National Vision – Your Guide to One of the Largest Optical Retailers

With over 1,200 stores across America, National Vision is one of the biggest providers of eye exams and eyewear. As the low-cost leader in the optical retail space, National Vision aims to make quality vision care accessible and affordable for all. This article will provide an in-depth look at National Vision, including its history, store brands, services, and how to shop for glasses.

Overview of National Vision

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, GA, National Vision Holdings Inc. is one of the largest optical retailers in the United States. With revenues over $2 billion annually, National Vision operates 5 key brands:

• America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses – Budget-friendly eye exams, contacts, and glasses
• Eyeglass World – Broad selection of designer and name-brand frames
• Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores – Convenient eye care and eyewear
• Vista Optical within select Fred Meyer stores – Affordable eye exams and glasses
• Several regional optical brands

Together these brands have over 1,200 retail locations across 42 states plus the District of Columbia. National Vision also runs lens finishing labs and owns FirstSight, a vision insurance company

America’s Best – Low Cost Eye Exams and Glasses

America’s Best is National Vision’s flagship brand with nearly 700 stores Positioned as the affordable leader in optical retail, an eye exam at America’s Best costs just $50-$70. Glasses start at around $60 including single vision lenses

All America’s Best stores are conveniently located inside or adjacent to Walmart stores for one-stop shopping. Other perks include:

• Eyewear deals like 2 pairs of glasses for $78
• Free 2nd pair voucher with first purchase
• Eye exam and 2 pairs of glasses for $78 for kids
• Contact lens exam just $25 more after eye exam

America’s Best accepts most major vision insurance plans and Medicaid for those with coverage Customers can find nearby stores and coupon deals at wwwamericasbest.com.

Eyeglass World – Designer Brands and Styles

As the premium sister chain to America’s Best, Eyeglass World carries a wide selection of designer brand frames like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Coach. Lens upgrade options include progressives, transitions, glare-free coatings, and polarized lenses.

Eyeglass World stores are primarily located in strip malls and outlet centers. With over 250 U.S. locations, it provides a more extensive selection beyond the budget frames at America’s Best.

In-Store Optical Centers at Select Retailers

Through partnerships with major retailers, National Vision operates vision centers within select store locations:

• Walmart Vision Centers – Over 580 in-store locations provide eye exams, glasses, and contacts
• Vista Optical at Fred Meyer – 70+ optical centers inside Fred Meyer stores across the Pacific Northwest
• Optical departments inside select military hospitals and exchanges

These convenient optical shops allow customers to take care of both eyecare needs and general shopping in one trip. Value pricing makes glasses more affordable.

National Vision Brands by State

National Vision stores operate in 42 states plus Washington DC. But the specific brands represented vary by state:

• America’s Best locations are concentrated in the Midwest, South, and Eastern states. Few locations operate west of Texas.

• Eyeglass World has stores across 37 states with greatest presence also in the Midwest, South, and East.

• Vista Optical inside Fred Meyer is only found in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.

• Walmart Vision Centers are in all continental states except Vermont and West Virginia.

Check the National Vision online store locator to find your closest option by zip code.

National Vision Services and Products

National Vision provides a full range of eye health services and vision correction products at affordable prices:

Eye Exams – Comprehensive eye exams by licensed optometrists start at $50-$70.

Eyeglasses – Choose from a wide selection of men’s, women’s and kids’ prescription glasses and sunglasses.

Contact Lenses – Be fitted for popular brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, and Dailies.

Lasik – Get discounts up to 50% off LASIK laser eye surgery through National Vision partners.

FirstSight Vision Insurance – Enroll in individual, family, Medicare or Medicaid vision insurance plans. Members get discounts at National Vision locations.

Online ordering, financing options, and vision insurance acceptance make services budget-friendly.

National Vision Optical Labs

With centralized lens processing, National Vision can quickly fulfill prescriptions across its retail brands. The company runs several state-of-the-art optical laboratories:

• St. Cloud, MN – Main lab supporting over 700 America’s Best stores
• Columbus, OH – Lab supplying Eyeglass World and Vista Optical locations
• Salt Lake City, UT – Additional lab capacity

Automation allows high volume lens manufacturing while upholding quality standards. Labs process over 20 million pairs of eyeglasses per year.

Becoming a National Vision Doctor or Employee

National Vision employs over 18,000 associates across retail stores, labs, distribution centers, and corporate offices. Open positions include:

• Optometrists – Provide professional patient eye care as an independent contractor. Flexible scheduling and substantial patient volume.

• Opticians – Assist customers with selecting and ordering eyewear. No experience required, paid training provided.

• Sales Associates – Greet customers and handle daily operations like ringing up purchases.

• Distribution Center – Pick, pack and ship eyeglass orders from optical labs to retail stores.

• Corporate – Fill roles in marketing, IT, accounting, and other remote-friendly departments.

Check the National Vision careers page for current openings and benefits like competitive pay, health insurance, 401k, tuition assistance, and discounts on vision services.

National Vision’s Buy 1 Get 1 Free Program

One way National Vision makes eyewear more affordable is through its popular Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion. Here’s how it works:

• Purchase any pair of eyeglasses and get a free second pair voucher

• Second pair must be used at the same time as the first purchase

• Buy another frame and lenses (single vision or progressives) and get them free

• Can be first pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses

• Free pair can be used for yourself or a second person

• Minimum purchase amount applies based on your prescription

The BOGO offer makes glasses half price overall and is a great way to get backup pairs or sunglasses. Limitations apply so check with your local store.

Tips for Shopping at National Vision

Follow these tips for saving money and having the best experience when buying glasses at National Vision:

• Check online for coupons and current offers before going to the store

• Ask about sales or discounts not advertised

• Compare pricing between America’s Best and Eyeglass World for the same brands

• Use vision insurance if you have coverage to lower out-of-pocket costs

• Order extra pairs using the Buy 1 Get 1 Free program for spares or sunglasses

• Join the MyVision loyalty program to earn rewards

Finding an affordable provider like National Vision makes routine eye exams and new glasses accessible for the whole family. With convenient locations, licensed doctors, name brands, and savings opportunities, National Vision helps you see clearly and maximize your eyecare budget.