Elİt OPTİK
Bringing Vision and Value to Konya
“Our Elit Optik street store was selected as the 2nd Best Store in Türkiye at the Silmo Award Istanbul. We are proud of this prestigious award, which honors our efforts and strengthens our professional motivation.”
Hello Mr. Osman Baharoğlu. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your journey into the optical sector?
Hello, I was born in Konya in 1983. I completed my entire education in Konya. I entered the optical sector in 2002 and have been passionately practicing my profession ever since. After completing my military service, I got married in 2007; my wife is a teacher. I am a father of one daughter and one son. In 2008, I established my own business by opening my first store. Today, we operate six stores in different locations across Konya. My interest in this sector was sparked by my fascination with sunglasses since childhood. Over time, realizing that eyewear is not only a necessity but also an element of style and identity further strengthened my commitment to this field.
How did your experiences in Istanbul and Ankara shape your retail approach in Konya?
The experience I gained in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, especially in shopping malls with high customer traffic, has been extremely valuable for me. In these cities, I had the opportunity to observe that optical retail is not only about selling products but also about managing an overall customer experience. I closely witnessed how global brands are presented, the language of in-store communication, the relationship built with customers, and the importance of following trends. Istanbul, in particular, with its constantly evolving dynamic as a fashion hub, significantly broadened my perspective. By bringing all this experience back to Konya, I aimed to offer a more contemporary, more conscious, and stronger retail understanding to my customers. I believe this approach has played an important role in helping us stand out in our city.
What was the optical retail landscape like in Konya when you opened your first store in 2008? What were your goals at the time?
In 2008, the optical sector generally had a more traditional structure. Most stores were located around hospitals, and services were mainly focused on basic vision needs. Eyewear was not yet perceived as closely connected with fashion as it is today. To be honest, we were also part of this structure at the beginning. However, we believed that this perception needed to change. We started to communicate that eyewear is not only a healthcare product but also an important accessory that reflects personal style. By introducing concepts such as brand, quality, and aesthetics to our customers in the right way, we became part of this transformation. During this process, we not only improved ourselves but also helped transform our customers’ perspective. Today, I believe this approach has contributed to bringing a different vision to the optical sector in Konya.
How would you define Elit Optik’s growth journey to six stores and the innovations you have introduced?
Reaching six stores in 17 years is not only a numerical growth for us but also a story of development built on trust. From the very beginning, we have taken our work seriously and established a strong bond with our customers. We introduced high-end brands to Konya that were previously difficult to access and usually available only in major cities. We also partnered with premium lens manufacturers and invested in advanced lens cutting machines and focusing measurement devices. We ensured that our team received training in sales and marketing. At this stage, we took significant financial risks, but we have seen the rewards in the long term. Enabling people to access the same quality and variety in their own city, without having to travel elsewhere, has been a major source of motivation for us. In many ways, Elit Optik’s growth journey has progressed in parallel with the transformation of the optical retail mindset in Konya.
What strategy do you follow when building your brand and product portfolio? How would you describe the customer profile in Konya?
When building our product portfolio, we aim to create a balanced structure that appeals to all segments. What matters most to us is ensuring that every customer who visits our stores can find an option that suits both their style and budget. Today, we carry more than 30 brands in our stores. We bring globally renowned brands such as Cartier, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Miu Miu, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana together with our customers. In recent years, the customer profile in Konya has become significantly more conscious. Preferences are no longer driven solely by price; quality and design are now key factors. We aim to meet these evolving expectations by offering a well-curated and diverse product range.
How do you maintain the same level of service quality across all your stores?
One of the most challenging aspects of growth is maintaining consistency. We prefer a systematic approach in this regard. Across all our stores, we use Cyber Optic and barcode systems to manage stock and sales processes. We make a conscious effort to work with experienced and dedicated teams. Employee satisfaction is a priority for us, as a happy team directly reflects on customer satisfaction. At the same time, creating a sense of belonging within the team is very important to us. We strive to build not just a workplace, but a family-like environment in our stores. This approach, which also includes our customers, ensures that our service quality remains consistent across all locations.
What role do technological investments play in your retail approach?
In the optical sector, technology is one of the most important complementary elements of service quality. As we never compromise on quality, we use state-of-the-art lens cutting machines and focusing measurement devices in our stores. We ensure that these devices are regularly maintained to keep their performance at the highest level. Accurate measurement and correct application form the foundation of customer satisfaction. Therefore, we do not see our investment in technology as a cost, but as an indispensable part of delivering high-quality service.
How have your leadership experience at Konyaspor and your involvement in civil society influenced your business life?
Being part of initiatives that contribute to my city and create value has always been important to me. I have had a special interest in football since a young age; I can say that I am a Konyaspor supporter by nature. For this reason, serving as Vice President of Konyaspor for two terms and taking an active role within the organization was both a proud and highly responsible experience for me. During this period, I built a strong network and gained a deeper understanding of how concepts such as trust, reputation, and human relations translate into business life. When you deliver the right results in such roles, it positively reflects both on your personal reputation and on the brand you represent. Being visible in the public sphere, when managed correctly, becomes a significant advantage in strengthening brand awareness and credibility.
What are Elit Optik’s future plans? Are you aiming to open new stores?
We closely monitor current economic conditions and developments in the sector. In the short term, we do not have plans to open a new store. However, in the long term, our goal is to expand the number of our stores and establish Elit Optik as a more widespread brand across Türkiye. While growing, our priority is to take solid steps and maintain our existing quality standards.
What would you recommend to young opticians and entrepreneurs entering the sector?
Young professionals entering this field must first invest in their own development. It is not enough to rely solely on theoretical knowledge; practical experience gained in the field is essential. It is not possible to become a master without first going through the apprenticeship stage. I would advise them to be patient, open to learning, and respectful towards their profession.
How do you evaluate the development of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and its contribution to the sector?
It is a fact that Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is an indispensable meeting point for our sector. I believe it is a very strong platform where all stakeholders come together and where innovations and trends can be closely followed. Moreover, this year we had a completely different experience at this valuable event, which we have been visiting for years and where we source products for our stores. Our Elit Optik Street store was selected as the 2nd Best Store in Türkiye at the Silmo Award Istanbul. We are proud of this prestigious award, which honors our efforts and increases our professional motivation. We would like to once again thank the Silmo Istanbul team and the Silmo Award Istanbul jury for bringing these awards to the sector.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Finally, could you share your thoughts about 4 your eyes?
I would like to thank the entire 4 your eyes team for presenting developments in the optical world through high-quality content. Your publications make a significant contribution to the sector both technically and visually. I consider it a valuable resource for closely following the industry. I wish you continued success.
April 2026
