MASON, Ohio—Pearle Vision has earned a prestigious franchise industry accolade, announcing that it received the #1 Ranking in the Health Products category of Entrepreneur magazine’s recently released, “2018 Franchise 500,” list. Additionally, Pearle Vision was ranked #72 overall among all franchises in the ranking, placing the brand in the top 20 percent of the top 500 U.S. franchise concepts ranked. “We’re at a pivotal point of our historic brand,” said Alex Wilkes, general manager for Pearle Vision.

“The ranking on Entrepreneur’s “2018 Franchise 500” list validates the energy and momentum behind the concept. The commitment we have made in recent years to cement Pearle Vision as the premium eyecare brand and category leader continues to earn recognition. From the introduction of a game-changing operating model to our innovative marketing programs we are pulling the right levers to foster growth and position Pearle Vision as an attractive franchise investment.”

In the past 12 months, new Pearle Vision eyecare centers have opened coast to coast with new franchisees in Bellevue, Wash., Atlanta, Ga., suburban Detroit and suburban Oklahoma City, the company said in a statement. Existing franchisees are also deepening their connection to the brand by investing in additional locations, the company said.

The first two area developer agreements in 2017 are also fueling Pearle Vision’s growth. Launched in early 2017, the new opportunity has resulted in Pearle Vision awarding groups of qualified franchise investors the rights to open throughout entire designated market areas (DMAs) or states. Thus far, area developer groups are planning to or have already opened centers in Tampa and Phoenix. The company added that additional U.S. markets remain available for expansion and the company is working to fill all available territories, which it has posted on its website.