Retailers are consolidating to concentrate this power. Contact lens manufacturers sell direct to consumers via mail order. One of Essilor's stated goal is to grow the market by communicating directly to the consumer. Naturally, it does not make sense to grow the market unless you have the most market share. Now it is possible to find wholesale laboratories that are targeting the consumer.
Prescription eyeglasses over the Internet.
Pick your frame and lenses. Enter your Visa number and within a few day your new glasses will arrive. Only time will tell. I believe they have more opportunities than ever. The precedent has already been set with photochromatic lenses, polycarbonate lenses, and non-tintable scratch resistant hardcoatings.