Our History

Apex Optical has been serving the Washington, DC area since 1977, but our roots go back much further.

Mike Pelivanis, our founder, has worked in the optical field for more than 60 years. What began as an apprenticeship when he was a teenager in Istanbul quickly became a profession. Mike honed his skills and expertise in optical shops across Europe before he and his wife moved to the U.S. to join with Mayflower Optical in Washington, DC.

Since the early days, Mike dreamt of opening his own business. These first years in DC not only worked to galvanize Mike’s dream, but to establish him as an authority in the field. Recognizing his work ethic and seeing his dedication to quality and customer service, a friend decided to invest in what became the first Apex Optical at 4200 Wisconsin Avenue.

The vast knowledge and opticianry expertise you find at Apex today is a direct result of the standards set by Mike when he opened Apex Optical over four decades ago. The frame selection, attention to detail, personal care, technical skills and drive for improvement of knowledge were laid in our foundation when Apex was just Mike. It started with a goal to make the best possible pair of glasses for anyone that came to Apex with any optical need.

Mike didn’t have to run Apex on his own for long. Quickly business allowed him to make his first hire, his wife Katina. The next few years their hard work and dedication eventually allowed them to grow to seven full-time employees. Apex more than doubled the size of the 4200 Wisconsin Avenue location. Two additional locations were added by our 20th anniversary.

Apex Optical remains as committed to providing outstanding customer service today as it did when we first opened our doors more than 40 years ago. It’s why you’ll find our satisfied customers not only in the DMV but across the country and the world.
Service was, is, and will always be our top priority.

Visit an Apex Optical Location today.