Silmo Istanbul has made a significant contribution to PB Gözlük by increasing our visibility and strengthening brand awareness. Thanks to the fair, we are taking stronger steps in the industry and reaching more locations every day.

Hello, Mr. Engin. Could you tell our readers a little about yourself and how your career in the industry began?
I entered the optical industry in 2006 with the motto of combining both school and work, starting in junior positions. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in both retail and wholesale sectors of the optical industry, which has allowed me to closely understand its dynamics.

When and how was PB Gözlük founded? What were your main goals and motivations in establishing your company?
I founded PB Gözlük in 2023 with the motto of challenging traditional brand labels and differentiating from competitors with a unique product range beyond conventional designs, while also leveraging my industry knowledge and expertise. During the founding process, I focused on analyzing consumer expectations and needs to develop innovative and original designs. Our brand aims to make a difference in the optical world by combining quality, aesthetics, and comfort.

Let’s talk about the Dna of your brands, their design approach, material choices, and target groups.
Vasuma was founded in 2005 by three friends, Jan, Lars, and Steffen, as an alternative to traditional label brands. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of the 1950s and 1960s, the brand aims to create eyewear that enhances individuality and allows users to confidently express their personal style. Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, Vasuma’s headquarters reflect the city’s bohemian style in its collections, following a motto of timeless fashion. The brand is committed to using the most environmentally friendly materials. Its frames are crafted from premium cellulose acetate derived from Italian Mazzucchelli’s ‘M49’ formula and Eastman Acetate Renewal, a groundbreaking sustainable innovation. Vasuma’s metal frames, on the other hand, are made from high-quality raw materials such as high-strength Swedish Sandvik steel and lightweight Japanese titanium. Every Vasuma frame tells a story of superior craftsmanship and dedication to sustainability. CharlieMax, based in Milan, designs eyewear for those who want to stand out from the crowd, be completely different, and avoid the ordinary. Established in 2001, the brand has consistently reflected Milan’s unique Italian spirit in all its collections. CharlieMax eyewear collections are entirely designed in Milan using various acetate materials from Italian Mazzucchelli, ensuring impeccable quality.

Could we expect new brand surprises from PB Gözlük, which has made a strong entry into the industry? What are your short-term plans?
Although PB Gözlük is a newly established company, we set out with the mission of always offering the highest quality and most unique products. With nearly 20 years of experience in the optical industry, we continue our quest for innovation and differentiation. We are strengthening our work with Vasuma and CharlieMax, for which we are the exclusive distributor in our country. In addition, starting in April, we are expanding our brand portfolio with Portugal-based Vava. Vava blends craftsmanship with advanced technology, offering a futuristic aesthetic that is both contemporary and elegant. The brand presents a timeless stance with its conceptual designs, skillfully combining traditional craftsmanship, high-quality sustainable materials, and the latest technologies. By introducing Vava to the Turkish market for the first time, we are bringing a fresh new perspective to the optical industry.

As an experienced professional, how do you assess the current state and near future of the Turkish optical market?
The optical market in our country is highly competitive and dynamic. In the luxury eyewear segment, consumer demand for quality and distinctive designs continues to increase. Therefore, we can confidently say that the industry will continue to grow in parallel with this trend. In the near future, I believe there will be a significant rise in the market share of products made from sustainable and recyclable materials, which have gained considerable attention globally in recent years. Consumers are becoming more conscious of eco-friendly and sustainability-focused products, and I expect this trend to continue gaining importance.

PB Gözlük exhibited in the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, showcasing its brands for the first time. How was your experience, and how do you evaluate the fair’s contributions to the industry?
As a newly established company, we went through a very meticulous and diligent preparation process for our first participation in Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair. Our goal was to introduce our products to a wider audience, and we left the fair having met our expectations. The fair provided us with the opportunity to directly interact with industry professionals, better understand their needs, and receive valuable feedback. Moreover, Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair served as an ideal platform that reflects the standards of international fairs, allowing us to strengthen collaborations and create new business opportunities. Silmo Istanbul has significantly contributed to PB Gözlük by increasing our visibility and strengthening brand awareness. Thanks to this fair, we are taking stronger steps in the industry and reaching more locations every day.

Thank you for this valuable interview. Finally, what are your thoughts on our magazine, 4 your eyes?
First of all, I would like to thank you. I see that 4 your eyes Optical Magazine is by no means inferior to many of its global counterparts, and its readership is growing every day. Your transition to digital publishing is a significant and innovative step, allowing you to reach a broader audience and make your content more accessible and shareable. I sincerely appreciate the value and efforts you bring to the industry.

April 2025

Thanks to Silmo Istanbul, we have had the opportunity to expand and grow our export channels. We see our annual participation as a key part of our growth and contribution to the industry.

