Joe LeGrand, Sr had his eye removed while he was in college, due to an injury he sustained in his early teens. When he went to have his prosthesis made, he became interested in the profession. His ocularist hired and trained him upon graduation, but within a year Joe ventured out on his own. It was apparent from the start that he had three goals: please his patients, improve custom plastic eyes, and grow his business.

His drive and talent led to expansion of his business throughout Eastern United States and across Canada - having as many as 40 offices at one time. He trained more than 20 ocularists including Joe Jr. during his tenure before succumbing to ALS in 1983. Many methods and techniques that are commonly used in North America were developed by LeGrand employees in the 1960's and 1970's.

Their best known innovation is the empirical impression fitting method. In the 1960's, the modified impression technique was state of the art. However, that method begins with taking an impression, which can be unpleasant, and even somewhat traumatic.

The empirical impression technique, developed by Joe LeGrand, Sr. and his colleagues, makes the impression further into the process in the fitting of the wax shape - after the patient has had time to get comfortable and relaxed. Today, LeGrand Associates is comprised of five offices covered by three ocularists with combined experience of 100 years!