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Genoa, 1929
From the first optical and photography store to a network of centres dedicated to quality vision.
The history of Istituto Ottico Isolani begins in Corso Buenos Aires, where Dino Isolani opened the first store. Technical expertise, listening to people and looking for new solutions became the guiding thread of the Institute from the very beginning.
The beginning
A story born to help people see better
In 1929 optics was already a precision craft, but Dino Isolani also interpreted it as the ability to solve real, everyday needs. Company archives remember, among his early ideas, the application of prescription lenses to diving masks.
Across generations, the Institute has grown while keeping the same direction: personalised solutions, professional advice and assistance that continues after delivery.
Expertise and research
Alberto Isolani and the contact lens turning point
In 1968 Alberto Isolani opened the first Isolani centre entirely dedicated to contact lenses in Via Casaregis. That centre still keeps the same identity today: it is not an eyewear store, but an independent centre focused exclusively on advanced contact lenses, with eight specialised professionals working on fittings, personalised solutions and long-term support.
It was a pioneering choice that made contact lenses a central area of expertise for the Institute. In 1988, Isolani introduced a frequent replacement programme for soft contact lenses, with quarterly sets and care products. Professional press also remembers Alberto Isolani as the creator of Lente Amica, the first frequent replacement project in contact lens practice.
90 years with you
"A company in step with the times, looking to the future with solid roots in the past."
Alberto Isolani, 90th anniversary editorial, Isolani Informa, 2019.
Since 2020
A new leadership, the same vision
The passing of Alberto Isolani in 2020 marked a deep moment in the Institute's history. His teachings remain alive: passion for the profession, the ability to understand people's needs and constant attention to customer care.
Laura Isolani maintains the presidency in continuity with the family tradition; the operational management and development of the Institute are entrusted to CEOs Enrico Gazzo and Elisabetta Gazzo, who carry this legacy forward through network growth, innovation and new services.
B2eyes: visionary, innovator, mentor. Remembering Alberto Isolani
Milestones
Almost a century of innovation and local presence
1929
The first store
Dino Isolani opens in Genoa, in Corso Buenos Aires.
1968
Contact lens centre
Alberto Isolani opens the independent Via Casaregis centre, still dedicated exclusively to advanced contact lenses today.
1988
Frequent replacement
Alberto Isolani introduces a planned programme for soft lenses, care and follow-up checks.
1995
Sun and sport
A space dedicated to protective eyewear opens in Via Casaregis.
2000
Recco
The first centre outside the historic headquarters opens.
2001
Genoa city centre
The Via Palestro centre opens.
2002
Sestri Levante
The network grows in eastern Liguria.
2006
Institutional website
Isolani brings information, services and local presence online.
2008
Rapallo
The Rapallo optical centre opens and is renovated in 2020.
2012
Gattorna
Isolani enters Val Fontanabuona.
2013
Chiavari
The Via Delpino centre opens.
2014
Genoa Voltri
The presence expands to western Genoa.
2016
E-commerce begins
The Isolani shop goes live with customer area, cart and online purchasing.
2017
Savona
The Via Guidobono optical centre opens.
2018
Digital experience
Simulation Room, Isolani Informa and e-commerce development.
2019
90 years with you
Ten centres and over one hundred professionals, documented in the 90th anniversary archive.
2020
Alberto's legacy
The new leadership carries forward his teachings and continues the Institute's development.
2021
Presbyopia Award
Excellence award for the management of presbyopia.
2024
Historic Local Business
The historic headquarters is recognised among Genoa's traditional businesses.
2025
Sanremo
The Via Roma optical centre opens.
2026
Top Optician Italia
Isolani is selected among the Italian businesses awarded.
Today
12 centres, online shop and Imperia
A Ligurian presence integrated with e-commerce: next opening in Imperia.
Recognition
A documented story
Presbyopia 2021
Excellence award in presbyopia management assigned to Istituto Ottico Isolani.
Premio Polis
Recognition for Alberto Isolani's entrepreneurial and social commitment.
Historic Local Business
The Corso Buenos Aires headquarters is recognised by the City of Genoa.
Top Optician Italia
In 2026 the Institute is among the businesses selected by the Italian Opticians Association.
A presence that has grown with Liguria
From the historic Genoa headquarters, Isolani has developed a network of 12 optical centres across the region, alongside the online shop. Growth has not changed the principles of the Service Charter: listening, personalisation, technical quality, assistance and continuous research.
Isolani is also an official partner and licensee of Genoa CFC and U.C. Sampdoria, with whom it developed the Stadium Collection.
Complementary expertise
Distinct roles, shared goal
Following Alberto Isolani's teaching, operational management has continued to cultivate a clear and respectful relationship with the medical profession: the ophthalmologist has the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic role; the optician-optometrist has the technical-professional and applicative role. Since 2023 this principle has also taken shape in meetings organised by Isolani, with more than 300 ophthalmologists and orthoptists involved across three editions.
Sources
Documents and testimonials
- Isolani Informa: 90th anniversary archive and company timeline, 2019.
- B2Eyes: Alberto Isolani, visionary and contact lens pioneer
- MIDO: the first ten years of Vision Service
- MIDO: Alberto Isolani and the 9th Vision Service national conference
- Forum Presbiopia: 2021 Excellence Award
- Forum Presbiopia 2024: recognition list
- Savona da Vivere: opening of the Isolani Optical Centre
- Telenord: remembering Alberto Isolani and the Rapallo centre
- La Voce di Genova: Historic Local Businesses 2024
- Genoa CFC: Stadium Collection
- U.C. Sampdoria: official licensees
- Associazione Italiana Ottici: Top Optician Italia 2026
- Istituto Ottico Isolani: About Us and current network
- Isolani: advanced contact lenses
The story continues
The same care, today
In our optical centres and online, the goal remains the one that began in 1929: finding the right solution for each person and supporting them over time.