“Silmo Istanbul is no longer just a trade fair; it has become a powerful platform that showcases Turkey’s potential in the optical industry to the world.”

Hello Mr. Kürşatlar. Let’s begin our interview by getting to know you. Could you introduce yourself and share how you first became involved in the optical sector?
Hello, I am Umut Kürşatlar. I was born in 1992 as the son of a father who worked as an eyewear wholesaler and a mother who was a public officer. I grew up surrounded by the world of eyewear and optics from an early age. Thanks to my father, I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the profession closely and gained a natural affinity for the field. Due to my interest in mathematics and physics, I pursued engineering and graduated from the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. After working as an engineer for some time, my passion for commerce and longing for the optical sector became stronger. I then completed a second degree in Opticianry. Inspired by the knowledge, experience and vision of my father, Ata Kürşatlar, who is one of the most respected and established figures in the sector, I continue to carve out my own path under the roof of U&K Optik with the same dedication and discipline. By adding my own vision, aesthetic perspective and modern retail approach to the knowledge and work ethic I inherited from my father, I blend traditional expertise with today’s innovative mindset and strive to bring a both rooted and contemporary touch to the industry.

Could you tell us about the establishment of U&K Optik? How did your retail journey begin?
I decided to bring my own brand to life by combining the experience I had gained over the years in wholesale optics with the boutique retail approach I observed abroad. The premium boutique concept I had long dreamed of became a reality in Anadoluhisarı, one of Istanbul’s most distinguished neighborhoods. U&K Optik was designed not only as a point of sale but as a living space that highlights design, aesthetics and personal experience. Although I received many name suggestions, I wanted the brand to fully reflect my own vision, so I chose the name U&K, representing my initials. In short, U&K Optik was founded with the aim of offering a personalized optical experience that brings together years of expertise, international inspiration and a local boutique perspective.

Do you offer products from every segment? Which products and brands do your customers prefer most?
Since our store is located along the Bosphorus and right next to waterfront mansions, our customer profile naturally gravitates toward high quality and uniquely designed products. For this reason, we primarily feature Europe’s most distinguished brands. Our founding principle was to bring together the finest optical and sunglasses brands in Turkey under one roof. Today, our customers can find extensive collections from premium brands such as Cartier, Chopard, Silhouette, Tom Ford, Mykita, Gucci and Maybach all in a single place.

Designer brands have become increasingly popular in recent years. Do you also receive such requests from your customers?
Absolutely. People no longer want to wear brands they see on everyone else. They prefer more boutique, distinctive and personal designs that reflect who they are. Customers are looking for eyewear that expresses their identity, and this growing demand is fueling the interest in designer brands. At U&K Optik, we follow this shift closely. In addition to globally renowned brands, we also showcase successful boutique manufacturers and local designers from Turkey. These collections, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail, stand out in both quality and character. In short, eyewear has evolved beyond being a simple accessory; it has become a piece that expresses one’s style and stance. Our approach is built entirely around this understanding.

Could you tell us about the after sales services you offer? How do you build customer loyalty?
As a boutique eyewear store, we see each of our customers as a long term friend. In our after sales support, we prioritize being there for them whenever they need anything related to their eyewear. We adopt a personalized approach to build customer loyalty. By getting to know our customers’ style, face shape and usage habits, we provide tailored recommendations in their future visits. In short, for us, a sale is not just a transaction but the beginning of a long lasting relationship based on trust.

Do you find the sector’s sales and training initiatives sufficient? Do you organize training programs for your staff?
Although training activities in the sector have increased in recent years, I believe there is always a need for more due to evolving technology and design trends. At U&K Optik, we place great importance on staff training. We ensure that our employees attend trainings organized by lens manufacturers and brands so they can maintain both their technical knowledge and service quality. We also enable them to participate in international fairs and seminars, allowing them to closely follow global trends and industry innovations. This way, our team provides service not only as salespeople but as professionals who understand the product, its technology and the spirit of the brand.

High street stores or shopping malls? We would like to hear your preference and the reasons behind it.
We definitely prefer high street retail. We are located in Anadoluhisarı, a neighborhood with a preserved historical texture and a warm, authentic community spirit. Here, we can communicate with our customers one on one, get to know them and closely follow their needs. For us, each new day is not only about sales but also about social interaction. People picking up fresh bread from the bakery or stopping for a morning coffee see us, greet us and chat with us. This warm connection strengthens the soul of our brand and builds trust. In a shopping mall, it is difficult to capture this natural and sincere atmosphere. In our view, an optical store should not only be a point of sale but also a part of the neighborhood it belongs to. For this reason, being a high street store aligns perfectly with our brand’s identity.

As a retailer, what are your thoughts on price competition among your colleagues in the sector?
Price competition is an inevitable reality of the retail industry. However, we prefer to interpret this competition not solely through pricing but through service quality, trust and customer satisfaction. Since my father has been active in the optical wholesale sector for many years, I know manufacturers and distributors closely, which provides significant advantages in terms of sourcing for U&K Optik. Because we can procure products under more favorable conditions, we offer our customers both extensive collections and competitive prices. For us, the true differentiating factor is not just affordable pricing but creating an experience where customers feel safe and continue to receive support after the sale. In the long term, loyalty and trust become far more valuable than short term price competition.

Do you follow international optical fairs and industry developments?
Yes, I closely follow international fairs to stay in tune with the pulse of the industry. Every year, I regularly attend the Mido and Silmo Paris optical fairs. These fairs are not only about seeing new collections but also serve as major sources of inspiration for observing trends, technological developments and the future of the global optical sector firsthand. In fact, the concept of my store was born from the impressions I gained at these fairs. My goal was to create a retail concept that reflects the boutique optical approach seen in Europe, which is still relatively rare in Turkey. Thanks to this vision, both our store architecture and our service philosophy stand apart from traditional retail. In short, international fairs are not just events for us but centers of continuous renewal, inspiration and vision.

What are your thoughts on the development of the twelfth edition of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and its contributions to the sector?
Silmo Istanbul has become an increasingly significant meeting point for our industry, reaching closer to international standards each year. With its brand diversity and the quality of its exhibitors, it clearly reflects the strength of the Turkish optical sector. For me, Silmo Istanbul is not just a commercial event but also a hub for industry innovations, idea exchange and inspiration. The insights we gain at the fair each year directly contribute to the vision of our store. Silmo Istanbul is no longer just a trade fair; it has become a powerful platform that showcases Turkey’s potential in the optical industry to the world.

Thank you for your valuable interview. Lastly, we would like to hear your thoughts on 4 your eyes.
Thank you. It is truly meaningful to be featured in such a high quality industry platform. 4 your eyes stands out not only as a source of news or promotion but also as a medium that brings vision and depth to the optical sector. I believe that its ability to bring together different stakeholders and facilitate knowledge sharing creates a major advantage for us retailers. With its impartial, up to date and professional content, it makes a real difference in the sector. In short, I see 4 your eyes as one of the voices and showcases of the optical industry. My sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to it.

December 2025