FOUNDED ON LEITH STREET on 1 September 1934, The World Optical began as a modest optometry practice with a simple mission—help people see the world more clearly. Its founder, Johnson Lam Chih Yeah, was an optics expert and a devoted practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. His scientific knowledge and holistic care quickly earned him a reputation for precision, compassion and dedication within the community.

Today, The World Optical continues to thrive under Stanley Lam and his mother, Mrs. Lam. “My grandfather’s values—integrity, compassion and innovation—are the guiding principles of our work,” Stanley shares, reflecting on the preservation by his father, Lam Pin Lik, of the company’s ideals.

When an eviction notice came in 2018, forcing the company to relocate, the family uncovered a trove of vintage optical equipment while packing—forgotten treasures tucked away for decades. This discovery inspired Stanley to begin documenting and preserving the company’s history.

The Grinding Lab: Where Craftmanship Began

In the 1930s, crafting optical lenses was a labour-intensive process. Each pair of glasses was hand-ground and polished in The World Optical’s lens grinding lab, custom-made for each client.

Back then, lenses were crafted from glass—durable and resistant to scratches, but they also broke easier. “In those days, you could only grind and polish maybe two pieces in an entire day,” Stanley explains. Today, lenses are typically made from plastic, making them safer, lighter and more flexible, though they tend to scratch more easily without proper coatings.

As one of the leading optical shops of the day, The World Optical soon attracted a prestigious clientele, including the 27th Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Sir Badlishah, in 1947, followed by the 28th Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, who graced the shop during his tenure as Agong in 1974/75. The shop also served the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, in 1985, and attended to Mahathir Mohamad in the early 1980s. Some of these figures sought private consultations, while others returned regularly for personalised care.

The Evolution of Optical Technology

As the optical industry went through significant changes, The World Optical kept pace. Advanced tools like digital refraction systems, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and automated lens edging machines now allow for quicker, more precise eye examinations, while maintaining the quality of service for which the business is known.

The company’s product offerings have also expanded to include progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, blue light filters and photochromic lenses. Customers now have a wide range of choices for the design of their glasses, from classic styles to designer frames that combine function with fashion.

In the past, spectacle frames were crafted from luxurious but now-obsolete materials such as tortoise shell, hawksbill beak and bull horn—now prohibited for ethical and legal reasons. Today, ecofriendly alternatives and recyclable packaging reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Soft contact lenses, made from breathable hydrogels or silicone hydrogels, have replaced the older hard lenses, offering greater comfort and convenience for daily wear. Digital record-keeping has streamlined operations, allowing easy access to patient data while reducing paper waste.

Despite these upgrades, The World Optical continues to value its original, vintage optical equipment. The team occasionally uses the 1934 refraction tools to demonstrate the craft’s early techniques and share the company’s long history with staff and customers.

Preserving History For Future Generations

The discovery of vintage equipment during the 2018 move sparked a personal mission for Stanley Lam to preserve his family’s optical heritage. Inspired by the trove of heirlooms, he expanded the collection through research and outreach to former customers and employees—determined to document their legacy and share it with the public.

Some pieces are now displayed in-store, but Stanley envisions a dedicated museum to showcase his full collection. He has consulted historians, museum professionals and organisations like George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) to ensure proper preservation. His goal is not only to honour the past, but to educate future generations on the evolution of optometry.

A Family Business Built On Values

Stanley fondly recalls weekends spent at the shop as a child. “When I was in kindergarten, I used to come in with my brother. I’d play with the sample lenses—hammering thicker plastic ones to see how they broke, or bending frames just to see what would happen.” That early exposure and curiosity soon grew into a deep interest in the craft.

Managing a multi-generational business comes with its challenges, especially when balancing family dynamics with the need for innovation. Open communication and shared decision-making have been key in navigating these differences.

To Stanley, The World Optical is more than just a business—it represents a commitment to excellence. “As I grew older, I began to appreciate the profound impact that my grandfather, and later my family, had on people’s lives,” he reflects.

The planned museum will be a tangible expression of these values, offering visitors a look at the evolution of vision care through one family’s dedication. Meanwhile, their doors remain open to those interested in both purchasing new glasses and viewing these historical pieces. The World Optical occasionally also offers free vision screenings and educational workshops, and has partnered with schools to promote eye health awareness.

By preserving its legacy and embracing modern advancements, the business remains committed to helping future generations see the world.