Kwabena Agyei
As a Nikon Lenswear Moment Maker, we impact how well people live, how well they see, how well they smile at their grandchildren, do whatever they need to do. We make moments for people by helping them see those moments. I’m proud of that.
The day everything came into focus
When I was 10 years old, I went to a little independent optician in South London for the first time in my life. I remember this vividly because my life was different ever since. Correcting my vision changed everything for me, especially academically. I could see the board. I could see people and their faces. All the details that I really needed to push me on. It gave me confidence. This is the same feeling I want people to experience when they step into my store.
Passion for Vision
What role does vision play in your personal passions?
I played semi-professional football and as a striker, my vision had to be up to speed. Without lenses, I don’t think I would have scored as many goals as I did.
What inspired you to pursue a career in eye care?
I loved the idea of using a combination of science, technology, and fashion to help people see. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
What’s so special about our sense of sight?
The small, intricate details. That clarity and sharpness when you pick up a flower or see a vista. It’s in the details. Other senses come into play, but vision is definitely the most important part.
What is something you love about eyecare?
The irises themselves. Every iris has different shades, colours, textures, and movements. Our irises are unique, so our vision is unique as well. And that’s one thing which is quite magical about optics and what we do.
How long have you worked with Nikon Lenswear and why?
"I’ve worked with Nikon Lenswear for over 20 years now. Our ethos has always been service, technology, and providing the best eyewear and quality products that we can for all of our patients. That ethos is definitely something that Nikon Lenswear lives by. Why wouldn’t we partner with someone who shares the same sort of values as we do? It’s a no-brainer for us.”
Vision: The Key to Life’s Best Moments
For Kwabena, vision isn’t just about sight—it’s about truly experiencing life’s most precious moments. Understanding this deep connection, he wants to help others see and cherish life’s defining moments.
I regularly get up quite early, at 5 o’clock. I like to meditate while watching the sun rise. It’s an amazing experience. Quite cleansing. I watch the sun come up through the wispy clouds. It’s a bit of a reset and allows me to go into the day with a bit of a spring in my step.
Seeing my children come into the world. That was amazing. Seeing their miniature features—feet, eyes, and ears—all so familiar, yet different. Beautiful.
Yes. I call these “pin-drop moments.” These are the special moments in life where you have to stop. Take a moment. Absorb every part, detail, and feeling of that moment, as it’s precious and may never happen again. Vision is an important part of these moments. The detail, seeing your child walk for the first time. Life changing moments. They’re all done with the eyes.
"Seeing my children come into the world. That was amazing. Seeing their miniature features—feet, eyes, and ears—all so familiar, yet different. Life changing moments. They’re all done with the eyes."
How does lenswear contribute to our everyday lives?
The right frames and lenses are paramount to people’s daily routines. When you need something lightweight or durable, it could be because your life depends on it. You may be disabled, you may be unable to hold things on your face. The ability to provide lenses and frames for all instances is really important. Lenses are not one-size-fits-all.ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
Could you share a rewarding moment from your career?
There was an elderly patient who couldn’t leave her home due to covid. She had a passion for reading, but she wasn’t able to continue on with her passion because her spectacles no longer worked for her. So we had a remote FaceTime consultation and were able to provide some amazing lenses into a frame she chose. She said it changed her life because she was able to read again. It may seem small, but it lifted her spirits and allowed her to feel like part of the world again.
What do you think makes your store special for your customers?
I think our patients and customers love coming to see us because we remember their names, we make good tea, and we make them comfortable. Our door is always open and there are people that don’t even bother coming for glasses or a contact lens check. They’ll come in to say hello because they’re in town and going to the theatre. It’s more than an optician. It’s a community.ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
What technology from Nikon Lenswear do you think impacts customer’s lives?
The introduction of the E-Life range. People today are using more screens and computers, especially working from home. There are different environments today, so having a lens that’s as versatile as the E-Life range has paid dividends. It’s allowed our patients to work at home in the office and changed everything for them. Also, advancements with lens coatings, blue control, Pure Blue from Nikon have helped computer users immensely.
What makes Nikon Lenswear special?
I’ve worked with Nikon Lenswear for over 20 years now. They’ve always been aligned with what we do as a business. We’re an established independent optician that’s been in the city of London for over 100 years. Our ethos has always been service, technology, and providing the best eyewear and quality products that we can for all of our patients. That ethos is definitely something that Nikon lives by. Why wouldn’t we partner with someone who shares the same sort of values as we do? It’s a no-brainer for us.
What is your favourite thing about working with Nikon Lenswear in the UK?
We know that the lenses are manufactured here in the UK. So, the lead time for our lenses and delivery is amazing. We can get them in several days as opposed to weeks. The quality is always assured. The customer service team is absolutely awesome—they’re always on hand and ready to help. The depth of support from the Nikon Spectacle Lenses guys is second to none. I couldn’t imagine working with anyone else.ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
