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Growth reported in OD-based online optical stores
NEW YORK — In its first year, Essilor's MyOnlineOptical has built 750 online optical stores for independent eye care practitioners, a company representative said at an Essilor-sponsored press conference held during International Vision Expo.
Howard B. Purcell, OD, FAAO, vice president of customer development for Essilor of America, told attendees that MyOnlineOptical is adding 100 sites per month.
According to company literature, MyOnlineOptical provides eye care practitioners with "a turnkey e-commerce engine that extends their reach beyond their office walls and office hours to 24/7 accessibility. Each participating ECP has a unique website and can customize it by adding logos and images, selecting products and setting their own retail pricing."
Dr. Purcell said that Essilor provides content for the site, with no need for additional staff time.
The online eyeglass market is a new but growing business. Coastal Contacts Inc., an online retailer of eyeglasses and contact lenses, reported that it sold about $2 million in eyeglasses last week, translating to 28,000 pairs of glasses.