Contact lenses

In most cases, glasses are ready in an hour.The stores carry a large stock of lenses, including an exclusive line of high-definition lenses.

“We represent the value end of optical,” Gebhardt said.Low prices are key.

The starting price includes two pair of glasses for $99.

There are about 500 frames at this price.

“The assortment at this price range is deeper than anywhere else,” Gebhardt said.

He added that they also have a large selection of children’s frames at this price.

For a person requiring progressive lenses or other special treatments, the cost is more.“The average transaction is $200.

This could be for more than one pair though,” said Brett Calvert, vice president of marketing for Eye Care Centers of America.

Trying to choose from so many frames can be overwhelming, Calvert realizes.

He said the staff receives extensive training to make the selection easy for the customer.

Designer frames and collections such as Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Candies, Nine West and Bebe are included in the mix at Visionworks, headquartered in San Antonio.The first local store opened at Golf Mill in Niles.

Four others have been launched since the end of February.

The target customers for Visionworks are women between the age of 35 and 64 with children.

The décor at the shops is pleasing to the eye.  “When you come into...

Read more...