Got Frames: The Independent Eyewear Studio Putting Fit, Purpose and Sustainability First

Got Frames Eyewear Studio is a locally owned optician in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, founded by Agata, a dispensing optician with a clear passion for helping people find frames that fit beautifully and feel comfortable all day. The studio offers a carefully chosen range of spectacle frames, prescription dispensing, professional advice and lifestyle-led frame styling, all delivered with a personal, considered approach.

The business is especially proud to be the first store in Ireland to offer a wide range of low-bridge frames, also known as Asian-fit frames, helping more people find eyewear that truly works for them. Got Frames also offers a free, private Quiet Hour appointment for community members who need extra support, reflecting the studio’s care-first ethos. Alongside this, the team provides frame repairs and alteration services, keeping sustainability at the heart of the business by extending the life of quality eyewear.

The result is a modern independent optician built on expertise, inclusivity and purpose. Got Frames is more than just a place to buy glasses; it’s a business designed to solve a real problem, serve its community and do things thoughtfully.

We put some questions to Agata, and we hope her answers will help others who are considering the independent pathway in the optical business world.

Q1: "Tell us about the moment you decided to go independent --- what pushed you over the line and what did you almost let stop you?

I opened my own eyewear studio because I couldn't access the products I wanted to offer my patients. I could see a clear market gap, and not acting on it felt like a missed opportunity. Having previously owned a business in Copenhagen also gave me the confidence to leap again.

That said, it wasn't without challenges. Sourcing the right products — Asian-fit frames — for the European market proved very difficult. At times, given my tight budget and the level of risk involved, I questioned whether my plan was achievable. However, I had promised my patients I would find a way, and that strong sense of purpose helped me stay focused.

Q2. What does your practice look like today --- and what do you know now that you wish someone had told you before you started?

The practice is still very new, so it's a work in progress. However, I have a clear vision of what I want it to become, and right now it's about staying focused and continuing to build towards that.

Before opening, I conducted extensive research and drew on my field experience. I'm naturally curious and proactive, so I've always asked questions and sought out knowledge where needed. Because of that, I don't feel there's anything significant I wish I'd known beforehand---I felt prepared going into it.

Q3. What would you say to an optometrist, dispensing optician or optical assistant who is sitting on the fence about going independent right now?

Start by identifying your unique selling point. Conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan. If you do not yet have experience in areas such as business management or marketing, explore training opportunities to build the skills you need.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and make use of any support available to you. Going independent can feel daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it's absolutely achievable.

Got Frames is a timely reminder that independent practice, when built on genuine expertise and a real problem worth solving, can be powerful. Agata's story is not just about business ownership; it's about conviction, preparation, and care for the people she serves. Whether it's pioneering Asian-fit low-bridge frames in Ireland, offering Quiet Hour appointments, or simply taking the time to get a fit right, every decision at Got Frames reflects a practice built on purpose. For anyone curious about what modern independent optics can look like, it looks a lot like this.

Contact details for Got Frames in Dún Laoghaire :

 
17 George's Street Lower,  Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 EV96

www.gotframes.ie

Do you run an independent optical practice?

We'd love to hear your story. The Optical Independent exists to shine a light on the people building something different in our industry — whether you've been open six months or six years, whether your USP is clinical excellence, community focus, specialist services or something else entirely.

If you'd like to be featured in a future post, get in touch with us here. Tell us a little about your practice and what makes it yours. We'll take it from there.