National Vision

About National Vision

In 1990, National Vision was founded with a straightforward mission: to make eyeglasses and eye care more affordable. While public records don't widely name a single founder, the company's journey began with a handful of retail locations and a focus on the value segment of the optical industry. The initial strategy involved operating vision centers within larger retail stores, establishing a model of accessibility from the start. The company's trajectory was marked by strategic acquisitions that scaled its operations. The purchase of America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in 2005 and Eyeglass World in 2009 were pivotal, adding two major national brands to its portfolio and solidifying its market presence. This period of expansion was significantly fueled by private equity. In 2014, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) acquired the company from Berkshire Partners, providing the capital and strategic backing for further growth. A major turning point came in October 2017 when National Vision Holdings, Inc. went public. The company began trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "EYE," raising approximately $347.6 million in its initial public offering. This IPO provided liquidity for its private equity backers and positioned the company for its next chapter as a publicly traded entity, continuing its focus on providing affordable vision care across its growing network of stores.