With a rapidly expanding portfolio of premium eyewear brands, a newly opened headquarters and showroom in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi and growing partnerships across the South Caucasus, Roniko is strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading names in optics. The company continues to shape trends in both medical and fashion eyewear while investing heavily in innovation, advanced diagnostics and regional distribution.
Recognized once again for its market leadership and brand strength, Roniko is entering a new phase of development focused on expansion, customer trust and international-level service standards. In conversation with General Director Roland Javakhia, we discuss the company’s latest milestones, evolving consumer trends and the future of the optical industry in the wider region.
Q. How does it feel for Roniko to repeatedly receive recognition over the years and how do you maintain a leadership position in the optical market?
A. Roniko’s key achievement is trust. Our brand identity is built on customer confidence.
We maintain our leadership and feel a sense of stability. It means that what we do, we do correctly, and what we plan, we plan correctly. It is not an easy task. Competition is high. Despite this, we are clearly ahead of other competitors and continue to grow. We are pleased with this recognition and we thank you for acknowledging our successful work.
Q. Last year you announced plans for a new office and regional showroom. Has this project been fully completed and how have your plans developed in this direction?
A. Yes. Another reason for our stability is that we deliver on what we promise. Roniko now operates from a new office with an exhibition showroom, warehouse facilities and improved logistics. According to our partners, the company is considered a leading player in the optical industry in Eastern Europe.
The new office is located at 66a David Aghmashenebeli Alley, Tbilisi.
Q. You previously stated the goal of becoming a leader in a broader geographic market. What progress has been made over the past year?
A. The new office supports this goal, and this space was necessary because several of our partners have granted us distribution rights in the South Caucasus countries. Major optical brands now pass through Roniko’s distribution network in Azerbaijan and Armenia. Buyers from these countries also attend purchasing events, where they access curated collections that were previously only available at international exhibitions.
Q. Which product categories are your priorities for 2026 — optical medical products, sunglasses, or children’s eyewear?
A. All directions are a priority for us. Each category has its own brand manager responsible for development. We cooperate closely with insurance companies.
We have significantly improved medical services by introducing advanced diagnostic equipment at our ophthalmology space on Rustaveli Avenue 19, with ophthalmologist Anuki Chachanidze. It is rare to find such equipment in optical salons. It allows us to provide precise prescriptions within minutes and conduct full vision diagnostics quickly and comfortably. The devices include Essilor WAM 800 and Essilor Vision-R 700.
In addition, we offer the latest collections of frames, sunglasses, and prescription lenses. For children, we provide MiYOSMART lenses for myopia control. We have conducted multiple trainings, invited international specialists and shared global best practices with local ophthalmologists.
Q. What are the key trends in optical fashion today? Which brands are dominating in 2026?
A. There is strong demand for Miu Miu, driven by design and innovation. Products sell out immediately upon arrival. Prada is also performing strongly this year.
For men, Porsche Design remains a leading brand due to its refined aesthetics and high-quality lenses.
We also introduced new brands such as ic! berlin, known for screwless construction, making the frames lightweight and unique, as well as Rodenstock, a historic company that has regained strong relevance.
Ray-Ban continues to be a consistent sales leader with innovative projects and strong global performance.
We are also offering an exclusive collaboration between Ray-Ban and Dolce & Gabbana, featuring Georgian model Matilda Gvarliani. These sunglasses are exclusively presented only at our online store.
Additionally, we have launched an online store alongside our physical retail network.
Q. How is your house brand George Piralli developing? Are there plans for export expansion?
A. George Piralli has already been exported to Armenia and Azerbaijan for many years. The brand is developing dynamically. In May, we celebrated its 20th anniversary together with our employees.
Q. How do you maintain professional standards and staff development across your optical and medical teams?
A. We place great emphasis on this area. In the Roniko Training Center — Roniko Academy — continuous education programs are running for consultants, assistant managers, managers, ophthalmologists and technicians. We also invite employees from partner optical companies to share knowledge and experience.
Our training team conducts lectures not only in Georgia but also in Yerevan and Baku.
Q. How do you see the optical market evolving in Georgia over the next five years?
A. We see growing demand in the luxury premium segment. We already operate in the premium sector, but demand for high-quality products continues to increase. Customers are actively asking for such offerings.
We have introduced niche Japanese brands such as Masunaga and Yohji Yamamoto eyewear, which are highly valued by knowledgeable customers.
Q. If you had to name one key achievement in Roniko’s 31-year history, what would it be?
A. Trust. A person does not only buy a product; they also buy emotion and trust. I would also add strong market knowledge. Roniko has always been associated with trust and quality.
Q. What are your main goals for 2026–2027 and what should customers expect from Roniko in the near future?
A. We are improving service quality and aiming to become more operationally efficient. Online sales are actively developing. We have three to four new projects planned for new spaces and stores, along with further expansion of our retail network. We are also working actively in the wholesale segment.
Once again, we thank you for this recognition and I believe we will continue to receive it in the years ahead.
