Johannesburg, South Africa — 2026 — In a world where eyewear is often reduced to function, one practice in Johannesburg is quietly reshaping the narrative — turning vision into identity, and frames into storytelling.
At Peers and Fisher Optometrists, eyewear is not simply about correcting sight. It’s about how you feel when you walk into a room, how you present yourself to the world, and how confidently you see it.
Where Clinical Excellence Meets Personal Expression
Founded in 1992 by Michelle Pencharz and Shana Cohen, the Dunkeld West-based practice has built a reputation grounded in two pillars: clinical precision and aesthetic intention.
From state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to expert fittings and performance assessments, every aspect of the experience is designed to enhance both vision and confidence. But what truly sets Peers and Fisher apart is its commitment to curated, independent eyewear — pieces that are as individual as the people who wear them.
A Parisian Discovery That Changed Everything
To stay ahead of global trends, the founders regularly attend an international optometry expo in Paris — a hub of innovation and design. It was there that they encountered Tarian, created by visionary designer Jérémy Miklitarian.
The connection was immediate.
Jérémy’s designs — defined by a distinctly Parisian edge, layered with playful, unconventional elements — spoke directly to the practice’s philosophy: eyewear should be comfortable, stylish, and deeply personal.
Recognising its potential, Peers and Fisher introduced Tarian as an exclusive brand in South Africa — a move that has since been met with enthusiastic response from clients seeking something beyond the ordinary.
A Creative Exchange Rooted in Authenticity
The partnership was not one-sided. For Jérémy, meeting Michelle and Shana was equally impactful. He recognised in their practice something rare — what he describes as “soul” — a quality often missing in global retail experiences.
This mutual respect laid the foundation for a collaboration that extends beyond distribution. It is a shared commitment to craft, individuality, and meaningful design.
In April 2026, Jérémy visited South Africa for the first time, engaging directly with clients and working closely with the team to refine selections tailored to the local market — a market he quickly embraced for its energy, diversity, and confident sense of style.
The Legacy Behind the Frames
The story of Tarian is as compelling as the designs themselves.
Jérémy’s journey began with his own experience of severe near-sightedness. At just 11 years old, he received his first pair of glasses — designed by his father, Alain Mikli, a globally celebrated figure known for bold, sculptural eyewear worn by artists and cultural icons.
Influenced by this legacy, Jérémy carved his own path. After studying graphic and product design, he launched Tarian in Paris in 2011 — blending traditional craftsmanship with experimental techniques.
The name “Tarian” itself carries meaning — the suffix “ian” symbolising “son of,” a tribute to heritage while forging a distinct identity.
What sets his work apart is the integration of ceramics into eyewear design — a discipline he mastered as a young ceramicist. This cross-disciplinary approach brings a tactile, artistic dimension to each frame, resulting in pieces that are both functional and expressive.
Eyewear With a Story
For Michelle Pencharz, the appeal of Tarian lies not just in its design, but in its philosophy:
“Every aspect of our offering is designed to enhance our patients’ vision and confidence. Independent brands such as Tarian are a natural complement, because we believe everything must have a story to tell.”
And that story resonates.
Clients are drawn to the exclusivity — the knowledge that their frames are not mass-produced, not widely available, and not easily replicated. It’s a quiet luxury rooted in individuality rather than trend.
Redefining How We See
In an age of fast fashion and uniformity, Peers and Fisher stands as a reminder that true style is intentional — and deeply personal.
Here, eyewear becomes more than an accessory. It becomes a reflection of identity, a tool for self-expression, and a bridge between how we see the world and how the world sees us.
Because, as Henry David Thoreau once wrote:
“It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.”
