Beyond Skin Deep: Why Forward-Thinking MedSpas Are Expanding Into Vision Wellness

In the competitive MedSpa landscape, innovative owners are constantly seeking new service offerings that expand their reach while addressing genuine client needs. One emerging opportunity that aligns perfectly with the preventative wellness movement is vision health—a critical yet often overlooked component of the comprehensive anti-aging approach sophisticated clients now demand.

Dr. John Serri, co-founder and CEO of iCare (a company transforming smartphones into personal vision labs), recently shared insights that reveal why vision wellness represents a significant growth opportunity for forward-thinking MedSpas ready to evolve beyond traditional aesthetic services.

The Vision-Wellness Connection Most MedSpas Miss

"We spend our whole time looking. That's our primary information source," explains Dr. Serri. Yet despite this critical role in overall wellness and quality of life, vision health rarely receives the same preventative attention as skin care or body composition in the typical MedSpa offering.

This oversight creates an opportunity for MedSpas seeking differentiation in saturated markets. By incorporating vision wellness into their holistic approach, MedSpas can address a universal need while expanding their preventative wellness credibility beyond surface-level treatments.

Consider these statistics Dr. Serri shared: "92% of the US population wears some form of eyewear... about 65% requires prescription eyewear." This near-universal need creates an ideal entry point for MedSpas looking to broaden their service offerings while deepening client relationships.

The Technology Revolution Creating New Opportunities

The vision industry is experiencing the same technology-driven disruption that transformed skincare over the past decade. Just as at-home devices expanded the skincare market while enhancing professional treatments, vision technology is creating similar opportunities for MedSpas.

"We're at a starting point now, which is where we can look at the refraction. And we have set up a telemedicine service so doctors can then look at the results," explains Dr. Serri. This remote-capable approach creates opportunities for MedSpas to incorporate vision assessments into their wellness evaluations without requiring costly equipment or specialized staff.

For MedSpas, this technology evolution creates three key opportunities:

1. Diagnostic expansion - Adding vision screening to comprehensive wellness assessments

2. Monitoring capability - Tracking vision changes that may indicate broader health issues

3. Prevention opportunities - Providing evidence-based guidance on vision protection

The Environmental Factors Accelerating Demand

Beyond the universal need, several environmental factors are accelerating demand for vision wellness services:

The Digital Lifestyle Impact

"In children, there's something called, it's called myopia epidemic, near sadness. What's happening is kids spend their whole day looking at my smartphone... That is resulting in a high degree of nearsightedness," explains Dr. Serri.

This digital lifestyle impact creates an opportunity for MedSpas to position vision protection as part of their comprehensive anti-aging and wellness protocols—particularly for clients concerned about screen time effects on both appearance and overall health.

The Aging Population Reality

"As people get older, like the rest of your body, the eyes kind of start to go," notes Dr. Serri. With an aging clientele already seeking anti-aging treatments, MedSpas can naturally expand into vision wellness as part of their comprehensive approach to age management.

This aging demographic—already motivated to invest in preventative treatments—represents an ideal market for vision wellness services that complement existing aesthetic and wellness offerings.

Implementation Strategies for MedSpas

For MedSpas looking to incorporate vision wellness into their service offerings, consider these implementation approaches:

1. Start with Assessment Integration

Begin by incorporating basic vision assessments into your comprehensive wellness evaluations. Technologies like iCare make it possible to offer preliminary screenings without significant investment in equipment or specialized staff.

These assessments can serve as both service enhancements and powerful lead generation tools—identifying clients who may benefit from more comprehensive vision wellness services.

2. Develop Educational Programming

Create workshops and educational content focused on vision protection as part of your holistic wellness approach. Topics might include:

• Screen time management strategies for skin and vision protection

• Nutritional approaches that support both skin and eye health

• Environmental factors affecting vision and overall aging

• The connection between vision changes and broader health issues

This educational approach positions your MedSpa as a thought leader in comprehensive wellness while naturally introducing your vision-related services.

3. Create Synergistic Service Packages

Develop service packages that combine traditional MedSpa treatments with vision wellness components. For example:

• Digital Detox Package: Combining skin treatments designed to counter screen-related damage with vision protection protocols

• Comprehensive Anti-Aging Assessment: Including vision screening alongside skin analysis and body composition evaluation

• Executive Wellness Program: Offering busy professionals comprehensive wellness monitoring including vision changes

These integrated packages create natural upsell opportunities while differentiating your MedSpa from competitors focused solely on aesthetic outcomes.

4. Establish Strategic Partnerships

Consider partnerships with vision specialists who can provide advanced services for clients identified through your preliminary assessments. These partnerships might include:

• Telemedicine relationships with ophthalmologists for prescription services

• Referral relationships with specialized practices for medical treatment

• Technology partnerships with companies developing at-home vision tools

These relationships create additional revenue streams through revenue-sharing arrangements while enhancing your comprehensive wellness credibility.

The Future Opportunity: Monitoring and Prevention

Perhaps the most significant long-term opportunity for MedSpas in the vision wellness space lies in ongoing monitoring and prevention—areas perfectly aligned with the subscription-based business models many successful MedSpas have already implemented.

As Dr. Serri explains: "With our technology, you can take a test anytime, anywhere, as much as you want. And what happens is as you take more tests, you average the results... You really get a good result as you continue to use this."

This continuous monitoring approach creates opportunities for MedSpas to develop membership programs that include regular vision assessments alongside traditional treatments—building recurring revenue while enhancing client outcomes.

Beyond Traditional Demographics: Expanding MedSpa Reach

Importantly, vision wellness services can help MedSpas expand beyond their traditional demographic base. While aesthetic services typically attract a predominantly female clientele, vision concerns affect all demographics equally—creating opportunities to attract male clients and younger populations increasingly concerned about screen time effects.

As Dr. Serri notes: "There's another thing I would like to bring up is the question of access... There are a lot of people who do not have insurance. They're in geographically eye care deserts... We can provide a means to start the process for an extremely low cost."

This accessibility creates opportunities for MedSpas to serve previously untapped markets—particularly in areas with limited access to specialized vision care.

Conclusion: The Vision Wellness Opportunity

As the MedSpa industry continues to evolve beyond purely aesthetic services toward comprehensive wellness approaches, vision health represents a significant growth opportunity for forward-thinking businesses.

By incorporating vision wellness into their service offerings, MedSpas can:

• Differentiate from competitors in saturated markets

• Deepen relationships with existing clients

• Attract new demographic segments

• Create recurring revenue through monitoring programs

• Establish leadership in the expanding preventative wellness movement

The MedSpas that recognize this opportunity early—developing thoughtful, integrated approaches that connect vision wellness to their existing services—will position themselves at the forefront of the industry's evolution toward truly holistic wellness.