“The educational sessions and workshops within Silmo Istanbul play a critical role in enhancing the knowledge and expertise of industry professionals.”

Hello Mr. Doğanay, could you let us get to know you a little better? How did you enter the optical industry?
Hello, I am Mehmet Akif Doğanay. I was born in Istanbul in 1984. In 1997, at a relatively young age, I began working at Dural Optik in Sirkeci under my mentor and also my uncle, Alaaddin Karabulun. By working in different areas of the optical sector, I gained a broad perspective on the industry. I experienced every aspect of the field, from watch and eyewear production to pharmacy-based optical services, and from Sirkeci’s small-scale retail culture to shopping mall stores. I also had the opportunity to closely observe the traditional “licensed optician” system that existed in Turkey before foreign investment entered the retail sector, as well as the operations of corporate international firms that later entered the market. These experiences gave me the chance to identify gaps in the sector and develop innovative solutions to address them. With this purpose, I embraced adding value to our industry as a personal mission.

You founded Everest Optik in 2023. How did you decide to open your store, and what was your main motivation?
In our industry, the ultimate goal for everyone who completes their apprenticeship and journeyman period is to open a store and become the owner of their own business. However, I realized that in a globalized world, the mindset of “better a small business of your own than nothing” is no longer sufficient. I observed that those who do not grow are forced to shrink, and small businesses cannot compete alone with large companies. The same situation applied to the watch market. Therefore, as Doğanay Group, we applied the franchise model, which we successfully implemented in the watch sector, to the eyewear industry. We built upon our experience in the watch industry to establish a new structure in the optical sector. The choice was simple: grow or fade away. We chose to grow.

What is the secret behind your rapid growth as Everest Optik? What are the main criteria when selecting the locations for your branches?
Reaching eight branches in a short period of time is driven by a strong team, a customer-focused service approach, and a strategic growth plan. The secret to our rapid expansion is combining our industry experience with an innovative perspective. For us, it is not only about opening more branches but also ensuring the same level of quality, trust, and customer satisfaction at every location. Therefore, we exercise great care and precision when selecting branch locations. We conduct a detailed analysis of the potential customer base in each area, evaluate existing competitors, and identify points where we can differentiate ourselves. We prefer central locations to ensure that our stores are easily accessible to customers. By focusing on local needs, we aim to provide solutions that align with the demographics of the region and the demand in the eyewear sector.

Could you share with our readers the process behind the name and brand identity of Everest Optik?
The name Everest Optik and our brand identity were carefully chosen to best reflect our goals and vision. Everest represents the peak we aim to reach in the optical sector. The name was created not only as a brand but also as a symbol of our commitment to excellence, innovation, and trust. Everest Optik is positioned as a representation of both quality and an innovative approach in the eyewear industry. Our brand aims to be recognized and trusted not only in Turkey but also internationally. The name Everest encompasses clarity and excellence in the vision experience as well as our constant desire to reach higher. We aim to meet and excel at the peak together with those who join us.

Do your stores carry products across all segments? What are the most preferred products and brands among your customers?
We offer a wide range of products in our stores to meet the needs and expectations of our customers. Prominent brands include both domestic and internationally recognized names. Our products balance quality, style, and affordability, appealing to all ages and tastes. Among our most popular products are frames that provide comfort for daily use as well as sunglasses. Additionally, eyeglass frames noted for their ergonomic design and lightweight feel are also highly favored. With our diverse product and brand portfolio, we strive to provide solutions that satisfy every customer. We deliver our service not in a mass-produced manner but with a tailored, almost bespoke approach. This goes beyond meeting expectations, offering a service that directly connects with customers and prioritizes their satisfaction.

You actively use social media. Could you talk about the benefits of your strong digital presence for your store and customers?
Our social media strategy goes beyond just promoting products; it aims to inform about industry developments, share campaigns, and communicate innovations related to our brand, thereby touching the lives of our customers. Being active on social media with our professional team helps our brand maintain a friendly and approachable image. Through an engagement-focused approach, we can take into account the opinions and suggestions of our customers and develop solutions. Social media allows us to reach everyone who is part of the Everest Optik family, adding value to their eye health and vision experience. It enables us to reach a much wider audience, adding new customers while reflecting the value of our brand through the strong connections we establish.

What are your thoughts on price competition among optical stores? How does Everest Optik approach this issue?
Intense price competition is always a significant challenge for all of us. However, at Everest Optik, we believe that competition should be evaluated not only in terms of price but also through factors such as quality, service, and customer satisfaction. We value industry solidarity and collaboration to maintain balance with our colleagues. Acting with the awareness that competition can drive the industry forward, we adopt a long-term approach where everyone can benefit.

You are an experienced figure in the optical sector. Could you share your thoughts on the changes and transformations in the industry?
First and foremost, technological advances have been at the heart of the transformation. Innovations such as customized eyewear design, digital measurement devices, and high-quality lens production have brought great dynamism to the sector. These technological advances have enabled us to offer solutions that enhance customer satisfaction. Customers today are not only seeking solutions to vision problems but are also looking for aesthetics, comfort, and quality. This has pushed the industry to offer fashionable and innovative designs. The entry of international brands has encouraged local companies to become more innovative and customer-focused. The increase in online sales channels has greatly changed accessibility to sunglasses. Within the framework of European Union compliance laws, standards such as the requirement for store managers, minimum store area, and restrictions on combining with other business types have also played a critical role in the transformation. While these standards bring quality and discipline to the sector, allowing foreign investment has left small businesses exposed against large capital. Adapting to all these changes and maintaining a customer-focused service approach to continue adding value to the industry has been both a responsibility and an opportunity for us.

Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sector or those who want to start their own business?
Those who are entering the sector or want to open a new store should first thoroughly assess their own situation. If it is not possible to create a sustainable competitive environment on their own in their chosen location, it may be best to join an established network and become part of a larger structure. We are always ready to provide support in this regard. We are happy to guide those who contact us and help them take the right steps. With this spirit of solidarity, we work to grow and strengthen our sector.

Could you share your thoughts on the upcoming 12th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair in November and its contributions to the sector?
The Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair brings optical professionals together to share knowledge, establish collaborations, and explore new markets. Additionally, the educational sessions and workshops within Silmo Istanbul play a critical role in increasing sector knowledge. Silmo Istanbul has become an important meeting point not only for Turkey but also for neighboring countries. This contributes to positioning Türkiye as a regional leader in the optical industry. Silmo Istanbul creates new business opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers while leading the way in raising industry standards.

Thank you for this valuable interview. Lastly, what are your thoughts on our magazine, 4 your eyes?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity for this interview. 4 your eyes is a highly valuable platform that effectively conveys industry developments and innovations. While increasing knowledge sharing, it also contributes to the development of the sector. Your content, offering different perspectives, serves as an important resource for everyone interested in the optical industry. I wish you continued success.

October 2025