Fast. Affordable.
Built by People Who Care.
Built by People Who Care.
From a single idea in an Edmonton optometry clinic to 10 locations across Western Canada — here's how we got here.
Founded 2013
10 locations across Western Canada
Locally owned & operated
Glasses ready in 30 minutes
Our Story
An idea that solved
An idea that solved
a real problem
Buying glasses online is convenient — but you wait days for delivery, the fit is never guaranteed, and there's no one to adjust them when they arrive. Going to a traditional optometry clinic means expert care, but you're often looking at 7–10 days and prices that feel out of reach for many families.
Our founders Quy An and Dr. Aaron Patel saw that gap and decided to bridge it. Quy, a licensed optician, developed a way to cut and fit lenses to a frame in under 30 minutes — right in the store, in front of you. Expert fitting, same-day service, at prices that actually make sense.
They opened their first location in West Edmonton Mall in Fall of 2013. Today, still entirely founded and based in Edmonton, Alberta, Second Specs has grown to 10 locations across Alberta and Saskatchewan — with all lens-cutting done on-site by licensed opticians.
2013
Founded
10
Locations
30min
Same-day glasses
Co-Founder & Optician
Quy An
The optician who figured out how to cut and fit lenses in under 30 minutes — the breakthrough that made Second Specs possible.
Co-Founder & Optometrist
Dr. Aaron Patel
The optometrist who saw the vision — that fast, affordable, expert eye care wasn't just possible, it was necessary.
Our Team
Second Specs runs on
Second Specs runs on
incredible people
Aaron and Quy started the company — but Second Specs runs because of the managers, opticians, optometrists, and support staff who show up every day across 10 locations and make it all work.
Behind every pair of glasses made in 30 minutes is a skilled optician who cut and fit the lenses. Behind every smooth store visit is a manager who built a great team. Behind every happy customer is someone who went out of their way. That's who Second Specs really is.
Store Managers
Our managers lead their teams with care, keep the experience consistent, and make each location feel like home for customers and staff alike.
Licensed Opticians
Every lens is cut and fitted on-site by a licensed optician. They're the skilled hands behind our 30-minute promise.
Optometrists
Our doctors at Sherwood Park and Strathmore provide expert eye care with advanced diagnostic technology and genuine patient focus.
Customer Service
The people who answer your questions, solve your problems, and make sure every visit or order ends with you smiling.
Lab Technicians
Precision work behind the scenes — cutting, edging, and coating lenses to the exact specifications of every prescription.
Operations & Support
The team behind the team — inventory, logistics, purchasing, and everything that keeps 10 locations stocked and running smoothly.
"The founders had the idea. The team made it real — and keeps making it better every day."
10
Locations
12+
Years in business
30
Minute glasses
100%
Canadian owned
Giving Back
Buy eyewear,
Buy eyewear,
give eye care
Second Specs is a proud supporter of Canadian Vision Care. For every pair of glasses purchased, Second Specs donates to provide eye care and eyewear to someone in need.
It doesn't stop at donations — we regularly help organize and attend eye care trips around the world. Dr. Patel alone has led humanitarian missions to Honduras, Costa Rica, Peru, Kenya, the Philippines, and many more countries.
Learn more about our charity →10 locations.
One great team.
Find your nearest Second Specs and meet the people behind the glasses.
