Optica Life Accessories has acquired Eyeline Optical, making Optica the biggest supplier of optical accessories in New Zealand.
Optica’s managing director Tom Nichol said they had been actively looking for opportunities to expand the company’s offering to customers and entered into conversations with Eyeline Optical’s former owner-operator, Chandresh Thakrar.
Eyeline Optical’s product range is different to Optica’s and a good fit, said Nichol, adding the purchase will further Optica’s goal to provide the best possible products to optical customers and the community. “Optica has a proud history of supplying quality products to the optical industry in New Zealand, so when the opportunity to expand into frame parts, tools and laboratory equipment came about, we didn’t hesitate.”
With a stronger presence in New Zealand, Look Sharp Eyewear will no longer act as Optica’s agent. Though the company will continue to have a strong relationship with Look Sharp and Dynamic Eyewear directors Jamie Smith and Paul Beswick, said Nichol. “Optica has been receiving lots of requests for customer visits post-Covid and we’ve begun visiting our customers again. We plan to see many more in 2023.”
Optica's Tom Nichol
Having been in business for over 50 years, Optica is the only New Zealand-owned-and-operated company offering a one-stop destination for optical parts and accessories, he said. “I’m excited about the prospect of expanding our product range while continuing to provide the great quality products and service our customers have become accustomed to.”
Eyeline Optical is now based in Optica’s Christchurch head office, but it will be business as usual for customers, said Nichol, with no change to guarantees. “Customers can still visit the Eyeline Optical website and the phone number and emails still work as usual but will come through to Optica HQ.”