Optical Illusions
Optical Illusions is a privately held, multi-location optometric practice founded in 1983, operating four retail clinics in California and Alaska that provide comprehensive eye exams, specialty contact lens fittings, myopia management, dry eye therapy, and luxury designer eyewear to individual consumers of all ages.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersSan Mateo, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Optical Illusions does
Optical Illusions is a multi-location optometric practice founded in 1983, operating four retail clinics across California (San Mateo at Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Jose at Santana Row, San Ramon on Bollinger Canyon Road) and Alaska (Juneau, operating under the "Lifetime Eyecare by Optical Illusions" sub-brand). The practice delivers a full stack of eye care services — adult, pediatric, and diabetic eye exams; specialty contact lens fittings (scleral, ortho-k, toric, multifocal, hybrid, RGP); myopia management (orthokeratology, MiSight 1 Day, FDA-approved Essilor Stellest lenses, low-dose atropine); ocular disease diagnosis and management (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy); dry eye therapy; laser eye surgery co-management; low vision rehabilitation; and urgent eye care — supported by advanced diagnostic technology including OCT imaging and Optos Optomap ultra-widefield retinal screening. The Eye Spa, a sub-brand within the practice, adds aesthetics and wellness services such as InMode Envision Lumecca IPL, Forma Radiofrequency, and Upneeq eyelid treatment, creating a medspa-adjacent revenue line.
The optical retail business is anchored by a luxury designer frame portfolio — Cartier (elite partnership with the Precious collection), Chrome Hearts, Tom Ford, Chanel, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Prada, Miu Miu, Montblanc, LINDBERG, ic! berlin, Zero G Titanium, and Ray-Ban — complemented by premium lens brands (ZEISS, Shamir, Varilux, Unity, Maui Jim) and anti-reflective coatings (Crizal, ZEISS DuraVision, Shamir Glacier, TechShield). Contact lens offerings span Acuvue, Dailies TOTAL1, PRECISION1, Total30, MyDay, Biofinity, MiSight 1 Day, Infuse, and Biotrue ONEday. Distribution combines in-person visits at the four retail locations with an e-commerce storefront (shop.opti-illusions.com) and an online contact lens ordering portal (arrellio.com), with appointment scheduling through 4patientcare.app.
The practice generates revenue from professional services (eye exams, contact lens evaluations, myopia management, dry eye therapy, Eye Spa treatments) and retail (prescription eyewear and contact lens sales), accepting VSP Vision (Premier Edge), EyeMed, FSA, and HSA payments. Customers are individual consumers across all age groups, with segmented focus on children requiring myopia control, luxury eyewear buyers, and patients with chronic or acute ocular conditions. The practice is a member of the Vision Source alliance and operates a content marketing program (Eye Care Insights blog) and aggressive local SEO targeting "eye doctor near me" queries. Management includes named Board-Certified Optometrists Dr. Tina Shafa, Dr. Will To (with 100+ invited industry lectures and published editorials), Dr. Lizeth Gonzalez, Dr. Erica Ngo, and Dr. Kat Yandell, several of whom hold AOA-PAC advocacy roles. The business is privately held, with no parent company, no private equity backing, and no external institutional investment disclosed.
Optical Illusions firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Optical Illusions
- Legal name
- Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice
- Website
- https://opti-illusions.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Optical Illusions is a privately held, multi-location optometric practice founded in 1983, operating four retail clinics in California and Alaska that provide comprehensive eye exams, specialty contact lens fittings, myopia management, dry eye therapy, and luxury designer eyewear to individual consumers of all ages.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Optical Illusions industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Optometric Services
- NAICS
- Optical Goods Retailers (45613), Offices of Optometrists (62132)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Luxury Eyewear (Sunglasses & Optical) (CRAKAFAG), Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD)
Keywords
Where Optical Illusions is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Mateo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Optical Illusions business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Professional Eye Care Services: Revenue from comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye exams, diabetic eye exams, contact lens evaluations and fittings, dry eye therapy, myopia management, ocular disease diagnosis and management, laser eye surgery consultations, low vision rehabilitation, urgent medical eye care, and specialty contact lens services.
- Eyewear Retail (Frames and Lenses): Revenue from prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses sales, featuring luxury brands (Cartier, Chrome Hearts, Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Ray-Ban, ic! berlin, LINDBERG, Zero G Titanium, Montblanc, Saint Laurent, Prada, Miu Miu) and premium lens manufacturers (ZEISS, Shamir, Varilux, Unity, Maui Jim).
- Contact Lens Sales: Revenue from contact lens sales including daily disposables, extended wear, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses from brands like Acuvue, Alcon (Dailies TOTAL1, PRECISION1, Total30), Coopervision (Biofinity, MiSight, MyDay), and Bausch + Lomb (Infuse, Biotrue ONEday).
