About Us

ABOUT OPTIK

We’re not your average optical shop. You’ll feel the difference the moment you walk in. Soft jazz hums, handsome vintage display cases and sleek modern fixtures house hard-to-find eyewear designers and one-of-a-kind vintage frames. Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, it’s a place to slow down, browse, and stay awhile. 

Dr. Ales blends his refined artistic sensibility with his medical expertise - add OPTIK’s conscientious team of opticians - and you’ll enjoy a truly elevated eyewear experience. Recognized among the Top Optical Boutiques in the Detroit Metropolitan Area and honored with numerous Best Of Awards, OPTIK stands apart for its rare combination of clinical excellence and couture-level curation. Discover extraordinary original un-used vintage eyewear and luxury contemporary frames you simply won’t find anywhere else.

At the center of it all is the eye behind OPTIK -  Dr. Joe Ales.

Meet Dr. Joe

With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Joe Ales is the vision and heartbeat of OPTIK. Trained at the Illinois College of Optometry and naturally gifted with an artistic eye, he brings both exceptional clinical expertise and a true curator’s sense of style to his practice.

Dr. Joe’s approach is calm, thoughtful, and always preventative. He believes great eye care goes far beyond updating a prescription, providing and protecting long-term vision health. His easygoing manner puts patients instantly at ease, while his above-standard, detailed exams ensure the highest level of comprehensive care.

Over the last 30 years, he has built one of the nation’s most distinctive collections of contemporary luxury eyewear and original, unused vintage frames. Every piece is hand-selected for its craftsmanship, design, and character—a reflection of his dedication to offering patients the best of what eyewear can be.

Beyond the shop, Dr. Joe shares his expertise globally through medical mission work and supports community organizations throughout metro Detroit. His passion for people, design, and eye health shapes every part of the OPTIK experience.

30+ Years in Practice
Decades of trusted, patient-first care backed by deep clinical expertise.
30+ Years in Practice
Decades of trusted, patient-first care backed by deep clinical expertise.
Preventative Eye Care
Proactive exams and ongoing monitoring designed to protect your long-term vision.
Preventative Eye Care
Proactive exams and ongoing monitoring designed to protect your long-term vision.
Curated Designer Eyewear
Exclusive global contemporary brands selected for craftsmanship, aesthetics, and enduring style.
Curated Designer Eyewear
Exclusive global contemporary brands selected for craftsmanship, aesthetics, and enduring style.
Original Vintage Collections
One of the region’s most expansive assortments of original, unused vintage frames ready to be crafted into your perfect prescription pair.
Original Vintage Collections
One of the region’s most expansive assortments of original, unused vintage frames ready to be crafted into your perfect prescription pair.
Personalized Guidance
Thoughtful, honest recommendations tailored to your style, from a team of experts you can trust.
Personalized Guidance
Thoughtful, honest recommendations tailored to your style, from a team of experts you can trust.
Boutique Experience
A warm, welcoming environment designed for inspiration, exploration, and an elevated eyewear experience.
Boutique Experience
A warm, welcoming environment designed for inspiration, exploration, and an elevated eyewear experience.

Loved by Those Who Know Style Best

Headline: Loved by Those Who Know Style Best
Body: From fashion insiders to film, television, and music industry clientele, OPTIK has long been a quiet favorite among those who rely on eyewear as part of their signature look. Our curated contemporary and vintage designer collections attract stylists, creators, and discerning eyewear enthusiasts who lovingly seek out pieces they can’t find anywhere else.

At OPTIK, you’ll discover the same elevated experience and exceptional frames trusted by some of the industry’s most selective eyes.

Gallery

We can’t wait for you to visit!

Book your appointment or stop into our downtown Birmingham shop to experience eyewear and vision care that’s distinctly OPTIK.