Hello, Mr. Fatih. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share how you entered the optical industry?
Hello. I am originally from Oltu, Erzurum. After living in Iskenderun for many years, I continued my journey in the business world by gaining experience in Istanbul. I was first introduced to the optical industry in the 2000s while working as a shopping mall manager when I was involved in leasing a large optical store. My first step into the industry was when I took on an executive role at one of a major optical and pharmacy chain. Before establishing TR90 and metal manufacturing facilities, I opened several optical retail stores to enhance my experience in the industry. My journey in the optical sector, combined with my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation, laid the foundation for Anatolia Ventures Optik (TR90) and Gözen Optik (Metal). These factories not only focus on production but also serve as bridges that carry Turkey’s domestic optical industry to the global stage.

Could you tell us about the core values and vision of Anatolia Ventures Optik?
Our business is built on the principles of fairness, honesty, and transparency. While providing industry-leading solutions through our innovative approaches, we always prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. As we take Turkey’s local strength to global markets, we uphold an ethical corporate culture without compromise. By placing innovation at the core of our business model, we aim to enhance our production capacity to meet world standards. We strive to offer designs that are lightweight, durable, and aligned with global trends, fulfilling both functional and aesthetic expectations of our customers. Our goal is not only to be a manufacturer and supplier in the optical industry but also to be a leader and source of inspiration. We aspire to leave a lasting mark in the global market as a key player in making Turkey a recognized brand in the optical sector. With this vision, we promise our customers not just products but also value and commitment.

Could you tell us about your factory’s production capacity, the materials you use, and your quality standards?
Our factory is evolving into a modern, high-capacity production facility specializing in both TR90 and metal frame manufacturing. Our goal in the near future is to produce over 1 million frames annually, meeting national and international market demands. In TR90 production, we use original Swedish raw material Fuchs EMS, known for its flexibility, durability, and lightweight properties. In metal production, we use premium materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium to create durable, stylish, and ergonomic frames. For acetate and Ultem frames, we prefer to use these materials particularly in the temples of TR90 and metal frames to achieve more elegant and unique designs. Our factory adheres to CE and ISO certifications, ensuring compliance with international quality standards. Rigorous quality control procedures are applied at every stage, from raw materials to the final product. Thanks to our innovative production technologies and experienced team, we deliver the best products to our customers on time and flawlessly.

What differentiates Anatolia Ventures Optik from other manufacturers and suppliers?
By integrating the strengths of our TR90 and metal factories, we enhance efficiency at every stage, from production to the supply chain. This dual-production infrastructure enables us to offer a broad product range and quickly provide high-quality solutions to meet diverse customer needs. With the power of our two factories, we have succeeded in being more than just a supplier-we have become a reliable business partner. Unlike our competitors, we leverage our strong production capacity and industry experience to achieve sustainable growth in both local and international markets.

Could you share your efforts to expand your sales and distribution network?
Our greatest strength lies in our extensive international connections, which date back many years. Our close relationships with key figures in the Italian market, in particular, give us a significant advantage. We continue to strengthen our presence in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In Turkey, we reach optical stores through our valuable sales team and dealership network. We operate with a business model that ensures fast delivery, continuous stock availability, and rapid response to customer demands. We will soon provide services on digital platforms via B2B channels.

As one of the exhibitors, how do you evaluate the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which was held for the 11th time last November?
Since its inception, the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair has become the most significant meeting point for the optical industry in Turkey and the region. Initially, it had a more local identity, but over the years, it has transformed into an international attraction. With an increasing number of participants from the Middle East, and to a lesser extent from Europe and Asia, it has assumed a regional leadership role. I believe the fair has contributed to raising design and quality standards. As a newly established company, our second participation in Silmo Istanbul helped us gain recognition and allowed our products and new designs to reach both local and international buyers. Thanks to Silmo Istanbul, we have had the opportunity to expand and grow our export channels. We see our annual participation as a key part of our growth and contribution to the industry.

Thank you for your valuable interview. Lastly, what are your thoughts on 4 your eyes?
Your content contributes greatly to industry knowledge-sharing by appealing to both professionals and a broad audience interested in the sector. The detailed analyses, interviews, and trend reports in your magazine make it easier for us to follow industry developments and inspire new ideas. 4 your eyes Optical Magazine serves as an important bridge, amplifying the industry’s voice and bringing key players together. As Anatolia Ventures Optik, we appreciate the opportunity to be featured in this high-quality publication and wish you continued success.

March 2025

Being an exhibitor of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair strengthened the position of our Root&Steel brand in the sector and paved the way for its international recognition.

