Second-generation siblings honor the name behind quality eye care

MANILA, Philippines - One enterprise that started as a humble husband-and-wife operation in the 1960s in Ongpin not only prospered and lasted for more than 50 years, but also continues to grow strong.

At the core of this business enterprise is one man’s passion for real eye care.  He believed so much in the value of his service to others, and gave so much of himself to this cause, that he put his name on it: George Optical. 

George G. Co, OD had a clear vision from the very beginning: to help others see better by providing uncompromising quality with the highest level of service.  His business was never about money — in fact, George was even known to give free services to those who could not afford to pay — rather, it was all about meeting and satisfying his clients’ needs through professional but personalized service.  His wife and business partner, Belen Co, wholeheartedly shared his passion and supported his endeavors from the very beginning.

Dr. Co’s passing in 2002 did not put George Optical’s future in peril, because he was able to establish a strong foundation for success with the Co children, whose involvement in the business and commitment to continuing their father’s legacy have taken George Optical to new heights.

“We’ve made it a point to keep the spirit of our father’s vision for the business alive,” said Dr. Geoffrey N. Co, president and CEO of George Optical.  “More than just selling eyewear, we are all deeply invested in and committed to promoting eye health.”

His five other siblings have also contributed greatly to making the business grow. Eldest son Dr. George Jr. is a leading ophthalmologist who, to this day, has carried on the tradition of their father’s charitable deeds through his numerous altruistic projects every month.  Sisters Dr. Elizabeth Co-Cua and Dr. Grace Co-Tan are both optometrists who ably balance the demands of family life with their passion for helping patients and managing the business. Another optometrist sister who now resides in the US, Dr. Jenny Co-Gabor, helped George Co Sr. manage the business in the years after her graduation.  Irene Co-See, a Computer Science graduate, holds a key management position as the head of George Optical’s Finance and MIS department.

For the Co siblings, there are no shortcuts, no gimmicks to providing quality eye care at George Optical. The client-centered eye care services, together with the latest instruments and technology and the wide range of superior, up-to-date optical products, create a unique experience. 

“I’ve been a loyal customer of George Optical for the past 10 years,” says 43-year-old Nina Sarmiento, a unit manager at a financial service institution.  “My parents were patrons from way back, and when it was my turn to need eye care services, George was the only one I trusted.  Now that I have a family of my own, George continues to be our optical clinic of choice.”

“I never fail to be delighted every time I visit the George Optical clinic at the mall,” says Dennis Chan, a 34-year-old entrepreneur.  “I am attended to promptly, get a thorough examination, and receive eye care advice from an expert.  Service is consistently excellent; I can’t ask for anything more.”

George has also reaped numerous awards over the past several years: the 2003 National Shoppers’ Choice Award, 2007 Outstanding Optical Retailer of the Philippines by the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO), 2008 People’s Choice Award, and 2009 Consumers Quality Award, among others.  In 2012, the Professional Regulation Commission lauded Dr. Geoffrey Co as the “Most Outstanding Optometrist” in the country.

One does not necessarily need to reinvent the business to assure longevity and success — there are instances when staying true to one’s passion means so much more.  For George Optical, the spark that began more than 50 years ago continues to burn brightly to this day, because the second-generation Co children have remained faithful to their mission. 

“I, as well as my brother and sisters, have always admired and respected our father’s relentless efforts to provide the Filipino people the best vision care available”, says Dr. Geoffrey Co.  “He gave his name to this business  — and the only way we can do justice to that is to add value to his legacy.”