It was 2013 when My Eyelab first opened its doors in Jacksonville, Florida. As a technology-based experience that makes finding the perfect eyewear fun, our franchise quickly grew into an industry leader focused on convenience, style and innovation.
Over the years, we’ve opened over 140 locations, including 75 franchised locations. As our brand continues to develop across the U.S., we’re taking a look at how far we’ve come and what’s in store for the future.
Leading the Way in the Optical Industry
My Eyelab is unique from any other eye care concept because not only do we design our frames, but we work directly with manufacturers to make quality eye care affordable. Our solid foundation and support system is why we have consistently been a top-ranked franchise, like being recognized as one of the largest eye care retailers in the U.S. by Vision Monday.
Last year only solidified our position as an industry leader as we opened 46 new stores, experienced a 16% same-store sales increase, signed 30 new franchise deals and saw a 21% increase in new units compared to 2020.
We continued with a strong start to 2022 by being ranked in the top 100 of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List for the third year in a row. This recognition is based on factors like unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
A Reliable Investment for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Much of our success is due to the innovative technology we have in place, which, combined with our essential business, kept our franchise business resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic as most other businesses were closing their doors. Since our parent company, Now Optics, began our telehealth platform in 2019, they have successfully administered 1.8 million telehealth eye exams.
Because of this technology, our franchise boasts a benefit that almost no one else can say: our stores can operate with or without our opticians in the building. This “express” experience not only makes eye care easier for customers, but also makes our locations easy to run. Our franchisees take comfort in the fact that their stores can continue to run smoothly with or without them there.
With a global eye care industry worth around $181 billion and expected to grow by nearly 7% by 2025, an eye care franchise is a comfortable investment for those looking to bring their entrepreneurial vision to life.
The 360 support we offer in areas like location scouting, store buildout, operations and marketing helps franchisees be just as confident in their success as we are. Plus, our streamlined systems also make ordering and inventory management proactive and efficient.
A Bright Future for Our Eye Care Franchise
There is a bright future ahead for My Eyelab franchising. With a more affordable investment and annual gross sales topping $1 million, we are just getting started on our mission to bring convenient, affordable eye care to communities across the U.S.
This year, My Eyelab is focusing on expanding in major markets like Phoenix, Tampa and Fort Myers, Fla., Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, Louisville and Lexington, Ky., Salt Lake City and Detroit.
