My Eye Lab vs Pearle Vision
My Eye Lab vs Pearle Vision: My Eye Lab costs $350K–$539K to open; Pearle Vision costs $50K–$481K. My Eye Lab has 29 units, Pearle Vision has 128. SBA loan history: My Eye Lab = 31 loans (6.5% default); Pearle Vision = 172 loans (7.6% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
My Eye Lab vs Pearle Vision: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Pearle Vision requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($50K vs $350K for My Eye Lab), a 600% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Pearle Vision operates 128 units to My Eye Lab's 29, roughly 4× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Pearle Vision has the deeper SBA lending track record with 172 historical 7(a) approvals versus 31 for My Eye Lab. My Eye Lab's peak SBA year was 2021 (12 loans); Pearle Vision's peak was 1999 (18 loans). My Eye Lab's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, My Eye Lab concentrates in TX (16 SBA-funded units) while Pearle Vision leads in IL (27). Pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded My Eye Lab deals is $442K vs $255K for Pearle Vision, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 6.5% for My Eye Lab and 7.6% for Pearle Vision, My Eye Lab has the cleaner historical loss profile by 1.1 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 38 (Fair) for My Eye Lab and 43 (Fair) for Pearle Vision, giving Pearle Vision the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 38/100 | 43/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 31 | 172 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 6.5% | 7.6% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $350K – $539K | $50K – $481K |
Franchise Fee | N/A | $30K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 7% |
Ad Fund | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $100K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $300K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 29 | 128 |
Franchised Units | 29 | 128 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1961 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1960 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | AUSTIN, TX | CHICAGO, IL |
Category | Offices of Optometrists | Offices of Optometrists |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better, My Eye Lab or Pearle Vision?
Lower upfront capital required
Pearle Vision
My Eye Lab: $350K starting · Pearle Vision: $50K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Pearle Vision
My Eye Lab: 31 SBA loans · Pearle Vision: 172 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
My Eye Lab
My Eye Lab: 6.5% · Pearle Vision: 7.6%
Larger system & brand presence
Pearle Vision
My Eye Lab: 29 units · Pearle Vision: 128 units
More lender financing options
Pearle Vision
My Eye Lab: 19 unique lenders · Pearle Vision: 52 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
Need Funding for My Eye Lab or Pearle Vision?
PeerSense connects you with 500+ SBA lenders and capital sources. Our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing.
SBA Lenders & Capital Sources
Retainers or Consulting Fees
10% Down Franchise Loans
About These Franchises
My Eye Lab vs Pearle Vision: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing My Eye Lab and Pearle Vision is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $50K to $539K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, My Eye Lab with 31 SBA loans and Pearle Vision with 172. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
My Eye Lab vs Pearle Vision, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, My Eye Lab or Pearle Vision?
How much does a My Eye Lab franchise cost compared to Pearle Vision?
Can I finance My Eye Lab or Pearle Vision with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, My Eye Lab or Pearle Vision?
Financing a franchise? Get matched to an SBA lender.
Tell us which brand and your budget. We route you to lenders who have already funded deals in these systems.
Franchise / SBA 7(a): Response within 24–48 hours. No obligation.