Hello Ms. Zeynep Var. As the founder of the Root&Steel brand, could you tell us about how you met the sector?
Hello, I am Fatma Zeynep Var. I completed my undergraduate education in Industrial Design and Interior Architecture, and I am also an Opticianry student. Product design and production has been at every point of my life since my childhood. Our family business, Varsan Makina, has been producing technological solutions for different industrial activities since 1990 under the leadership of my father Hasan Hüsnü Var, the founder. For this reason, my curiosity in design and production was reinforced with my involvement in the production processes at Varsan Makina. The combination of my father’s knowledge and experience with my passion for eyewear design and our R&D researches ,and technology expertise, which have been going on for about 10 years, played an important role in the Root&Steel brand gaining its identity. In the last 1-year period, we have approached our Root&Steel works professionally and institutionally and have been involved in the sector on the way to branding.

Root&Steel is an exciting brand for the Turkish optical industry. Could you share the main features and values of your brand with our readers?
Root&Steel is a brand that set out with the passion to produce elegant and functional eyewear inspired by nature. We put sustainability at the center of our brand philosophy and adopt a production approach that cares about both the present and the future. With the increasing demand for design and production processes with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials not only in our country but also in the global optical industry; we design and produce authentic and timeless eyewear with natural materials such as wood and ram’s horn, which ideally reflect the unique textures offered by nature.  As Varsan Makina, we get excellent results when we combine handcraftsmanship with these natural materials as well as the technologies we specialize in. Combining traditional craftsmanship and modern design with environmentally friendly materials and production processes, Root&Steel goes beyond just offering accessories with its eyewear and offers unique works of art that make its users feel nature. With Root&Steel, we realize our goal of creating a brand that provides added value to Turkey, while continuing to offer timeless and original products inspired by nature to future generations.

How do you proceed to expand Root&Steel’s sales network?
Our priority is to meet the right audiences by reflecting the unique spirit of our brand. Through our exclusive store collaborations, we create not only a sales environment for our products but also a quality experience environment. Therefore, we work with stores that are in line with Root&Steel’s identity and prefer the brand spirit. In their stores, we present our products with very special wooden presentation boxes. In this way, we make our sale points feel the value of the brand in every sense and expand this attentive approach to establish a closer bond with our end users. We create the content of each wooden presentation box together with the store manager. Thus, each sale point creates its own sales collection according to its own customer profile and style. In addition, at our sales points, users have the opportunity to choose the texture from our material chart for the models selected from the catalogue and reach our eyewear that are completely personalized and suitable for their own style. All these elements make the Root&Steel experience unique and make our end-users feel special.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair since its inception?
The fact that Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair was held for the 11th time this year shows how strong the fair’s stance in the sector is. Silmo Istanbul has been an important meeting point for both the local and international optical industry since its inception. As one of the exhibitors of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, I should mention that the fair played a major role in the promotion of our Root&Steel brand. Silmo istanbul offers a very valuable platform not only to showcase our products, but also to follow the innovations in the sector and develop our brand. This year the fair created an environment where we were able to interact directly with professionals in the industry, showcase our products and establish potential business partnerships. In addition, thanks to the interest and feedback from the visitors who attended this year’s Silmo Istanbul, we once again proved the quality and differentiation of our products. As an growing and developing event every year, Silmo Istanbul is an important show, which motives us strongly. Taking part in Silmo Istanbul as an exhibitor not only strengthened the position of Root&Steel brand in the sector, but also paved the way for its international recognition. By exhibiting at Silmo Istanbul in up coming years, we are planning to present our new and innovative collections that will strengthen our brand position in both national and international optical sector, and to reach out to a wider audience, just like this year.

Thank you very much for this exclusive interview. Finally, could you share your ideas on 4 your eyes and its transition to digital publishing?
First of all, on behalf of the Root&Steel family, I would like to thank the entire 4 your eyes team for this special interview. 4 your eyes Optical Magazine is a very important milestone for the optical industry. Thanks to your digital publications, it has become possible to share developments, innovations and trends in the sector more quickly. At Root&Steel, we see digitalization as both an opportunity and a necessity. Your digitalization offers great opportunities, especially in terms of fast access to information in the sector, reaching wider audiences and increasing interaction. This change has opened up many new opportunities for 4 your eyes to produce different content and offer a more dynamic experience to its readers.

February 2025

Thanks to the devoted efforts of Silmo Istanbul, the optical sector has gained a stronger structure. We believe that the growth in this field will continue in the future.

Hello Mr. Fikret. First of all, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and the story of your optical sector journey?
Hello, I was born in Ankara in 1961 and grew up in the optician business as it was my father’s profession. After my father passed away, I took over the management of our shop with my mother. After university, I worked as a manager in different sectors, but I was excited to return to the eyewear industry. In 1994, I started working as a manager at Standard Gözlük Endüstri Anonim Şirketi and during this period of my career, I saw many innovations in the optical industry. After retiring from Luxottica, I returned to the industry in 2022. With a few old friends, I established Novus Optik Anonim Şirketi and stepped back into the world of optics.

