Established
1914
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sterling Optical is a well-established optical retail franchise known for providing affordable, high-quality eye care and eyewear solutions across the United States. With a long-standing presence in the optical industry, the brand blends professional optometric services with a customer-friendly retail experience, making it a trusted destination for everyday vision care.
The franchise operates on a proven healthcare retail model that includes eye exams, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and a wide selection of frames under one roof. Sterling Optical serves a broad customer base that includes families, working professionals, seniors, and value-conscious consumers. Its standardized systems, efficient store layouts, and strong vendor relationships make it an attractive opportunity for franchise owners seeking a dependable and scalable business.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Operates in the essential and recession-resistant vision care industry
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Long-established brand with decades of market presence
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Multiple revenue streams from exams, eyewear, lenses, and contacts
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High repeat business from annual eye care needs
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Proven retail healthcare business model
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Ability to serve insured and self-pay customers
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Flexible store formats for urban and suburban markets
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Suitable for owner-operators and semi-absentee investors
Background
Sterling Optical was founded in 1914 and has grown into an established optical retail franchise in the United States. The brand operates in the vision care industry, offering professional eye exams, prescription eyewear, and optical products through a neighborhood-focused retail model.
Today, Sterling Optical operates 40+ active franchise units across multiple U.S. states. The company has expanded through a controlled franchise system that emphasizes operational consistency, customer service standards, and long-term franchisee sustainability within the optical retail and healthcare services sector.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support
Assistance with site selection and territory analysis
Guidance on lease review and store planning
Store design standards and layout recommendations
Equipment and inventory setup support
Pre-opening marketing preparation
Training Program
Comprehensive initial training for franchise owners
Optical retail operations and customer service training
Sales processes and inventory management
Insurance billing and vision plan coordination
POS and practice management systems training
Ongoing Support
Standard operating procedures for daily operations
Vendor coordination and purchasing support
Ongoing coaching and performance guidance
Local and national marketing support
Continuous training updates and system improvements
Ideal Candidate
Sterling Optical is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to enter the healthcare retail space without needing prior optical experience.
The franchise is well suited for:
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Owner-operators seeking a hands-on business
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Semi-absentee investors with management teams
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Individuals with retail, healthcare, or service backgrounds
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Multi-unit franchise operators expanding into healthcare
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Business-minded professionals focused on community-based services
Strong leadership skills, customer focus, and financial discipline are key traits for success. Franchisees typically partner with licensed optometrists to provide eye exams and clinical services.
Financial Detail
Estimated Investment Overview (USA):
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Total Investment Required: Approx. $250,000 – $500,000
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Minimum Liquid Capital: Approx. $150,000+
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Franchise Fee: Approx. $35,000 – $45,000
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Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit options
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Build-Out & Infrastructure: Store construction, fixtures, exam rooms
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Equipment & Inventory: Frames, lenses, optical equipment, POS systems
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Marketing Budget: Initial launch and local promotions
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Working Capital: Recommended reserve for startup phase
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Royalty Fees: Ongoing royalties and system fees apply