Our Story

IRIS began in 1989 at a small optometric practice in Baie Comeau on Québec's remote North Shore. Optometrist and young entrepreneur, Dr. Francis Jean, began crisscrossing the province in search of like-minded professionals, to join his growing group of eyecare centres. Through his tireless efforts and the hard work of his associates, IRIS grew to become the largest eyecare group in Québec.

In 2000 IRIS purchased the Fort Group of Optical Companies, Western Canada's biggest optical retailer, and became the country's largest eyecare provider. The IRIS network of professionals now includes over 500 opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. In early 2007 IRIS opened its very first location in Ontario. IRIS is expanding quickly, at a rate of almost one new location per month.

IRIS is a privately owned corporation, with almost 70 shareholders across Canada. The IRIS Concept is a range of unique advantages:

• The size of our network
• AIR MILES® reward miles
• IRIS No Matter What Guarantee
• The IRIS Team - Optometrists, Opticians, Ophthalmologists
• An Optometrist in every location
• IRIS Ophthalmology Clinics for Laser Vision Correction
• IRIS Mundial
• Our beautiful stores
• Our culture