The Basics

If there is such a thing as a ‘typical’ eyecare business in North America, according to our survey it’s a one-store operation in a 1,500-2,000 sq.-ft, freestanding building in a small city. The largest group represented in our sample were private practices with a strong focus on retail.

Published

24 years ago

November 15, 2000

INVISION Staff

In what state is your (main) office or eyecare business located?

The Big Survey 2024: The Basics

This year’s survey attracted responses from 40 U.S. states and Canada. Well done, ECPs from California, you finished top. And for those states not represented, we know how busy you are, but next year we’ll be hoping at least some of you can find 30 minutes to take the survey.

How would you describe the market where your eyecare business is located?

Big urban market
18%
Suburban outskirts of a big urban market
24%
Medium-sized city (250,000-1 million people)
16%
Small city (25,000 to 250,000)
28%
Country town (up to 25,000)
12%
Resort area
1%
Other
1%

How many eyecare businesses do you operate?

1
67%
2
19%
3-5
11%
6 or more
3%

Where is your (main) eyecare business located?

In a mall
6%
In a strip mall
17%
On a downtown street
17%
In its own free-standing building
34%
In a lifestyle/medical center
11%
Office building/business park
12%
On the Internet
1%
Other
1%

The ‘other’ replies were mostly ‘mobile’ businesses, along with a historic complex-turned shopping center, and a Costco.

Which description of your eyecare business do you most closely identify with?

Hospital or VA setting
5%
Medical model private practice, no retail
4%
Medical model private practice, small dispensary
17%
Private practice, strong focus on retail
48%
Corporate optometry location
3%
Eyewear boutique, employed or leased OD
10%
Eyewear boutique, no OD
11%
Mobile optician
1%
Concierge/by appointment
1%

What is the total square footage of your (main) location?

Less than 500 sq feet
4%
500-999 sq feet
8%
1,000-1,499 sq feet
17%
1,500-1,999 sq feet
19%
2,000-2,499 sq feet
15%
2,500-2,999 sq feet
10%
3,000-3,499 sq feet
8%
3,500-3,999 sq feet
8%
4,000-5,000 sq feet
4%
More than 5,000 sq feet
4%
NA
3%

Do you own or rent your physical location?

Own

46%

Rent

51%

How long has your eyecare business been in operation?

1-5 years
12%
6-10 years
19%
11-20 years
24%
21-30 years
17%
31-40 years
11%
41-50 years
7%
51-100 years
9%
More than 100 years
1%

Where is your eyecare business located by region?

The Big Survey 2024: The Basics

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