OPTİKİM OPTİK
The Power of Experience
The growing presence of international companies at Silmo Istanbul clearly demonstrates the fair’s significant contribution to our industry, especially from the perspective of us exhibitors.
Hello Mr. İsmail. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your journey in the industry?
Hello. I was born in Sorgun, Yozgat. I graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences (Mülkiye), Economics Department at Ankara University in 1989. My journey in the optical industry began during my senior year at university, when I started working part-time. Since then, I’ve accumulated 35 years of experience in the sector. After many different roles, we’re now continuing our work on a different side of the industry.
Could you tell us about the founding, growth, and vision of your company?
After working at two different companies for 20 years, we established our own company in 2009. We initially operated as an importer for three years, and in 2014, we launched our own production facility in Ankara. Until 2022, we manufactured for wholesale clients both in Turkey and abroad. Since January 2023, we’ve shifted our focus to supplying manufacturers as a raw material supplier. This January, we officially changed our company name to Optikim Optik Kimya ve Plastik Ürünler Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti. With the exception of highly specialized inputs like metal hinges, we import and supply manufacturers with the essential production materials they need—such as varnishes, paints, raw materials, cleaning chemicals, and vibratory finishing stones.
You started manufacturing in 2014, then transitioned to importing consumable materials in 2022. How has your production experience shaped your current business model?
In 2018, we faced supply issues with a vendor providing the chemicals we used in production. Until that point, the suppliers serving our sector were primarily focused on other industries and lacked specific expertise in eyewear manufacturing. We saw this as a critical gap. Eyewear producers were sourcing materials like raw materials, varnishes, paints, cleaning chemicals, and vibratory stones from different vendors—resulting in incomplete or inaccurate technical support, inefficiencies, production delays, and wasted resources. Thanks to our firsthand knowledge of eyewear production and the specialized expertise of our international suppliers, we’ve gained a significant advantage. Just four months after becoming a supplier, we organized a training seminar for both our clients and other manufacturers, bringing in experts from Vernici Caldart (our varnish supplier) and SCT-Switzerland (our cleaning chemicals supplier). We believe these educational efforts are invaluable. Backed by our experience and the technical support we receive from Vernici Caldart and SCT-Switzerland, we’re able to provide definitive solutions to any challenges our clients face.
What types of consumables and raw materials are you currently importing? Which products are most in demand?
Vernici Caldart, our partner and distributor, is also a supplier of varnish to EssilorLuxottica Group, a global industry leader. Vernici Caldart produces the varnishes and paints used at various EssilorLuxottica production sites around the world, offering the preferred choice for high-quality, export-oriented manufacturers. We also provide first-class raw materials and cleaning chemicals to our clients. Thanks to our competitive pricing and flexible payment terms, all of our products are in high demand.
What sets your original varnishes and raw materials apart for eyewear manufacturers?
Both optical frames and sunglasses are products that come into direct contact with the skin. Therefore, beyond durability and gloss, factors related to skin safety must be considered, along with compliance with international quality and testing standards. Unfortunately, there are varnishes of unknown origin on the market—lacking safety certifications, proper testing, and quality control, often produced in unregulated facilities. These products hinder quality and safe production. That’s why every product we import meets all necessary requirements. Our export clients have never encountered issues in compliance testing with their eyewear products. As for raw materials, we supply first-class quality at cost-effective prices, offering both financial and payment advantages to our varnish clients.
Could you tell us more about Vernici Caldart, the company you represent in Turkey? Why are its products preferred in the market?
Founded in 1976 in Belluno, Italy as a family business, Vernici Caldart has grown into a major company with two factories across two cities, covering a total area of 27,000 m². They’re one of the largest global suppliers of varnishes, paints, and primers specifically for the eyewear industry, serving major clients like EssilorLuxottica. Thanks to their collaborations with leading eyewear manufacturers, they produce an unmatched range of high-quality chemicals tailored to the industry’s stringent standards—products we proudly offer to our clients. Their glossy and matte varnishes are particularly popular for their outstanding finishes and durability.
What are the advantages of PA12 raw material in injection-molded eyewear production?
PA12 is the ideal polyamide type used in injection-molded eyewear production. In our industry, it’s more commonly known as TR90. Its lightweight and flexibility provide excellent comfort for users, while its impact resistance is another key benefit. Additionally, it facilitates post-injection processes like painting and varnishing, making it a highly versatile material.
Could you explain the scope of your free consulting services for manufacturers? What kind of support do you provide?
Even though we’re no longer a manufacturer, we’re committed to sharing our expertise from every stage of production with our clients—free of charge. We help manufacturers optimize inefficient processes, even those that may seem “correct” but hinder productivity. We also advise new companies entering the sector on affordable equipment and machinery options.
How do you evaluate Turkish eyewear manufacturers? What steps are needed for further growth in production?
Currently, there’s significant oversupply in injection-molded eyewear, leading to underutilized production capacity. Manufacturers must prioritize efficiency and profitability. Rather than competing solely on price in the domestic market, it’s crucial to focus on brand building, effective brand management, and export opportunities. The goal should be to design and manufacture high-quality, value-added eyewear rather than standard, low-cost products. Thanks to Turkey’s strategic location and logistics advantages, we have great potential to become a key supplier for EU countries. This effort should be pursued not individually, but collectively—led by the Eyewear Manufacturers Association in coordination with relevant government agencies to drive forward-looking initiatives.
What are your thoughts on Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and its contributions to the industry?
Silmo Istanbul is the only fair we participate in, and we plan to continue doing so. In the past two years, we’ve hosted our suppliers’ experts at our booth, allowing them to meet our clients in person and directly address their questions and needs—highlighting the fair’s importance. Hosting the fair in Istanbul, with its accessibility, accommodation options, and strategic location, makes it an appealing choice for both exhibitors and visitors. The growing presence of international companies at Silmo Istanbul shows just how valuable the fair is to our sector. We also believe that gathering exhibitor feedback on the fair’s scheduling and dates would further enhance its effectiveness.
Thank you for this insightful interview. Lastly, what are your comments about our magazine, 4 your eyes?
We see your magazine as an essential and successful publication that keeps the entire industry informed about innovations, developments, and fashion trends. We wish you continued success and appreciate the attention you’ve shown us as a unique player in the industry, serving as a supplier.
June 2025