In an era where consolidation has reshaped much of the optical landscape, independents are finding renewed relevance. Makras Optical, founded by Brisbane-based optometrist Mike Makras, stands as a reminder of what makes independent practices unique: authenticity, adaptability, and a deeply personal connection to clients.
For Makras, launching this new chapter is less about starting over and more about returning to what he has always valued most — curating exceptional eyewear collections, fostering community, and offering clients an experience that goes beyond the transactional. In our conversation, he shared how his journey has come full circle, what defines the Australian market today, and why independents may hold the strongest card for the future.
What inspired you to launch Makras Optical at this stage in your career, and how does it build on your previous work with Optiko ?
It was a great venture for me at the time, that harnessed my love of good design with my nerdy optometrical side. I was married and had a young family so, it satisfied alot of things for me. Fast forward almost 18 years, and life threw a curveball, so selling the 2 stores made sense at the time even though it wasnt in my original plan.
After I satisfied my contractural obligations with the large group that purchased it, I realised there was an even greater lack of independent optical practices than before, as most “independant” appearing stores were actually part of larger corporate groups. I also realised that being an independent had huge advantages, as you can really customise your service and product offering to really suit your local clientele it means you can pivot faster and respond with alot more confidence to each client, so its more of a win/win outcome. I really missed curating the eyewear collection as I used to, by religously attending the global eyewear shows, so Makras Optical feels like a return to much needed indepepant optics that can easily evolove without any corporate constraints. So it feels like Ive come full circle and really doing what I always loved doing. trying to exceed client expectations, but surprising them with the service and product they really wanted all along.
From your perspective, how has the eyewear market in Australia evolved over the last decade?
It has certainly changed alot. Private equity groups have amassed small practices which has meant a more generic offering. So i think people are wanting a more authentic and genuine experience and offering.
Do you see the industry as being in a period of growth, transformation, or consolidation ?
Its definitely transforming, coming off the back of mass market consolidation and becoming more and more niche, as people are wanting more individualty in their eyewear choices.
How do you balance medical expertise as a therapeutically endorsed optometrist with the fashion and lifestyle aspects of eyewear retail?
I keep the 2 things fairly separate, as you will see when in the practice, the colours and tones used in the examination room are very different to the mood in the show room. I have a great team of lens technicians and frame stylists that look after clients after we have finished in the exam room. However I still enjoy doing the buying and curation for the store at the Paris and Milan shows every year.
What role does James St play in your brand’s positioning and in the retail experience you want to create?
The James St precinct is like a small village community, where everyone supports each other and we all have similar values when it comes to the retail experience, so its great to be back here.
For example Gail Sorronda recently held a massive 20th anniversary warehouse runway show, and we helped out by sponsoring the eyewear used in the show. Most of the boutiques in the area are super supportive and have similar values when it comes to looking after our clients.
How do you see consumer expectations shifting in terms of eyewear design, quality, and service?
People want to know the story behind a product, they really do, and I also think people want to understand the why, why is this going to be great for them? They are not afraid to ask anymore.
In a market where global brands dominate, how can a local independent like Makras Optical differentiate itself?
So easy, independants have a super power, control over their brand, being at the ground level and really listening to what clients want, and then being able to respond to that without layers and layers of bureaucracy. There is always a place for large global brands, but I really think a large growing thoughtful sector of the market, pursue the small independent operator, more and more
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Makras Optical and for the broader optical industry in Brisbane and beyond?
We will be launching online sales in 2026, and offering informative online eyewear tutorials, and “how-tos”, I see the brand evolving more and more as it responds to its growing clientele, to suit their needs even more, but at the same time, leading the way in innovative curation
Conclusion
As Makras Optical looks ahead — with plans for e-commerce and educational content in 2026 — the message is clear: independence is no longer niche, but a vital counterbalance to consolidation. In prioritizing storytelling, community, and genuine client connection, Makras is not just reopening a practice; he is reasserting the value of independent optics in shaping the future of eyewear.
