Founded in 1816 by Scottish optician William Campbell, Campbell is one of the oldest continuously operating optical businesses in the world. Our origins are in Hamburg, but our influence extends far beyond that to this day.

From the beginning, our aspiration was clear: only the best for good vision. William Campbell was not only an expert but a visionary, with scientific works in the fields of optics, nautical science, and mathematics. Soon after its founding, Campbell became an official purveyor to the court. And while many old names disappeared, our house endured, through wars, generations, and changes of eras.

In 1906, Julius Flaschner took over the company and developed it further over decades. During the Nazi era, the business was confiscated from him by state measures. After the war, he returned and regained his company, a rare historical constellation in Hamburg.

In 1978, Friedrich Paulick, a state-certified optician and master optician, acquired Campbell from Julius Flaschner's widow, who lived in New York. The takeover was based on trust and respect for the history of the house, and for Friedrich Paulick, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Inspired by Campbell, the international development of the Paulick companies also began: In the USA, Friedrich Paulick founded Friedrich's Optic with locations in Palm Beach and New York. To this day, the companies remain in the possession of the Paulick family and are managed by the owner in the third generation.

Pioneering work for modern optics.

Campbell was more than a business: It was a place where new standards were set.

Campbell introduced the first fitting tables where customers were advised while seated.

In cooperation with Zeiss, Campbell developed new standards in optical precision; at times, Campbell even served as a production site for Zeiss spectacle lenses.

Even today, a Campbell barometer at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce commemorates this era.

Craftsmanship that has endured – values that are passed on.

Campbell is currently managed by the Paulick family in its third generation. Even though the world has changed, our standards for eyewear, materials, and consultation have remained the same. In our in-house workshop, glasses are crafted from genuine buffalo horn, high-quality acetate, titanium, or gold – handmade in small series.

We are one of the few family businesses that does everything ourselves: From design to final adjustment for the customer.

Grown internationally – rooted in attitude.

Our roots are in Hamburg, our horizon is wide:
Today, the Paulick family operates exclusive locations in Hamburg, Berlin, New York, and Palm Beach.

Campbell remains true to its philosophy: Understatement instead of logos, class instead of mass, quality instead of short-lived trends.

More than an optician. A philosophy.

At Campbell, glasses are not an accessory – but an expression of character, style, and aspiration. Since 1816, people have trusted our craftsmanship. You can see and feel our commitment with every frame.