We know that you are the distributor of Italart Eyewear brand in Turkey. What would you like to share with our readers about the brand?
Italart Occhiali, based in Forni di Sopra, in the foothills of the Alps, is an independent eyewear company driven by a passion for creating extraordinary eyewear. From the use of innovative technologies such as 3D printing to in-house developed methods for producing raw materials, Italart continues to push the boundaries in eyewear production, while remaining true to its artisanal roots. This commitment to bringing innovative eyewear to consumers is demonstrated by the Italart One & Only and Italart Air 3D collections. A fusion of art and individuality, the signature collection Italart One & Only represents the highest level of artisanal production. These frames are meticulously crafted from acetate sheets using a special process developed by Italart. The result is a vibrant, colorful collection where each frame is a unique work of art and no two models are alike in their color patterns. With designs that follow fashion trends, these frames are designed for those who want to embrace individuality and stand out. A truly exclusive collection, produced in very limited numbers. Italart Air 3D is a collection where innovation meets sleek and sophisticated design. Made with beta titanium temples, each frame is uniquely lightweight, with unbreakability and a weight of only 6 grams. The frames are engineered for ultimate comfort with a screwless hinge and nosepiece design that ensures a comfortable fit for all-day wear. At Novus Optik, we believe that eyewear is more than just a practical accessory; it is a reflection of individuality, art and advanced technology.

What is your strategy for expanding your distribution and sales network?
Although the production of our collections is limited, this situation offers us special opportunities. By knowing our target audience well, we plan to cooperate with sales points that understand the value of our products. We aim to increase the reputation of our brand by establishing quality collaborations. At this point, I should mention that our growth strategy is slow but steady. By taking the right steps through market research, we plan to first establish a strong presence in certain regions and then expand this success. In this process, we will always prioritize customer satisfaction by focusing on quality. Sustainability also stands out as one of our most important values. We prioritize environmentally friendly approaches in our production and use effective communication strategies to strengthen our brand image. In this way, we both increase the value of our products and aim to create a reliable brand.

Do you follow international fairs and what are your thoughts on this
International optical fairs offer many advantages to businesses. It is an excellent opportunity to follow innovations in the industry, discover new markets and make valuable contacts. They are ideal for learning about industry trends and analyzing competitors. Also, interacting directly with customers to get feedback is an effective way to increase brand awareness. In conclusion, participating in international fairs plays an important role in helping businesses achieve their strategic goals.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which was held with its new and larger service area?
It is a great pleasure for us to contribute to the development of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair over the years. Being one of the exhibitors of Silmo Istanbul offers the opportunity to follow the innovations in the sector and establish connections. The new experiences gained during the fair have made significant contributions to both us and our industry. Thanks to the devoted efforts of Silmo Istanbul, the optical industry has gained a stronger structure. We believe that the growth in this field will continue in the future. We will continue to enrich our Silmo Istanbul experience with more innovations and participation in the coming years.

Thank you for this valuable interview. Finally, what are your thoughts on our magazine 4 your eyes?
Following the developments in the sector is very important for businesses. In a rapidly changing business world, having up-to-date information plays a decisive role in providing competitive advantage. As a sectoral magazine, 4 your eyes makes it easier for us to follow trends, understand competitors’ strategies and spread innovative ideas. It also strengthens communication within the sector and increases cooperation. 4 your eyes enriches us with different perspectives and expert opinions. This provides opportunities for continuous learning and development. In short, for industry players, publications like 4 your eyes accelerate the flow of information and make competition healthier.

December 2024

We consider Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair as a critical event to strengthen our position in the sector and increase customer satisfaction.

Hello Mr. Mustafa Bayındır, Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your entry into the sector?

Hello, my name is Mustafa Bayındır. I started my career as a Sales Representative in an international pharmaceutical company, where I gained experience in sales, marketing, training and senior management for 20 years. During this period, I gained in-depth knowledge in sales, developing marketing strategies and team management. I became a member of the optical industry by taking part in the management team of Essilor Turkey. This experience enabled me to understand the dynamics in the sector and then I had the opportunity to join Smart Optik. I am currently serving as the General Manager of the company. With nearly 10 years of experience in the field of optics, I continue to work to meet the innovations and customer needs in this sector in the best way.

As Smart Optik, we know that you have a highly developed production facility. Could you tell us about your production process and capacity?

As Smart Optik, we have production facilities equipped with the latest technology. Our facilities are equipped with automation systems and high capacity machines. This allows us to optimize our production processes and respond quickly to customer demands. Our facility has a daily production capacity of 3,000 pairs of RX. We will further increase this capacity with investments in the near future. Our production process is meticulously managed from material selection to the final product. This enables us to offer high quality and reliable products. We also attach importance to environmentally friendly production methods in line with sustainability principles.

You are a company that closely follows technical and technological innovations. Could you tell our readers about your R&D activities?

