Opticians


Daniel Protz: Owner

Daniel’s notable ingenuity and skill set, along with decades of experience have allowed him to offer Houstonians only the best when it comes to their eyewear needs. With patience and a unique set of problem-solving skills, Daniel is able to repair, adjust and refinish frames other opticals won’t touch. As the owner and lead optician, Daniel’s clientele includes some of Houston’s most recognizable faces. Daniel can be reached by email at [email protected].

Nicholas Protz: Optical Manager & Buyer

As a graduate of Sam Houston State University and son of Eye Elegance owner, Daniel Protz, Nicholas has learned from the best. After years of apprenticing in the Eye Elegance lab and taking courses in opticianry, Nicholas excels as both an optician and lab technician. His attention to detail and extensive industry knowledge ensures our clients gain a thorough understanding of available options. Nicholas can be reached by email at [email protected].

Sonja “Squeak” Riffe: Optician & Lab Technician

Sonja has been in the optical field since 1989 and is highly trained as both an optician and lab technician. Her skills and expertise allow her to address any concerns you may have about complicated prescriptions. Sonja’s experience along with her honest and down-to-earth character makes her an intricate member of the Eye Elegance team. Sonja can be reached at [email protected].

Adriana Gonzalez: Optician

As an optician since 1985, Adriana’s experience and joyful demeanor make selecting new eyewear fun and effortless. Her artistic abilities as a sculptor and painter, in her free time, enable her to create the most beautiful and unique custom lens tints. Adriana’s creative vision, experience, and ability to speak fluent Spanish enhance the level of service our clients deserve. Adriana can be reached at [email protected].

Hugo Peralta: Optician

Hugo, a native of Bogota, Colombia, has been refining his skills in luxury eyewear since 2011. As a former Apple Genius Hugo has a natural curiosity for technical knowledge which extends to optics and lens technologies. Hugo’s goal is to make choosing your new pair of glasses an exciting adventure… Trying on different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors to find the perfect frame that in addition to making you look great, also complements your own personal aesthetic and lifestyle. He particularly enjoys designing made-to-measure eyewear from the Tom Davies Bespoke collection. Hugo is fluent in Spanish. When he’s not styling eyewear, Hugo is an avid runner, swimmer, and art enthusiast. Reach Hugo at [email protected].

Laura Chanel Martinez: Frame Stylist & Optician

Laura Chanel Martinez: Frame Stylist & Optician

A native Houstonian, Laura, began pursuing a career in luxury eyewear after graduation in 2014. When it comes to eyewear trends, she enjoys seeing people step out of their comfort zones wearing bright colors with crazy shapes and designs. She’s seen eyewear become increasingly popular and enjoys helping people shop for eyewear and make a statement with their glasses, especially when she can guide them a bit out of their comfort zone. “Nothing is more gratifying than the positive feedback they receive; as an optician, I love to see it!” says Laura.

For her everyday wear, her go-to is Lindberg frames. She loves their fun colors and durable design. When it comes to shades, her favorite sunglasses are Matsuda. She absolutely loves their combination of classic styles and intricate craftsmanship. She constantly gets compliments on her sunglasses when she’s out and about. Laura loves spending time in her native city. She also enjoys painting, drawing, writing, and listening to music in her free time. If she’s not enjoying quiet time at home, you’ll probably find her at The Toyota Center attending a concert or watching The Rockets play. Reach Laura at [email protected].

Tom Barrett Optician at Eye Elegance

Tom Barrett: Optician

Tom Barrett attended Tyler Jr. College, garnering awards for highest sales and numerous sales trainings, opticianry continuing education courses, and on-the-job training from his father, who also was an optician. He started his opticianry career back in the early 1970s. Since then, he has worked for many respected high-end optical stores in Costa Mesa, CA, Beverly Hills, Galveston, Houston, and Dallas before returning to Houston and joining Eye Elegance in September 2022. His favorite eyewear brand is Chrome Hearts, but he has many beloved pairs from Lindberg, Robert Marc, and Theo. Reach Tom at [email protected].