New eyewear store opens at Aarti Chambers |29 May 2017

A new eyewear business, Optikah, has recently opened its doors at the Aarti Chambers (Room 206). It is owned by Lorea Rassool with Joella Marie as sales representative, who is more than happy to help, advice and assist clients.

Optikah sells frames, glasses and sunglasses at affordable and accessible price. Lorea says all members of a family can have glasses at Optikah if they need to as glasses for kids, men and women are available there.

“I have noticed that in many families, people don’t buy glasses as it is too expensive and they prefer to use that money differently. Unfortunately certain children do not wear glasses even if they need to because their parents cannot afford them. This has an impact on their results at school and their social lives. It is hard for a kid to follow properly in class and do his homework if he cannot see properly,” says Lorea.

She says customers come to Optikah store with their prescriptions (as it does not have a resident optician).

“We then give them a quotation and if they agree we order their frame and lenses. All Optikah’s products are imported from overseas and clients have to wait from 2-3 weeks to get their glasses (as everything is done overseas),” she says.

Optikah’s cheapest frames start from R399 and for basic lenses clients will have to pay R100. So in the end one can gets a pair of glasses for RS499. It also offers a wide range of lenses with many options on offer like anti-reflection and photo chromic lenses for example.

“We have more than 250 frames in our shop and we will get more very soon. Our large range of products offers clients the opportunity to buy glasses of the latest trends in fashion and style and collections, something which changes regularly,” she says.

Optikah also has sunglasses at a starting price of R200.

Lorea remarks the concept of the store name originates from Gabon, but the branch is now opening in other African countries such as Senegal and Cameroun.

“I think there is a demand for such a business as we are not targeting the same customers as other eyewear stores already in place. We are not selling brands but selling good quality and fashionable products at good prices,” she explains.

Optikah is a family business, and Lorea is working with his brother. There is also a sales representative in the shop.

She does not really have many clients as her store is quite new, but she hopes the business is able to attract all types of clients like all members of a family – from kids to grandparents.

Optikah tries to be very active on social media, especially on Facebook , where it has a lot of information. It is also inviting people to visit, like and share its page : www.facebook.com/optikah where it hopes to get offers from.

Optikah also has something on offer for potential clients.

“We are offering sunglasses to 2 lucky winners with the right answers to the 2 questions we asked on our Optikah page just before the opening.

“We also make sure that we answer all the requests and messages from clients,” Lorea says. Optikah’s contact number is 2 595 155.