Summer fun and sunglasses often go together, but with 75% of Americans wearing prescription eyewear, optical stores are busy all year long. In fact, corrective lenses are at the heart of a booming $32 billion industry. By Rochelle Miller

Summer fun and sunglasses often go together, but with 75% of Americans wearing prescription eyewear, optical stores are busy all year long. In fact, corrective lenses are at the heart of a booming $32 billion industry.

Even throughout the COVID-19 closures, optical retailer My Eyelab was very busy. As an essential business, their 180 locations nationwide were open to fulfill their customers’ vision-related needs.

The transition was actually pretty seamless for My Eyelab. It has always used telehealth services to provide customers with no-doctor contact eye exams, setting it apart from competitors in the eye-care industry.

“Our proprietary time-tested telehealth technology provides access to our affiliated doctor network and allows for walk-in eye exams and customer convenience,” said Charles Kowanetz, Director of Franchise Development for My Eyelab.

The telehealth aspect of the business is not only a plus for consumers, but it is also an advantage for franchise owners. Startup costs do not require the purchase of costly equipment, because exams are performed through telehealth.

Another advantage for prospective franchise owners is that no background or education in the optical field is necessary. “You don’t need optical experience to run a successful My Eyelab franchise because we have 50+ years of experience to share with you,” Kowanetz said.

Instead, ideal candidates are entrepreneurs who have great management and leadership skills. Training is provided for all aspects of running the operation, from selecting a site and learning how to oversee the technology used, to creating a marketing campaign.

“Our business model makes starting a franchise easy,” Kowanetz said.

For additional information regarding franchising opportunities with My Eyelab, visit myeyelabfranchise.com or call 561-423-1601.

– Rochelle Miller