Is there money to be made in the eye care industry as a non-medical professional, small business owner? I know of a local, small town eye care business (US based, 30+ years in business with very good reputation) where the owner is looking at retiring in 2-3 years. I was thinking about approaching him to see if he’d sell to me with the idea that we’d work together and he’d train me before retiring. Does this sound like an opportunity worth pursuing?

Background/business info: Owner does some of the basic tests and is responsible for lens/frames work/repairs. Owner hires an optometrist a few days a week for exams. Full time employee runs the front desk and is responsible for scheduling, greeting customers, sales. Business accepts vision insurance.

Per the owner they are booked solid for eye exams weeks in advance. They could add capacity by bringing in the optometrist more than 2-3 days a week but the owner is more interested in slowing down rather than ramping up. Every time I’ve been in there’s at least 2 other people waiting in the lobby.

With that said, is there money to be made doing this? I have no idea what the economics of this industry are and am looking to get some opinions before approaching the owner.

Appreciate any thoughts or advice you might have. Thanks!