Framed
Q. How has Eyecare Express evolved?
A. A few months ago, we opened our first office and showroom in
North York and we are looking to expand on this model in the coming
months. A future area of development is a franchise model. We are
looking to sign our first franchise in Ontario before the end of 2019.
Online also continues to be an area of opportunity, as we are continu-
ously working on a platform to meet the needs of our customers. We
have also partnered with a low-vision aid company, allowing us to
commit to our mission of providing seniors with every opportunity to
maximize their vision.
Eye care
on the move
By Denis Langlois
Toronto-based mobile optical business
Eyecare Express is enjoying dynamic
growth, prompting its owners to open
its first office/showroom and look to
franchising.
President/optician Aaron Shloush says
Canada’s aging population is driving
demand for the company’s services.
“Baby Boomers are experiencing more
complex health care needs and seniors
are living longer than they ever have
before. Eyecare Express understands
that as we age, mobility needs increase
and we can meet those needs,” he says.
Shloush and Jack Benaim co-founded
in July 2017 Eyecare Express, which
travels to retirement communities,
businesses, schools, hospitals and
homes where ECPs build an eye exam
lane and display eyewear.
Recently, Optical Prism magazine
spoke with Eyecare Express about their
growing business and what’s next.
48 Optical Prism | October 2019
Q. What continues to inspire you about your work?
A. Being able to provide a unique and rewarding optical experience
inspires us everyday.
Our mobile business, bricks-and-mortar, online and our sample sale
business provides us with channels that allow us to creatively deliver
the best experience to our customers.
There have been endless cases and gratification that can’t be explained
of being able to help disheartened seniors obtain proper, comprehen-
sive eye care in the comfort of their own home that would otherwise
be disregarded.
Q. What is the response you are receiving retirement home residents?
A. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Generally speak-
ing, the families and residents can’t believe how much equipment
is brought in, how comprehensive our eye exams are and the great
value we provide to these patients. The retirement communities are
extremely appreciative that we can bring this value-added service to
their community, improving the quality of life of their residents.
Q. What are the benefits of your new showroom/office?
A. The showroom provides our customers an opportunity to come and
look at different types of products, including many designer brands. It
also provides an opportunity for retirement community staff, families
and residents an amazing in-store experience while addressing their
eye care needs.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. We have been considering the franchise model that we would like to
take national. Our showroom is getting great reviews from our custom-
ers and we would like to expand this model in 2020. Our plan is to add
a private frame line that we will develop as our business grows.