Optometrist Debra Bernstein and attorney Ken Bernstein recently moved to a new home off Main Street in the Village of Irvington. However, they didn’t travel far, having lived the past 12 years outside village limits in the Cedar Ridge community.

“We wanted to be able to walk everywhere and be closer to the events that were going on,” said Debra from her newly opened boutique-style Squint Optometry on Main Street.

Ken, who recently left his job in Manhattan, now practices law under his own banner, sharing office space in the back of Squint.

“This space really works so well,” said Ken. Pointing through Squint’s store front bay window he added, “We now live next to the rec center which is across the street.”

The happily married couple of 15 years have three children ranging from eight to13 years old.

“The kid’s bus drops them off here. They come in, say hello; one of us brings them to back to the house and sets them up with homework. This space has really worked out great,” said Ken.

Squint officially opened its doors in July 2009. Debra, who has practiced since 1993 and is a graduate of George Washington University and The New England College of Optometry, said her expectations have been exceeded.

“Everyone has been enthusiastic about the new business,” she said, adding until last year she was employed by a practice located in Scarsdale. “I never worked more hours in my entire life,” she said with an exasperated laugh. “It’s been really great. Everything you do is for yourself, your family and the community. People have been great and word of mouth has been the best advertising.”

Entering Squint is a comfortable, soothing experience. The walls are lined with eye glass and sunglass styles covering the gamut—something for everyone. Soft music plays overhead and warm, welcoming smiles are frequent. Debra specializes in comprehensive eye exams, as well as state-of-the-art contact lens care, and treats a variety of medical conditions.

“I had a strong sense of aesthetic and what would represent my personality. I wanted it to be casual and not a scary experience…some people get nervous, especially kids. I have a white coat but I don’t wear it,” Debra said.

Since she lives a stones throw from her practice, Debra accommodates the often hectic and busy schedules of her patients that come in at the last minute or call with an emergency on her day off.

“It all about being a part of a community and this (Squint) is very different, I think, than other experiences people might have had,” she said.

An affable, good humored couple, Debra said sharing office space with her spouse presents “Good days, and then…there are the bad days.” Her coy statement prompted a hearty laugh from Ken.

As Chairman of the Business Improvement Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, Ken is encouraged that 2010 will be a better year than its predecessor.

“We have been meeting for the last year or so and making suggestions to the mayor on how to improve the different pockets of business. The biggest accomplishment we had over the last year was getting the Farmer’s Market up and running,” he said, adding both he and Debra are Chamber members.

“I think people are more conscious about shopping locally,” Debra said. “Business in the village is turning around.”