LACİVERT OPTİK
More Than a Store, with a Branding Vision…
“As someone who has been attending Silmo Istanbul for many years, it won’t surprise me at all to see the 12th edition once again organized with professionalism and an exceptional atmosphere.”
Hello Mr. Calay. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how your career in the optical industry started?
Hello, I’m Ozan Calay. I was born in Istanbul in 1998. I took my first step into the profession in 2015, when I left high school and began working at an optical store. My interest in the optical field started to take shape during those early days of apprenticeship and journeyman training. Until 2021, I worked at an optical store that had become a well-established brand in the sector. During that time, I also resumed my education, which I had previously left unfinished. In 2021, I left my job to complete my mandatory military service, and right after returning, I began working on opening my own store. In April 2022, I founded my brand, Lacivert Optik & Lens®, and opened my first store in Istanbul that June. For over three years now, I have been proudly working under the Lacivert Optik & Lens® name.
As a young entrepreneur in the optical sector, what inspired the birth of Lacivert Optik, and what are your core goals?
The motivation behind establishing Lacivert Optik & Lens® came from a deep desire to serve the industry with integrity and excellence. My primary goal is to become a trustworthy and accessible local optical brand recognized throughout Istanbul. To reach this goal, we treat customer trust and satisfaction as our guiding principles, and we consistently aim to raise our standards of service. With a mindset that embraces growth, expansion and innovation, I plan to open more stores in convenient, high-accessibility locations across Istanbul. However, I believe in growing in a controlled and thoughtful way, with a clear focus on maintaining high quality standards. Each day, we work with the same level of dedication and motivation, always prioritizing 100% customer satisfaction.
Which optical and sunglasses brands are the most popular in your store? In your view, what influences customer preference?
The brands we carry in our store are primarily those that have gained consumer trust and built a strong reputation over time. The most preferred ones tend to be internationally known names with broad appeal. In addition to these global brands, we also offer select boutique and handcrafted labels to our customers. I’ve noticed growing interest in unique and handcrafted designs in recent years, and we are truly happy to see that shift. We believe that demand for fresh styles and innovative products brings vitality and diversity to the industry. That’s why from the very beginning, we’ve made it a priority to include design-focused collections that capture customer interest and meet their evolving needs.
How does offering a wide product variety impact your sales and customer satisfaction?
We strongly believe in the importance of offering products across all segments, and at Lacivert Optik, we put great care into maintaining this variety. To provide our customers with a diverse selection, we make sure to stock products with different features and price points. This wide assortment gives customers greater flexibility in choosing the right eyewear for their needs, and we see firsthand how it contributes to both satisfaction and convenience.
Could you tell us about your after-sales services? What approach do you take to build customer loyalty?
We believe that maintaining high service quality is just as important after the sale as it is during. That’s why we place extra care on after-sales service. Helping customers with their post-purchase needs in a fast and hassle-free way has greatly contributed to building loyalty. We’re happy to offer assistance with repairs, adjustments, replacements, maintenance, and spare parts—whatever is needed. Keeping our service standards high at every step ensures that our customers leave happy, and their satisfaction is what fuels our daily commitment to the job.
A street store or being located in a shopping mall? What is your preference as Lacivert Optik?
I believe that as optical store owners, we need to better understand how and why consumers shop for eyewear. Choosing a store location should align with your target customer base. Accessibility, foot traffic and various local factors all need to be considered. In some areas, a street-level store offers an advantage, while in others, being inside a mall might be more beneficial. However, I’ve noticed that chain stores within malls have moved somewhat away from traditional opticianry. Based on all these considerations, I chose to launch Lacivert Optik as a street-front store.
What is your pricing strategy for your products, and how do you maintain balance with other retailers?
To navigate the intense price competition in optical retail, we try to follow the recommended pricing set by the brands we work with. Selling items well above or below their true value can harm the industry and lead to price instability. We aim to keep a fair balance by adhering to consistent and responsible pricing.
Do you follow international optical fairs and industry trends?
I don’t believe it’s possible to grow or move forward without staying up to date on industry trends. That’s why I think international optical fairs and ophthalmology events play a critical role in professional development. I also really appreciate how the digital expansion of trade shows has made participation much more accessible. For example, even if I can’t attend an eyewear fair in Italy in person, I can follow it closely through online updates and livestreams. The same goes for ophthalmology events held in Europe and Asia—I can stay informed through digital articles and visual presentations.
What are your thoughts on the growth and contribution of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 12th time this November?
As someone who has been attending Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair for many years, it won’t surprise me at all to see the 12th edition once again organized with professionalism and an exceptional atmosphere. As with every year, attendance was high at 11th edition. I believe Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is extremely valuable for our industry and continues to grow into a more comprehensive event each year. Being under the same roof with my colleagues and seeing their shared interest and support for Silmo Istanbul is something I deeply appreciate. I look forward to reconnecting with many local and international colleagues at the next Silmo Istanbul.
Thank you for this wonderful interview. Lastly, could you share your thoughts about our magazine, 4 your eyes?
Thank you for featuring Lacivert Optik in your magazine. 4 your eyes offers thorough and thoughtful coverage of everything from sector news and innovations to trends, new brands and eyewear design. I find the digital format especially valuable, as it allows for easy access from anywhere in the world. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved in creating the magazine. Wishing you continued success and many exciting issues to come.
September 2025