About Us

The first cornerstone of Alpha Optical began with a pioneer optometrist. In 1923, J. S. Bridgefarmer was licensed to practice optometry in the State of Texas. As was common in that day, Dr. Bridgefarmer operated a jewelry store and incorporated the equipment for vision testing in his store on the downtown square in McKinney. He employed a young man named Julius Smith as a technician and taught him how to repair jewelry and manufacture optical lenses. At Dr. Bridgefarmer’s urging, the young man studied by correspondence and completed the testing necessary to become a licensed optometrist. Dr. Julius Smith took over Dr. Bridgefarmer’s optometry practice in 1949. Apart from his professional carreer, Dr. Smith’s deep sense of civic duty prompted him to head the city’s early volunteer fire department, and he donated the property to the Girl Scouts organization that is now known as Camp Smitty.

The second foundation stone of Alpha Optical began as an independent optometrist’s office on the downtown square in McKinney, Texas, in 1946. Dr. Charles B. McKissick finished his distinguished tour with the United States Navy as the Optical Officer of the USS Indianapolis, which sank in the Pacific Ocean under Japanese torpedo fire. After Dr. McKissick’s miraculous survival and rescue, he graduated from Optometry School at Southern College in Memphis, Tennessee. He then settled and opened his private practice on the downtown square in McKinney. In the early 1960’s, he formed a partnership with a WW II veteran B-52 pilot, Dr. Edward M. Slack, that would last for twenty-five years. During that time, the doctors established an optometry practice that was known all over Collin County, and was respected by patients and health care professionals alike. McKissick and Slack hired other doctors and formed other professional partnerships including the legal entity called Alpha Optical, and through the years, the practice continued to grow.

In 1986, Dr. Alan H. Upchurch came to McKinney and was hired as an employee of McKissick and Slack. In late 1987, Dr. McKissick’s failing health necessitated his retirement, and Dr. Upchurch began to see Dr. McKissick’s patients. Dr. Slack continued to practice until 1989, when a similar agreement was negotiated for his retirement. Dr. Upchurch continued the operation of the practice with the same core staff members and in the same facilities.

In 1991, Dr. Upchurch moved the practice to a strip-mall location on US HWY. 380 at Redbud Street to improve accessibility, visibility, and parking for the growing patient base. The move to the new facility proved to be a positive influence on the visibility of the practice, and the number of new patients served continued to increase every year. The growth of the practice necessitated the opening of a satellite office in 1995 called Alpha Optical of Frisco, LLC in the western part of Collin County. A partner doctor, Jeffery J. Horacek, OD, maintained patient care in the new satellite office.

In 1999, Dr. Julius Smith, decided to retire due to failing health after 50 years of practice. At Dr. Smith’s request, Dr. Upchurch began to provide continuing care for Dr. Smith’s patients and incorporated them into his practice in McKinney.

In 1999, Alpha Optical of McKinney had outgrown its leased space in the strip-mall and a new office building was constructed on Eldorado Parkway west of Hardin Road. In January, 2000 Dr. Upchurch transferred ownership of the satellite practice, Alpha Optical of Frisco, to Dr. Horacek. This enabled Dr. Upchurch to concentrate his efforts on the patients in McKinney.

Alpha Optical stocks the largest selection of eyeglass frames in McKinney (approximately 1200), and can deliver same day service for most patients with soft contact lenses or single vision glasses. The practice has achieved a reputation with patients for providing thorough eye health examinations, for retaining courteous, knowledgeable service technicians, and for retailing first quality optical materials. Professional specialties of the practice include Low Vision Services, for patients with degenerative eye diseases that require high-magnification optical devices, and managing difficult-to-fit contact lens patients. Our doctors are experienced refractive surgery consultants and provide both pre-operative and post-operative care for LASIK patients, as well as alternative procedures like Orthokeratology.

The office operates on an appointment basis, but can always work-in patients with eye injuries and emergencies. Our doctors are participating providers with Medicare, and several health plans and vision insurance groups including VSP and United HealthCare. As a community service, and with the help of local school nurses and the McKinney Lions Club, Dr. Upchurch provides eye examinations and glasses to needy children in public schools across Collin County.