As Smart Optik, we are constantly conducting research to develop innovative materials and production techniques. Our R&D department is constantly working to improve the quality of our products and offer new solutions. We follow the latest developments in optical technologies and integrate these innovations into our products. For instance, special lenses designed to slow the development of myopia in children, superior coating technologies on the lenses and protection from UV and harmful blue light significantly improve the performance of our products.

Could you tell us about the initiatives that will accelerate your company’s growth and development in the near future?

We aim to better meet customer expectations by accelerating our new product development processes and to realize market development projects. Especially the launch of our Schneider brand will provide an opportunity to increase our market share in the upper segment. In addition, we aim to contribute to the development of Opticianry students as well as our business partners and employees by providing post-graduation training support through the Smart Academy we built in our administration building. We plan to improve our online sales and marketing strategies by strengthening our digital transformation processes. By prioritizing customer experience, we will further improve our support services. With all these steps, we aim to consolidate our leadership in the sector and reach a wider customer base. In addition, in order to expand our distribution and sales network, we plan to increase the service we currently provide with 10 branches across Turkey to 12 branches within two years.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area?

Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair provides an excellent platform to follow the latest innovations and trends in the field of optics, connect with business partners and increase our brand awareness. I think exhibiting in the fair is a great opportunity for us. With our new and larger service area, we aim to reach more visitors and introduce our products to a wide audience. By interacting directly with industry professionals, we will have the chance to better understand their needs and get feedback. It also offers an ideal environment to strengthen our collaborations and create new business opportunities. We consider Silmo Istanbul as a critical event to strengthen our position in the industry and increase customer satisfaction.

Thank you very much for this exclusive interview. Finally, could you tell us about the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?

The rise of digital publishing is facilitating access to information and changing content consumption habits. I think the evolution of the magazine to digital publishing is very important in terms of providing readers with a more dynamic and interactive experience. This transformation offers a great advantage for those who want to follow the latest developments and innovations of the industry. Thank you for this valuable interview and I wish you continued success.

November 2024

Silmo Istanbul is a vital platform for the Turkish optical industry. We have exhibited in the fair every year since our first exhibition and we have been welcomed with great interest every time.

Hello Ms. Selin. Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about when and how you became a member of the optical industry?

Hello, I am Selin Kılıç. I was born in 1989 in Istanbul and graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Communication in 2012. Since my graduation, I have worked in Communication Consultancy, Social Media Expertise, Advertising and Public Relations departments for various brands. I have provided these services in many sectors, especially tourism, food and fashion. I have been working in the optical industry for about 2 years. The dynamic structure of the sector and its openness to innovations have always excited me. Of course, I can say that being an eyeglass user since a very young age has also contributed greatly to my interest in the sector.

Could you tell us about how your path crossed with Zeno Grup Optik and your role in the company?

I actually knew Zeno Grup as someone from the optical industry. At an event, I met Mr. Ömer, one of the founders of Zeno Grup. We realized that we were on the same line in terms of vision and mission. I joined the company as Brand Communication Manager and since then I have been working on the promotion of the brand, communication strategies and strengthening its position in the sector.

As a company open to growth and development, do you plan to add new ones to your brands?

Yes, we are definitely considering adding new brands to Zeno Grup Optik. For this purpose, we are constantly conducting market research. One of our main goals is to create brands that are recognized both locally and internationally and offer innovative and quality products. We can even inform 4 your eyes readers that we are planning to launch several new brands in the coming year.

As the Brand Communication Manager, what kind of strategy do you implement to strengthen the awareness of Zeno Grup Optik brands and their position in the sector?

Our strategy is based on using digital and traditional media marketing actively and effectively. We also find it important to organize campaigns and experience-oriented events that provide one-to-one interaction with our customers. Thanks to these experience-oriented events we organize, we both increase the awareness of our brands and further consolidate our position in the sector.

We know that you have offices in Russia and China. What would you like to say about this? Are you planning to open offices in other countries?

Our offices in Russia and China have been a big step for us. We made these investments to provide better service to our customers there. We are planning to open offices in Europe and the Middle East in the future. As Zeno Grup Optik, we stand for continuous development and progress without compromising our core values. We will continue our confident steps towards becoming a global brand by making more progress every year.

Do you follow international fairs? What are your thoughts on the contribution of fairs to the sector?

Yes, we follow international fairs closely. International optical fairs are important platforms for showcasing innovations and technological developments in the sector. These events enable global collaborations between brands and professionals, introduce new products and identify market trends. They also provide networking and business development opportunities for industry representatives. They are also very important for promoting our brands to a wider audience.

As a company participating in the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area, how would you evaluate the fair since its inception?

