The World Optical Company

📜 WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: 1st June 1934 📜

Exactly 92 years ago today, on 1st June 1934 a young entrepreneur named Johnson Lam handed over $70 to his landlord, Dr. Lim Chwee Leong. In return, he received this tiny slip of paper: Rental Receipt No. 233.

That transaction wasn't just for a physical space at No. 24 Leith Street — it was the official foundation stone of The World Optical Company.

Looking closely at this beautifully preserved piece of Penang's history, you can still see the original 5-cent revenue stamp dated 5/5/34, the crisp fountain pen ink and the elegant vintage typography. Back then, $70 was a substantial sum, representing a massive leap of faith to bring professional eye care and precision optical craftsmanship to the community.

From that space on Leith Street, through generations of dedication, changing eras and nearly a century of technological evolution, our commitment to your vision has never wavered.

Today as we look back at our very first receipt from 1934, we are filled with deep gratitude for our founders, our family legacy and most importantly our community, who have trusted us with your eyes for over nine decades.

This precious artifact is a core piece of our upcoming Centennial Museum Archive Project, preserving the deep roots of Penang’s local trade history.

Come take a walk down memory lane with us. What is your favorite legacy story of old George Town? 🏛️👓

A Night of Heritage & 92 Years of Vision 👓✨

Last night was a momentous occasion for The World Optical Company as we gathered at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel for the official launch of the "Heritage Brands of Penang" book.

It is a profound honor to see our family’s 92-year journey—started by my grandfather in 1934—documented alongside the most iconic establishments in George Town.

Highlights of the evening:
✅ Sharing our story with the book's author, Dato’ Tony Yeow, and Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng of the Penang Institute.
✅ Reconnecting with my old classmate Cavin Mook, whose family at Moh Teng Pheow is also featured for their incredible Nyonya Kuih!
✅ Showcasing our historical clinical artifacts, including our vintage retinoscope and original Bausch & Lomb glass blanks.

As a third-generation, seeing our legacy recognized by the Chief Minister and the heritage community reinforces our commitment to preserving the art of optical craftsmanship in Penang.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us since 1934. Here’s to many more years of serving our community's vision.

"Old Friends, Old Brands"

It was such a pleasure catching up with my old school friend, Cavin Mook, at the Heritage Brands of Penang book launch at the E&O Hotel.

While The World Optical Company has been looking after Penang's vision since 1934, Cavin's family at Moh Teng Pheow has been perfecting the art of Nyonya Kuih since 1933. Two legacies, one shared history.

Proud to be featured alongside such iconic heritage brands.

"

The”Hidden Gem”

The brand Algha (now known as Savile Row Eyewear) has a long history that began in the early 20th century. Based on your description of a "rimless gold filled" frame marked "ALGHA BRIT PAT," here is the timeline and details of the brand:

Brand History & Launch

Company Founded (1898): The parent company, Max Wiseman & Co., was founded in London in 1898. Originally, they imported frames from Germany.

The Algha Works (1932): The brand "Algha" officially came to life in 1932. Max Wiseman purchased a complete spectacle factory in Rathenow, Germany, and moved the machinery (and many technicians) to East London to escape the economic and political instability in Germany.

"BRIT PAT" Marking: The "BRIT PAT" (British Patent) stamp on your frames typically dates them to the period between the late 1930s and the 1960s. During this era, Algha was innovating with "rolled gold" (gold filled) techniques and held several patents for their bridge and rimless mount designs.

Early Luxury/Private (1930s–1950s): Algha was famous for high-quality rimless "Rimway" or "Ful-Vue" styles popular in the mid-century.

The Name: In 1988, the company rebranded its premium line as Savile Row Eyewear, though they still operate out of the original "Algha Works" factory in London.

From 1930s London to the heart of Penang. Discover the rare beauty of Algha rimless gold-filled frames, right here in George Town."

📍 Come see us at:
The World Optical Company
54-6-G (Tung Hing Building),
Jalan Burma,10050,
George Town, Penang.

(Not for sale) #

To all of our valued customers,

​As 2025 draws to a close, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support and partnership. This year has been full of growth and milestones, and none of it would have been possible without you.

​Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to begin a very special countdown. Since our founding in 1934, The World Optical Company has been dedicated to the art and science of vision. As we begin our march toward our 100th anniversary in 2034, we want to share our heritage with you.

​In the coming year, we will be hosting an exclusive evening event titled "A Taste of History." We invite you to join us for a unique look at our curated collection of optical artifacts, tracing the evolution of eyewear and our company's legacy over the past nine decades. It is our way of celebrating the history we have built together.

​Thank you for choosing The World Optical Company. We look forward to serving you and reaching new heights together in 2026.

​Wishing you a prosperous and joyful New Year.

​Best regards,

​Stanley Lam
The World Optical Company

​

Progress update on our latest heritage project at The World Optical Company.

Today, I visited the Penang branch of the National Archives to cross-reference our family records with official state history. This 1957 correspondence regarding the Chinese Advisory Board is a vital link to my late grandfather Mr Johnson Lam.

Though the search continues for the specific file match, we are grateful for the support of our national institutions (Arkib Negara Malaysia Negeri Pulau Pinang) in keeping our local stories alive. Every document tells a story—we are making sure ours is heard. 👓📸

🤩 Major Heritage Announcement! 🤩
The World Optical Company Museum just got two HUGE updates!
We're thrilled to officially add two original, landmark letters to our collection of optical history:

1. A National Confirmation: A signed letter from Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad confirming the historical ties between our company and his early practice.

2. A Diplomatic Treasure from 1948: A formal letter from Mr. N. K. Lee, the Consul of the Republic of China in Penang, praising the expertise of our founder, Dr. Johnson Lam. This document connects our shop directly to post-war international diplomacy in George Town!

This isn't just about spectacles; it's about the 91-year legacy of The World Optical Company intersecting with the formation of modern Malaysia! Come visit us in George Town to see these incredible documents and over 200 other artefacts that tell our unique story.

The World Optical Company 54-6-G (Tung Hing Building) Jalan Burma, 10050, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

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