**Lenskart Tackles Optometrist Shortage with AI Innovations**
Lenskart, a recently listed eyewear retailer, has openly acknowledged the shortage of qualified optometrists as a significant challenge in India, South-East Asia, and West Asia. In its draft red herring prospectus submitted to the capital markets regulator in July of the previous year, the company highlighted the ongoing difficulties in recruiting, training, and retaining opticians and optometrists, especially as it ventures into new markets. This issue has become more pronounced as Lenskart accelerates its expansion efforts.
During its Q2 FY26 earnings call, Lenskart revealed its strategy to address this challenge through the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled remote eye testing across over 500 stores. A company insider noted that while high-volume or clinically complex locations will still employ on-site optometrists, newer or lower-volume stores are increasingly designed to utilize remote testing from the outset. This innovative model allows optometrists to connect with customers via video links and specialized AI diagnostic tools, effectively “teleporting” their expertise into stores nationwide.
The use of technology enables a single optometrist to conduct significantly more eye tests than would be feasible in a traditional store setting. This approach focuses on maximizing the impact of limited talent rather than engaging in relentless competition for it. Lenskart anticipates that remote and self-optometry—its term for AI-driven eye testing—will become the foundational layer of eye care delivery as it expands into less saturated markets.
The effectiveness of this strategy is already evident in the company’s performance. In the first half of FY26, Lenskart conducted 9.3 million eye tests in India, surpassing the total for the entire FY24, largely due to its remote testing capabilities, which saw a 47% year-on-year increase in eye test volumes.
Additionally, Lenskart provides home eye tests in major cities, utilizing routing algorithms to assign the nearest available optometrist, allowing tests to be completed within 60 minutes. AI systems have also improved in-store eye test wait times, reducing them from an average of 19.5 minutes to 15.8 minutes. While on-site optometry will continue to play a complementary role in densely populated and complex areas, the company has not publicly clarified how it defines or escalates clinical complexity within its remote and self-optometry frameworks.
In contrast, Lenskart’s closest competitor, Titan Eye+, maintains a traditional approach, relying on in-store clinical testing performed by trained optometrists, offering a “20-step zero-error” eye test as detailed in its annual report.
As Lenskart continues to innovate and expand, its focus on leveraging technology to overcome workforce challenges may redefine the landscape of eye care delivery in the regions it serves.
**FAQ**
**What is Lenskart’s strategy to address the shortage of optometrists?**
Lenskart is utilizing AI-enabled remote eye testing to enhance its service delivery, allowing a single optometrist to conduct more tests efficiently while expanding into new markets.
