From Paris to Peers and Fisher: The Excellence of Independent Eyewear
Eyewear has evolved beyond simply improving vision—it has become a statement of personality, confidence, and style. At Peers and Fisher Optometrists in Dunkeld West, Johannesburg, every pair of glasses tells a story, combining world-class eye care with exclusive designer craftsmanship that cannot be found anywhere else in South Africa.
Founded in 1992 by experienced optometrists Michelle Pencharz and Shana Cohen, Peers and Fisher has earned a reputation for clinical excellence while offering patients carefully curated eyewear that reflects individuality. Their philosophy is simple: exceptional vision deserves exceptional design.
Discovering Parisian Excellence
Committed to staying at the forefront of global optical trends, Michelle and Shana regularly attend the world’s leading optometry exhibition in Paris. It was during one of these visits that they discovered Tarian, the independent French eyewear brand created by acclaimed designer Jérémy Miklitarian.
The collection immediately stood out for its distinctive Parisian aesthetic, playful design elements, and remarkable craftsmanship.
“Jérémy’s designs have a Parisian edge while encompassing quirky elements. They combine comfort, style and personality in a way that immediately resonated with us. We knew Tarian would be a perfect fit for our practice.”
says Michelle Pencharz
That intuition proved correct. Since becoming the exclusive South African stockist of Tarian eyewear, Peers and Fisher has introduced clients to frames that offer both individuality and exceptional quality.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
For Jérémy Miklitarian, the feeling was mutual.
Meeting Michelle and Shana for the first time left a lasting impression. He admired their warmth, attention to detail and strong design sense, describing Peers and Fisher as a practice with genuine “soul”—a quality he rarely encounters during his international travels.
South Africa also made an immediate impact on the Paris-based designer. He embraced the country’s vibrant energy, diversity and confident sense of style, recognising that Tarian had found the ideal home.
In April this year, Jérémy visited South Africa for the first time, meeting existing clients and working alongside the Peers and Fisher team to further develop collections tailored to local tastes.
Where Eye Care Meets Design
While exclusive eyewear attracts attention, Peers and Fisher remains firmly focused on delivering exceptional optometric care.
The practice combines advanced diagnostic technology, comprehensive eye examinations, expert fittings and personalised visual assessments with an extensive range of premium independent eyewear.
“We pride ourselves on our carefully curated eyewear ranges as much as we ensure world-class quality in our optometric services,”.
says Michelle
She believes every frame should have its own story, allowing clients to wear something truly unique.
“Our clients love knowing that when they wear Tarian, no one else will have the same frames.”
The Story Behind Tarian
The inspiration behind Tarian is deeply personal.
Jérémy Miklitarian has lived with severe short-sightedness since childhood and received his first pair of glasses at the age of 11. They were designed by his father, legendary French-Armenian eyewear designer Alain Mikli, internationally recognised for bold colours, sculptural designs and handcrafted luxury eyewear.
Although Jérémy initially established himself as an accomplished ceramic artist before studying graphic and product design, he eventually followed his father’s creative path.
He launched Tarian in Paris in 2011, combining innovative materials, artisanal craftsmanship and distinctive design. The brand’s name honours his family heritage, with the suffix “ian” meaning “son of.”
Ceramics continue to influence his creative process, inspiring the textures, forms and artistic details that distinguish every Tarian collection.
Eyewear That Changes Perspectives
Michelle believes the secret behind Tarian’s appeal lies in the meticulous attention to detail.
“The frames are amazing to wear. It’s the quality of the workmanship and, more importantly, the careful selection of materials that define their uniqueness.”
she says
For Peers and Fisher, eyewear is about far more than correcting vision. It is about helping people express themselves, feel confident and experience the world differently.
As Henry David Thoreau famously observed:
“It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.”
For more information, visit www.peersandfisher.co.za.