Silmo Istanbul is an important platform for the Turkish optical sector. We can say that the fair has gained a great momentum for the sector since its inception. With the number of visitors and exhibitors increasing every year, Silmo Istanbul plays an important role in the development of the optical industry in the region. The expanding service area and growing organizational structure provide companies with more visibility and create new business opportunities. This platform, which keeps its finger on the pulse of the sector, allows companies to introduce their innovative products and establish global collaborations. In this context, Silmo Istanbul provides us, as Zeno Grup Optik, with the opportunity to meet both local and international customers. We have exhibited in the fair every year since our first participation and we have been welcomed with great interest every time. We look forward to exhibiting in the fair with our innovations this year.

Thank you very much for this exclusive interview. Finally, what are your views on the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?

Digitalization has become inevitable in today’s world. I consider the transition of your magazine to digital publishing as a very appropriate step. I think you have gained the opportunity to reach a wider audience and establish a more interactive communication with your readers. We would like to thank you for this precious interview and wish your team continued success.

October 2024

Silmo Istanbul has a structure that develops, grows and renews itself every year. I believe that the fair will be very fruitful for our business this year as in the past years. 

Hello Mr. Eli. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about how your journey in the optical industry started?

Hello, Mr. Eli. First of all, thank you for doing this interview with me. I have been in the optical sector since about 2012. We have been in the sector for more than ten years. However, I got all my experience from my father Hayim Yanarocak, the founder of our company. Even as a child, I always came to our company, so we can say that I grew up in the business. Even when I was studying at university in Italy, my only dream was to come back here and help my father. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my success and for making it possible for me to achieve this success.

As Optomod Optik, you are marketing and distributing many brands. Could you tell us about your brands and their characteristics?

As everyone knows, if Optomod Optik exists, it is thanks to the Exess brand. Exess equals Optomod for me. However, unfortunately, due to today’s conditions, we cannot launch the Exess brand on the market. Of course, this does not mean that we will not. We continue to work on it. Another brand is Dutz, which is our most popular brand at the moment and we receive a lot of demand. It has only optical frames and has three series: acetate/metal/titanium. The acetates are made from Mazzuchelli acetate, the best acetate in Italy. In metals, laki material is used, which ensures that the steel part of i-phone phones is not scratched. Titanium is beta titanium. However, the most important feature is the originality of the colors of the raw material in the body. Therefore, there is no discoloration. Since these products are given these guarantees, the product changes 100% under all conditions. Another Group we work with is Oxibis. This company is French-based. Its products are produced in France. We have two brands from this company. Dilem and Exalto. Exalto is a more classic brand for men. Dilem is completely technological. It is colored. Each pair of glasses comes with 1 pair of extra temples. The temples of the glasses can change. The purpose here is the ability to buy 2 glasses for the price of 1 glasses. If desired, the variety can be increased by buying extra temples of other types.

With more than 35 years of experience, does Optomod Optik plan to add new portfolio to its brands or create its own brands?

J.F. Rey brand is our newest brand transfer. J.F. Rey, a French brand, is produced in France and Italy. It appeals to all kinds of segments. There is a very wide range of products from the most eccentric model to the most classic model. However, we will soon incorporate two new brands. We are looking forward to the first presentation of our new brands at Silmo Istanbul. But for now, we want their names to be a surprise. When it comes to creating our own brand, it really requires a separate organization and time. At the moment, these opportunities do not appear in the near future. But nothing is certain. Why not in the future?

Which promotion and marketing methods do you use to increase brand awareness?

We are a company that believes that our customers make the best advertisement. But of course, we have our activities. Our popular brand Dutz is currently beautifying the faces of many celebrities. The first names that come to my mind are Selçuk Yöntem, Armağan Çağlayan, Fatih Portakal. Apart from this, we aim to announce our brands to the wider society through your magazine 4 your eyes.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time with its new and larger service area?

Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair has a structure that develops, grows and renews itself every year. I think it has a tremendous importance in terms of bringing together the dynamics of the sector. The fact that the fair has already taken the name Silmo is an indication that the organizers have set out with solid and big goals. We appreciate the seriousness and intensive labor in every sense. I believe that Silmo Istanbul will be very fruitful for our business this year as in the past years.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, could we learn your views on the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?

I personally find it very important that your magazine 4 your eyes adapts to the times, because the internet has become an indispensable part of our business. In this way, accessing every issue online offers us great comfort. We wish success to your entire team and thank them for their efforts.

September 2024

We are one of the first companies to support Silmo Istanbul and we can easily say that the success of the fair is increasing year by year with the increasing excitement of foreign visitors. 

Hello Mr. Ercan… Could you share the establishment story of Uğur Optik Makina with us? How is your journey that started in Antalya in 1993 progressing?

Our company, which was established in 1993 based in Antalya, operated in various business areas. We opened our retail stores in 1999. After doing successful business, we switched to the wholesale section in 2005 with the guidance of our foreign friends abroad, where we still do business. In those times when the internet was still difficult to access, we came to the forefront through our web site by creating the absence in Turkey. We became indispensable for all opticians by selling very high material and machine prices at half the prices. In addition, we brought together the products that our country’s opticians have not seen until that day with our colleagues. As a person in the profession, knowing how our optician friends think and what they need has been our most important advantage.

