About Artisan Optics
Artisan Optics is a locally owned company, founded in Boise, Idaho in 1991. It has been said by some that it was purely by accident, and unexpected. Others have said it was fate. Whatever it was, here’s how Artisan Optics was born.
It began as Dr. Jeffrey Johnson attended Boise State University. There he completed his undergraduate degree while employed at St. Luke’s Medical Center as an x-ray technician. In 1987, upon graduation from B.S.U., he was accepted into Pacific University School of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Jeff graduated from Pacific University as an optometrist in 1991, which proved to be both a time of excitement and uncertainty. Jeff knew he wanted to return to Idaho and hoped to work as a Boise optometrist within an established practice. As fate would have it, it was not meant to be. There weren’t any openings at the time so Jeff followed a different path, which lead to the unforeseen conclusion that Boise was indeed ready for a Boise optometrist who offered something different.
As Jeff considered launching the new company, he knew in order to keep his new company alive he had to offer the Treasure Valley something unique and quite different from the typical Boise optometrist’s office. So he started talking to people – anyone who would discuss optometry, ophthalmology, contact lenses, optical shops, or eyewear. And then it happened – thoughts and ideas evolved into a philosophy and ultimately a clearly defined culture of the new company emerged.
The name, Artisan Optics, was carefully chosen as a reflection of the commitment to offer beautiful collections of quality eyewear, hand-made by independent artisans from around the world. Simply our name, Artisan Optics, tells people about the products we offer and our commitment to quality in everything we do.
Taking it one step further, Jeff believed that the Treasure Valley would welcome a Boise optometrist who provided that same attention to detail combined with a true artisan approach to patient care. This philosophy, combined with dedication and commitment to provide each patient with only the highest level of care and personal attention, has allowed Artisan Optics to grow over the years to become what it is today.
“When you get the culture right, you can achieve anything. The culture we have at Artisan Optics began with like-minded people coming together, sharing a vision, learning to trust one another, building a team with a strong foundation of shared values, and working toward a common goal of providing exceptional patient care and customer service. Over the years these values have endured to become the Artisan Optics culture.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience really. Not everyone has the opportunity to be part of something like we have…a team that goes beyond professionals working together. This is a group of the most incredible people, both professionally and personally. I am so fortunate. I get to come to work each day and be surrounded by truly amazing people”.
Dr. Jeffrey C. Johnson