Eye Care for Generations in Davie Village
Abasa Optical on Davie Street is a multi-generational West End institution. First opened in 1984 in New Westminster, care for Vancouver’s eyesight came into focus with their family-run location at 1037 Davie Street, between Thurlow and Burrard. Abasa Optical’s upcoming 35 th anniversary speaks to their impeccable history of successful service, happy customers, and fashionable eyewear.
It’s All in the Family
Now in their third generation, and with two qualified opticians, the Mawji/Kamrudin family takes their patients’ optimal eye health seriously. We spoke with Raisa Mawji to find out what it’s like to have such deep roots in the Davie Village and West End community. “My grandfather opened the first store and my mother and her sisters kept the tradition going. My brother and I are both eye specialists now, and we are overjoyed to continue providing the high level of care my family is proud to have always offered. We tease each other that we are ‘Abasa 2.0’ — and we love it. I grew up here and so did my mom. We went to school here. Some of our long-time customers have been coming to us for decades, because they trust our eyewear expertise,” Raisa said.
Perfect Lenses and Style to Suit Each Individual
We asked about how West End residents rely on Abasa Optical and Raisa explained the range of their in-house services. “We have an optometrist on-site who provides eye exams at our storefront and can formulate the exact prescription needed. Sometimes our customers need prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses, or lenses with specific eye-strain management components to mitigate excessive computer fatigue. There are occupational factors to consider, depending on an individual’s job or activities, as well as the equally important issue of frame style and appearance. “We joke that we’ve been doing this for so long and we have such a great supply chain for interesting frames, we have ‘superpowers’ when it comes to helping our customers find the perfect look. Face shape, skin tone, hair colour — there are many variables to consider. We’ve curated an extensive selection of frame options from around the world. We don’t focus on the big-name brands, instead going to the unusual, the elegant, the elevated, as well as the colourful and bold options available,” Raisa said.
Stop in For a Current Assessment of Vision Health
Appointments for an eye examination can be arranged by phone or through Abasa Optical’s website booking system. Walk-in inquiries are also welcome. Lenses, frames, and contacts are often available for pick up within a couple of days. Emergency service is available for those times when something unexpected happens. Plan to stop in to chat with Abasa Optical’s staff. As a long-time part of the community, they are knowledgeable and friendly. Have a bit of fun this week — try out a new look for the season with a fresh eyewear style. Look your best and treat your eyes with the care they deserve.