What are the main service areas your company focuses on? Could you elaborate on your activities in these service areas?

Uğur Optik Makina operates in the field of materials and optical lens. For the last 15 years, we have concentrated our focus on the production and import of machinery. Intense competition in other fields has led us to the field of machinery, which is more difficult to do. In this field, we have become a globally recognized company with our Centervision brand. The secret of success in machinery is customer satisfaction. For this reason, our company has survived for more than 30 years. As Uğur Optik family, this is the issue we care about the most. Since the average working time of the company employees is over 10 years, everyone is used to it and has made it a company tradition.

You registered your Centervision branded focus measurement device in 2010. What are the features of this device and the convenience it offers to opticians?

These devices, which used to be used only for focusing, have become a little more compulsory with the introduction of free form lenses. A progressive lens without PD, Pantascopic angle, vertex distance, frame curvature, close focus distance cannot be free form. But it is a standard progressive lens. Our colleagues who take care of their work inform these measurements to the lens company and ensure that the lens is personalized. In addition, the Centervision device is not only for taking measurements but also offers other features and conveniences to our colleagues. Its success in adding a stylish atmosphere to our store, being a useful table, and convincing customers with animations is indisputable. There is a noticeable increase in the lens sales of the companies that buy this device and the money they pay for the machine returns to them within an average of 8 months.

You provide service to universities by supplying optical machines and materials to opticianry departments in Turkey. How did this project start and what are the advantages it offers?

We have been very sensitive about education from the very beginning. In 2004, I became an optician by taking a course with the law enacted in 2004. The lack of education I saw here pushed me to look for ways to solve it. First, I established connections with the 5 universities that existed at that time and started to shoulder the work when I was invited to the first meeting. Then, in 2011, I helped the establishment of Okan and Aydın Universities. During this period, the lack of knowledge of the professors of the new universities on optics emerged.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which is being held for the 10th time with its new and larger service area?

I am one of the first companies to support Silmo Istanbul. When Mrs. Banu said we want to organize a fair, no one was as happy as me. Fairs are more important as a sector meeting before product promotion. Sharing information and meeting members of the sector has taken the sector to the next level. I think we have become the number two fair in Europe. We have surpassed Paris, I can understand this from the excitement of international customers. I hope this festive Silmo Istanbul atmosphere will continue for many more 10 years.

Thank you so much for this valuable interview. Finally, could we learn your views on the evolution of our magazine 4 your eyes into digital publishing?

It is of great importance in accessing information in the sector. I think it is the biggest advantage that your magazine is accessible by every sector professional and every optical store employee. I would like to thank you for your efforts on behalf of our sector. Congratulations to your entire team.

August 2024

Silmo Istanbul enables companies to carry out both marketing and promotional activities together. For this reason, I believe that the fair creates a valuable advantage.

Hello Mr. Halil, after briefly introducing yourself to our readers, could you share your story of entering the optical sector?

Hello, I am Halil İbrahim Akşehirli.  I come from a family that has been serving the optical sector for three generations. In addition to wholesaling, I continue our activities in the retail chain with ten stores under the name of Güven Optik, which I took from my father and which I continue and which is currently managed by my son Hasan Basri Akşehirli. Our path is the imagination that we need for glasses and that will express our identity, and advanced ideas that will bring imagination to life. After knowing and understanding these, it is to apply them, to turn them into life. A positive outlook, a healthy body, knowing your interlocutor yourself are indispensable elements of my philosophy of life.

Could you tell us about the establishment, development and sectoral vision of Potential Optical?

For Potential Optical, we can say that it is basically an innovative professional breakthrough of the family, which has been working as an optician since 1959, in accordance with the present day. Our goal is to deliver a wide and high quality product range to customers with the best price and service. In our offices in Üsküdar, Istanbul and Bornova, Izmir, all optical store owners can examine our products at any time by appointment. Our collections offer the best comfort while maximizing the health and elegance of its users in a fast-paced lifestyle. We continue our activities uninterruptedly with our unique and sustainable patented models.

Do you plan to add new brands to Potential Optical?

We have accumulated experience, skill and dedication over the years. Our priority when adding new brands has always been to understand and communicate the spirit of the brand. Thus, at Potential Optical, our selfless effort to find answers has become our innovation. For this reason, the priority is always to take our brands to a higher level. While we are focused on giving our existing brands timeless identities, as a company that is developing, growing and evolving in a good way, we of course have an open mind to consider new, potential brands.

What is your strategy for expanding your distribution and sales network?

