Throughout his career, Bob has specialized in helping patients find the right eyewear and lenses for their lifestyle, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of vision health. His work ranges from custom prescription eyewear to advanced lens solutions designed for comfort, clarity, and long-term eye protection.
As the foundation of An Optical Galleria, Bob’s dedication to quality eyecare and premium eyewear continues to shape the practice. Patients trust his experience, attention to detail, and commitment to helping every person see their very best.
Bob’s expertise in eyewear isn’t his only passion
Bob’s expertise in eyewear isn’t his only passion, he’s also an avid fisherman who finds inspiration on the water. His love for fishing fuels his dedication to creating eyewear that meets the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether crafting lenses for clarity or designing frames built for adventure, Bob’s understanding of both fishing and optics ensures that every pair of sunglasses delivers exceptional performance. His unique blend of technical skill and personal passion makes him an invaluable part of the Hook Optics legacy.
Niki Pino
Niki Pino is the co-founder of An Optical Galleria and a driving force behind the vision and growth of the practice. With a background in art, design, and business, she helped build the foundation of the company and shape the distinctive style that An Optical Galleria is known for today.
Her creative perspective and leadership were instrumental in developing a practice that blends premium eyewear, expert opticianry, and a welcoming patient experience. Niki’s ability to combine aesthetics with strategic business insight helped elevate An Optical Galleria into an award-winning eyecare destination.
Today, Niki focuses on guiding the vision and growth of both Hook Optics and An Optical Galleria, while continuing to uphold the legacy of exceptional eyecare and craftsmanship that defines An Optical Galleria.
Niki’s artistic vision is at the heart of An Optical Galleria’s success. With a background in art and design, she has a unique ability to blend creativity with functionality, curating eyewear collections that are as stylish as they are practical. Beyond her role as a designer, Niki is a driving force behind the business’s growth and innovation. From crafting customer-centric strategies to refining operations, her leadership ensures that every aspect of the practice reflects excellence. Her dedication to blending artistry with business development has not only elevated the brand but has also created an experience that customers love and trust.
Chris Pino
Chris Pino plays a pivotal role in the success of An Optical Galleria and Hook Optics, blending his passion for angling with a deep understanding of eyewear. As an accomplished angler, Chris brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts, allowing him to contribute to the design and functionality of Hook Optics products. Managing both Hook Optics and the Ocean City store, Chris ensures customers receive exceptional service and products tailored to their lifestyle. His innovative approach, combined with a dedication to excellence, makes him a driving force behind the family’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Captain and Angler
Chris Pino brings his deep passion for fishing and the water to every aspect of his work. As an accomplished angler and now a licensed captain, he combines hands-on expertise with leadership, ensuring Hook Optics sunglasses meet the highest standards of performance for outdoor enthusiasts. Chris’s time on the water gives him invaluable insight into the demands of anglers and adventurers alike, allowing him to contribute directly to product development. His dedication to both his craft and the family business reflects his commitment to quality, innovation, and the legacy of excellence at Hook Optics.
Anthony Pino
Anthony is a highly respected captain in the sportfishing world. With years of experience navigating the waters, Anthony embodies the adventurous spirit that inspires Hook Optics. He also provides valuable input and rigorously tests products, ensuring that Hook Optics meet the high standards demanded by the best captains in the world. His deep connection to the ocean and commitment to excellence resonate in the family’s eyewear brand, bringing a unique perspective to the business. Anthony’s passion and leadership continue to enhance the family’s dedication to quality and community.
Text
Heading
Use this text to share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, share announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
From local waters to offshore challenges, Anthony has led his teams to victories that reflect not only his skill but also his dedication to excellence. His ability to adapt to changing conditions, read the water, and make split-second decisions has proven invaluable in high-stakes competitions. Each win tells a story of teamwork, preparation, and Anthony’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Beyond the tournaments, Anthony’s influence extends to the family’s business, Hook Optics. His firsthand knowledge of the demands on the water plays a vital role in shaping the performance and design of Hook Optics sunglasses. As someone who relies on clarity and durability daily, Anthony ensures that every pair meets the high standards required by captains, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Dr. Alex Carpenter
Following the sale of the Centreville and Easton locations, those practices are now owned and operated by Dr. Carpenter, who continues caring for patients in those communities while also providing optometric care at the Ocean City location of An Optical Galleria. This transition allows the Pino family to focus on the Ocean City store and the continued growth of Hook Optics.
Dr. Carpenter, an Eastern Shore native, earned his degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland and completed his doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. His clinical training included serving veterans at the Allentown Veterans Affairs Hospital. He focuses on ocular health, systemic disease connections, and binocular vision disorders while staying current with the latest advancements in eye care.
Outside the office, he enjoys kite surfing near Assateague Island and spending time with his family.
Text
Heading
Use this text to share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, share announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
From local waters to offshore challenges, Anthony has led his teams to victories that reflect not only his skill but also his dedication to excellence. His ability to adapt to changing conditions, read the water, and make split-second decisions has proven invaluable in high-stakes competitions. Each win tells a story of teamwork, preparation, and Anthony’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Beyond the tournaments, Anthony’s influence extends to the family’s business, Hook Optics. His firsthand knowledge of the demands on the water plays a vital role in shaping the performance and design of Hook Optics sunglasses. As someone who relies on clarity and durability daily, Anthony ensures that every pair meets the high standards required by captains, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Heather
Heather is a skilled and personable optician, dedicated to helping patients see clearly and confidently. With years of experience in the optical field, she combines technical expertise with a personalized approach, ensuring each patient gets the best solution for their unique vision needs.
Heather goes beyond frame selection and lens fitting: she listens to lifestyle and visual requirements, recommends appropriate lens technologies (including high-index, progressive, and polarized options), and ensures optimal fit and comfort. Known for her warm, welcoming manner and attention to detail, Heather delivers practical, stylish eyewear that performs as well as it looks.
Bring your prescription into An Optical Galleria to meet Heather and receive vision care tailored to you.
Text
Heading
Use this text to share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, share announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
From local waters to offshore challenges, Anthony has led his teams to victories that reflect not only his skill but also his dedication to excellence. His ability to adapt to changing conditions, read the water, and make split-second decisions has proven invaluable in high-stakes competitions. Each win tells a story of teamwork, preparation, and Anthony’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Beyond the tournaments, Anthony’s influence extends to the family’s business, Hook Optics. His firsthand knowledge of the demands on the water plays a vital role in shaping the performance and design of Hook Optics sunglasses. As someone who relies on clarity and durability daily, Anthony ensures that every pair meets the high standards required by captains, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.