NEW YORK—LensCrafters, one of the largest optical retail brands in North America, is marking the company’s newest milestone, the brand’s 40th anniversary as the trusted optical retailer in the communities they serve since 1983, the company said in its announcement yesterday. To commemorate this occasion, the company will launch a series of key marketing initiatives throughout the year, including a 40th anniversary campaign featuring award winning actress and producer, Sharon Stone, according to the company.

LensCrafters revolutionized the optical industry when it opened its doors 40 years ago as Precision LensCrafters, with the name representing “Lens Innovation and Craftsmanship with Precision," and new notions of speedier customer service. It was the first optical retailer in the EssilorLuxottica group’s portfolio.

The brand’s history of industry firsts and enthusiasm for helping others see and look their best, along with the passionate spirit of doctors, associates and leaders, have shaped who the brand is today, LensCrafters stated. In 1988, the Give the Gift of Sight program, founded by a LensCrafters employee and now formally part of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, was established as a call to action to provide eyecare to millions of people who suffer from poor vision because they don’t have access to care.

In total, the Foundation has provided 562 million people with access to sustainable vision care through 22,200 primary vision care entrepreneurs and 221 vision centers. Together with the Foundation’s philanthropic activities, these efforts have helped correct and/or protect the vision of 55.1 million people around the world, the company stated.

 
 Alfonso Cerullo.
“This is a remarkable milestone for LensCrafters with 40 years of commitment ensuring our patients and customers have access to the best vision care and eyewear," said LensCrafters president and general manager, Alfonso Cerullo. "It’s also a testament to our amazing employees, doctors and team of store associates who we rely on daily to provide a premium experience that the brand is known for. Ultimately, we want to continue being the leading optical retailer in the communities we serve by offering the best vision care solutions that allow our customers to express themselves while seeing their best," Cerullo said.

A leader in the optical industry, LensCrafters said it is proud of its customer service reputation in optical retail, with over 1,000 North American locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and a thriving e-commerce business. "When it comes to customers' vision needs, the brand offers a holistic best in class experience online and in stores, where customers can find top doctors, superior quality lenses, with the latest innovations in clear and sun lens technology by Essilor, and the largest product assortment of designer eyewear brands in the U.S. and Canada," the announcement said.

LensCrafters' announcement cited "our exemplary affiliated and independent doctors as the cornerstone of the business providing the best comprehensive vision care." The company uses technology as a key driver to keep eyecare and eyewear a top priority.

"Patients can experience LensCrafters’ eye exam technology, both in-store and remote via the company’s tele-optometry solution. Clarifye and New Evolution Connect is a new suite that offers more access to optometrists at a time most convenient for the patient through a single platform that integrates multiple systems and equipment to improve patient engagement," the company said.

LensCrafters has invested in new technology such as the brand’s Lens Configurator, Frame Customization, and Virtual Try-On, which gives customers an easier way to try on a selection of eyewear... And as part of EssilorLuxottica’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, "Eyes on the Planet," LensCrafters will continue to step up its investments in sustainable material innovations for eyewear, reducing the impact on the planet, the company said.

With a rapidly expanding brick-and-mortar landscape, the brand’s newest flagships in New York City, San Francisco and Palo Alto, as VMAIL previously reported, reflect the integration of modern design and technology, "giving customers a more individualized experience that allows them to easily browse an expanded selection of designer eyewear styles and brands that include Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Persol, Versace and Prada.

"By leveraging the stores with the digital advantages of e-commerce, customers can buy online with ease, as they would in store," the company said.

“As we continue to invest in our 1,000+ store fleet, and successfully merge our online business with the in-store digital experience, we look forward to advancing the LensCrafters brand this year and next with the rollout of new flagship stores which will give us a larger footprint in the eyewear market,” said Cerullo.