EYEWEAR
Insight Eye Care is your source for quality and fashionable eyewear in Waterloo Region.
Find your Lifestyle Match
We made it a little easier to find your next pair of specs.
We’ve matched up personalities we often see coming into our shop with the best eyewear brands. With expert recommendations from our team, you can start your research before arriving to the shop. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to be seen or just fit in.
Studious
You hit the books hard and stay caffeinated so that you can study even longer to learn all of the things. You are focused. You don’t like distractions or superfluous activity.
Fly
You like putting together a sweet wardrobe ensemble. Perhaps you like wearing hats. You are not a hipster. You are fly. You might be a white guy. But probably not.
Trendsetter
You dislike following trends. You do you. You like pairing things together that others never would have thought could work. The gravitational pull of your influence is hectic.
MINIMALIST
You despise ostentatious trappings. You find beauty in clean lines. Less is more. You support quality over quantity. You love order. You hate crumbs.
Professional
You are focused on providing the best experience. You are the master of your craft. You give it your all. You don’t curse. You say things like “Oh, sugar!”
Clumsy
You trip. You slip. You splat. You bruise like a peach. Some say it’s the heels. But you fall in flats too. Can you even have nice things? Yes, but only if they’re resilient.
Entertainer
You host. You toast. You love your guests the most. You pay attention to the details. You always want to make sure everyone is having a blast.
Artsy
You love capturing a moment and sealing it with a click. You are focused on the subject as well as the negative space. Everything is art. Art is everything. Something like that.
Outdoorsy
You are free in a forest. You are whimsical by the water. You are marvelous on a mountain. Escaping the city is a priority; you need a regular dose of green to feed your soul.
Beachy
Whether diving for balls or lounging in the sun, your life’s a beach. You thrive in the sun and don’t want a silly thing like blinding light to get in your way.
EyeweaR Brands
We carry expertly curated eyewear imported from around the globe
With over 2,000 frames in stock, we fly around the globe seeking the best independent eyewear designers. We set ourselves apart from other opticals and optometrists by featuring exclusive handcrafted frames that are functional works of art. Whether you are looking for high-fashion, technical construction or unique materials, we are here to help. Some of our most popular brands include Salt Optics, Mykita, Lindberg, Bruno Chaussignand, Blake Kuwahara, Vinylize and Matsuda. You can also take a look at our complete list of brands.
BEVEL
Handcrafted in Japan, Designed in America
Since 1999, founders Richard Mewha and Rick Nelson have maintained a classic but minimalist aesthetic when designing and representing Bevel. With their headquarters in Kansas City, these two men and their team have not set out to create the coolest, hottest or most recognizable frames in the world; they prefer their frames to be highly functional and stylish yet understated.
Blake Kuwahara
Handcrafted in Japan, Designed in America
In 2014 Blake Kuwahara introduced his very exclusive collection to the world of eyewear. An optometrist and a true artist, Blake has reinvented the approach to design. Engineering a unique lamination process, these luminescent frames are the combination of an inner silhouette encased in a polished outer shape. Sleek, striking and unlike any other eyewear, Blake Kuwahara frames will continue to evolve with the constant flow of creative energy that buzzes around this innovative designer.
Bruno Chaussignand
Handcrafted in France, Designed in France
In 2004, French designer Bruno Chaussignand launched his first collection. He believes that a spectacle frame is the product of pure design. It should be practical, aesthetically attractive and tasteful; their shapes should have a beauty that will enrich the lives of their wearers. This is the leitmotif that underpins Bruno’s design philosophy. He combines clean lines, exquisite details, and materials that are both light and durable. The essence of his collection is drawn from people, places and objects which have inspired him through their sincerity and their optimism.
Cinematique
Handcrafted in Hungary, Designed in Hungary
After launching Vinylize and other various capsule collections using vinyl, designer Zachary Tipton of Vinylize introduced Cinematique in 2016. Using a variety of vintage film strips embedded in the frame temples, Cinematique offers the wearer a chance to own a piece of cinema history.
