Today, July 1st is a special day for all Canadians! Canada Day is the official start of summer and the holidays. Perhaps you are packing your bags for a vacation in one of our wonderful regions.
IRIS began in 1986 when its first store opened in Baie-Comeau in the province of Quebec. Dr. Francis Jean, the founder, had the vision to bring all eye care professionals together under one roof to enable Canadians to experience better vision. The innovative concept developed by Dr. Jean quickly piqued his community's interest. In 1990, he founded a purchasing group so that optometrists driven by the same values could join IRIS.
In 2000, IRIS acquired the Fort Optical group, the largest optical retailer in Western Canada. This expansion doubled the number of IRIS stores and extended Dr. Jean's vision to other Canadian provinces. The presence of IRIS in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario led to significant changes in the regulations that apply to the optometrist profession. IRIS has even been present in New Brunswick since the end of 2017.
Today, with 142 stores across Canada, IRIS is a leader in the optometry field. Its values of passion, honesty and respect have allowed IRIS to become the largest network of optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists in the country.
IRIS is also an employer of choice, with more than 1,200 employees from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
We are proud to have been at the root of a movement that revolutionized the Canadian optical market.
IRIS, a great Canadian success!
