How to Open an Optical Store in India: Optometrists, Eye Tests, Frames and Lenses, Rules, GST and Growth

Hundreds of millions of Indians need glasses, and many don’t yet have them. Screen use, ageing and diabetes are increasing vision problems, while fashion has made eyewear a style choice too. An optical store that combines reliable eye testing, good advice and fair prices can become a trusted local business for years. This guide explains how to start an optical store in India, from licences and costs to finding your first customers.

This guide explains how to open an optical store: the people and qualifications you need, equipment, frames and lenses, the rules that apply, GST, pricing and growth.

Key points

• Eye testing should be done by a qualified optometrist, and serious eye conditions should be referred to an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor).
• Optometry is a recognised profession under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, with registration systems being set up through state councils.
• Contact lenses and some other products are medical devices, and their sale may need registration with your State Drugs Control department under the Medical Devices Rules.
• Under GST 2.0, corrective spectacles and lenses moved to a lower rate, while sunglasses are taxed higher. Check each product’s HSN code.
• A reliable lens lab and accurate dispensing are as important as the shop itself.

The market in numbers

Optical stores are part of retail trade, which in 2023-24 had about 1.99 crore small establishments, with average value added of ₹3,13,011 a year in urban areas. Optical retail involves health services too, so stores with qualified staff and good equipment tend to earn well above the average for a small shop.

Step 1: People and qualifications

• Optometrist: a professional with a recognised degree or diploma in optometry, trained to test vision, prescribe corrective lenses and detect signs of eye disease. Optometry is among the professions covered by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, under which national and state registers are being established. Check your state’s current registration requirements.
• Dispensing optician or trained staff: to help customers choose frames and lenses, take measurements and fit glasses.
• Referral relationships with ophthalmologists: for customers with signs of cataract, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease or other conditions that need medical care.

Never let untrained staff "test" eyes by guesswork. Wrong prescriptions cause headaches and can delay diagnosis of serious conditions.

Step 2: Equipment

• an auto-refractor for an initial measurement
• a phoropter or trial lens set and trial frame for subjective refraction
• a vision chart or projector
• a slit lamp (if your optometrist uses one) to examine the front of the eye
• a lensometer to read existing glasses
• a pupillary distance meter
• frame adjustment tools, and an ultrasonic cleaner
• an edging machine if you cut lenses in-house; many stores send this work to a lens lab

Step 3: Frames, lenses and suppliers

• Frames: a range of price points, styles and sizes for men, women and children, with some branded and some value options.
• Lenses: single vision, bifocal and progressive lenses, with coatings such as anti-glare, blue light filtering and photochromic. Work with reputable lens brands and labs.
• Lens lab: a reliable lab that grinds, coats and fits lenses accurately and on time, and handles reworks.
• Contact lenses and solutions, if you offer them, from authorised distributors.
• Sunglasses and accessories.

Step 4: Registrations and rules

• Shops and establishments registration and a trade licence. See shop and establishment registration and trade licences.
• Medical devices: contact lenses and some other ophthalmic products are regulated as medical devices. Under the Medical Devices Rules, retail and wholesale sale of certain classes of medical devices may require registration with your State Drugs Control department. Check which of your products are covered before selling them.
• Professional registration for your optometrist, under the applicable state system.
• GST registration once turnover crosses the threshold (₹40 lakh for goods in most states). See GST registration for small businesses.
• Udyam registration: free, and useful for equipment loans. See our Udyam guide.

Step 5: GST

Under the GST 2.0 changes from 22 September 2025, spectacles and corrective lenses moved to a lower GST rate, while sunglasses and some other eyewear are taxed at a higher rate. Eye examinations by qualified health professionals may be treated differently from product sales. Check each product’s HSN code and rate on the CBIC website, and ask a chartered accountant how to invoice eye tests and products together. Make invoices with Advanton’s free GST invoice generator.

Step 6: A good customer journey

1. Welcome and history: ask about vision problems, screen use, headaches, health conditions such as diabetes, and existing glasses.
2. Eye test: by the optometrist, with clear explanations.
3. Referral if needed: to an ophthalmologist for signs of disease.
4. Frame selection: based on face shape, prescription, lifestyle and budget.
5. Lens advice: the right lens type and coatings, explained simply, with clear prices.
6. Measurements: pupillary distance and fitting heights, especially for progressives.
7. Order and delivery: a realistic delivery date, and a written order with all details.
8. Fitting and aftercare: adjust the frame, check vision with the new glasses, and offer free adjustments later.

