NAICS 456130 Quarterly Industry Report
Optical Goods Retailers
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 456130Sector: 45Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This NAICS 456130 industry report draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[4] Annual Retail Trade Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics[5] employment and wage statistics for opticians and retail optical workers, and Small Business Administration[6] size standard tables. Fair Market Value analysts supplement these federal sources with vision care industry data and state optician licensing records to produce quarterly updates. Each NAICS 456130 report revision tracks employment patterns, revenue benchmarks, and regulatory changes in the optical goods retail sector.
Industry Definition & Overview
Optical Goods Retailers (NAICS 456130) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in retailing and fitting prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses, retailing prescription eyeglasses with on-premises lens grinding, and retailing nonprescription eyeglasses. Additionally, optical chains, independent optician shops, and sunglass specialty stores all fall within this classification. Many locations combine retail sales with licensed optician services for lens fitting and frame adjustment. The U.S. Census Bureau[4] distinguishes optical goods retailers from optometry practices (621320) and ophthalmic goods manufacturers (339115). Retail optical stores generate revenue from both product sales and service fees for fitting and adjustments. National chains like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Warby Parker operate alongside thousands of independent optical shops. In-store labs that grind and finish lenses give some retailers faster turnaround and higher margins compared to those outsourcing lab work to wholesale optical laboratories. Product mix typically includes prescription eyeglass frames, lenses with various coatings and treatments, contact lenses from major manufacturers, nonprescription sunglasses, and optical accessories such as cases and cleaning supplies. Insurance reimbursement through vision benefit plans drives a substantial share of consumer spending at optical retailers, making managed care contracting an important business consideration for operators in this sector. Direct-to-consumer online eyewear brands have intensified competition, prompting brick-and-mortar retailers to emphasize personalized fitting, same-day service, and specialty lens expertise as differentiators.
What's Included in This Industry
- Retailing prescription eyeglasses and frames through dedicated optical stores
- Fitting and dispensing contact lenses to consumers with valid prescriptions
- Grinding and finishing prescription lenses on-premises at optical retail locations
- Selling nonprescription sunglasses and fashion eyewear at specialty retailers
- Providing frame adjustment, repair, and fitting services at optical shops
- Retailing optical accessories including cases, cleaning kits, and lens care products
- Operating sunglass specialty retail stores and kiosks
- Managing optical retail locations inside department stores or shopping malls
- Selling specialty eyewear for sports, safety, and occupational applications
- Retailing low-vision aids and magnification products through optical outlets
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Health and Personal Care Retailers | 456 |
| Industry Group | Health and Personal Care Retailers | 4561 |
| NAICS Industry | Optical Goods Retailers | 45613 |
| National Industry | Optical Goods Retailers | 456130 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 339115 | Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing | Ophthalmic goods manufacturing produces the lenses, frames, and optical instruments that retailers purchase for inventory and in-store lens fabrication |
| 621320 | Offices of Optometrists | Offices of optometrists provide eye examinations and prescriptions that drive consumer traffic to optical goods retailers for eyewear purchases |
| 339113 | Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing | Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing produces specialized optical equipment and diagnostic instruments used in retail optical settings |
| 456110 | Pharmacies and Drug Retailers | Pharmacies and drug retailers sometimes carry nonprescription reading glasses and basic optical accessories that overlap with optical store products |
| 456199 | All Other Health and Personal Care Retailers | All other health and personal care retailers sell hearing aids and medical supplies through similar specialty health retail formats |
| 621111 | Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | Physician offices including ophthalmologists generate prescriptions and referrals that direct patients to optical goods retailers for eyewear fitting |
SBA Lending Summary
168
Total SBA Loans
$58.1M
Total Loan Volume
$346K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.78%
Average Interest Rate
1,200
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[3]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration[7] sets the size standard for NAICS 456130 at $29.5 million in average annual receipts. Independent optical shops and small chain operators below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal contracting and SBA lending purposes. SBA 7(a) loans[8] can finance optical equipment, inventory, and working capital needs. The SBA 504 program[9] supports real estate purchases and major equipment investments such as lens edging systems and digital measuring instruments.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Savings Bank | 8 | $23.5M | $2.9M |
| 2 | Live Oak Banking Company | 16 | $8.8M | $550K |
| 3 | DFCU Financial | 8 | $5.0M | $625K |
| 4 | United Community Bank | 8 | $4.0M | $500K |
| 5 | Grasshopper Bank National Association | 8 | $2.8M | $350K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 456130?
NAICS 456130 includes optical shops, eyeglass retailers, contact lens retailers, sunglass stores, and retail locations with on-premises lens grinding. These businesses sell prescription and nonprescription eyewear along with related accessories. The U.S. Census Bureau[4] provides the official definition.
How does NAICS 456130 differ from optometry offices?
Optical goods retailers (456130) sell eyewear products and provide fitting services, while optometrists (621320) perform eye examinations, diagnose conditions, and write prescriptions. Some businesses operate both functions but classify under the activity generating the most revenue. The Census Bureau[10] separates health care services from retail operations.
What is the SBA size standard for optical goods retailers?
The SBA sets the size standard at $29.5 million in average annual receipts for NAICS 456130. Independent optical shops typically operate well below this threshold. Current standards appear in the SBA table of size standards[6].
Which NAICS codes are most closely related to 456130?
Key related codes include 339115 for ophthalmic goods manufacturing, 621320 for optometry practices, 456199 for other health and personal care retailers, and 621111 for physician offices including ophthalmologists. Each represents a different link in the vision care value chain from manufacturing through examination to retail.
What industries interact most with optical goods retailers?
Ophthalmic manufacturers (339115) supply products, optometrists (621320) and ophthalmologists (621111) generate prescriptions, and vision insurance carriers (524114) process reimbursements. These relationships shape product sourcing, customer acquisition, and revenue collection for optical retailers.
What activities does NAICS 456130 include?
Activities include retailing prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses, grinding lenses on-premises, selling nonprescription sunglasses, providing frame fitting and adjustment services, and selling optical accessories. The Census Bureau definition[4] covers the full scope of optical retail operations.
Can optical shop owners qualify for SBA loans?
Optical retailers with average annual receipts under $29.5 million qualify for SBA 7(a) loans covering inventory, equipment, and working capital. The 504 program supports real estate and major equipment purchases such as lens edging systems. Details are at the SBA funding programs page[11].
Where are optical goods retailers concentrated in the U.S.?
Optical retailers concentrate in metropolitan areas and suburban shopping centers, with the highest establishment counts in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Mall-based locations and medical office complexes near ophthalmology and optometry practices are common formats across all regions.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [4]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [5]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [6]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [7]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]SBA 504 program sba.gov
- [10]Census Bureau census.gov
- [11]SBA funding programs page sba.gov
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