About Us

Garrison Opticians:

A 50-Year Journey of Personalized Style and Vision

How does a locally-owned opticianry make it to half a century of success? Here’s the timeline of Garrison Opticians’ incredible journey—from our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the Greenville, SC community.

From passing through hands and hearts to serving generations of customers, Garrison Opticians has stood the test of time. And we’re just getting started!

May 1974

Nelson Garrison opens Garrison Opticians, taking over from Elizabeth Arnold and kicking off a legacy of personalized eyewear.

1992

Phil Silberman and his family moved from California to South Carolina just in time for Phil to join forces with Nelson and make Garrison Opticians an even bigger success.

Fall 1997

Amy Peck steps onto the scene and seamlessly takes over from Nelson, keeping the tradition of quality eyewear and exceptional service alive and thriving.

May 2002

The shop finds its way back to its roots as Amy sells Garrison Opticians back to—you guessed it—Nelson Garrison.

April 2003

Phil Silberman transitions to becoming the proud new owner of Garrison Opticians.

Summer 2013

Enter Mignon Borchert! With her eye for fashion and heart for service, Mignon joins Garrison Opticians and starts making her mark.

January 2021

After the passing of Phil Silberman, ownership transitions to his family, ensuring the legacy continues.

May 2024

We hit the big 5-0! Garrison Opticians celebrates 50 years of helping you stand out while seeing clearly.

May 2025

Mignon officially takes over as Owner of Garrison Opticians

Garrison Opticians:

More About Us

Mignon Borchert
Leading our commitment to optical excellence is the dynamic Mignon Borchert, a Greenville native and the heartbeat of Garrison Opticians. With a South Carolina License and a passion ignited in 1998, Mignon’s journey began in the optical lab, where she honed her craft in corrective lenses. Over two decades later, her vibrant expertise ensures each client receives the perfect lenses and a tailored experience from the moment they sit down with her. Mignon’s white-glove approach turns each visit into a personalized journey, ensuring you see the world clearly and find yourself with a newfound confidence.
Kim Griffin
We’re excited to welcome Kim Griffin to the Garrison Opticians family! A proud Greenville native and devoted mother of five wonderful daughters, Kim brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for helping others to our team. She is currently pursuing her optician apprenticeship and is committed to delivering exceptional service and care to every client. Her dedication and drive make her a valuable addition to our boutique.
Nelson Garrison
Nelson Garrison, the founder of Garrison Opticians, opened the shop in May 1974 to bring high-quality, stylish eyewear to the Greenville community. A true pioneer in the field, Nelson built his business on the foundation of personalized service and a keen eye for craftsmanship, ensuring every customer left with the perfect lenses and frames aligned with their unique style. In addition, he served as President of the SC Optician Association and served two terms on the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Opticians, and he was recognized by Governor David M. Beasley in 1995 for his service.

Nelson nurtured Garrison’s from a small, local opticianry into a beloved boutique experience that is a Greenville staple. His commitment to quality and his passion for helping people see and feel their best set the standard for the white-glove service Garrison Opticians still upholds today. Even after selling the business in 1997, Nelson’s legacy of expertise and individualized customer care continues to shape how Garrison Opticians operates, making it synonymous with excellence in eyewear.
Amy Peck
Stepping into the spotlight in 1997, Amy Peck became the second owner of Garrison Opticians, continuing the legacy of exceptional service and unique eyewear. A fresh college graduate at the time, Amy embraced the opportunity to connect with Greenville’s vibrant community and quickly developed a deep passion for the optical world. Amy’s sharp eye for style and commitment to building lasting relationships made her a beloved part of Garrison’s story for nearly a decade. Her five years as owner left a lasting impact, and she remains a cherished figure in our history, always cheering on Garrison’s continued success!
phil-kayaking
phil-and-wife

Remembering Phil Silberman

Phil Silberman, owner of Garrison Opticians for 18 remarkable years, was much more than a business owner—he was a cherished friend, husband, and father whose influence touched countless lives. With ingenuity and persistence, Phil revitalized Garrison’s, dedicating himself to offering the finest eyewear to the Greenville community while forging deep, meaningful relationships with his clients. Known for his smile, stories, and unwavering generosity, Phil’s presence lit up every room. Beyond Garrison’s, he passionately served through the Downtown Rotary Club and Temple of Israel, always giving back to the community he loved. Phil’s humor, style, and heart are missed dearly, but his legacy of compassion continues to inspire all who knew him.

If you would like to honor Phil, please consider donating in his name to one or all of these local organizations: Metropolitan Arts Council (MAC), Rotary Club of Greenville, Meals on Wheels, Temple of Israel, Greenville County Alzheimer’s Association and/or Greenville Area Parkinson’s Society (GAPS)