EFES OPTİK
Trusted in Optical Solutions
“I believe Silmo İstanbul’s 2025 edition was much more successful than previous years in terms of visitor quality and professional atmosphere.”
Hello Mr. Pehlivanoğlu. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us how you entered the industry?
Hello, I am Gökhan Pehlivanoğlu. My career in the optical sector began in 1994 by becoming a partner in a company. At that time, my entry into the industry was shaped both by my interest in commerce and by the clear need I observed in Turkey for high quality and accessible eyewear. Later, in 1999, I founded Efes Optik. The most valuable insight I gained throughout more than 30 years in the optical field is that a successful business can only be sustained with a strong team, a constant search for innovation and a customer focused mindset.
Efes Optik is a well-established company. Could you share the story of its founding and the growth strategy behind your 25 year journey?
As I mentioned earlier, our founding story began with the intention of addressing a need that was evident in the optical market. There was a shortage of products in Turkey that offered both quality and a balanced price performance value. We set out to fill this gap. Our growth strategy was never based on short term goals but on building sustainable brands. We consistently strengthened our distribution power, established robust collection development processes and invested in branding. The success of Efes Optik is one of the strongest examples of strategies built with this approach.
Quality is a fundamental principle for Efes Optik. How do you maintain your quality standards in material selection and production?
Our understanding of quality is based on a continuous control process from raw material selection to the final stages of production. We choose titanium, acetate, metal and TR90 components according to international standards. All our products are manufactured in compliance with CE criteria. Each collection undergoes durability tests before reaching our retail partners. For this reason, every pair of glasses produced by Efes Optik promises both longevity and a healthy user experience.
You export to Asia and Europe. Could you share your international sales experience and what it has contributed to your company?
Our international operations have brought us significant experience. We saw that every market has its own dynamic and expectations. While design and brand perception come to the forefront in European countries, lightness and functionality gain much more importance in Asia. This diversity has enriched our collection development vision and positioned Efes Optik as a company ready for global competition.
Could you tell our readers about your brands and how you developed this portfolio?
Today, we have a broad and versatile brand portfolio that includes Chanzara, Lufian, Garbino, Lady Victoria, Chimi, Scapa and Garbino Kids. Each brand has its own identity and target audience. Our goal is to offer an option that suits the style and lifestyle of every consumer. This level of diversity makes Efes Optik a strong and flexible player in the industry. Being able to appeal to younger consumers, classic style enthusiasts and licensed product users with the same quality is of great importance to us.
Efes Optik is known for its strong emphasis on R&D. Could you tell us how this process works?
Our R&D team conducts detailed analyses of face shapes across different regions and age groups in Turkey. We are aware that eyewear is not merely an accessory but a design that needs to integrate with the wearer’s face. For this reason, we place special emphasis on ergonomics, nose bridge structure, material lightness and long term comfort. Our prototyping process is highly meticulous and each model is tested and revised multiple times.
You are preparing a new Turkish brand especially for the European market. How are you planning its positioning in this region?
Yes, we aim to create a brand that represents modernity, originality and the strength of Turkish design in Europe. We plan to position this brand as one that brings together quality, design and accessible luxury. We strongly believe that a brand originating from Turkey can secure a lasting presence in Europe. In line with this goal, we continue our work without slowing down and are making large scale investments.
You have more than 500 retail partners across Turkey. How do you select them and how do you support their sales?
When building our retail network, our most important criterion has always been establishing long term and trust based relationships with our business partners. We prefer to work with visionary retailers in every region of Turkey who value their customers. We provide our partners with regular collection presentations, fast delivery, after sales services and retail support. The strength of our dealer structure comes from the fact that we see them not only as customers but as business partners.
What is Efes Optik’s approach to after sales service and what kind of support do you offer in this process?
For us, the after sales process does not end with the sale of the product; on the contrary, it begins there. We offer our retail partners fast spare part supply, product replacement support and technical solutions. Each region has a dedicated customer representative and all our processes are carried out with minimal disruption. The reason we are known as a solution partner in the sector is our ability to provide fast and transparent support whenever it is needed.
In your opinion, what trends will stand out in the optical sector as we approach 2026?
With the new year, I believe minimal and functional designs will come to the forefront. Lightweight materials, sustainable production, coloured lenses and retro modern forms will see higher demand. At the same time, eyewear will continue to play an increasingly important role in the fashion world and consumers will express their personal style with bolder frames.
Could you share your thoughts on the twelfth edition of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair held last month and its contribution to the sector?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair has become one of the most important gatherings of our industry. It creates a strong platform for both domestic manufacturers and international brands. I believe Silmo İstanbul’s 2025 edition was much more successful than previous years in terms of visitor quality and professional atmosphere. The fair is highly valuable for following innovations, establishing collaborations and bringing the industry together under one roof.
Thank you for your valuable insights. Lastly, could you share your thoughts about our magazine 4 your eyes?
I believe 4 your eyes Optical Magazine is an important publication that enhances the sector’s knowledge base and conveys trends in a professional tone. I consider it a valuable resource for both industry representatives and retailers. Thank you for featuring us and I wish you continued success.
Decemmber 2025
