Sight Unseen Optics was founded by Garry Hapton, Carla Talbot, and Lav Daskal—three of Calgary’s most experienced and respected opticians. Together, they bring decades of experience from institutions like Brass Monocle and Chinook Optical, where they helped shape the city’s independent eyewear culture.

Garry Hapton has been a leader in Calgary optics for decades. As a founding force behind Brass Monocle, he introduced Calgarians to bold, independent eyewear long before it became mainstream.

Alongside Garry, Carla and Lav bring deep technical expertise, refined design knowledge, and a genuine care for every client who walks through the door. Whether you’ve known them for years or are meeting them for the first time, their experience is felt immediately—in the service, the selection, and the honesty.

Sight Unseen Optics is where Calgary discovers common eyewear chosen with purpose, shared with passion, and made for individuality.

  • Smiling older man wearing glasses and a white short-sleeve shirt in a modern, industrial-style office or showroom with display cases and a table.

    GARRY HAPTON

    DIRECTOR| REGISTERED OPTICIAN

    Garry Hapton is a true optical pioneer in Calgary. As founder of Brass Monocle (since 1980), he has spent decades bringing bold, visionary eyewear to the city - frames that aren’t just functional, but statements. He’s built a reputation on curating the extraordinary, matching superior craftsmanship with thoughtful service. For Garry, eyewear is where form meets function, where every design brings a new statement.

  • A woman with long blonde hair wearing glasses, a black turtleneck, and a brown blazer, examining glasses in an eyewear store.

    CARLA TALBOT

    DIRECTOR| REGISTERED OPTICIAN

    Carla is the friendly face behind every Sight Unseen experience. After years at Brass Monocle, she built a reputation for great customer service and forming real connections with people. She takes the time to listen, pays attention to the little things, and helps everyone feel at ease when choosing eyewear. At Sight Unseen, she brings that same thoughtful approach—whether you're buying your first pair or adding to your collection, Carla’s there to help you find frames that feel right and reflect who you are.

  • A man with a mohawk hairstyle, glasses, and tattoos on both arms adjusting his glasses in a modern indoor space with display cases and artwork in the background.

    LAV DASKAL

    DIRECTOR| REGISTERED OPTICIAN

    Lav brings calm, intentional energy to the brand. His years at Brass Monocle and Chinook Optical sharpened his eye for detail and his understanding of elevated service. Known for his cool, collected style and his focus on curated experiences, Lav keeps things personal and relaxed with everyone he helps. At Sight Unseen, he translates that expertise into a boutique environment where eyewear isn’t just about looking good - it’s about being seen, understood, and styled with intention.