Walmart announced earlier this week that it will be closing its Walmart Health and Walmart Health Virtual Care centers in five states across the country.
This news has sparked concern for patients and healthcare practitioners (HCPs) alike—and begs the question for those of us in the eyecare field:
Will Walmart’s vision centers be affected by this?
We investigated for you.
First off, let’s talk about these health centers.
Originally introduced in 2019, Walmart Health centers were central to providing lower-cost services such as medical and primary care, dental, and behavioral health care—complete with integration of Epic System’s electronic health record (EHR) system at all locations.
As an extension of these centers, nearly 4,600 pharmacy locations have also been established across the country, offering prescription transfers and refills, testing and treatment, pet care, vaccines, and birth control prescribing.
And most recently, the company introduced 24/7 Virtual Care, providing patients with access to virtual non-emergency care.
How many health centers are there in the US?
A total of 51 locations across five states, including:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Texas
Interesting fact: Walmart previously announced in March 2023 its intent to open 28 locations in Missouri and Arizona and expand in Texas, with a goal (at the time) of having over 75 health centers in the United States by the end of 2024.
Gotcha. Now a rundown on these vision services.
Walmart’s Vision Center spans 3,000+ locations in the U.S. and teams with 2,000+ optometrists, providing services such as:
- Annual eye exams
- Prescription eyewear
- Frame repairs
- Contact lens ordering
The company has also reportedly expanded its optical business in the last year to offer 1,000+ frames for less than $150 and brand-name frames at affordable prices.
Plus, earlier this year Walmart announced its latest investments in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to virtual try-on (VTO) capabilities for glasses, available via the Walmart app or website.
Tell me about these VTOs.
The company incorporates “3D data and advanced algorithms to create a digital twin of 750+ eyewear frame options,” resulting in a (ideally) more realistic VTO experience.
The process involves a facial scan, frame customization options, prescription uploads, and pupillary distance measurements.
Any benefits available for ECPs?
In 2023, Walmart launched new certification and licensure programs and increased pay for over 4,000 ECPs employed at its vision centers.
Through the Optician Development Program, the company is supporting its vision center associates in obtaining key licensure and certifications from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).
Go on …
As a bonus, training via the Optical Training Institute is reported to be 100% paid for by Walmart, including reimbursement for any fees associated with certification or licensure.
Plus: The company also offers a flexible, 10-week summer student internship program for optometry students (also paid).
Nice! Now the important question: How many health center locations are closing?
All 51 locations (including virtual care).
The reason: The company stated that it “determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.”
More specifically, Walmart noted the “challenging reimbursement environment” along with “escalating operating costs” have created a lack of profitability that made the healthcare business “unsustainable for us at this time.”
And … are vision services included in this?
Rest assured—they’re not. That goes for Walmart’s pharmacy services as well.
That's a relief. But when will these health center closures occur?
The company has yet to narrow down a specific date for these 51-location closings but promised to “share as soon as decisions are made.”