Posted in Mullers - Company Information

Caring for Eyes for over a Century

SOUTH Africa’s first and oldest optometrists, J Muller and Sons, at 104 Longmarket Street, celebrates its 121^st birthday this year. The business is, after 121 years, still in the hands of the Muller family, with joint MD’s third and fourth-generation descendants of founder and one-time jeweller, German-born Joseph Muller.

Rich history

Mullers and eyes have been linked since a 22-year-old immigrant from a small Catholic village in the Black Forest of Germany set up as one of the country’s first opticians in 1890. A Muller has always controlled the business which, since its beginning, has been part of the Longmarket trading scene.

The shop in which Joseph Muller combined a flourishing jewellery and watchmaker’s business with an optician’s practice was diagonally across the road from the present premises. Its fine black and chrome art deco shop front has been a city land mark since 1920.

Family tradition

For a century, the family has had a unique association with the British College of Optometrists. The name of Joseph Muller, 79th entry in the original registry of what was then the British Optical Association, was followed with the admission of two of his five sons (all of whom were with him in the business), three of four optometrist grandsons and by a great grandson, Peter Muller.

Historical influences

Past and present are inextricably linked in the Longmarket Street building. The shop front, regarded by art deco afficionados and experts as the finest of its period in the city, opens onto premises which combine modern high-tech and historical influences. Mullers Optometrists has expanded to locations in Cavendish Square, Century City and Tygervalley Centre, as well as Constantia Courtyard. In all sites, modern technology combines with a 121-year tradition of exceptional service and quality. In keeping up with the times, Tygervalley and Constantia stores have been newly renovated, with a modern look and advanced eye testing equipment.

Keeping current

Mullers has always been a leader and was the first to offer fashion brands to Cape Town – including the legendary Ray Ban sunglasses in the 1950s. This trend continues, with offerings such as Oliver Peoples, Prada and Paul Smith on hand. In a fiercely competitive market, Mullers has not strayed from Joseph’s principles of providing “Eyewear you can trust”. Excellent quality products at competitive prices, with spectacle lenses from Zeiss and contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson, assure customers of great value.

Increased customer choice

“One aspect that has changed over the past few years” says Peter Muller “is the incredible choice available to correct vision problems. Lenses are thinner and lighter. Multifocal lenses are individually designed to each customer’s parameters, making them easier to adapt to. Contact lenses are exceptionally comfortable and are available for reading and for astigmatism. In short, there is a solution for each and every person’s visual problem.”

Special offer

To celebrate the 121 year anniversary, Mullers Optometrists is offering an 1890 special. Purchase a quality frame and multifocal lenses for R1 890. This offer is ideal for those who are tired of the “on and off” phenomenon of their current reading glasses. This celebratory offer is available throughout September at all outlets. Call 08000 4 2020