'Consumers are still keen on offline solutions in eyecare'

Until four years ago, almost 100% of the frames and sunglasses sold at Titan eye wear stores were imported. Today it is down to 60%. The company is also working overtime to reach its target of setting up 1,000 stores across 400-plus cities. In this interview, Saumen Bhaumik, CEO, Eye Care Division, Titan Company, tells Akanksha Nagar why the company is eyeing the smart eye wear category. Excerpts:

Can optometry move online completely? 

In our category, e-commerce does not provide a complete and optimum solution yet. For example, in subjective optometry which helps define someone's eye power, there is no ready-made solution to screen it online. So for prescription-based eye wear, we can't give you a solution that's right 80% of the time.

Although online discovery for eye care has increased after the Covid pandemic, to get greater comfort, consumers are farkeener on offline solutions. As far as prescription eye wear is concerned, it is clear that until something transformational happens, it is going to be driven by an in-store experience. The contribution of online channels for our total sales is currently under 10%.

At the flagship stores, we have started rolling out new high-technology eye-testing equipment offering higher accuracy in less time and also diagnosing cataracts. We have also introduced technology that allows us to check hearing loss and have started retailing hearing aids at select stores.

What are the new geographies you are targeting with your latest products?