Step 7: Pricing

• Frames and lenses priced separately, so customers see what they’re paying for.
• Packages for common needs, such as frame plus single vision anti-glare lenses.
• Eye test fee, or free tests with purchase, depending on your market.
• Clear warranty and exchange terms for frames and lenses.
• UPI and card payments, with EMI options for premium progressive lenses where available.

An illustrative example

These figures are illustrative. A customer buys a mid-range frame and single vision anti-glare lenses. If the frame costs the store ₹700 and lenses from the lab cost ₹900, and the store sells the package for ₹3,200 including GST, the gross margin after GST is substantial, but it must cover the optometrist’s salary, rent, equipment, reworks and the time spent with each customer. Stores that rely on discounts alone struggle; those known for accurate testing and good advice can price fairly and keep customers coming back.

Children’s eye care

Children’s vision problems often go unnoticed, and myopia (short-sightedness) is rising with screen use and less time outdoors. A store that serves children well earns parents’ trust:

• child-friendly testing by an optometrist experienced with children, with referral to a paediatric ophthalmologist when needed
• durable, comfortable frames with flexible hinges, in sizes that fit
• impact-resistant lenses for safety
• regular check-ups, with reminders every 6 to 12 months for children who wear glasses
• advice for parents on screen time, outdoor play and warning signs such as squinting, headaches or sitting close to screens
• myopia management options, such as specialised lenses, offered only with proper training and in line with professional guidance

School screening camps, with permission, can identify children who need glasses and bring families to your store.

Step 8: Get customers

• Free eye screening camps in housing societies, schools and offices.
• Corporate tie-ups for employee eye tests and glasses.
• School eye testing with parents’ consent.
• Google Business Profile with services, timings and reviews.
• The India Business Directory: list your optical store free.
• Reminders: annual eye test reminders by WhatsApp, especially for children and diabetics.

Step 9: Grow

• Add contact lens fitting and myopia management for children, with the right training.
• Open in a second location or a clinic partnership.
• Hire more optometrists and trained staff. Check costs with Advanton’s hiring cost calculator.
• Funding: a Mudra loan can pay for equipment and stock. See business loans and government schemes.

A getting-started checklist

1. Hire or partner with a qualified optometrist, and set up referrals with ophthalmologists.
2. Find a visible location with space for a testing room and display.
3. Buy testing equipment, and choose frame and lens suppliers and a lab.
4. Check registration needs for medical devices such as contact lenses.
5. Register the shop and GST.
6. Set up order tracking and clear warranty terms.
7. Launch with eye screening camps and local partnerships.

Costs to plan for

• rent and fit-out, including a testing room and attractive displays
• testing equipment, from an auto-refractor to a trial set or phoropter
• opening stock of frames, sunglasses, contact lenses and accessories
• lens lab charges for each order
• the optometrist’s salary, and sales staff
• billing and order tracking software
• marketing, including eye screening camps

Common mistakes

• Testing eyes without a qualified optometrist.
• Selling contact lenses without the required registration and proper fitting.
• Missing signs of eye disease that need a doctor.
• Poor measurements, especially for progressive lenses.
• Unclear pricing of frames, lenses and coatings.

Frequently asked questions about starting an optical store in India

Can I sell spectacles online?
Yes, many stores do, but accurate prescriptions and measurements matter. Encourage customers to get eye tests from qualified optometrists, and handle fittings carefully.

How often should adults get their eyes tested?
Commonly every one to two years, and more often for people with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or changing vision, as advised by their eye care professional.

Do I need to be an optometrist to open an optical store?
No, but eye tests should be done by a qualified optometrist you employ or partner with.

Do I need a licence to sell contact lenses?
Contact lenses are medical devices, and selling them may require registration with your State Drugs Control department under the Medical Devices Rules. Check current requirements.

What GST applies to spectacles?
Corrective spectacles and lenses moved to a lower rate under GST 2.0, while sunglasses are taxed higher. Check each product’s HSN code.

How long does it take to make glasses?
Simple single vision glasses can be ready the same day or within a few days; progressive and special lenses take longer, depending on your lab.

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Sources

1. MoSPI, Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises 2023-24, full report
2. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
3. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, GST
4. GST portal (Goods and Services Tax Network)
5. Ministry of MSME, Udyam Registration portal
6. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana

Last reviewed November 6, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.