Page 12 – Ottawa Jewish Bulletin – November 11, 2013
Optometry practice marks 100 years in Sandy Hill By Ilana Belfer As optometrist Harry Prizant bids farewell to a patient – kippah on his head and a funky pair of frames around his eyes – a blackand-white photo of his partner optometrist Michel Bastien’s family hangs behind the reception area. While the photo dates back to the 1960s, the practice is now a century old. It was founded by Bastien’s grandfather, R.J. Bastien, in 1913. In honour of the 100 years, Prizant and Bastien are donating 100 pairs of glasses to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board for students who can’t afford them. “I have patients that I’ve seen since 1972 when I first graduated,” said Bastien, 68. “I saw them as students, I saw their children, now I’m even seeing their grandchildren.” Bastien’s grandfather was a jeweller and optician, who later became a registered optometrist. Bas-
Optometrists Michel Bastien (left) and Harry Prizant in their Sandy Hill shop. The practice, founded by Bastien’s (Photo: Ilana Belfer) grandfather, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
tien’s father, two uncles and an aunt also worked in the business, along with a partner, optometrist Samuel Arsenault. Prizant replaced Arsenault in the practice in 1982. Patients have even brought family memorabilia to Bastien. For example, a watch made by his grand-
father that came with a box inscribed with the R.J. Bastien crest. “I’m particularly proud because of my grandfather,” said Bastien. “My father told me he was very proud his grandson was going to take over ... Five years ago, I said to myself, ‘I’m going to try to see if I can make
it to 2013, just to celebrate that 100th anniversary.’” The practice has been at its current location – at the corner of Cumberland and Besserer streets – since 1958 when Bastien’s grandfather bought what had been an IGA Supermarket. The old walk-in fridge is now an examination room, but a pho-
to shows that the exterior remains almost unchanged (save for the Bastien-Prizant optometrist sign). Prizant, 55, has now been part of the practice for more than three decades. “It all falls back to the same thing I grew up with. Dad and Mom always instilled having a good name
and that’s the celebration ... I’m part of that name. I’m not part of the family, but I feel like [it],” Prizant said. So, what’s the secret to their lasting success? Bastien said it all comes down to good service. “Hard work and honesty – that’s what they always preached to us, right? What else did they have?” agreed Prizant, speaking again of his parents, who were European immigrants. “That’s what we’re all about really.” The two have been partners 30-plus years on a handshake. No contract was ever needed, they say. Unfortunately, though, the Bastien name will likely disappear when Bastien retires. His only son is a lawyer and he says he’s not planning to wait and see if his five-year-old grandson decides to become an optometrist. To mark the centennial of the practice, Bastien and Prizant said they will also be raising money through their industry for CHEO.