Pearle Vision Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$61,015 - $1,336,854
Total US Locations
500
Business Summary
Pearle Vision operates optical retail EyeCare Centers that sell prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. Many locations also include an on-site finishing laboratory to produce eyewear. Pearle Vision EyeCare Centers may offer optometric or ophthalmologic services in conjunction with their retail operations, and also sell related accessories. The brand focuses on providing a complete optical experience and genuine eye care services to families.
Corporate History
Pearle Vision's history began in 1961 when Stanley Pearle, O.D., opened the first EyeCare Center. The brand has been offering franchises for its EyeCare Centers since December 1980. Over the years, Pearle Vision has evolved into a leader in prescription eyewear, sunwear, contact lenses, and patient services. Luxottica of America Inc. (LOA), formerly known as Luxottica Retail North America Inc. (LRNA) since December 31, 2018, is the franchisor. LOA became a successor in interest through a merger involving Pearle Vision, Inc. and LensCrafters, Inc. on August 2, 2009. LOA is a majority-owned subsidiary of Oakley, Inc., which is wholly owned by EssilorLuxottica USA Inc. EssilorLuxottica S.A. was formed on October 1, 2018, through the merger of Essilor International S.A. and Luxottica Group S.p.A. The company's corporate family has expanded through various acquisitions, including GrandVision NV in July 2021 and Walman Optical Company in March 2022. This integration aims to provide comprehensive visual health and a superior consumer experience.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$61,015 - $1,336,854
Franchise Fee (High)
$30,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
8%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$61,550
Equipment Costs (High)
$308,962
Working Capital
$99,580
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Pearle Vision's direct financial statements are not available as they are consolidated into the results of its parent company, EssilorLuxottica USA Inc. Consequently, prospective franchisees do not have direct knowledge of Pearle Vision's financial condition. However, First American Administrators, Inc., an affiliate, provides an absolute and irrevocable guarantee for Pearle Vision's obligations to its franchisees. The financial statements of First American Administrators, Inc. have received an Unqualified Opinion from independent auditors, indicating they are presented fairly in all material respects. These statements also highlight significant transactions with other EyeMed Vision Care affiliates.
Financing Details
Pearle Vision does not offer a preferred lending program and does not directly finance the Initial Franchise Fee, site acquisition, development, construction, remodeling, or fixtures. Franchisees are expected to secure their primary financing through banks or other third parties. However, Pearle Vision may offer financing for the initial purchase of Frames and Lenses (inventory). If a franchisee meets Pearle Vision's credit qualifications, they may be permitted to pay for their initial inventory purchases in interest-free monthly installments, typically ranging from one to six months. From time to time, Pearle Vision may also offer financing terms for other significant purchases from its own inventory. The franchisor reserves the right to make future changes to its financing terms.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
500
Franchised Units
441
Corporate Units
59
Avg Square Footage
2,075
Franchising Since
1980
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
20
Litigation Summary
Pearle Vision has been involved in several litigation cases, with many being current or having significant events within the last three years. Some of the current cases involve allegations of breach of contract, violations of optometry acts, false advertising, and antitrust claims. For example, Dr. Emil Fadel and Dionte Bradley filed class action lawsuits in 2024 alleging false advertising and related claims. Renee Newton and other plaintiffs also filed antitrust class actions against EssilorLuxottica and related entities in 2024. Brandon Gray filed a class action in 2024 alleging conspiracy to intercept communications on lenscrafters.com, and this case is currently in discovery. Additionally, Brave Optical, Inc. (a group of current and former Pearle Vision franchisees) filed a class action in 2023, alleging violations of antitrust law and breach of contract. A significant ongoing case from 2019, involving Jeffrey Gray and Brave Optical, Inc. against Luxottica of America, Inc. and EyeMed Vision Care, LLC, saw a jury judgment in December 2022 against Pearle Vision for over $4.6 million in damages and fees, which Pearle Vision has appealed. Pearle Vision itself initiated a lawsuit in March 2022 against Brave Optical, Inc. for intellectual property rights violations, resulting in a 2024 decision granting Luxottica an injunction and attorney's fees. One notable dismissed case from 2018 involved Yesenia Ariza and others alleging false advertising by LensCrafters, which settled for $39,000,000 and was dismissed in October 2024. This detailed legal history includes disputes with franchisees, consumer class actions, and antitrust allegations.
