Canadian Optical Supply (COS), a cornerstone of the Canadian optical industry, is proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1951, this family-owned company marks the milestone by highlighting a remarkable legacy built on service excellence, innovation and long-standing relationships with eye care professionals across Canada.
Through this anniversary, COS aims not only to honour its past, but also to reaffirm its commitment to the future of eyewear in Canada.
Three generations serving Canadian eye care professionals
When Fred and Judith Hochstadter founded Canadian Optical Supply (COS) in 1951, in their kitchen in Montreal, they could never have imagined the company would be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026.
In the early days, Judith managed accounting, deliveries and customer service, while Fred travelled across Quebec and later Canada as a sales representative. COS became the first independent distributor of eyeglasses in Quebec, in a market dominated by Imperial Optical.
Between 1951 and 1963, the couple imported frames from the United States. At the time, eyeglasses were largely unattractive orthotic devices made of plastic and metal. By the late 1950s, their bank financed the purchase of Italian and French frames.
During a trip to Europe in 1964, Fred Hochstadter met Anneliese and Arnold Schmied, founders of Silhouette Eyewear, who were seeking a Canadian distributor. Fluent in German, Fred and Judith became Silhouette’s exclusive distributor in Canada that same year.
The challenge in 1964 was convincing eye care professionals that Austrian frames, priced twice as high as existing products, were a visionary and profitable investment. Inspired by designer Dora Demmel, Silhouette’s design, materials and craftsmanship became the foundation of its success.
Today, Silhouette is internationally renowned, with more than 12 million frames sold worldwide. COS has played a key role in its Canadian success through a highly trained and dedicated sales force.
While Silhouette remains COS’s flagship brand, the Hochstadter family has consistently diversified its offerings to serve over 2,000 customers nationwide, importing brands such as INFACE and NIFTIES and developing in-house brands including Fitson and, more recently, Strak Amsterdam.
COS’s reputation is built on product quality, after-sales service and customer care. Current CEO Robert Hochstadter and his son Amir, Vice President, learned every aspect of the business firsthand.
At COS, loyalty is more than a value—it is a legacy. Long-standing employees and representatives, many with decades of service, remain the foundation of the company. Building a reputation takes time, and COS is committed to preserving it. The future looks exceptionally promising.
