The journey of Eye Q Optical began when our C.E.O. Dr. Aron Wohl came to Jamaica from his homeland in the United Kingdom simply to try and attend reggae Sunsplash. He found a program that enabled him to do three months’ voluntary work providing basic eyecare services and products to those who couldn’t afford it, but Sunplash came and went and Dr. Wohl wasn’t finished in Jamaica. The FISH clinic in Papine where he had been working pleaded for him to stay, and so he did. After a year of devout community service he was nearly destitute and in need of a real paying job to continue his service to Jamaica.

A newly opened upmarket eyewear store came calling, offering him the opportunity he needed. Immediately his eyes were opened to the fact that there were people in Jamaica who could afford and benefit from quality eyeglasses but instead went overseas to find these services. After seven years working there he was ready to improve the service and products in Jamaica even further, and following the spirit of true entrepreneurship Eye Q Optical was born. A boutique eyewear store – we were, and still are, ‘The Intelligent Choice’ as we aim to empower our customers with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision about their eyewear purchases.

Eye Q Optical’s very first store was opened in New Kingston in 1999 with a stylish, minimal, —and most importantly— cost-effective interior. Dr. Wohl expressed that this store was opened on a ‘shoe-string’ budget but never the less, clients rolled in. Dr. Wohl knew that the aim of the game was ultimately to provide beautiful frames to his growing client base and he wanted Eye Q Optical to reflect an ambiance of welcome, sophistication, and freedom.

He expressed, “I wanted it to be a place where people could come and try the frames on without having to ask to be served. I wanted our clients to take their time, try on a number of frames, and spend all day if they want.” And with one of the largest selections of frames on the island, it would be no surprise if it actually took customers all day to choose the frames they wanted. The brands of frames ranged from Beausoleil based in France and FCUK (French Connection UK) from the United Kingdom, to the Japanese Kashiyama and Kliik from Denmark, which lead Eye Q Optical to truly become an international operation. They single handedly transformed the perception of glasses into a new fashion phenomenon.

Not only did Eye Q Optical maintain dominance over the market because of its kaleidoscope of eyewear options, but they also managed to stay on top due to their technological developments in the sector. Dr. Wohl was adamant about creating an effective database system that would enable staff to keep track of all the clients—account balances, prescriptions, checkups, orders,— as well as information on the store’s inventory. This addition also allowed Eye Q to send out appointment reminders to their clients via text message and e-mail. As a result, a more effective operation was formed and their clients grew.

As time passed demand increased, technology improved, and it became quite evident that Eye Q needed to expand, grow its family, and spread its wings further into the Jamaican troposphere. As such, another location was opened in Manor Park, more staff was hired, and even more brand options were stocked.

Eye Q Optical, its glasses, and its services became a household name with a major reputation and high expectations from clients.

The royal purple brand colour and ‘Clarity Never Looked Sharper’ tag line appeared everywhere and Eye Q Optical was becoming a force to be reckoned with. Dr. Wohl explained that as a result of Eye Q’s growing presence, “We raised the bar on service in Jamaica, and the others have had to step up their game.”

We could not have done it without the Eye Q family and our loyal and faithful customers. Thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and helping us on our journey of growth. Our aim is to provide you with exquisite customer service, quality products and an eyecare family that you can always depend on.