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Business in the Spotlight XO Optics
XO OPTICS ZUIDAS
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For Maarten Christiaans and Lucas Verstraten, optics is a family affair. Both have been in the trade for years and were practically raised in the eye care profession as kids. One got his fascination for vision from his father and grandfather, who ran an optical shop, the other was the son of an eye doctor. Joining forces, the two decided to go into business. XO Optics opened its doors in the Xavier building just over 1,5 years ago, as the sole optician in Zuidas, and sees a bright future ahead in this location.
Perhaps the only thing still lacking from this growing district was an eyeglass shop. But no longer: “It’s convenient for folks to have us so close by now.” Offering a wide selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses – from big fashion labels to traditional vision brands – XO Optics caters to all. But, as the two men explain, they do more than fit customers for a great pair of specs. “If you’re worried about your eyes, no matter what it is, we can help you without all the fuss”, Maarten explains. A licensed optometrist, he oversees the more ‘complicated’ cases that come into the shop. From double vision and headaches to eye-related health conditions. “Call me the gatekeeper”, he quips. Maarten says his work is like the physiotherapist of eye care. “We are a primary healthcare provider, and we try to solve problems with the right care or glasses. If necessary, we refer customers to their general practitioner or an ophthalmologist.”
Essential As a specialist in the evaluation of eye health, optometrists like Maarten are few and far between in Amsterdam. Which is odd, considering how essential good eye care is when you spend long hours working at a computer or laptop, as many of us do. The way we look at our screens influences our physical vitality and ergonomics, after all. Multifocal glasses, which are more
popular than ever, force the wearer to adjust their posture to read texts onscreen. “But sitting in an awkward position to see clearly for eight hours has adverse effects”, Maarten points out. “It leads to poorer posture and ergonomics, so there is loads of room for improvement.”
Care-free According to Lucas, this is precisely what brought XO Optics to Zuidas. “In partnership with ZEISS, a supplier of lenses who in technical terms are the best of the best, we want to introduce ‘office glasses’ here.” Through their ‘Naturally Upright’ scheme, XO Optics is offering all Zuidas organizations a chance to introduce their employees to these desk eyeglasses at an attractive price. “We have developed an extensive dashboard to take care of everything for HR managers and some organizations have already found their way to us. We have a pilot set up for companies so they can all come try it out for themselves, free of charge, and ultimately facilitate this for their staff.” XO Optics works out all the details. They provide an extensive database to keep track of everything, plus a guide to screen glasses, posters and flyers. “It’s also financially attractive, because the costs are largely tax deductible. That means no added expenditure and it reduces sick leave.” Lucas grins: “It’s really a win-win.”
Local Of course, the brand-new shop welcomes not only HR managers and employees, but also the local community. With their state-of-the-art equipment, extensive care, wide product range and customer focus, Maarten and Lucas are ready to serve all local residents and organizations. “We’re just around the corner!”
Maarten Christiaans & Lucas Verstraten
XO Optics Zuidas Gustav Mahlerlaan 397 1082 MK Amsterdam +31 (0) 20 235 11 17 contact@xo-optics.nl www.xo-optics.nl
