We may explore the franchisee route in future: Gurpreet Singh Bhatia
We may explore the franchisee route in future: Gurpreet Singh Bhatia

A joint venture between Reliance Retail Ltd. and Grand Vision and also a part of world’s leading international optical retail chains, Vision Express is present in 30 cities with over 150 stores in India. They focus on eyewear as well as eye care and offer a European Certified 6-step eye test, which is conducted by qualified and trained optometrists. Gurpreet Singh Bhatia, CEO, Vision Express tells us what makes the brand a global optical leader.

What makes you the world's leading eye care retailer?
Vision Express is a joint venture between Grand Vision – the global leader in optical retail and Indian retail business giant Reliance Retail. At Vision Express we not only offer quality eyewear, but also best in the industry eye care. We offer a European certified 6-step eye test by qualified and well trained optometrists. Our wide range of products is made up of superior materials which ensure that our consumers get the best solution to their eyesight. We understand the importance of eyes and offer solutions for the delicate organ with the utmost care they deserve.

What new trends are you witnessing in the market?
We are noticing a shift in perception of spectacles being considered a fashion accessory that does not bring down your style quotient. Also, more and more people are taking eye care seriously. Digital devices being such an unavoidable and integral part of our lives, protection against long exposure is becoming an imperative.

Discuss the recent innovations you have brought for the customers.
We have a range of spectacle frames and lenses suited to a customer’s lifestyle needs. You have digital screen exposure; we have blue shield and UV blue shield lenses for you. You need clear vision for the night, we have night vision lenses. We also offer a variety of tints to choose from. Similarly, our exclusive brands cater to specific fashion desires from colourful and quirky to Swarovski embedded capsule frame collections. We also have a range called Vision Express Activ, which caters to the needs of the individuals leading adventurous and active lives but needing their spectacles throughout. Our latest innovation is for those without eye power but digital screen exposure – the capsule spectacle collection of I-block is your simple solution to protect your eyes.

How do you ensure providing the best solution for vision correction?
Our 6 step comprehensive eye test, performed by certified optometrists in all Vision Express stores, provides the best solution for vision correction. We ensure that we provide the most detailed eye test and suggest our customers the most suitable lenses for their eyesight. We check with the customer’s lifestyle needs before our recommendation. We also encourage our customers to take an eye test at least twice a year.

How do you stand apart from your competitors in the eye care industry?
At Vision Express, quality and design of our frames is a hygiene for us. We are a brand that understands that your vision is corrected through the lenses while the frame enhances your face. We, therefore, work towards providing you with the best eye care solution. We are your eye care partners for life.

Do you think franchising is a viable model for expansion? What are your plans to expand through this model?
We have very sound expansion plans as we want to intensify our footprints in our existing markets and explore other regions as well. While currently, we are opening our own stores, we may be open to exploring the franchisee route in future depending on the market environment.

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