Pearle Vision re-licenses 13 neighborhood eye care centers in 2013

Leading Optical Brand Expands with Four New and Eight Existing Licensees 

MASON, Ohio (July 9, 2013) -- Pearle Vision, one of North America's largest and most trusted licensed optical brands, announced today it has signed licensing agreements converting 13 of its neighborhood eye care centers from company-owned to licensees. This is the result of the company’s 2013 expansion plans to re-license 34 company-owned centers in 10 states.

"We are very pleased with our progress this year with the re-licensing of 13 neighborhood eye care centers,” said Srinivas Kumar, senior vice president and general manager, Pearle Vision. "It’s a testament to Pearle’s 50-year legacy that we’ve received tremendous interest from both new licensees who want to join our growing brand and existing licensees who want to expand with additional eye care centers.”

Of the 13 licensing agreements, Pearle Vision announced four new licensees in Akron, Ohio; Exton, Pa.; Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Burnsville, Minn. In addition, eight existing Pearle Vision licensees chose to expand their center ownership by licensing additional centers in Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, Ohio and Puerto Rico.

Dr. Richard E. Hults, who assumed ownership of a Pearle Vision eye care center in Akron, Ohio and has been a practicing optometrist for over three decades, said “I have always wanted to own my own business and am excited to join the Pearle Vision family. I am committed to continuing to provide patients in Akron with the absolute best in eye care and serving as a trusted source for all of their eye health needs.”

Pearle Vision has a significant legacy in the industry and has continued to outpace competitors by evolving to meet patients' changing needs and providing quality products and services they desire. With 611 centers located throughout North America, the company offers best-in-class eye care provided by neighborhood doctors who are skilled optometrists, a principle created by Dr. Stanley Pearle in 1961.

"Pearle Vision is a terrific opportunity for optometrists to join a proven network of support, which allows them to focus on what they are really passionate about – delivering quality eye care to their patients," said Kumar.

Pearle Vision is seeking to grow its national footprint and began the year with an aggressive re-licensing effort in the United States. To fuel further growth, the company is looking for optometrists interested in licensing opportunities. Ideal candidates for Pearle Vision ownership should possess a desire to join a trusted industry-leading brand and work within a proven system to provide exceptional eye care and superior patient service. Pearle Vision licensees can expect their initial investment to build a new center to cost approximately $200,000, in addition to a licensing fee of $30,000.

Optometrists interested in exploring re-licensing or new development opportunities should call 1.800.PEARLE.1 or visit www.pearlevisionfranchise.com.