As I entered the shop, I felt a sense of familiarity. One of the optometrist greeted me with a bright smile and referred me to the boss of the shop. Running the shop along with her husband, Annie Lam has been the “lao ban niang” (female boss) of Kwong Shin. Their first shop was in Arab Street and in 1980, they moved over to Bras Basah Complex.

She shared about how the shop has been adopting to the changes in the market, speaking of how her shop has been importing fashionable spectacles from Japan, Korea and also Europe to remain relevant.

I remember clearly how she suddenly asked me if I had astigmatism, and revealed to me that the way that my current spectacle lens were shaped gave it away. I guess this is just some conversations that I can get in a shop that is so authentic and real. That also explains her loyal customer base, who go to Kwong Shin years after years, spectacles after spectacles.

It is more than just getting a pair of spectacles; more than getting my eyes checked up. It felt like there was a personal touch with every single customer. It felt like family.