Company History

Mission Statement

"Improving the quality of life of visually impaired and dyslexic people - reaching out with simple and effective solutions"

Optelec

Based in Barendrecht, the Netherlands, Optelec is the leading distributor, designer and manufacturer of life-changing assistive technologies for people who are visually impaired and dyslexic with a multi-tier distribution in more than 60 countries. The company's flagship, the ClearView Plus line, magnifies text and photos to over 56 times, bringing life back into focus for those living with Low Vision by incorporating product intelligence with a sleek modular design. The Alva series of Braille terminals provide Braille users with complete control of their laptop or desktop computer from a selection of Braille displays which excel in ingenuity, durability, and affordability. The user-friendly, wireless EasyLink Braille series guarantees portable cellular phone and PDA access for active participation within the mainstream global information community. Sales offices have been established in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Supported by American Associations of Opthalmologists, Optometrists and Occupational Therapists, Optelec has launched (LowVision.com)the first ever information and referral hub for the visually impaired. Optelec has also launched the first ever low vision e-commerce website (ShopLowVision.com) with business to business and business to consumer. ShopLowVision.com is also the first ever e-commerce site aligned with the best practices model for low vision rehabilitation (AOA, AOTA, AER).

History

In 1975 Mr. F.J. Tieman developed the first video magnifier in his optician store in Oostvoorne, the Netherlands. This first unit was for a customer who could no longer read using her spectacles. After this initial success Tieman launched a first series of the Tieman video magnifiers. Demand grew exponentially, resulting in the establishment of a new factory in Barendrecht which is now the headquarters of the Optelec Group.

In the mid eighties Tieman obtained the first patent on refreshable Braille cell technology, and established itself as the market’s major Braille cell supplier. The first generation of complete Braille displays were launched in 1988 at the World Blind Union Exhibition in Madrid.

At the beginning of the nineties the first international step was taken and Tieman GmbH was founded in Schwalmstadt, Germany. From that date on the company grew rapidly. In 1997 Optelec USA, the leading North American manufacturer of video magnifiers and Optelec Canada were acquired, becoming a globalized force within the industry.

In May 2005 Tieman globally changed its name to Optelec. At the same time Optelec introduced several new products such as EasyLink, which provide the Blind with wireless access to mainstream notebook PDA or cell-phone technology and the sleek looking ClearView+ system, a unique modular product with vastly superior image and contrast. The slogan ‘from one button simplicity to endless possibilities’ indicates the flexibility and ease of use of this innovative product range. At the same year Optelec acquired the business of the ALVA Satellite Braille displays, its main competitor in the Netherlands.

Lighthouse Professional Products (offering a complete line of products for Eye Care Professionals such as magnifiers), was acquired to complete Optelec’s product portfolio to serve customers that experience the widest range of visual impairments.

Recently the company announced new hand-held devices for the dyslexic, making written information instantly accessible, giving them equal opportunity to develop their skills.

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Our Commitment

We at Optelec want to make a difference in changing the lives of visually-impaired and dyslexic people. Also the company wants to play an increasing role in the aging populations coping with vision. Developing different optical and electronic tools for different needs and situations and distributing them so that they become readily available. When medical solutions are fully exhausted, there are still many options for the people effected to remain active and continue enjoying one's life. Persons who are dyslexic are in need for tools to overcome their handicap; we offer these tools. After the “remedial” teaching phase many people can only live and learn up to their potential with electronic solutions.

We are also proud to set an example and employ many visually-impaired people, in fact in excess of 10% of our total workforce, who with the help of our access technology can successfully employ their talents, intelligence, creativity, and managerial skills in many different functions in our organizations.