In today’s competitive optical market, successful practices are increasingly looking beyond traditional revenue streams to enhance both their bottom line and patient experience.
Optical accessories could be one area where you’re not only leaving money on the table but also missing crucial opportunities for building both your brand and patient engagement.
As an optical practice, your primary focus naturally remains on eye health – ensuring regular and timely eye examinations and dispensing appropriate prescription eyewear or contact lenses.
But the strategic importance of optical accessories – from premium cleaning solutions to branded cases – represents an often-underutilised opportunity for practice growth and patient satisfaction.
These additions do more than boost revenue; they reinforce patient loyalty, encourage proper eyewear care, and differentiate your practice from your competitors.
From a business perspective, optical accessories represent a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. From a patient’s viewpoint, they provide a seamless and convenient solution to maintaining and personalising their eyewear.
Here’s how investing in a well-curated selection of optical accessories can help drive success for your practice.
Increase Revenue Streams
Optometry practices operate in a market where cost-of-living pressures mean patients are increasingly budget-conscious, and competition from online eyewear retailers is intensifying. Diversifying income sources by incorporating optical accessories can help offset fluctuations in prescription eyewear sales.
Add Impulse and Upsell
Many accessories, such as lens sprays and stylish glasses chains, are impulse purchases. If displayed effectively at reception or in your practice window, they can encourage both walk-ins and additional spending.
Similarly, upselling opportunities arise when patients invest in premium glasses or sunglasses. While your upselling routine needs to be more sophisticated than “would you like fries with that”, the basic idea is the same. You’re encouraging an existing customer to buy an additional product that helps them get the most out of something they’re already purchasing. For example, your patient with the expensive glasses may also be interested in fitover sunglasses, anti-fog wipes, or a protective storage stand.
And unlike prescription eyewear, accessories don’t require complex customisation or extensive fitting services. Their relatively low cost makes them an excellent high-margin product category. A practice can purchase accessories in bulk at a low cost and apply markups that reflect their convenience and exclusivity.
Add Convenience
Convenience plays a crucial role in retaining customers. Patients lead busy lives and often forget to purchase the small but necessary items that keep their eyewear in top condition. A well-stocked accessories section allows them to purchase everything they need for optimal eyewear care without visiting another store or ordering online; the upsell becomes a valuable service that saves patients the hassle of searching elsewhere.
Customise for Style
Eyewear is not just about vision correction – it’s also a fashion statement. Many patients appreciate stylish additions, such as decorative chains, sleek cases, or designer cleaning kits that complement their personal aesthetic.
By offering curated, high-quality accessories, an optometry practice can enhance the patient’s experience and you can deepen their engagement with your brand.
Strengthen Brand Loyalty
Let’s face it, we all love getting something for free. A freebie makes us feel appreciated and valued; it works to create a sense of goodwill.
Branded optical accessories – glasses cases embossed with the practice’s logo, microfibre cloths with practice details, and premium lens sprays featuring brand messaging – are common freebies handed over to customers.
Make the most of your free gift by mentioning it as you hand over their purchase. A simple statement such as: “I’ve popped a free cleaning cloth in there for you” is enough.
Beyond the initial feel-good moment, patients who use branded cleaning solutions or cases engage with your brand daily. Over time, this constant exposure fosters loyalty and ensures that when the time comes for an eye exam or new eyewear, the patient instinctively thinks of the practice that provided those useful products.
Encourage Eyewear Care
Eyewear can be a significant investment, and patients often don’t realise the importance of proper maintenance. Providing high-quality accessories creates an opportunity to educate your patients on their use, ensuring they get the most out of their glasses or contact lenses while minimising damage.
Scratched lenses, bent frames, and degraded coatings are common issues that can lead to warranty claims or negative patient experiences. Patients often use inappropriate materials, such as tissues or clothing, to clean their lenses, leading to scratches and coating damage.
By selling (or including) protective or cleaning accessories, you can help patients extend the life of their eyewear. In turn, this reduces complaints and warranty issues, saving time and costs for the practice.
But it also provides the opportunity to educate patients about proper eyewear care, positioning your practice staff as trusted advisors in eye care.
Create an Experience
Practices that integrate stylish displays of accessories create a more engaging retail environment. A boutique feel, where patients can browse fashionable chains, high-end cases, and premium cleaning kits, elevates the overall experience.
Seasonal collections, collaborations with designers, or practice-branded luxury items can attract customers looking for something unique. Running promotions during peak seasons – such as back-to-school, health fund rollover periods, or summer sunglass sales – create additional revenue opportunities. Limited-time discounts on accessories can drive sales while reinforcing customer engagement.
One simple but effective strategy is to bundle accessories with glasses sales.
For example, offering a discounted lens cleaning kit with every new pair of glasses encourages customers to take better care of their purchase while increasing overall sales.
Investing in optical accessories is not just about selling add-ons; it’s about elevating the entire optometry experience for both practice owners and their patients. Take a look through the following products for inspiration.
Winning Accessories
Kids Eye Gear
Kids Eye Gear is dedicated to making wearing patches and glasses fun for kids! Trusted by over 10,000 Australian families, Kids Eye Gear offers a range of practical and colourful adhesive eye patches, SpecStoppers ear hooks, glasses holders/straps, and more.
Kids Eye Gear also provides free resources to families and eye care professionals on its website.
Visit: kidseyegear.com.au
ACME Group
The ACME Group’s branded optical accessories – including uniforms, bags, cleaning cloths, and more – offer a perfect blend of functionality and style. Designed to elevate your brand identity, these high-quality companion products provide both practicality and a polished, professional appearance.
Enhance your business with tailored accessories that leave a lasting impression.
Visit: acmegroup.com.au
Spec Shaker Kit
Let your patients enjoy crystal-clear glasses with the Spec Shaker Kit from Bamboo Eyes, featuring a locally made cleaning solution and an innovative safe-shaker design. Gentle yet powerful, it removes smudges instantly. It is the perfect companion for eyewear lovers and optometry stores wanting to enhance their product range with premium optical accessories.
Visit: bambooeyes.com.au
COTI Vision
British brand COTI Vision creates stylish optical accessories that blend fashion and function. The COTI collection includes elegant chains, holders, and companion products designed to keep eyewear secure and accessible.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, COTI Vision crafts practical, eco-conscious solutions that enhance convenience while complementing every style.
Contact: Optica Accessories (AUS) 1800 199 860 or (NZ) 0508 96 33 33
Overspex Fitovers
Overspex fitover sunglasses are the ideal sunglass companion for prescription glasses wearers. Overspex provide seamless sun protection with polarised lenses for 100% UV protection and reduced glare. Made from lightweight TR90, they ensure comfort and durability. Available in stylish colours and unisex shapes, Overspex offers a perfect fit for effortless outdoor freedom.
Contact: Optica Accessories (AUS) 1800 199 860 or (NZ) 0508 963 333
W: opticaaccessories.com; E: orders@opticaaccessories.com
