The drubbing that monthly Social Security benefits take from out-of-pocket medical costs shocks many retirees. My recent column highlighting how healthcare costs are eating into Social Security checks hit a nerve. Thousands of you shared how you’re grappling with the reality: that even including Medicare coverage and not accounting for long-term care, retirees are overwhelmed by premiums, copays, and a myriad of uncovered medical services. These expenses make up roughly a third of a typical retiree’s S ...

Core Insights - National Vision (EYE) has experienced a significant share price increase of 154.6% over the past 12 months, outperforming the industry decline of 13.9% and the S&P 500's growth of 16.4% [1][9] Company Performance - National Vision holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) and is benefiting from the strong performance of its America's Best brand, with strategic initiatives showing early progress [2] - The company operates 1,242 retail stores across four brands and has a distribution network that includes a 118,000-square-foot center in Georgia and a 52,000-square-foot center in Ohio [3] Revenue Growth - The Owned & Host segment of National Vision reported a 9.1% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3 2025, primarily driven by America's Best brand [4][9] - The company opened four new America's Best stores and converted four Eyeglass World locations during the September 2024 to September 2025 period [5] Strategic Initiatives - National Vision is enhancing its Eyeglass World operations with a new leadership team and expanding remote exam capabilities, with two-thirds of its stores now equipped for remote technology [6] - The company is testing smaller store formats for America's Best and is incorporating insights from a fleet optimization review into future growth plans [5][6] Customer Engagement - Early indicators of stronger customer engagement are noted, supported by a new marketing strategy and customer relationship management (CRM) platform [10] - Newly introduced premium frames are selling faster than expected, indicating positive consumer response [10] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 32.6% increase in earnings per share (EPS) for 2025, reaching $0.69, and a 26.8% increase for 2026, reaching $0.88 [12] - Revenues are expected to grow by 5.2% to $1.98 billion in 2025 and reach $2.05 billion in 2026, implying a 3.3% increase [12]

Core Insights - Warby Parker is evolving from a discount direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand to operating physical eyeglass shops across the United States, indicating a shift in its business model and market positioning [1]. Company Overview - Warby Parker is no longer perceived solely as a discount brand, suggesting a potential change in consumer perception and brand strategy [1]. Industry Context - The expansion of Warby Parker into physical retail locations reflects broader trends in the eyewear industry, where DTC brands are increasingly establishing a physical presence to enhance customer experience and brand visibility [1].

Company Overview - French founders built a Warby Parker competitor [1] - The competitor is even more affordable than Warby Parker [1] E-commerce & Retail Industry - The company operates in the online eyewear market [1] - The company aims to provide more affordable eyewear options [1]

Company Overview - French founders built a Warby Parker competitor [1] - The competitor is even more affordable than Warby Parker [1] Market Positioning - The company aims to compete with Warby Parker in the eyewear market [1]

Company Overview - The company is building a Warby Parker competitor [1] - The competitor aims to be even more affordable [1] Business Model - The company is founded by French founders [1]

Core Insights - The collaboration between Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation aims to enhance accessibility to eyeglasses for low vision patients, reflecting Singapore's commitment to inclusive healthcare [1][5] - The initiative simplifies the process for eligible patients to collect their prescribed eyewear directly from the Spectacle Hut store at SingHealth Campus, integrating dispensing support into the vision care pathway [2][4] Company Overview - Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) was established in 1989 and is the designated national center for specialized ophthalmological services, managing approximately 400,000 outpatient visits and 40,000 major eye surgeries annually [6][8] - SNEC offers a comprehensive range of eye treatments across ten subspecialties, addressing various eye conditions from comprehensive to tertiary levels [7] Partnership Details - The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has donated 600 pairs of eyeglasses, including 400 high-plus reading glasses and 200 ophthalmic frames, to provide patients with a wider range of options [3] - This partnership is aligned with Singapore's SG60 theme, emphasizing community-responsive healthcare and addressing the needs of an aging population [5] Industry Impact - The initiative represents a new coordination between clinical care and retail expertise, enhancing the patient experience and quality of life for low vision patients [4] - The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is dedicated to eliminating uncorrected poor vision globally and is a key partner in the World Health Organization's SPECS 2030 initiative [9]

Financial Performance - National Vision reported revenue of $486.42 million for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.7% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.18, up from $0.15 in the same quarter last year, indicating a positive trend in profitability [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $468.11 million by 3.91%, showcasing a strong performance against market expectations [1] Key Metrics - Adjusted comparable store sales growth was 5.9%, significantly higher than the two-analyst average estimate of 2.8% [4] - Net revenue from the Owned & Host segment, Eyeglass World, was $49.11 million, surpassing the average estimate of $47.15 million, although it represented a slight year-over-year decline of 0.8% [4] - Net revenue from the Owned & Host segment, America's Best, reached $416.78 million, exceeding the average estimate of $405.28 million, with a year-over-year growth of 9.2% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of National Vision have returned -5.4%, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 1.2% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Business Model & Strategy - The company is building a Warby Parker competitor with a focus on affordability [1] Industry & Competition - The company operates in the eyewear industry and competes with Warby Parker [1]

Company Overview - French founders built an affordable Warby Parker competitor [1] Business Model - The company offers more affordable eyewear options [1]