Australian pharmacy retailer Chemist Warehouse has entered the optometry market, opening its first store in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern and appointing prominent industry figure Mr Peter Larsen as its managing director.
On 15 February, Optometrist Warehouse announced it had opened its first location at 120 Glenferrie Road, with plans to “disrupt the industry” in the coming years.
“Initial expansion plans include the opening of a handful of stores in 2023, followed by a mass network rollout which will see Optometrist Warehouse become a household name and the go-to optometry service provider within the Australian market,” a press release stated.
Backed by powerhouse pharmacy retailer, Chemist Warehouse, Optometrist Warehouse will build its offering around providing consumers with high quality, accessible and affordable eyecare.
Larsen, who is arguably best known for leading Specsavers’ 2007 entrance into the Australian market before departing the company in 2020, said Optometrist Warehouse “is focused on broad-based patient health as well as eye wellness, working hand-in-hand with our pharmacy colleagues”.
“In each community we serve, the highest quality care will be delivered by our optometrists together with extraordinary value in prescription eyewear,” he said.
Open seven days a week, the company said it would provide a state-of-the-art advanced eyecare service, employing hospital-grade clinical technology designed to assist with the early detection of eye conditions, partnered with discounted prices on all optical products.
“Early detection leads to early treatment and Optometrist Warehouse brings pharmacists and optometrists together to offer a more complete, 360-degree approach to healthcare, with a mission to deliver the most comprehensive health service in optometry, lead the detection of eye disease for all Australians and improve outcomes for customers,” a statement said.
“At Optometrist Warehouse, all eyecare services (including clinical technology) are bulk-billed, meaning patients have no out-of-pocket expenses whatsoever. The focus is on a professional and high-quality service offering that is accessible and affordable for all.”
Optometrist Warehouse is stocking household brand names in optometry for various budgets, including Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Kendall & Kylie Jenner, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Jimmy Choo and Rag & Bone.
In addition, an exclusive in-house brand San Paolo will be available combining fashion with affordability and practicality.
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