- Eye Spa and Aesthetics Services: Revenue from aesthetic and wellness treatments including dry eye therapy, Envision by InMode treatments (Lumecca IPL, Forma Radiofrequency), and Upneeq eyelid treatments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Comprehensive Eye Exams - Quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Optical Illusions product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Optical Illusions is a multi-location optometric practice offering comprehensive eye exams, specialty contact lens fittings, myopia management, ocular disease diagnosis and management, dry eye therapy, and aesthetic eye spa services. The practice also operates a luxury eyewear retail studio featuring designer frames from brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Tom Ford, and Chrome Hearts, alongside premium lens and contact lens products.
Product overview
Optical Illusions is a multi-location optometric practice offering comprehensive eye care services and premium eyewear. The practice operates four locations in California (San Mateo, San Jose, San Ramon) and Alaska (Juneau), providing a unified platform of eye care services that include comprehensive eye exams for adults and children, contact lens evaluations, myopia management, dry eye therapy, eye disease diagnosis, and aesthetic treatments. The eyewear portfolio centers on a luxury retail studio featuring designer frames from brands like Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Tom Ford, and Chrome Hearts, complemented by premium lens brands including Shamir, Varilux, ZEISS, and Unity, as well as anti-reflective coatings from Crizal, ZEISS DuraVision, Shamir Glacier, and TechShield. Contact lens offerings span major brands including PRECISION1, Dailies TOTAL 1, Acuvue, MyDay, Total30, Biofinity, and MiSight (for myopia control). The practice also offers specialized products like the FDA-approved Essilor Stellest Lens for pediatric myopia control and provides advanced diagnostic services with technology including OCT imaging and ultra-widefield retinal screening.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Eye Spa: Eye wellness and aesthetics services including dry eye treatment and specialty eye care procedures.
Products and services
- Comprehensive Eye Exams Preventive health eye examinations using industry-leading diagnostic technology including OCT imaging and Optos Optomap retinal screening; evaluates vision, eye health, and provides personalized care for adults and seniors.
- Pediatric Eye Exams Eye examinations designed for children to monitor vision development, detect early signs of myopia or other conditions, and support early intervention.
- Diabetic Eye Exams Specialized eye examinations for diabetic patients, including screening for diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related ocular conditions.
- Contact Lens Evaluations and Fittings Annual contact lens examinations with Board-Certified Optometrists evaluating vision, comfort, and proper fit; includes training for new wearers and assessment of various lens types.
- Myopia Management Program A program designed to slow myopia progression in children, offering orthokeratology, peripheral defocus contact lenses, FDA-approved myopia control optical lenses, and low-dose atropine drops.
- Dry Eye Therapy Diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic treatment for dry eye disease, addressing symptoms and underlying causes.
- Eye Disease Diagnosis and Management Medical eye care services for ocular diseases including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy diagnosis and ongoing management.
- Specialty Contact Lens Fittings Fitting and management of specialty contact lenses including scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, ortho-k lenses, toric lenses, multifocal lenses, and rigid gas-permeable lenses.
- Laser Eye Surgery Consultations Pre-operative evaluations and co-management for LASIK and other refractive surgeries, including patient education and post-operative care coordination.
- Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialized services for patients with significant vision loss, helping them maximize remaining vision and maintain independence.
- Urgent Medical Eye Care Emergency eye care services addressing urgent ocular conditions and injuries requiring prompt medical attention.
- The Eye Spa - Eye Wellness and Aesthetics Aesthetic and wellness services including eye wellness treatments, dry eye therapy, Envision Lumecca IPL, Forma Radiofrequency, and Upneeq eyelid treatments at The Eye Spa.
- Luxury Eyewear Retail Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses featuring luxury designer frame brands (Cartier, Chrome Hearts, Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Ray-Ban, ic! berlin, LINDBERG, Zero G Titanium, Montblanc, Saint Laurent, Prada, Miu Miu) paired with premium lens manufacturers (ZEISS, Shamir, Varilux, Unity, Maui Jim).
- Contact Lens Sales Retail sale of contact lenses including daily disposables, extended wear, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses, and myopia control lenses from brands such as Acuvue, Alcon (Dailies TOTAL1, PRECISION1, Total30), CooperVision (Biofinity, MiSight, MyDay), and Bausch + Lomb (Infuse, Biotrue ONEday).
- Essilor Stellest Lens FDA-authorized eyeglass lens designed to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-13, using H.A.L.T. technology with 1,021 aspherical lenslets creating a myopic defocus zone.
Quantifiable outcome
- 67% reduction in refractive change compared to single-vision lenses with Essilor Stellest lens
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Optical Illusions
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Optical Illusions technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature4 records
Optical Illusions partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Vision SourcecoreOptical Illusions joined Vision Source, described as the largest eye doctor alliance network in the USA. This partnership provides access to a network of independent optometrists and shared resources for practice growth.
- VSP VisioncoreOptical Illusions is an in-network VSP Premier Edge practice, allowing VSP members to maximize their vision benefits at any of the four locations. The practice is advertised as a VSP Eye Doctor in VSP's provider directory.
- EyeMedminorOptical Illusions accepts EyeMed vision insurance, providing in-network eye care services to EyeMed members.
- Cartier EyewearflagshipOptical Illusions has an elite partnership with Cartier, offering access to limited-edition eyewear pieces and exclusive Precious collections. The practice features extensive Cartier inventory and is positioned as a premier Cartier eyewear retailer.
