Specsavers announces expansion into Manitoba in 2024 following its successful launch in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario
Comprehensive business support and start-up incentives continue to spark ownership interest across Canada
Specsavers, an eyecare and eyewear provider driven by its mission of ensuring more accessible eyecare for all, today announced its plan to expand into Manitoba in the summer of 2024. The expansion, following the successful launch in Ontario, Alberta and B.C., will provide opportunities for Manitoban eyecare professionals to own and run their own business.
With over 90 locations open, Specsavers is now the fastest growing network of eyecare professionals in Canada. The Company cited its strong business performance, consumer demand and interest from optometrists and opticians seeking ownership opportunities outside of its existing Canadian markets for its decision to begin opening stores in Manitoba.
“We are pleased to see Specsavers is being embraced by Canadians. Our expansion into Manitoba means more Canadians will have access to comprehensive eyecare and quality, affordable eyewear, as well as more opportunities for independent optometrists and opticians to start their own practice,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “We are proud to already have a network of more than 200 optometrists and 250 fully licensed opticians operating across Specsavers stores since launching in November 2021. The average location is caring for over 100 Canadians each week.”
Specsavers stores are locally co-owned by an Optometry Partner, who is a practicing optometrist, and a Retail Partner, who is an optician or an experienced retail professional.
Specsavers provides comprehensive business support from experts in areas like administration, marketing, accounting, payroll and supply chain. The company’s award-winning marketing reaches millions of consumers to drive new patient bookings, customer traffic, patient recall and outside prescriptions. With multi-million dollar marketing campaigns driving brand and eye health awareness, Specsavers locations are averaging over $1.5 million in revenue during their first twelve months of trading.
Independent clinics located within Specsavers are wholly owned and operated by the local Optometry Partner, who receives comprehensive clinical support allowing them to focus on patient care.
“Through an optometrist-led steering group coupled with independently owned clinics with new, advanced clinical equipment, including optical coherence tomography, Specsavers gives optometrists the tools they need to be successful in delivering patient care and to excel as a business owner,” said Naomi Barber, Clinical Services Director, Specsavers Canada.
Since launching, Specsavers has covered 100 per cent of location start-up costs for optometrists and opticians to start their own Specsavers store in communities across Canada. This investment, which averages $500,000 per location, aims to boost business ownership by independent optometrists and opticians, and help them achieve success while remaining autonomous and patient-care focused.
Moir added that while the immediate focus of the expansion is Manitoba, the Company has received interest from optometrists and opticians from across Canada, and openings in other Canadian provinces may be considered in the future.
