It’s about a lot more than eyesight. It’s about what you feel, how you look, and what you see. It’s about comfort, style, and the personal touch. And, ultimately, it’s about who you are.
That’s the ethos behind Peers and Fisher Optometrists, a beloved practice in the upmarket Johannesburg suburb of Dunkeld West. Founded in 1992 by optometrists Michelle Pencharz and Shana Cohen, the practice has built a reputation for clinical excellence and a keen eye for design.
The partners regularly attend an international optometry expo in Paris to stay at the forefront of their field. It was there that they discovered Tarian, a Parisian eyewear brand created by designer Jérémy Miklitarian.
“Jérémy’s designs have a Parisian edge while encompassing quirky elements,” says Michelle. “They highlight a deep understanding of the need for eyewear that is both comfortable and stylish.” Peers and Fisher introduced Tarian as an exclusive brand in South Africa, and the response has been enthusiastic.
In turn, Jérémy instantly appreciated the practice’s “soul”, a rare commodity in his international travels. He visited South Africa for the first time in April this year to meet customers and work more closely with the optometrists.
Tarian’s story is inspiring. Jérémy has lived with severe near-sightedness since childhood and received his first pair of glasses at age 11, designed by his father, the renowned Alain Mikli. The name Tarian reflects his pride in that legacy; the syllable “ian” means “son of”.
Jérémy, who is also an accomplished ceramicist, notes that ceramics and eyewear creation feed off each other. Michelle notes that Tarian frames “are amazing to wear”, adding that the quality of the workmanship and the careful selection of materials define their uniqueness.
The right eyewear makes a difference to how you see the world, how you see yourself, and how the world sees you. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.”
