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ProOptics Celebrates Milestone 15 Years
Australian eyewear distributor ProOptics is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 15 years in business. Founded in 2009 by industry veterans Jacque Katsieris and Raymond Kessler, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become a respected – and much-loved – player in the optical industry.
The journey began in an unlikely location – the bedroom of Ms Katsieris’s now 15-year-old son. “We used to sit there and wait for the phone to ring,” Ms Katsieris recallled. “Now we’re still small, but we like to punch above our weight.”
Growth has not come without challenges. Mr Kessler remembers the early days vividly: “The first two years, I think we were in shock mode. It was very, very hard. We started from scratch. We didn’t have a single customer.”
Despite the initial hurdles, failure was never an option for the determined duo. “At no stage did I ever think that we wouldn’t last,” Ms Katsieris said. Mr Kessler added, “We didn’t have a choice. It had to work. There was no plan C.”
Passion, Quality, and Personal Service
ProOptics has built its reputation on a foundation of passion, quality, and personal service. Ms Katsieris explained their approach: “We came from businesses that had thousands of customers, and when we started ProOptics, we wanted it to be more personal, so we know all of our customers.”
They attribute the company’s success to its “focus on eyewear brands and designers rather than just logos”.
“It’s really important for us to get that mix and make sure that we can relate the story of the brand to our customers,” Ms Katsieris explained. ProOptics has also cultivated a strong team culture. “The more ownership someone gets over their job and their position, the more they’re going to love it, and think about it, and want it to do really well,” Ms Katsieris said.
Reflecting on their journey to date, both Ms Katsieris and Mr Kessler expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from the industry, including publications like mivision. From their first optical trade show stand in 2009 – constructed with “$100 at IKEA” – to international buying trips and building relationships with major design houses and optometry practices, ProOptics has come a long way in 15 years.
The ProOptics team. From left: Michael Smith, Nicola Johnston, Maxiina Scott, Ray Kessler, and Jacque Katsieris.
Seraphin: Timeless Glamour, Modern Hues
Embodying the opulence and architectural impact of art deco styles, the latest release from Seraphin’s Shimmer capsule collection celebrates sophistication from the 1920s to the 2020s.
Shimmer combines the made-in-Japan craftsmanship of Seraphin with brilliant crystal details to bring a modern spin to old Hollywood glamour. The polished and lustrous acetates, architectural metal, and deeply textured stones create looks full of dimension, poise, and power. Just like the iconic skyscrapers associated with the time period, Shimmer explores oversized styles, creating striking silhouettes that echo the statement buildings of the 1920s.
Contact: ProOptics (AUS) 02 8007 6041
Lookkino for Kids
Inspired by a selection of Lookkino Moda and Sport bestsellers, comes Lookkino Sun: four frames available in a new colour palette to satisfy kids’ demand for sunglasses.
Shimmer combines the made-in-Japan craftsmanship of Seraphin with brilliant crystal details to bring a modern spin to old Hollywood glamour. The polished and lustrous acetates, architectural meLookkino Sun eyewear is made of NIL, the technopolymer developed by LOOK, that guarantees light weight, comfort and durability. These styles are fitted with CR-39, UV 400, optical class-1, protection category-3 lenses to ensure the utmost protection against glare from reflected light and improved visual clarity, thanks to the internal antireflective coating. The sun collection comprises two frames with distinctly feminine shapes and two unisex, in an array of modern, trendy colour combinations. All Lookkino frames are designed and manufactured entirely in Italy at the LOOK production facility.tal, and deeply textured stones create looks full of dimension, poise, and power. Just like the iconic skyscrapers associated with the time period, Shimmer explores oversized styles, creating striking silhouettes that echo the statement buildings of the 1920s.
Visit: lookocchiali.it/en
Dolomite Style
This lightweight wrap-around frame from Made in Cadore features ZEISS sports-specific lenses that are synonymous with absolute quality. The frame pays homage to the Dolomites, one of the most famous and fascinating ski resorts in the world.
Visit: immagine98.it/en.
Italian-Inspired Goccia
With a name derived from the Italian word for ‘a droplet’, Goccia by Coti Vision embodies the effortless grace of a single droplet, delicately suspending a frame when not in use, or serving as a chic accessory that adds a touch of fun and flair to any look.
Handmade in Italy, each Goccia pendant is crafted using recycled materials, reflecting Coti Vision’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Goccia is available in five trendy colours and comes packaged in a protective pouch and stylish gift box.
Visit: cotivision.com