Bankruptcy History
Pearle Vision has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, Pearle Vision franchisees must notify Pearle Vision of their desire to renew at least 180 days before the Location Expiration Date. They must then be in full compliance with all operational requirements, not be in default of their franchise agreement or any other agreements with Pearle Vision or its affiliates, and satisfy all monetary obligations. The franchisee's location must also comply with Pearle Vision's then-current requirements, potentially necessitating a remodel or relocation, and they must attend any required training. Finally, franchisees must sign a general release included in the Renewal Addendum and execute a new franchise agreement, which may have materially different terms and conditions.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Pearle Vision provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees both before and after opening. Pre-opening support includes site selection services, project services for store design and construction management, architectural services, a list of approved suppliers, standards and specifications for the point-of-sale (POS) system, access to the Operations Portal, patient scheduling software (TAB), and initial training for the franchisee and designated operator. Pearle Vision also helps choose the initial inventory assortment. After opening, ongoing assistance includes continued training programs and seminars, administration of system-wide and local advertising funds, provision of advertising and promotional materials, regular updates to the Operations Portal, and support for eyeglass and contact lens guarantees and warranties. Pearle Vision acts as an agent for managed vision care contracts, helps with site selection for relocation, and may temporarily operate a franchisee's EyeCare Center in cases of death or permanent incapacity. The franchisor also automatically replenishes inventory assortment and provides advice on inventory selection. Additionally, franchisees can use ProfitKeeper for financial management and have access to the National Franchise Advisory Council (NFAC) for feedback.
Initial Training Hours
139
Training Location
EyeCare Centers, virtual classrooms, or web-based
Ongoing Support
After opening, Pearle Vision franchisees receive ongoing training programs and seminars. The franchisor administers system-wide and local advertising funds, provides advertising and promotional materials, and regularly updates the Operations Portal with new techniques and operating procedures. Pearle Vision extends and promotes eyeglass and contact lens guarantees and warranties. The franchisor also acts as an agent for organizing, administering, marketing, and negotiating third-party managed vision care contracts, such as EyeMed. If a franchisee needs to relocate, Pearle Vision provides site selection assistance. In the event of the franchisee's or Designated Operator's death or permanent incapacity, Pearle Vision may operate the EyeCare Center on their behalf for a management fee. Furthermore, Pearle Vision automatically replenishes inventory assortment and advises on the best inventory for the EyeCare Center. Franchisees also have access to the Operations Portal for business processes, collaboration, and learning, and there's a National Franchise Advisory Council (NFAC) for franchisee feedback.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Pearle Vision seeks individuals who are doctors (optometrists or ophthalmologists), opticians, or investors. Ideal candidates share Pearle Vision's vision and are committed to continuing its legacy in eye care. The franchisor is looking for individuals who can ensure quality products, leverage technology, and work with experienced professionals to provide genuine eye care for patients and retail customers.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
hands-on
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Staffing Notes
Pearle Vision provides training and resources to help franchisees with staff recruitment and selection, including a Manager and Store Employee Onboarding Training program. This program is optional but recommended. Franchisees are solely responsible for hiring and training their own staff and for ensuring they maintain a competent, conscientious, and trained team that adheres to Pearle Vision's brand standards and dress code. Pearle Vision does not control the terms and conditions of employment for franchisee employees. The franchisee must appoint a 'Designated Operator' for each EyeCare Center, who must meet Pearle Vision's standards and training requirements. For Development Agreements, a 'Designated Developer' is required, and a 'Regional Manager' is recommended for managing multiple EyeCare Centers.