It goes without saying that technology is transforming our shopping habits, as everything we could ever desire is merely a few taps away. We’re seeing the online revolution take on every industry, and the realm of eyewear and optical eye-care is no different. Ask a typical online shopper about their recent experience in purchasing a pair of shades, and they will probably tell you that they’ve logged on to hassans.com to expand their collection of Ray-Bans. They do this seamlessly and emerge extremely satisfied with their latest buy. But little do they know that behind this distinguished website is a 70-year old legacy and an inspiring local success story that has shaped the eyewear and optical care industry in Kuwait as we know it—all thanks to the keen eye of Hassan Saadat.
When Hassan Saadat first arrived in Kuwait from Iran as a newly qualified optician in 1951, he was armed with a passion for his field of knowledge and a philanthropic desire to improve the quality of the lives of the people in Kuwait by providing them with easy access to optical healthcare. Today, the company is still going strong after 70 years of continuously elevating the quality of eye-care in Kuwait, defining the latest trends in the world of fashionable eyewear accessories through successful high-end brand partnerships, as well as boasting an impressive range of eye-care services featuring the highest clinical standards across more than 40 stores, a specialized Hassan’s Optician Company and ZEISS lens factory, providing audiological care, and so much more. As we delve deep into Hassan’s Optician Company’s history, we can’t help but feel utterly fascinated by how the determination of a sole individual can be an immensely strong driving force for growth and success.
Let’s backtrack to Hassan’s Optician Company’s early start in 1951. Opening his very first store in Kuwait’s emerging commercial hub of Sharq, he was also the first officially approved practicing optician in Kuwait as licensed by the country’s then newly developed Department of Health. A historic reflection of how far Kuwait has come is impressively mirrored in the success of Hassan’s Optician Company, as times were truly different, and Kuwait was on the cusp of a rapid path towards development. People regularly gathered outside of Hassan’s first store, waiting for it to open and seeking solutions to improve the quality of their everyday lives. With no access to the commercial-grade lens grinder he required to service his customers’ eye-care needs, Hassan built it himself utilizing the sands of Kuwait’s beautiful shoreline. Each and every pair of lenses chosen by a given customer was manufactured and hand-finished in his store and his days were long and arduous, often lasting 18 hours in the shop to deliver on his commitments to his customers.
Hard work does pay off, and as Hassan continued to support the people of Kuwait throughout the decades, his passion was reciprocated. People from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and even Iran fawned to the store because of his distinguished, dedicated service and quality of eye-care services; the company even expanded internationally in Oman in 1969. As Kuwait continued to set new standards for healthcare and health education after its independence in 1961, Hassan’s Optician Company went to great lengths to continue to remain at the forefront of eyewear and ophthalmic care. The first flagship showroom in Al-Muthana Complex opened its doors in 1986, and today the company boasts over 40 stores in Kuwait.
As local demand for fashionable eyewear grew, Hassan pioneered the way forward for high-end brand partnerships in Kuwait during the 60s, most notably the company’s partnerships with brands like Ray-Ban and Dior and so much more. At that point, people loved Hassan’s Optician Company for not only offering quality eye-care solutions but also finding the hottest trends in the ever-expanding world of eyewear fashion. In celebrating their 70th anniversary this year, Hassan’s Optician Company is planning an exciting line-up of special collaborations with their most celebrated design partners, all to be unveiled on their social platforms later this month.
As Kuwait flourished after the hardships brought on by the 1990 invasion, so did Hassan’s Optician Company. Hassan’s son Kian joined the business in 1991, and together they’ve successfully diversified the family business to include even more exciting offerings and services in the healthcare sector. Hassan’s also entered the hearing care sector in 1987 with Hassan’s Hearing Care Centers gathering all the market leaders in hearing aids for all ages under one roof, which is another story for another day.
Hassan’s Optician Company saw more success in distribution opportunities in the UAE, created a successful high-end Avant guard brand as you may be familiar with, Eye Boutique, which was only a natural progression for the company’s clear success with the world’s most stylish eyewear brands.
As providing the very best eye-care services at the core of its mission, Hassan’s Optician Company is able to do this today on an impressive scale. In 2016, Hassan’s Opticians Company proudly set the standard for eye-care in Kuwait by opening their own state-of-the-art factory in Kuwait to produce the internationally distinguished ZEISS German Ophthalmic lenses. Solidifying their position as a positive market leader in the optical industry in the Middle East, this milestone is definitely worthy of celebration.
Today, the ZEISS Lab hosts the most cutting-edge innovative tech to better service Hassan’s Optician Company customers in Kuwait. Before this special factory opening, customers’ specs were sent to the specialized ZEISS Lab abroad to be manufactured to the exact requirements. But now, the wait is over, as the high-tech lab can produce all sorts of ZEISS lenses, including Progressive Lenses which utilize technology to deliver the customer with the most precise fit, Lenses with UV Protect Technology, the famous ZEISS DuraVision BlueProtect lenses which are perfect for screen time and indoor activities, digital lenses, driving lenses and so much more.
Coming back to 2021, the company is engaging with their valued customers more than ever! You can visit hassans.com and find everything you could ever think of when it comes to your eye-care needs from fashionable eyewear, specialized devices, eyeglass frames in every style, contact lenses, and you can even schedule your eye test, all from one destiantion. And, if you love trying on the latest, avant-garde eyewear accessories, then a visit to Hassan’s high-end Eye Boutique will help you find the hottest on-trend eyewear looks for every moment. Don’t have time to visit the store? Check out their collections on the Hassan’s app, and make sure you check out their latest on social media.
Hassan’s Optician Company are also still widely renowned for their clinical testing facilities available across their stores, and if it’s fashionable eyewear you are seeking, you’ll find it all at Hassan’s Optician Company. 2021 marks 70 years of giving, passion, hard work, and success for this Kuwait-born company, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
For more information, log on to Hassans.com and follow them on Instagram @Hassans_Optician. You can even download the dedicated Hassan’s App available for both Apple and Android.
