Specsavers Expands Rapidly in Winnipeg, Doubling Store Count

Specsavers has significantly expanded its footprint in Winnipeg, growing from seven stores to 16 locations within just a year. This growth reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing eyecare accessibility in Manitoba, a province that has seen an increasing demand for optical services.

Lorenzo Sciarretta, a Retail Partner running the Winnipeg West and Portage Avenue stores, is one of the local eyecare experts spearheading this expansion. Originally from Italy, Lorenzo began his career as an optometrist before transitioning to opticianry in Canada. He recalls, “My father was an optometrist who owned four stores. I started working with lenses and frames at the age of 10 and knew this was where my career would be.”

Specsavers opened its first stores in Winnipeg in September 2024, launching at CF Polo Park and St. Vital Centre. Since then, the company has served over 8,000 Manitobans and conducted more than 1,000 comprehensive eye exams. The recent expansion, which includes nine new stores within Real Canadian Superstore locations, is part of Specsavers’ broader strategy to enhance its presence across Canada following a partnership with Loblaws Inc..

The new locations now provide eyecare services to approximately one Specsavers store for every 90,000 Manitobans. This increase aims to make quality eyewear and expert care more accessible. Specsavers also incorporates advanced technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), a 3D scanning tool that helps detect various eye conditions at early stages.

According to John Faires, Specsavers Trading Director, “Based on our experience over the past year, we see Manitoba as an important market for Specsavers. With this expansion from seven stores to 16, we’re making eyecare and eyewear more accessible and raising awareness that vision health matters at any age.”

Statistics from the Canada Eyecare Report 2025 reveal that one in three Canadian adults are overdue for an eye exam, while 17% have not had an eye exam in over five years. The report, produced by Angus Reid Group, highlights a concerning lack of awareness about eye health, with 42% of Canadians believing they would recognize if they had a vision problem. This perception is misleading, as many sight-threatening conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms.

The findings underscore the urgent need for improved access to eyecare across Canada. With its recent store openings, Specsavers aims to help reduce the risk of avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected vision problems and undiagnosed eye diseases.

Lorenzo Sciarretta emphasizes the importance of customer relationships in the optical business. “We truly care,” he states. “My team has deep product knowledge, and we’re laser-focused on ensuring every customer has a positive experience.” As the company continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing not just eyewear, but also fashionable accessories that enhance everyday life.

The expansion of Specsavers in Winnipeg marks a significant step forward in addressing the eyecare needs of the community. With a commitment to quality products and expert care, the company is poised to play a vital role in improving vision health for Manitobans.