Vision Source

Vision Source was founded in 1991 by Dr. Glenn Ellisor, O.D., to support independent optometry through business services, purchasing power, and clinical resources. Headquartered in Kingwood, Houston, Texas, U.S., the company received a growth investment from Brazos Equity Partners LLC in 2011 and was acquired by Essilor International in 2015. EssilorLuxottica is now its parent company. Vision Source reached 3,000 locations by 2014 and had more than 4,500 private practice optometrists in its network by March 2019. The 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document reports 2,992 franchised locations across all 50 states, while 2025 data shows 3,007 total units and 1% growth. The network has a 32 year operating history and is described as the largest network of privately owned optometric and ophthalmologic practices in the United States. The U.S. Offices of Optometrists market is estimated at $21.5 billion.

The U.S. Offices of Optometrists industry has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 1.4% over the past five years and is estimated at $21.5 billion, with expected growth of 2.6% in 2025. Globally, the Optometry Market was valued at USD 72,814.94 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 94,295.04 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 3.8%. Another forecast projects USD 120,412.53 million by 2035 at a CAGR of 4.22%. Demand is supported by adults aged 65 and older, increased screen use, and growing awareness of eye health. Approximately 50% of consumers seek optometry services for digital eye strain. Retail optometry and expanded corrective and cosmetic contact lens offerings also support the market. Eye exams account for nearly 65% of visits, while eyeglasses and contact lenses contribute more than 60% of total revenue. The industry includes more than 44,000 licensed optometrists across 41,000 clinical locations in the United States. Vision Source accounts for nearly 32% of global optometry service volume.

Vision Source has no initial franchise fee. Total initial investment is reported at $100,000 to $450,000, while another source gives a range of $85,000 to $333,300 and an investment midpoint of $209,150. Architectural and site improvements may cost $10,000 to $150,000, and office equipment and furniture may cost $30,000 to $100,000. Other listed costs include leasing deposits and first month rent of $5,000 to $20,000, signage of $1,500 to $9,000, legal fees of $2,000 to $15,000, initial inventory of $20,000 to $40,000, and point of sale computer and accounting setup of $4,500 to $12,000. Prepaid expenses, practice development, and initial insurance add to the opening cost. Required working capital ranges from $20,000 to $60,000. Ideal candidates have more than $100,000 in liquid capital and net worth above $250,000. The royalty fee is 2.50% of revenue, with some sources reporting 2% to 3%. Advertising information varies, with some reports showing no stated fee and other information indicating 2% to 3% of gross sales.

A Vision Source practice centers on patient care, inventory management, staff oversight, and the use of clinical tools and proprietary technology. Staffing generally includes licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists plus administrative and technical personnel. The network primarily supports existing independent practices and new professional office locations rather than drive through or kiosk formats. Initial training is followed by continuing professional development. Members have access to more than 1,300 local and regional meetings and the annual conference called The Exchange. In 2025, The Exchange offered more than 100 learning and development opportunities for doctors of optometry and staff, including clinical protocol sessions and workshops. Support covers site selection, lease negotiations, staff recruitment, practice management, business development, and marketing. Purchasing cooperatives generate an estimated $500 million in network savings and provide the lowest equipment pricing in the industry. Other services include managed care strategies, professional real estate, finance and legal support, local market leadership, and business mentors. Vision Source Next supports students, young doctors, and retiring doctors with transitions and nationwide practice listings. The model is primarily owner operator and is intended for licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists.

In 2024, members reported more than $3 billion in combined retail sales, professional services, and managed vision benefits. The network has been described as the largest optical retailer in the United States for nine consecutive years. During the three years leading up to 2025, members recorded nearly 20% cumulative growth. Vision Source became the first optical network to exceed $3 billion in combined member practice revenue in 2024. The U.S. Vision Source grew from 2,219 franchised locations in 2010 to its 3,000th location by 2014, more than 3,300 locations in 2017, and more than 4,500 private practice optometrists by March 2019. The 2024 FDD reports 2,992 franchised locations, with 3,007 total units in 2025 and 1% growth.

Vision Source expanded from 2,219 franchised locations in 2010 to 3,000 locations by 2014, more than 3,300 in 2017, and more than 4,500 private practice optometrists by March 2019. The 2024 FDD reports 2,992 franchised locations in the United States, while 2025 data lists 3,007 total units and 1% growth. Differences may reflect reporting methods or FDD periods. Brazos Equity Partners LLC invested in the company in 2011, and Essilor International acquired it in 2015, bringing Vision Source into EssilorLuxottica. Amir Khoshnevis, O.D., serves as President and Chief Medical Officer. Founder Dr. Glenn Ellisor, O.D., serves as Senior Advisor, and Jim Greenwood served as President and CEO from 2013. Proprietary technology, marketing assistance, practice management consulting, and professional development add support for members. The brand has introduced programs such as The Optical Dream and clinical protocols for diabetic patient diagnosis, management, and collaboration. Glenn Ellisor, O.D., and Jim Greenwood received the 2019 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Award.

The intended franchisee is a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist with experience in eye care and a commitment to independent practice ownership. Candidates should value clinical excellence, patient care, local community ties, collaboration, and business growth. Multi unit expectations are not explicitly stated. Vision Source operates in all 50 U.S. states and has additional offices in Canada. The South has the largest concentration, with 990 units. Prospective buyers should review the Franchise Disclosure Document for territory rights and availability. A specific signing to opening timeline is not provided, although site selection, lease negotiation, staff recruitment, and practice transition support are available. Vision Source Next assists students, young doctors, and retiring doctors with succession planning and practice listings across the country. The franchise agreement term and renewal provisions are not stated and would be detailed in the FDD.

Vision Source is designed for licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists who want to operate independent practices with access to corporate and network support. The available information includes more than $3 billion in combined member practice revenue in 2024 and nearly 20% cumulative growth over the three years leading up to 2025. Demand is supported by an aging population and digital eye strain. Member services include purchasing support associated with $500 million in network savings, clinical tools, marketing, and professional development. PeerSense provides franchise due diligence information that includes SBA lending history, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and comparison tools. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm that introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders and is not a lender.