Opto-Réseau: Where Business Meets Cycling

In Vaudreuil-Soulanges, six Opto-Réseau clinics provide all the necessary services for eye health. At first glance, a reader might wonder what an optometry clinic is doing in a publication focused on physical activity. The link lies in the name of Dr. Robert Boulé—optometrist, president of the Opto-Réseau network, and co-owner of nine clinics alongside his partners Dr. Karine Bégin and Dr. Sylvain Tremblay. Dr. Boulé is a devoted cycling enthusiast who’s planning a cycling trip with his wife in the near future. But what led him to sponsor the ZVP Cycling Club at the Centre Multisports?

Cycling for Mindfulness and Friendship

The sponsorship was born from his longstanding friendship with Gilles Besner, director of the Centre Multisports. The two have known each other since their college days at CEGEP.

“Gilles has always had a deep passion for cycling,” says Dr. Boulé. “I knew that if he launched this project, he would pour his heart and energy into it. He had a clear game plan and vision. I shared that vision with my business partners, and we didn’t hesitate. We knew we were the right sponsor for this club. The chemistry was immediate.”

That chemistry helped establish cycling not only within the walls of the Centre but also out in the wider community—allowing the club to grow and give young athletes access to a sport that’s becoming more and more popular.

Finding Balance Through Sport

Dr. Boulé emphasizes the importance of finding balance between professional ambitions and personal fulfillment. Sport has always played a big role in his life—something he’s also passed on to his daughters, now 19 and 21. Whether trying new workouts at the Gym Perfo or going for regular walks to clear his mind, he finds grounding in movement. But above all, cycling is his passion:

“I love the calm and well-being it brings. Riding alone for two hours at a good pace creates this sense of peace. After 30 or 40 minutes, everything clicks into place—your thoughts, your rhythm. It feels amazing. When I return, I feel grounded. It makes me more efficient and focused in daily life. I wouldn't want to lose that.”

Comparing the experience to a runner’s high, Dr. Boulé speaks with emotion about the sense of happiness and mental clarity that cycling provides—far removed from any business strategy or financial positioning.

A Partnership that Pays Off

The partnership between Opto-Réseau and the Centre Multisports is mutually beneficial—both for the clinic’s employees and the cycling club’s members:

“All of our services promote positive values,” adds Centre director Gilles Besner. “I truly believe more companies could benefit from partnering with us. Others, like Opto-Réseau, already have.”

In the end, cycling is the clear winner. This partnership sets a powerful example for businesspeople who also share a passion for sport—be it with wheels, balls, or rackets.