National Vision News

National Vision’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

At National Vision, our top priority remains protecting the health and livelihoods of our people as we navigate the unusual challenge of COVID-19. We have taken many steps to address the pandemic in recent weeks. Thanks to these initiatives and the incredible dedication of our Doctor of Optometry network and Associates, we know that we will play an important role in our nation’s recovery as even more people will be in very real need of our low-cost eye care and eyewear.

We’re safely and gradually re-opening stores to the public: In March, we made the decision to temporarily close our stores to the public during the critical weeks of the pandemic’s spread. As of April 27th, we have begun a gradual, phased re-opening of our stores with enhanced safety protocols and a focus on meeting the essential, urgent, and emergency eye care needs of patients.

We’re protecting the health of all in our locations: We have implemented enhanced health and safety policies and procedures that align with CDC and AOA recommendations, as well as federal and state guidance on social distancing, cleaning procedures, use of personal protective equipment, and other safety measures. We have also implemented expanded safety training and procedures for all Associates and Optometrists practicing in our retail locations.

We’re expanding our Optometrist network in selective ways: While the ripple effect of social distancing and temporary closures of our stores has led us to pause some of our recruiting efforts, we also continue to look to the future. To thrive in that future, we have to be prepared and stronger than ever. There are areas of need and opportunity throughout our network, and we need great Optometrists in place to care for patients as we safely re-open. We continue to contract Optometrists and welcome the Class of 2020 to join us in our mission. 

We’re facilitating access to eye care and eyewear to patients in need: Understanding that so many people rely on their eyewear to function in their daily lives, we want to ensure patients in an emergency can still access care. Where stores remain closed, patients can reach Optometrists through phone or telehealth platforms. For established patients without ocular health issues, Optometrists may also extend eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions so patients can replace lost or broken glasses, and prevent contact lens overwear.

We’re sharing responsibility to preserve our financial wellbeing: Many initiatives were implemented across the organization to reduce expenses and capital expenditures, including a pause in new store openings and reduced near-term marketing, among other actions. As part of these expense initiatives, Chief Executive Officer Reade Fahs elected to reduce his base salary to $1 for the remainder of 2020 and other senior leaders also agreed to temporarily significantly reduce their base salaries. Due to these, and many other actions, full-time and part-time Optometrists within our network maintained their jobs and were not impacted by furloughs.

Please visit the COVID-19 communications page for continued updates on National Vision’s response to the crisis, or our website for a list of available career opportunities nationwide.