National Vision

National Vision

Operates affordable eyeglasses and vision centers

Overview

National Vision creates a nationwide network of affordable eye care centers, selling eyeglasses and providing eye exams through vision centers located inside larger retail stores. Its core product is affordable eyewear and eye-care services offered at pass-through cost with a focus on value. The business works by operating and expanding vision centers, often through acquiring established brands such as America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses (2005) and Eyeglass World (2009), and by growing its footprint with private equity support and a public listing (IPO in 2017). This scale and emphasis on low-cost, accessible eyewear differentiate it from other providers that may operate more fragmented or premium-focused networks. The company aims to broaden access to affordable vision care for more people by expanding its national reach and brand portfolio.

Significant Headcount Growth

About National Vision

Simplify's Rating
Why National Vision is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Healthcare

Consumer Goods

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Lawrenceville, Georgia

Founded

1990

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q2 2026 revenue rose 2.5% to $498.8 million, with adjusted EPS up to $0.25.
  • Average ticket jumped 7.1%, driven by premium lenses, branded frames, and smart eyewear.
  • Management raised 2026 adjusted operating income to $119 million-$139 million after margin expansion.

What critics are saying

  • Self-pay traffic fell 4.9% in Q2 2026, exposing dependence on value shoppers.
  • The e-commerce replatform cut Q2 comparable sales by 150 basis points, delaying digital conversion.
  • Warby Parker and Visionworks pressure pricing and brand relevance; share gains can reverse quickly.

What makes National Vision unique

  • National Vision runs 1,281 stores across America’s Best, Eyeglass World, Vista Opticals, and DiscountContacts.com.
  • It is sole optical provider on every U.S. Army and Air Force base since April 2026.
  • Managed vision care reaches 42% of mix, supporting resilient exams and premium-ticket growth.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

401(k) Company Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Training Programs

Professional Development Budget

Employee Eyewear Discount

Stock Price

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

14%

2 year growth

15%
Yahoo Finance
Aug 12th, 2026
National Vision Q2 revenue rises 2.5% to $499M as premium products offset 4.9% traffic decline

National Vision reported second-quarter revenue growth of 2.5% to $499 million, with adjusted earnings per share rising to $0.25 from $0.18 year-over-year. Adjusted comparable-store sales increased 2.2%, driven by a 7.1% rise in average ticket that offset a 4.9% decline in customer traffic. The company's e-commerce platform transition temporarily reduced comparable-store sales by approximately 150 basis points during the quarter. CEO Alex Wilkes said early signs show improved online exam-booking completion rates. National Vision raised its full-year outlook, now expecting adjusted operating income of $119 million to $139 million and adjusted EPS of $0.94 to $1.09. The company plans to open approximately 30 to 35 stores whilst closing about 15 locations in 2026. Management attributed growth to premium product sales, including Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Nikon Eyes lenses, alongside store segmentation initiatives.

Yahoo Finance
Jun 20th, 2026
National Vision director buys 50,000 shares for $776K amid reaffirmed guidance

National Vision Holdings director Michael Nicholson purchased 50,000 shares of common stock on 5 June for $776,000, according to a regulatory filing. Shares rose 6% to $17.48 following the disclosure. The insider buying came after National Vision reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook on 3 June. The optical retail company completed its e-commerce platform migration and reported sequential improvement in online traffic. Second-quarter adjusted comparable store sales growth has remained in the low single digits. National Vision has repurchased approximately $20 million of common stock under a $50 million buyback authorisation. In the first quarter, net revenue rose 6.6% to $543.9 million, whilst net income climbed to $31.2 million from $14.2 million year-over-year.

Yahoo Finance
Jun 4th, 2026
National Vision becomes sole eye care provider on every US Army and Air Force base

National Vision Holdings reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $543.9 million, up 6.6% year over year, driven by a 5.1% increase in average customer spend. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.45, beating analyst expectations of $0.43. Customer traffic declined 1.2% due to reduced self-pay visits, which management attributed to winter storms and shifting consumer sentiment. The company reduced selling, general and administrative expenses by 200 basis points through lower payroll and advertising costs. National Vision expanded its military partnership with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, adding 20 optical locations on military bases effective 1 April. This brings its total AAFES footprint to 72 locations, making it the sole optical provider on all US Army and Air Force bases.

National Vision, Inc.
May 20th, 2026
National Vision, Inc. announces participation in William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference.

National Vision, Inc. announces participation in William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference. May 20, 2026 DULUTH, Ga.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-May 20, 2026- National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) ("National Vision" or the "Company") today announced that the Company is scheduled to present at the William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. A live webcast of the presentation will be available in the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.ir.nationalvision.com. The webcast will be archived and available on the website shortly after the event. About National Vision Holdings, Inc. National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,200 stores in 40 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates four retail brands: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and an e-commerce website DiscountContacts.com, offering a variety of products and services for customers' eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com. Investor contact: [email protected] National Vision Holdings, Inc. Tamara Gonzalez ICR, Inc. Caitlin Churchill

Yahoo Finance
May 13th, 2026
National Vision reports Q1 2026 revenue growth of 6.6% to $544M, adjusted EPS rises to $0.45

National Vision reported first quarter 2026 results showing net revenue growth of 6.6% to $544 million and adjusted comparable store sales up 4.5%. Adjusted operating margin expanded 210 basis points to 10.2%, whilst adjusted earnings per share rose to $0.45 from $0.34 in the prior year quarter. Chief executive Alex Wilkes said the company is executing its growth strategy across four vectors: expanding its customer mix towards more profitable segments, improving product offerings, enhancing customer experience and driving operating margin improvement through cost management. The company introduced new private label frames and launched brands including Stetson, Swarovski and Kendra Scott sunglasses during the quarter. National Vision reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance despite early weather pressures and a challenging macroeconomic environment affecting cash-pay customers.

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