- Essilor (Varilux, Stellest)coreOptical Illusions offers Essilor products including Varilux progressive lenses and the FDA-approved Essilor Stellest lens for myopia control in children.
- ZEISS Vision CarecoreOptical Illusions offers ZEISS lenses including SmartLife Individual 3, SmartLife Superb, DriveSafe, and DuraVision anti-reflective coatings.
- Shamir OpticalcoreOptical Illusions offers Shamir progressive lenses including Autograph Intelligence, Autograph III, Attitude III Sport, Drive Intelligence, and Shamir Glacier anti-reflective coatings.
- Alcon (Ciba Vision)coreOptical Illusions offers Alcon contact lenses including Dailies TOTAL1, PRECISION1, Total30, and related products.
- CooperVisioncoreOptical Illusions offers CooperVision contact lenses including Biofinity, MiSight 1 Day (myopia management), MyDay, and related products.
- Johnson & Johnson (Acuvue)coreOptical Illusions offers Johnson & Johnson Acuvue contact lenses including Acuvue Oasys MAX 1 Day, Acuvue Oasys 1 Day with Hydraluxe, and related products.
- Bausch + LombcoreOptical Illusions offers Bausch + Lomb contact lenses including Infuse One-Day, Biotrue ONEday, and Ultra One Day products.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Optical Illusions competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MyEyeDr. MyEyeDr. is a PE-backed multi-location optometric practice network offering comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and a wide selection of frames and lenses across multiple US states. Highly comparable in service mix and multi-site operating model.
- SEE Eyewear: SEE Eyewear is a specialty independent eyewear retailer focused on premium and designer frames with in-store exams. Closely comparable to Optical Illusions on luxury eyewear positioning and curated brand portfolio.
- Clarkson Eyecare: Clarkson Eyecare is a multi-state optometric practice group providing comprehensive eye exams, medical eye care, and eyewear retail. Closely mirrors Optical Illusions' combination of clinical optometry with branded frame retail across multiple locations.
- Sterling VisionCare: Sterling VisionCare is a PE-backed operator of optometric practices offering medical eye exams and eyewear across multiple locations. Same core business model combining medical optometry with retail eyewear under multi-site operations.
- Eye Boutique: Eye Boutique is a multi-location optometric practice offering comprehensive exams, contact lens services, and designer eyewear. Directly comparable as a smaller multi-site optometric practice with retail eyewear focus.
Broad incumbents
- Visionworks: Visionworks is a national optical retail chain offering eye exams and a wide selection of frames and lenses. Broadly overlaps with Optical Illusions on exam and eyewear services across many US markets.
- LensCrafters: LensCrafters is a national chain of optical retail stores offering eye exams and eyewear under the Luxottica/EssilorLuxottica umbrella. Overlaps with Optical Illusions on eyewear retail and exam services but operates at vastly larger scale across the country.
- Pearle Vision: Pearle Vision is a national franchised optical retail brand providing eye exams and eyewear. Broadly comparable retail optical offering but at franchise scale rather than independent premium positioning.
- For Eyes: For Eyes is a national optical retail chain providing eye exams, contact lens services, and eyewear across multiple locations. Comparable in retail optical and exam service offering though at lower price points than Optical Illusions' luxury positioning.
Emerging players
- Warby Parker: Warby Parker is a DTC eyewear brand with retail stores and online channels offering frames, lenses, and eye exams. Competes on the retail eyewear side with a value-to-mid-tier brand mix and integrated exam capabilities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Optical Illusions social profiles
Digital presenceOptical Illusions financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Optical Illusions leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Optical Illusions funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Optical Illusions M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Optical Illusions
What does Optical Illusions do?
Optical Illusions is a multi-location optometric practice offering comprehensive eye exams, specialty contact lens fittings, myopia management, ocular disease diagnosis and management, dry eye therapy, and aesthetic eye spa services. The practice also operates a luxury eyewear retail studio featuring designer frames from brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Tom Ford, and Chrome Hearts, alongside premium lens and contact lens products.
Is Optical Illusions a public or private company?
Optical Illusions is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Optical Illusions founded?
Optical Illusions was founded in 1983. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Optical Illusions based?
Optical Illusions is headquartered in San Mateo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Optical Illusions make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Professional Eye Care Services are the primary driver. The others are eyewear Retail (Frames and Lenses), contact Lens Sales and eye Spa and Aesthetics Services.
Who are Optical Illusions's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MyEyeDr., SEE Eyewear, Clarkson Eyecare, Sterling VisionCare and Eye Boutique. Broad incumbents are Visionworks, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and For Eyes. Warby Parker is listed as an emerging player.
Does Optical Illusions have an API?
No public API is recorded for Optical Illusions.
What industry is Optical Illusions in?
Optical Illusions's product category is Optometric Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAKAKAL, Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses), with a secondary code of CRAKAFAG, Luxury Eyewear (Sunglasses & Optical). Its NAICS code is 45613 and its SIC code is 3851.