Face à Face
Handcrafted in France, Designed in France
Far from standardized fashion diktats and conformist trends, each Face à Face collection asserts its artistic temperament, drawing its inspiration from the sources of Modern Art, architecture and contemporary design. Since 1995, Face à Face frames have been developed within the design studio directed by founder Pascal Jaulent and resemble small subtle pieces of architecture that play with volume, shape, material and texture.
Hapter
Handcrafted in Italy, Designed in Italy
Hapter’s design studio and workshop, Hapterìa, is where ideas born in the mountains become reality. Eric Balzan, founded the company in 2013 in the secluded town of Belluno. His factory is a laboratory of contemporary art focusing on surgical stainless steel, artisanal fabrics and industrial rubber; Hapter frames were inspired by a pair of WWII military goggles and showcase lightweight, flexible eyewear with a sharp, fashionable edge – one might say, a precipice.
Jean Philippe Joly
Handcrafted in Italy, Designed in France
Designer Jean Philippe Joly is full of passion and buzzing with creative energy. He initially released his sunglass collection in 2014 and has since added a full optical collection. Jean Philippe frames are beautifully sculpted pieces of art that stand out from the crowd.Crisp edges with gorgeous colour patterns and striking shapes make for a very unique pair of spectacles. For a daring and bold shape, these frames not only look stunning, but are also sculpted with comfort top of mind.
Kirk and Kirk
Handcrafted in France, Designed in England
In 2013, Jason and Karen Kirk launched an eyewear line they describe as “boldly expressive and proudly inclusive.” Their frames are made with acrylic – an extremely durable and lightweight material that shines like stained glass when polished. Hailing from an ancestral line of optical pioneers that dates back to 1919, the Kirk family continues the legacy of vibrant design, always keeping the eccentric and creative individual top of mind.
Why Independent Eyewear?
Glasses that are not mass produced
In our boutique, we focus on quality independent eyewear products. These trendsetting designers are the people that the industry follows when it comes to fashionable glasses.
l.a. Eyeworks
Handcrafted in Italy, Designed in America
Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi, lifelong friends and the creative force behind l.a. Eyeworks, design eyewear to celebrate the diversity of faces and the uniqueness of individuals. The glasses they make are sparks of their imagination. Since 1979, Barbara and Gai have been bringing the dreams of l.a. Eyeworks frames into being.
Lindberg
Handcrafted in Denmark, Designed in Denmark
Steeped in the design tradition of discreet, classic elegance, founder Poul-Jørn Lindberg aims to provide a variety of styles for the minimalist at heart. With exclusive materials like titanium, acetate, gold, platinum, diamonds and natural animal horn (ethically sourced), this vast collection is pure, sleek and elegant. Opening his doors in 1984, Lindberg has since created many award-winning designs and technological advancements in the industry.
lool
Handcrafted in Spain, Designed in Spain
Launching their first collection in 2016, lool is a team working together at a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Barcelona. They manufacture in series from sheets of steel. Every frame is worked by hand, one by one in a precise technical process, combining the industrial and manual, human and machine. Their design lines reflect an influence of retrofuturism which is infused into each frame they create.
Matsuda
Handcrafted in Japan, Designed in America
Founded in 1967 by Mitsuhiro Matsuda in Tokyo, the Matsuda Brand quickly became one of the most celebrated Japanese fashion houses. The creations are famous for looking to the past for Inspiration, while staying current, and of the moment. In a word: Timeless. All of their eyewear is painstakingly crafted by hand in the artisanal eyewear workshops of Japan, and each Matsuda creation represents over 45 years of design history and heritage. Only the finest materials, including celluloid acetate, titanium, sterling silver, 18K solid gold, and 22.5K gold plating are used in each creation.
MYKITA
Handcrafted in Germany, Designed in Germany
Constantly innovating, the Mykita Haus represents quality craftsmanship, patented screwless hinge designs and an edgy minimalistic aesthetic. Founded in 2003, Mykita has been winning international design awards and establishing themselves as a respected luxury eyewear brand with a distinctive look. Their main collections showcase light and flexible models built with stainless steel.
