Last Sunday, the investigative news program 60 minutes did an exposé on the largest eyeglass manufacturer in the world, Luxottica. The Italian company completed a hostile takeover of U.S. Shoe Corporation in 1995 to acquire Lenscrafters. They have since bought Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, and Target Optical. Additionally, they have purchased the designer eyewear lines such as Coach, Prada, Tiffany and the popular sunglasses like Ray Ban and Oakley. Westside Optometry does not carry any of the Luxottica frame lines as a small stance against the huge corporate gorilla. Additionally, we do not accept the Eyemed vision plan which is also owned by Luxottica.
As an independent local eyecare provider we can’t compete directly with Luxottica, but we can continue to provide our patients with the most personalized vision care possible.
Here is a clip from the 60 minutes program: