Express Eyewear owner Anna Thompson helps a customer at a recent pop-up event. The business opened earlier this year bringing the convenience of optical services to the East Texas area.

A new mobile eyewear business is bringing the convenience of vision testing, contact lens renewal, prescription eyeglass fittings, emergency eyeglass repairs, and adjustments, and more to the East Texas area.

Express Eyewear, owned by dispensing optician Anna Thompson, opened earlier this year offering a range of personalized eyewear services right to the doorstep of a customer’s home or office as well as local nursing homes making eyewear solutions convenient and comfortable.

Thompson said she decided to open Express Eyewear after listening to people’s needs when she worked in traditional optical stores.

“Back when I worked at traditional optical stores, I’d often hear patients say, ‘It’s so hard for me to make it here.’ Patients often expressed the challenge of making it to the optical store due to various reasons including demanding work schedules, transportation constraints, limited mobility, and the responsibilities of being a stay-at-home parent,” she said. “I realized that vision care should be accessible and convenient for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.”

Thompson said her focus with the business is a commitment to redefining the vision care experience.

“Our mobile optical service brings the store directly to our clients, ensuring convenience and accessibility. Imagine having expert eyeglass fittings, vision testing, and even hassle-free contact lens renewals brought directly to your doorstep,” she said. “This ‘house call’ approach is designed to fit into your busy life.”

“I personally handle every step; I even cut the lenses for all eyewear orders with my state of the art equipment,” Thompson said. “This way I can ensure accuracy and quality of the eyewear ordered.”

With over a decade of experience, Thompson’s journey began in an optical lab, crafting and manufacturing prescription eyewear and believes the optical industry is a captivating blend of technology, fashion, and problem-solving.

However, she says the most rewarding part is helping others.

“The most rewarding part of what I do and what I am most passionate about is helping to improve someone’s vision,” she said. “This mobile approach is especially valuable for the elderly, busy professionals, and parents, saving them time and ensuring access to essential eye care.”

“This service not only enhances well-being through improved vision, but also fosters community engagement by providing a locally accessible solution,” Thompson added.

Express Eyewear also carries a wide variety of safety eyewear including WileyX and ArmourRX as well as offers onsite safety eyeglass fittings for companies that require their employees to wear safety glasses, allowing for no loss of working hours.

Studies show that when employees have to take time off for an appointment, they are likely to miss over four hours of work or the entire shift, according to Thompson.

“Onsite visits are a really convenient option for the employee, as they do not have to take time away from work to find an office that carries prescription safety glasses, and it also can be a benefit from the company; most companies will cover the cost,” she said.

“I can also do group eyewear fittings at places like hospitals and nursing homes, or any business with a large number of employees, for staff members,” Thompson said. “This allows companies to offer a convenient solution for their employees while also decreasing the negative impact being short staffed creates for a company.”

Thompson also believes in giving back to the community and is currently looking for nonprofit organizations that can connect her with residents in need of eyeglasses or a vision test.

She also said she operates under a “scouts honor” mentality and believes in helping those with a true need.

“If someone reaches out to me and they are in a bad spot — homeless, escaping domestic violence, disabled, etc. — I will always happily give glasses to someone who is truly in need,” she said. “I am in the business of helping people see better and I believe everyone deserves clear vision.”

Express Eyewear will be at the Fall Pop Up Market on Saturday, Sept. 23 and the Lindale Country Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14.

The mobile business services both Tyler and Longview and the surrounding areas including Minneola, Van, Lindale, Whitehouse, Chandler, Flint, and more.

Express Eyewear generally operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., however; Thompson said she realizes emergencies happens outside of those times and is willing to help accommodate customers.

“I will not hesitate to assist a patient over the weekend or even later in the evening,” she said. “All they have to do is call or text me and I will do my absolute best to make it happen.”

For more information, visit the Express Eyewear Facebook page or call/text 903-776-4029.