How long has Art Schmidt Optical been in business?
Art Schmidt Optical has been serving Vernon and the Okanagan since 1946, making us one of the most established optical boutiques in the BC Interior. Founded by Vernon optician Art Schmidt on 31st Street, our boutique was built on a simple belief that eyewear should be exceptional, and so should the experience. Nearly 80 years later, that standard has not changed, and we remain Vernon’s most trusted destination for premium eyewear and expert optical care.
What makes us different from other optical retailers in the Okanagan?
A few things set us apart. We carry an exclusive selection of international designer brands that simply are not available everywhere in BC. We craft lenses on-site in our Vernon studio for faster turnaround. We trust ZEISS exclusively for our precision lens range. And perhaps most importantly, every client who walks through our door is looked after by licensed opticians who take the time to truly understand their eyes, their lifestyle, and their needs. That combination of heritage, expertise, and genuine personal care is something you will not find at a chain retailer.
What designer eyewear brands do you carry?
Our collection includes some of the world’s most coveted names in eyewear, including Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Fendi, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, SPY, Bellinger, Entourage of 7, Etnia, KLiiK, and more. Every brand in our collection is handpicked by our expert opticians for its craftsmanship, design integrity, and optical performance. New styles arrive regularly, so there is always something worth discovering when you visit our Vernon boutique.
Do you carry eyewear for active and outdoor lifestyles?
Absolutely. The Okanagan lifestyle demands eyewear that can keep up, and we have built our sport and safety range with exactly that in mind. We carry high-performance brands including Wiley X, Onguard, and ArmouRX, with options for skiing, cycling, golf, pickleball, swimming, hunting, and workplace safety. Prescription options are available across our full sport and safety range, so nothing holds you back from performing at your best.
Can you help with complex or difficult prescriptions?
Yes, and it is something we take particular pride in. Our licensed opticians have decades of experience fitting complex prescriptions, including progressives, high prescriptions, and prescriptions that other optical retailers may struggle with. We trust ZEISS to deliver the precision those prescriptions demand, and we craft every lens on-site in our Vernon studio so we can oversee every step of the process personally.
Why do your opticians recommend ZEISS lenses?
Our licensed opticians recommend ZEISS because they genuinely believe it delivers the best possible outcome for our clients. ZEISS lenses are individually crafted to your prescription, facial anatomy, frame, and lifestyle using some of the most advanced lens manufacturing technology in the world. From DriveSafe for clearer road vision to BlueGuard for screen-heavy lifestyles, every ZEISS lens is tailor-made for how you actually live. When you have been fitting lenses for nearly 80 years, you develop a strong sense of what works, and ZEISS consistently delivers.
Do you serve customers from outside Vernon?
Absolutely. While we are proud to be Vernon’s optical boutique, we welcome clients from across the Okanagan and the broader BC Interior, including Kelowna, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and beyond. Many of our clients make the trip specifically for our designer selection, our ZEISS lens expertise, and the kind of personalized service they simply cannot find closer to home. If you are in the region, we would love to see you.
Can I bring in frames I bought elsewhere for adjustments or repairs?
Yes. We offer precision adjustments and repairs, and we treat every pair with the same care, regardless of where it was purchased. If your frames need realigning, tightening, or more involved repair work, bring them in, and our team will take care of them. We believe great eyewear deserves great service, full stop.
Do you offer eyewear for the whole family?
Yes. While our boutique is built around a premium, curated experience, we welcome clients of all ages and are happy to help every member of your family find the right eyewear. From designer frames and precision lenses to contact lens fittings and sport eyewear, we offer a full range of optical services under one roof. Many of our clients have been coming to us for generations, and that kind of long-term trust is something we never take for granted.
