SPECTACLE SHOPPE

Leo Franken has devoted his entire career to being an optician. The owner of Kerrisdale’s Spectacle Shoppe grew up in Montreal, where his father was the proprietor of Paul Franken Opticians. In 1967, Leo began working alongside his father, and in 1970 took over the family business.

When he moved to Vancouver in 1978, Kerrisdale reminded Leo of the Snowdon neighbourhood where his father’s store was situated. Although he didn’t set up shop right away (he worked in other parts of the Lower Mainland), when Spectacle Shoppe came up for sale in 2001, he jumped at the opportunity to purchase the business.

For the last 60 years, the shop has operated as an optical business. It was initially called Western Optical and was renamed Spectacle Shoppe in 1999 under new ownership.

Now semi-retired, Leo comes into the store two to three times a week. He takes pride in maintaining the tradition of providing professional service while offering his customers excellent quality and fashionable eyewear.

David Downing is the primary optician and is the shop’s eyewear fitting specialist. With over 20 years of experience in the optical industry, David brings his artistic vision and fine craftsmanship to his work.

“We like to spend ample time with our clients, and we take an interest in getting to know them. Our goal is to make a visit to Spectacle Shoppe a positive experience,” says Leo.

Spectacle Shoppe’s team will help you find the perfect frame to complement your features. Leo and David are licensed to fit customers with single-vision, progressive, and contact lenses.

Leo says, “We carry a large selection of frames; whether your choice is based on your budget or fashion, there is a pair to meet your needs. We don’t carry designer brands; instead, we carry quality for the price.”

One of Spectacle Shoppe’s areas of expertise is custom-fitting frames and lenses. They are known for their bespoke work. They can redesign a frame if needed, especially if it doesn’t fit properly.

Leo mentions, “One of the major shifts that have taken place during my career is spectacles crossed the barrier from being ‘uncool’ to making a fashion statement.” Currently, round retro frames are popular with younger clients, while those 45 and up are requesting stronger and more youthful-looking colourful frames. They want something fun without being over the top.

A small sampling of the prescription frames that the store carries include Etnia Barcelona, Bellinger, L.A. Eyeworks, Tom Davies and Silhouette. To view many more frames, visit the store’s website.

“We have the second-best collection of frames for children in the city, including Etnia Barcelona, Nano Vista, Nifties, OGI Kids and Ray-Ban,” says Leo.

Hours spent scrolling on smartphones, computers, and tablets can cause digital eye strain; Spectacle Shoppe sells anti-fatigue lenses and blue light glasses to help tired eyes.

If you are a runner, cyclist, skier, or golfer, you will find protective sports eyewear for your needs, and the frames are also adaptable for prescriptions. Leo mentions that Rudy Project sunglasses are engineered with technical, sport-specific designs and are tailored for endurance, comfort, and performance.

Many people remark that Spectacle Shoppe has the best window displays in Kerrisdale, and Leo has a lot of fun creating them. Manny, the mannequin, is always prominently featured in the starring role and elicits plenty of chuckles

from passers-by. Manny left the store briefly to play a dead man in a local opera. Besides that, he has stayed in his permanent post, keeping an eye on West Boulevard.

After twenty-two years in business, what is the greatest reward for Leo? He comments, “It is the satisfaction of making it a successful business. Some of my clients have been with me since the beginning. Our number one goal is to focus on the individual.”

Spectacle Shoppe, 5683 West Blvd, Vancouver BC, V6M 3W7

Phone 604-263-2628

www.spectacleshoppe.ca

Story by Sarah Gordon, February 2023