As Potential Optical, we serve every region of Turkey with three separate distribution and sales teams. Our dynamic and well-equipped team provides information to our colleagues who love and appreciate our product by explaining the difference and benefits of our products one-on-one, completely, without disturbing them. Undoubtedly, our distribution and sales network development efforts are gaining momentum every day and we continue to reach a wider audience in this sense. Our presence in the fair led by Silmo Istanbul, the advertisements we place in 4 your eyes Optik Magazin magazine, as well as our current presence in digital channels play an important role in strengthening our sales network.

Do you follow international fairs and what are your thoughts on this subject?

Of course we follow international fairs. We will continue to be a participant as Potential Optical in the following years. I think that these global events create valuable opportunities for the development of our industry. We can say that fairs are the common meeting point for the latest technologies and trendy brands and countless collections.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair with its new and larger service area since its inception?

The developments in our sector and the new formations in the market have created an environment where competition is intense. Today, I no longer consider it sufficient to produce and market only quality goods in order to achieve success and make sales. Because in today’s conditions, consumers can encounter different prices, quality and forms of the same goods and have the chance to choose the goods or services they need among different alternatives. In such a market environment, participation in Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair offers significant advantages to companies. The fair enables companies to carry out both marketing and promotional activities together. For this reason, I find Silmo Istanbul’s sincere support activities for the sector and us important. The fair, which is organized with remarkable intelligence; well-trained employees, active and successful pre-fair and during the fair promotion activities, design and carefully carried out post-fair activities have been improving over the years. We would like to thank the entire Silmo Istanbul team.

Thank you very much for this valuable interview. Finally, what do you think about the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publication?

I think your magazine is a successful factor in keeping up with the current news. I find it very successful that it provides information about the development and innovations of many companies that are well-known or well-known in the sector. I also appreciate your adaptation to the digital age and wish you continued success. Thank you.

July 2024

The 10th year of Silmo Istanbul was both productive and enthusiastic for us. Both the new location of the fair and the award night at Çırağan Palace were magnificent.

Hello Mr. Suat & Mr. Cem… First of all, could you tell us a little bit about yourselves and your story of entering the sector?

Suat Şen: Hello, I was born in Trabzon in 1963. I have been operating in the optical sector since 1980. Since 2019, we have been managing Armati Gözlük company, which we have partnered with my colleague and friend Cem Üner.

Cem Üner: Hello to everyone who is devoted to the sector. I am Cem Üner and I was born in Istanbul in 1971. After graduating from Yıldız Technical University Mathematical Engineering, I started my professional life in the optical sector, which is my father’s profession. I worked in the retail sector under the Ozan Optik brand, which has been in the sector for 38 years. After a ten-year break, since 2019, we are in the wholesaler network of the optical sector with Armati Gözlük company together with Mr. Suat, my friend and partner of 30 years.

You are the distributor of important brands in Turkey. What could you tell our readers about your brands?

We are the distributor of Korean brands Vycoz, Frank Custom and Dr. Gram in Turkey. Vycoz independently produces functional eyewear inspired by core values and practicality. Frank Custom is an eyewear brand that focuses on timeless designs and technical excellence. It creates eyewear in aerodynamic materials that emphasize comfort, variety and quality at an affordable price. Dr. Gram stands out for its extremely lightweight, beta-titanium frames. Their products weigh only 3 grams and have a unique fabric woven hinge structure for easy assembly. We also offer our house brand Jeemm to all eyewear lovers. Our goal is to offer the operators of optical stores an advantage away from competition with high added value and profitable products. We are happy to bring our strong technological product range to our customers through our fast and dynamic team in competition and profitability.

What is your strategy for expanding your distribution and sales network?

We prefer to position Armati Gözlük at a point that is committed to professional ethics, ethical values and to protect these values. I can say that just doing business is against Armati Gözlük’s philosophy. For this reason, we care about working with every element we do business with and of course with sales points by establishing ethical and correct strategies. We can say that we adopt a win-win system that takes care of the interests of both sides in our trade. As you can imagine, we take care to choose optical stores that we can work together for a long time instead of short-term business relationships.

As an exhibitor, how would you evaluate the 10th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair with its new and larger service area?

The 10th year of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair was both productive and enthusiastic for everyone like us. Both the new location of the fair and the award night at Çırağan Palace were magnificent. It was unforgettable to be together with our colleagues who shape the industry in this magnificent 10th anniversary celebration where Silmo Awards Istanbul were given for the first time. This year’s Silmo Istanbul was a harbinger that the fair will reach a wider audience, be more productive and provide more enthusiasm every year. We would like to congratulate the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair team once again for bringing us together with our colleagues in this valuable organization and offering business opportunities.

Thank you very much for this precious interview. Finally, what would you like to say about the transition of our magazine 4 your eyes to digital publishing?

First of all, thank you for including us in your magazine, 4 your eyes. Digital publishing means the future. The future means 4 your eyes. Thanks to the digital magazine, you are reaching a wider audience and leaving a more sustainable world to future generations with online publishing, which is more environmentally friendly.

May 2024