At the current time National Vision has 229 retail stores located in prime space within Wal-Mart Stores. All of these practices are mature, and have significant existing patient bases. The practices within Wal-Mart are operated using the "Leased" or "Independent" mode of practice. The Optometrist sub-leases space and equipment from NVI, and is responsible for all aspects of the practice, but receives guidance and assistance from the NVI Professional Services group on organizational and administrative matters. This formula is attractive to Optometrists who enjoy the challenges of running an Optometric practice, but want to avoid the risks and headaches of a solo practice. Depending upon the state regulations, the Vision Center staff may or may not be involved in appointment booking, I&R training, etc., but are responsible for sales and service of all optical goods, eyeglasses and contacts. As a part of the lease all required equipment is provided and maintained by National Vision. The exact terms of each lease will vary based upon the practice, and the regulations in that state. As in all of the NVI retail locations, the training of both the retail and optometric staff is key in creating a successful environment that achieves our goal of growth with happy customers, patients and employees. (Back To Top)
America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
America's Best is growing the optical business at a rapid pace. The store count now stands at 176, with many more stores currently under construction, and more queued up as soon as those are open. America's Best is a high value, low cost retail optical model that delivers exams and materials in a high volume setting. Differing from the other NVI brands, America's Best advertises on television, radio and print. The stores are located in strip centers convenient to the population that they serve and are typically about 3000 sq. ft. in size. Much of the frame selection is made of of highly recognized brand names that are sold at extremely low "close-out" prices. By internalizing our manufacturing within NVI, quality of product is assured, as is the satisfaction of our patients and customers.
Practicing in the America's Best setting is focused completely on the clinical aspect of the job. All administrative duties and pre-testing are handled by the retail staff or Visual Acuity Technicians which assist the doctor. The base model for the Optometrist is as a salaried employee working 39 hours per week. The compensation is typically above market rates, and includes a full range of benefits. Other part-time and fill-in arrangements are available as well. In order to assure clinical standards and address operational issues, each area has an "Area Optometrist", and an Optometrist who is a member of the America's Best Clinical Panel. (Back To Top)
Operating In California Wal-Mart Stores
In the state of California the Optometrist is an an employee or contracted by our subsidiary, FirstSight Vision Services, Inc. FirstSight is a single service HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) which is subject to the oversight and review of the California Department of Managed Health Care (DHMC). National Vision considers the DHMC a partner in the provision of vision care to the citizens of California, and has developed a strong relationship with the department over the years. FirstSight currently operates 157 practices in California next to both National Vision & Corporate Wal-Mart Retail Optical stores.
In the FirstSight format, two modes of practice exist within a membership format. In the practices located next to National Vision Optical Retail, the Optometrists are employees, while in the practices located next to Corporate Wal-Mart Optical Retail locations, the Optometrists are independent contractors. In the employment setting, the doctor is responsible for patient care, without any responsibility for the staff, administrative or non-clinical duties. They retain responsibility for any clinical decisions or activities performed by the staff. In the practices next to Corporate Wal-Mart, FirstSight employs the technicians, who in turn report to the independent doctor. No matter what the format, the quality and accessibility of patient care and clinical standards is the key focus. (Back To Top)
At the current time National Vision has 32 retail stores located in prime space within Fred Meyer Stores. All of these practices are mature, and have established patient bases. The practices within Fred Meyer operate essentially the same as the National Vision Wal-Mart locations, and are operated using the "Leased" or "Independent" mode of practice. The Optometrist sub-leases space and equipment from NVI, and is responsible for all aspects of the practice, but receives guidance and assistance from the NVI Professional Services group on organizational and administrative matters. This formula is attractive to Optometrists who enjoy the challenges of running an Optometric practice, but want to avoid the risks and headaches of a solo practice. The Vision Center staff handles appointment booking, I&R training, etc., and are responsible for sales and service of all optical goods, eyeglasses and contacts. As a part of the lease all required equipment is provided and maintained by National Vision. The exact terms of each lease will vary based upon the practice, and the regulations in that state. As in all of the NVI retail locations, the training of both the retail and optometric staff is key in creating a successful environment that achieves our goal of growth with happy customers, patients and employees. (Back To Top)
At the current time National Vision has 40 retail stores located on or directly adjacent to U.S. Military bases. The retail center and Optometric space is located within the "Exchange" or "PX" along with a variety of other retailers. This is a unique niche within the optical category, and National Vision is very proud to be the largest supplier of eyecare and eyewear to our troops and their families. The practice utilizes the "Leased" or "Independent" mode of practice with responsibilities of both the Optometric and retail staff virtually the same as in a Wal-Mart location. (Back To Top)