MYKITA MYLON
Handcrafted in Germany, Designed in Germany
Maintaining their lightweight theme, Mykita Haus also designs a beautiful 3D printed collection they call Mylon. These frames have a patented screwless hinge design, but offer a bolder look and a modern sport aesthetic.
How we buy
Glasses are hand-selected
We travel the world seeking the best independently designed eyewear. Visiting trade shows like OPTI, SILMO and Vision Expo we meet some pretty cool people making some very nice frames.
RAPP
Handcrafted in Canada, Designed in Canada
In 1983, Mel Rapp opened a tiny dispensary at the back of his mother’s hat shop. Over the years the optical evolved into a unique and avant-garde boutique and Mel began designing and manufacturing his own line of eyewear. Sold to only a select number of hand-picked optical stores worldwide, Rapp frames are beautifully hand-finished pieces, proudly showcasing quality Canadian craftsmanship.
RES/REI
Handcrafted in Italy, Designed in Italy
RES/REI seeks to make beautiful frames that survive in time and age gracefully. They only produce with sustainable conscious manufacturers and, by keeping everything local, they are able to cut on goods’ transportation, therefore reducing their CO2 footprint. Since 2012, RES/REI has been expanding their collection and sharing their fashionable eyewear worldwide.
ROLF Spectacles
Handcrafted in Austria, Designed in Austria
Inspired by life in the Tyrolean mountains, this family-run company stacked with engineers and designers introduced their first wooden frames in 2009. Their first release won them a prestigious award and now they are making eyewear using 20 different kinds of wood with no metal components. Rolf prides themselves on not being trendy, but trend-setting by using sustainable natural materials to produce technologically advanced frames. These luxury wooden frames are the epitome of quality and craftsmanship.
SALT. Optics
Handcrafted in Japan, Designed in America
Inspired by coastal Californian landscapes and a fascination with nature, Salt frames are classically beautiful and simply cool. Handcrafted in Japan, their super smooth acetates and strong titanium pieces are as much renowned for their comfort as they are for their style. Exhibiting a humble and quiet confidence, these sought-after frames have been supporting independence and progressive style since 2007.
TAVAT
Handcrafted in Italy, Designed in Italy
TAVAT is a design-driven family company based in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains. With the launch of their first collection in 2010, TAVAT has continued to specialize in providing technical products of excellent quality, with each frame produced in small batches by some of the best eyewear artisans in Northern Italy. TAVAT frames are crafted by hand and incorporate modern materials, innovative production methods and ethical business practices.
Theo
Handcrafted in Belgium, Designed in Belgium
In 1989, opticians Wim Somers and Patrick Hoet introduced their very own collection of frames. Today Theo is a respected brand and recognized worldwide for their artistic shapes and fearless use of vibrant colour. This family run business is now led by Wim Somers as the exclusive designer, but they often collaborate with other reputable designers to launch fun and eclectic mini-collections.
Thierry Lasry
Handcrafted in France, Designed in France
French designer, Thierry Lasry released his “futuristic vintage” sunglass collection in 2006. Wtih an optician as a father and a designer as a mother, Thierry was born into creativity. All of his frames offer a modern aesthetic with an avant-garde twist; the colour palettes are often beautiful mosaics of coloured acetate that shimmer in the limelight. Recently launched in 2019, Thierry’s optical collection is making waves with more satin metal finishes, subdued colours, layered materials and striking shapes.
Vinylize
Handcrafted in Hungary, Designed in Hungary
In 2004, inspired by his father’s record collection, Zachary Tipton officially introduced his first frame line made using communist vinyl salvaged from the Budapest flea markets. Expanding upon the traditional black vinyl inspired pieces, Zachary has also introduced his NVSBLE collection for those who enjoy a softer look and his DYE collection for those who want a pop of vibrant colour.
OUr Promise
We want to make sure you are 100% happy with your experience at Insight Eye Care
Service
Our opticians and eyewear consultants are trained to help you select the best and most appropriate frames and lenses for your needs.
Warranty
We offer a variety of warranty options to give you peace of mind because sometimes things happen.
Current Product
Our buyer, Neil Moser, sits down with designers and brand representatives frequently to keep our collections current and fresh.