Georges Laoun Opticien blazed on the Montreal optical scene in 1983, driven by his fascination with the breakneck advances in optical technology.

Elevated by Josephine—his sweeter half—Georges has always treated his patrons to the most cutting edge lenses and instruments, and the very brightest in artist designed pieces.

Now in its third generation, this small but mighty family business continues to light up its neighbourhoods and is a hub for person-driven artistic eyewear and high-performance lenses. 

Strolling down Duluth in 1988, Sherif Laoun came across a commercial space for rent on the corner of Saint-Denis. He sang the agent’s number all the way home, then called his parents to suggest the space as the location of their second store. Sherif already knew he would want to make the arts a part of the family business, and he had now found the perfect home to bring that vision to life.

Just two years later, Georges Laoun Opticien opened its doors in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal. Clients, artists, staff, friends, management, suppliers and onlookers alike, all had the distinct impression that they were witnessing the birth of something new; beautiful, lively, original frames on display in an open, welcoming setting that, in its own way, had become a museum.

The collaboration between Georges Laoun Opticien and The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts began long before the Sherbrooke St. West store was opened, with events at the Saint-Denis store promoting some of the museum’s exhibits.

In January 1999, the Museum invited Georges Laoun Opticien to open a new boutique in its renowned building, designed by Moshe Safdie. The partnership, forged by a mutual respect for the arts, was a natural one. It continues to this day.