FOUNDED ON LEITH STREET on 1 September 1934, The World Optical began as a modest optometry practice with a simple mission—help people see the world more clearly. Its founder, Johnson Lam Chih Yeah, was an optics expert and a devoted practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. His scientific knowledge and holistic care quickly earned him a reputation for precision, compassion and dedication within the community.
Today, The World Optical continues to thrive under Stanley Lam and his mother, Mrs. Lam. “My grandfather’s values—integrity, compassion and innovation—are the guiding principles of our work,” Stanley shares, reflecting on the preservation by his father, Lam Pin Lik, of the company’s ideals.
When an eviction notice came in 2018, forcing the company to relocate, the family uncovered a trove of vintage optical equipment while packing—forgotten treasures tucked away for decades. This discovery inspired Stanley to begin documenting and preserving the company’s history.
