As the global eyewear industry surpasses $147 billion, it is no wonder so many entrepreneurs are looking to invest in it. Throughout the next six years, it’s expected to have an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate of 8.5%. This, paired with the booming growth of telehealth technology, help to position My Eyelab as a franchise full of opportunity.
Just ask our current franchisees – many of whom have left the corporate side of the optical industry for the equally booming entrepreneur-owned retail side.
Shelan Patel
What Sets My Eyelab Apart from Other Eye Care Franchises?
Arizona-based franchisee, Eduardo Ortiz, knows all about what makes My Eyelab unique. Coming from several years of corporate experience with Now Optics Eduardo noticed areas in the market that could be improved upon. He left the corporate world with a mission of his own: to provide excellent service in an essential industry.
“My mission is to make eye care easy and the My Eyelab team and business model has definitely made it possible for me,” Eduardo explained.
As he prepares to open his first two My Eyelab locations, he credits the My Eyelab corporate team with helping him build a strong foundation for his business.
“They helped me with finding a location, marketing, training, development and leveraging their amazing telehealth software,” he said.
Meanwhile, business partners Nikki Gosal and Shelan Patel look forward to opening their upcoming four stores in the Iowa market. Having also come from Now Optics, they knew right from the start that My Eyelab was the franchise opportunity for them.
“My Eyelab has what is needed to create a stronger chance of success right out the gate with tools like telemedicine technology. They are also a lower-cost [model] and we’ve already experienced strong real estate and marketing support from the corporate team,” they pointed out.
Eduardo Ortiz
Investing in An Essential Business
The maintenance of eye wear and the investment in eye health is essential. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic as businesses everywhere were shutting their doors, My Eyelab was still welcoming customers daily. Much of this was thanks to the innovative telehealth technology that allowed for safe eye exams, social distancing when it was required and the ability to provide eye exams to walk-in customers.
With over 23 years combined in the corporate world, Nikki and Shelan instantly recognized the benefits that come along with operating an essential business:
“Seeing firsthand how the telemedicine concept and the general business model allowed us to come out of the pandemic unscathed and without any business interruptions truly made us feel like this was the right franchise for us. At this point, we realized not only was this a profitable business model but sustainable for long-term future growth,” they said.
Eduardo Ortiz is also excited to be an entrepreneur in such a recession-resistant industry, citing the flexibility the franchise model offers as one of his favorite parts:
“Between that and the financial freedom, I am proud to call myself a My Eyelab franchisee,” he proclaimed.
Building Stronger Communities
As Eduardo, Nikki, and Shelan continue to transition into their new roles as franchise owners, they are most looking forward to the difference they will make within their communities.
“For me, one of the best parts of owning a business is having the ability to bring a group together to build a brand even further and make a positive impact on the community,” Eduardo said. “Take care of people and they will take care of you.”
Meanwhile, Nikki and Shelan hope to reciprocate the support My Eyelab has shown them to others looking to break into the eyecare industry:
“The best thing for us so far are the possibilities, the potential to grow our business in our communities, and being able to do for future employees what My Eyelab has done for us,” they expressed.
Nikki Gosal
Get Started with the My Eyelab Franchise
With a strong focus on best in class customer service alongside our innovative technology, My Eyelab will continue to serve as an industry leader and pave the way for eye care businesses everywhere.
Although these three new franchisees come from an optical background, you don’t need eye care experience at all to become a My Eyelab franchisee. We offer support in all areas of your business and will provide comprehensive training so that you will be confident in running your own retail eye care business.
“It’s so nice to always have someone on the other side who will be happy to take my call and answer my questions. The My Eyelab team truly cares about you and wants to see you win,” Eduardo Ortiz explained.
