Optiswiss
Swiss-Made Precision
Silmo Istanbul reflects the vibrancy of the Turkish market and meticulously highlights its role in shaping the future of the optical industry.
Optiswiss stands out as a premium, independent Swiss brand with a focus on quality, sustainability and innovation. Founded in 1937, the company collaborate with universities and research institutions to drive innovation and conduct market-relevant wearer trials, ensuring that its products meet the highest standards and customer expectations. Optiswiss’ facilities use renewable energy, recycle water through advanced closed-loop systems, and reduce waste by repurposing production materials. By combining sustainability and profitability, Optiswiss continue to strengthen its position in competitive markets. We present our exclusive interview with Frederik Zimmermann, Director Business Development & Global Expansion, about this respected Swiss lens manufacturer.
How did your journey that brought you together with a deep-rooted Swiss brand like Optiswiss begin?
My journey with Optiswiss began earlier in 2024, leveraging my long-time experience in global business development and distributor partnerships in the optical industry. Optiswiss’ commitment to sustainability, precision, and Swiss-made quality resonated strongly with my professional values.
Could you tell us about the products you produce with Swiss engineering in Basel?
Optiswiss produces a comprehensive range of lenses, including single-vision, progressive, sports, and specialty lenses, all manufactured exclusively at our Basel site. Our production facilities use 100% renewable energy from Swiss providers, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. State-of-the-art automation ensures precision and quality, with thousands of lenses produced daily.
The concepts of quality, dedication, and trust tell a lot about Optiswiss. What are the principles and approaches internalized by the brand?
Optiswiss upholds quality through rigorous production standards, sustainability initiatives, and continuous investment in cutting-edge technologies. Dedication is reflected in our collaborations with industry partners, which strengthen our innovation capabilities. Trust is built through transparent business practices, reliable delivery, and a clear focus on the well-being and equality of employees, as evidenced by our CSR certification and initiatives.
With which innovative technologies do you make a difference in the sector as Optiswiss? How do you ensure product quality standards?
Optiswiss sets itself apart by combining expertise in lens production with innovative solutions. For instance, Biometrics lenses are tailored to individual anatomical measurements, offering unmatched personalization and visual performance. Additionally, ‘Smyle’, a specialized lens for myopia management, represents a key innovation. We adhere to stringent ISO standards across our production processes and, in some cases, set tolerances that exceed these norms, ensuring exceptional precision and reliability. The premium quality is ensured through rigorous testing and leveraging feedback from customers and partners.
Today, responsible production has become a duty for sustainability… What methods does Optiswiss use in responsible production?
Optiswiss is deeply committed to sustainable practices. Innovations like heat recovery for building heating and the use of eco-friendly materials in marketing and logistics are just a few examples of how we integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations. Achieving CSR certifications like RSE-Engagé underscores our dedication to these values.
What kind of work do you do in your product developments in order to turn the competitive conditions in lens production in your favor?
Strategic partnerships and customer-centric innovation are central to our development efforts. For instance, our collaboration with IOT and Brian Holden Vision Institute resulted in SMYLE, a lens designed to address the growing need for myopia management solutions.
How does feedback from your users affect your innovation processes?
Feedback plays a central role in shaping our innovations. For instance, the demand for high-quality, sustainable products has driven advancements in our coatings and lens designs. Collaborations with partners and opticians also provide valuable insights that help us refine our offerings, ensuring they meet both current and future needs.
Which technologies and trends do you think will come to the fore in lens production in the near future?
The lens production sector is moving toward sustainability, digital integration, and personalized solutions. Technologies like myopia management lenses and advanced progressive designs are becoming more prominent. Partnerships, such as ours with IOT, are key to staying ahead by driving innovation and ensuring a competitive edge in an evolving market.
Which strategic steps are you taking to position Optiswiss brand in the global arena?
Optiswiss positions itself as a premium, independent Swiss brand focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation. Strategic collaborations enable us to offer exclusive technologies and differentiate ourselves globally. Participation in major trade fairs, such as Silmo, combined with our CSR commitments, further enhances our visibility and positions us as a trusted partner in more than 20 countries.
Could you tell us about your plans and goals with your new distributor in Turkey?
Our partnership with Opka Optik marks a significant step in expanding Optiswiss’ presence in Turkey. By combining our expertise with their market knowledge, we aim to offer innovative campaigns, robust training programs, and fast, sustainable delivery services. Dealers can expect exclusive access to cutting-edge products and support, enhancing their competitive edge in the market.
What are your comments on the development of the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and the values it adds to the optical industry?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair has grown into a key event for the optical industry, fostering innovation and collaboration. For Optiswiss, Silmo Istanbul is an opportunity to showcase our 100% Swiss-made precision, sustainability initiatives, and new technologies developed through strategic partnerships. Silmo Istanbul reflects the vibrancy of the Turkish market and meticulously highlights its role in shaping the future of the optical industry.
January 2025