S.K. Optik in Ao Nang

I recently bought eyeglasses at S.K. Optik in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand, and I was thrilled at both cost and service. The last time I had walked into an ophthalmologist practice I was a young boy trying to fight a lazy eye. This never happened, and though my condition has been overcome by the perfection of my right eye, after 30 years of constant daily sessions in front of a computer or of a book, I felt it was time to give my eyes a break. I needed glasses, and I had heard that S.K. Optik in Ao Nang was the best in town. I had read several good reviews and I decided to give it a go. When I got there, I immediately realized I was at the right place.

Two nice ladies smiled as I entered the shop, and S.K. Optik owner immediately greeted me. Mr. Kitti, also known as Billy, is a professional ophthalmologist with perfect English, and a Varilux Specialist, one of only 6 in Thailand, having completed Varilux University education program in 2002. Billy took care of me personally, and my eyes were immediately checked with an ophthalmoscope. I was then shown into the eye examination room at the back of the shop, where my complete eye exam began. I read test charts with near vision and far vision, small letters and numbers, until Billy diagnosed a strong astigmatism, a refraction error of the eye in which there is a difference in degree of reflection in different meridians. Astigmatism causes difficulties in seeing fine detail, and this is exactly what my left eye does. There is no chance for me to recover at my age or to correct the condition with glasses, but I could give a break to my right eye by having reading glasses. Billy checked several times with different lenses to make sure the solution he finally chose was accurate.

Once my eye exam was over, I started my shopping session for the frame. The choice of Scandinavian and European-style glasses, both reading and sunglasses, was excellent. Only quality brands, only originals, no copies: Ray Ban, Oakley, Porsche, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis’, Cartier, Gucci, D&G, Prada, you name it. For someone like me who has never worn eyeglasses in his life, I wanted the best and went for a titanium frame from John Langford, without even looking at the price tag and hoping my credit card would absorb the hit, but I was to be proved wrong. The price was not as near as what I had expected it to be. I really started wondering how come the price was at least 50% cheaper than in Europe and started a chat with Billy about the matter. It was easy to understand: “Thanks to our high number of shops our family owns, we buy bulk and can get lower prices from manufacturers”, and he also noted that “while most businesses in Ao Nang pay high rents, this shop belongs to me and my home is above the shop. My running costs are much lower than other shops, and this is reflected in the price of my glasses”.

Billy has been opened in Ao Nang for 14 years; his father has been in the optic business for over 50 years, his brothers and family members run 6 optician shops in Southern Thailand destinations that include Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta and Koh Samui. He was the first optician to open in Ao Nang, and he still spends most of his days in his shop, a guarantee of quality and professionalism. On his desk, there were several references and business cards of people, mostly foreigners, he has served over the years. “I have many more but not enough space to display them,” he proudly stated.

S.K. Optik was indeed the best choice, and I am very happy with my designer’s eyeglasses. Billy provided with the level of professional optical services I expected, and at the right price.

FACTS

Eye visit is included in the price at S.K. Optik. They offer a range of professional eye examinations, professional eye test and a fitting Varilux Panoramic Demo.

They have all lenses for all conditions, like progressive addition lenses that provide active and demanding presbyopes more complete visual freedom, helping clients with this condition feel closer to their pre-presbyopic vision. Also, a Varilux Panoramic technology that helps patients regain their sense of visual freedom.

S.K. Optik services are ideal for visitors to the area with only a few days to go. Glasses are prepared and delivered in 1 to 5 days maximum. Several Scandinavian eyewear choices. Range of contact lenses and Renu solutions. Varilux/Essilor and Oakley authorised dealer.

S.K. Optik is centrally located in Ao Nang, opposite the Ao Nang Police near the beach. They are also in Koh Lanta, Krabi province. Email skoptik@hotmail.com