Proudly Canadian Since 1967
Proudly Canadian Since 1967
About Us
Hakim Optical began 55 years ago with Sir Hakimi grinding lenses for the Canadian wholesale market.
The story of Hakim Optical begins with one man’s passion for the craft of eyewear.
Sir Hakimi
His craft was learned, as a youth, in his native Iran and honed, in subsequent years, grinding lenses in Germany and then camera lenses in Switzerland.
Attracted by the excitement of retail opportunities, Mr. Hakim began to pass the great deals he gave to wholesalers on to the public.
Since, Sir Hakimi was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Knighted to The Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta.
Learn More About Sir Hakimi →A Company Built From One Man’s Vision
It’s hard to believe that it all started with a young Karim Hakimi grinding magnifying glass from old windowpanes in his native Iran.
Modest as it may have been, he was able to learn many aspects of the eyewear business – from lens grinding to equipment maintenance and upkeep of worn machinery.
Explore Our History →
Beginning of Something Big
At the age of 19, Hakimi enlisted into the Iranian Navy where he enjoyed his first taste of the world beyond his own borders.
He subsequently emigrated to Germany and then to Switzerland, to learn more about the modern methods of grinding optical lenses for precision instruments and eyeglasses.
Contact Hakim Optical →Putting the Pieces Together
In 1967, after making his big move to Canada, Hakimi decided to open his own optical business.
He set up a laboratory in the dance hall of the former Elmwood Hotel on Elm Street in downtown Toronto.
Next, he bought and rebuilt old equipment from a closed-down lab in Chicago.
Armed with dozens of pairs of his very own and brand new lenses for sale, Hakimi began to knock on doors.
From a One-Man Operation to a Canadian Optical Company
By consistently offering value, selection and excellent customer service, Hakimi has turned a one-man operation into one of the most successful optical companies in Canada, with over 40 million pairs of eyeglasses sold to date.
Today, Hakim Optical has over 160 showrooms and over 120 one-hour factory outlets in Ontario, Calgary, Edmonton, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Vancouver.
The values behind Hakim Optical remain part of the company today.
- Value for customers looking for quality eyewear
- Selection across eyeglasses and optical products
- Customer service at the heart of the Hakim Optical experience
- Craftsmanship rooted in Sir Hakimi’s experience with optical lenses
Find a Hakim Optical Near You
Visit a Hakim Optical location to explore eyewear and get help from our in-store team.
Find a Store →Have a Question for Hakim Optical?
Our team is here to help with questions about Hakim Optical, our services, locations and customer support.
Contact Us →Visit Hakim Optical
Find a Hakim Optical location near you and experience the company Sir Hakimi started in Canada in 1967.
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