Page 90 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition March-April 2024
P. 90

TIO: Does analysing style concepts come           decision-making process. Collaborating closely
          naturally to you?                                    with opticians, I leverage my expertise. My
                                                               success stems from the fact that, while I am
             AP: I believe I was born with a fashion and       not an optician, my specialisation in eyewear
          creative attitude. Over time, I developed a          consultancy brings a unique perspective to the
          passion for style as I discovered the sense of       table. Contrary to common belief, becoming
          balance it brings. Now, I strike a good balance      proficient in image consulting requires more
          between two souls, utilising fashion and style       than just reading articles or books; it demands
          according to individual needs.
                                                               practical experience and a deep understanding
             TIO: In addition to being an Image                of the nuances within the industry.
          consultant, you have also penned a book titled
          “Image Consulting in Optics." Please share              TIO: In India, customers often voice concerns
          some more information about this book for the        regarding the cost or durability of eyewear. How
          benefit of our readers.                              can opticians resolve these concerns and entice
                                                               them to buy the product?
             AP: The book is a comprehensive guide
          specialising in opticians, standard sellers, and        AP: Opticians need to sell the experience
          newcomers, helping them develop a winning            before the product, emphasising wellness and
          approach to sales using style concepts.              beauty. Price becomes less of a priority when
          Introducing style in sales is the key to success     deeper needs are understood.
          in optics, as everyone needs to feel confident          TIO: What should opticians do to provide
          wearing glasses. My method focuses on a              a personalised shopping experience to their
          professional selection of 8–12 glasses tailored to   customers?
          economic potential, with customised choices
          based on tinted lenses and colour analysis to           AP: Excellent knowledge, consistent
          complement natural beauty.                           communication, and charisma allow
                                                               professionals to personalise the shopping
             TIO: In your book, one can read about your        experience effectively.
          renowned successful formats, such as “Eyewear
          Wardrobe Experience” and “Swap Party.” Please           TIO: Please share your views on fashion
          elaborate on these innovative concepts.              trends and styles in the eyewear industry during
                                                               the last few years. Which is your favourite style?
             AP: The "Eyewear Wardrobe Experience"
          is my most inspiring process, making clients            AP: All trends resurface over time, reflecting
          aware of the glasses they need in their wardrobe     our collective nostalgia. Presently, a diverse
          for different occasions. I suggest a timeless        array of eyewear from various decades enjoys
          pair of glasses matching all outfits, and after      popularity in the market. For instance, this year,
          consultations, clients often desire multiple pairs.   rimless styles with tinted lenses have emerged
          The "Swap party" is a recycling concept where        as favourites among young individuals.
          people exchange glasses in good condition,           Personally, I don't have a single favourite style,
          promoting sustainability and fashion.                as I embrace a wide spectrum of designs. With
                                                               over 400 pairs of glasses in my wardrobe, each
             TIO: As you shared, you provide a                 style holds its own unique appeal. If I were to
          personalised approach to dealing with problems       choose, round metal glasses with soft tinted
          opticians face. How do you go about this?            lenses feel like a second skin, while white

             AP: Prescription is the initial focus, followed   glasses never fail to bring me joy.
          by a meticulous step-by-step analysis of                Interviewer: Lastly, is there any special
          individuals to ascertain solutions that address      message for our readers?
          both visual concerns and aesthetic preferences.
          I integrate these aspects seamlessly, recognising       AP: I invite all readers to love glasses as
          that the selection of frames and lenses should       accessories, not just medical devices. “See
          not be an isolated choice but rather a cohesive      better to be seen better!”



      86 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | MAR-APR 2024                                                            INTERVIEW
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