The man who turned eyewear into identity: Ben Akkerman in conversation with Curated Optics
Ask who the most influential optician in the Netherlands is, and one name keeps returning: Ben Akkerman. In an extensive interview with Curated Optics he looks back on a career that began in 1959 — and ahead at what awaits the world of eyewear.
He originally wanted to become an artist. His father was an optician; theatre school in Amsterdam remained a dream. The agreement was one year of optical school. He was fascinated almost immediately and never looked back. His philosophy has not changed since: to sell not only better vision, but better-looking people.
A good pair of glasses, Akkerman says, becomes part of someone's identity. Clients of course need a vision solution, but that solution should always express who they are. Sometimes the right lens tint alone makes a person appear younger, more distinctive and more confident.
Independent opticians stand apart through genuine interest, by sharing knowledge and by showing that a whole world exists beyond licensed brands. A curator has the instinct to discover brands before anyone else, and knows that selecting frames defines the character of a store. Limited editions create collectors — and collectors understand stories.
His view of the future is clear: licensed brands will lose their appeal, and the future belongs to real frame makers built on craftsmanship, slower production and genuine design. Personal attention in intimate independent stores will only grow more valuable. His advice to young opticians: remain yourself, believe in your own course, and turn clients into walking ambassadors.
Curated Optics concludes that Eyeclusive does not follow trends — it helped create them. Read the full interview on curatedoptics.com.