Where eye exams meet AI, and eyewear meets style
“It’s like a mini blood test from your eyes.”
This was how Neelam Gopwani Chainani, managing director and president of Vision Express Philippines, described Vision Plus, the company’s new AI-powered diagnostic screening tool that’s quietly redefining what an eye exam can offer.
In just 30 seconds, Vision Plus scans for signs of hypertension, high cholesterol, and even potential brain tumor risks—no needles, no fasting required.
“It’s a really cool machine that gives you a full-scale report and even recommends, through AI (artificial intelligence), what you should do about your health,” Chainani explained to Lifestyle. “If it says you have high hypertension, it’ll tell you to exercise more and improve your diet. We offered it for free because we truly believe in treating our patients above and beyond.”
Initially launched as a pilot about a year ago, Vision Plus has since expanded to 12 branches across the country. Its impact has been both swift and significant: The tool has helped detect early signs of diabetes in at least eight customers, prompting them to seek timely medical attention.
“People were surprised. They had no idea that your eyes could tell you so much about your overall health,” Chainani said. “And when they saw what the machine could do, the response was overwhelmingly positive. We knew we had to expand.”
Entry point
She believes the technology is helping reframe how Filipinos think about optical care, not just as a matter of eyesight, but as an accessible entry point to holistic wellness.
“Let’s take advantage of the fact that the eyes are a gateway to the heart and brain. If we can offer preventive care in a space that’s familiar and comforting, why wouldn’t we?”
She added: “People hesitate to go to hospitals because they’re intimidating. But if we can offer advanced screenings in a beautifully designed store, where you can lounge with a cup of tea, then we’re making health care less daunting and more accessible.”
The technology is sourced from Japan and integrates seamlessly into the company’s broader pivot toward innovation, which includes AI-driven styling tools and curated retail experiences.
The flagship Vision Express store at SM Mall of Asia (Moa) is now home to the brand’s Virtual Styling Studio, a tech-powered feature that analyzes face shape, skin tone, hair color, and other personal attributes to recommend eyewear styles that truly suit the wearer.
“I’ve walked into stores and been overwhelmed by the number of frames. This tool trims down the options using science,” Chainani explained. “I want people to pick glasses that are right for them, not just something they like in the moment, or something they grab in a rush.”
Currently available exclusively at the Moa branch, the styling studio is expected to roll out to more locations after collecting user feedback. “It’s our prototype, and so far, people love it. But we want to keep improving before we scale,” she noted.
Chainani revealed that this latest wave of store redesigns—now present in about 15 locations—is part of a broader plan to transition all 80 branches into more inviting, lifestyle-centric spaces.
“We want our stores to feel open and curated, not cluttered. We use muted tones, warm lighting, and comfortable seating so customers can take their time and feel at home,” she said. “The eyewear is fully displayed, and everything is intentionally laid out so you can find what’s best for you.”
Vision Express carries over 40 international brands, including exclusive access to Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Miu Miu, and Ray-Ban. The eyewear on display is carefully selected by in-house stylists, with a focus on what looks good on Filipino facial features.
Filipino facial features
“Instead of offering hundreds of pieces per brand, we curate only the best. If you see it in Milan or New York, you’ll likely find it here within a month or two,” Chainani said.
She also noted a shift in consumer preferences: Once conservative in style and price sensitivity, today’s Filipino eyewear shoppers are increasingly open to bold, fashion-forward pieces.
“Luxury eyewear sales have grown by over 35 percent in the last two years,” she revealed. “People see eyewear as an aspirational purchase. It is often their entry point into the luxury space.”
Among their top-selling brands are Prada and, perhaps unsurprisingly, Ray-Ban.
“Ray-Ban continues to be the most loved brand in our stores,” Chainani said. “It’s iconic, innovative, and constantly evolving. With A$AP Rocky now as the brand’s creative director, it just keeps getting cooler.”
Vision Express even has a dedicated stop-and-shop Ray-Ban section with the largest collection in the country.
Chainani sees continued growth not just in new store locations, but in the scope of what Vision Express offers.
“The Philippines is a big country, and logistically challenging, but we’re committed to reaching more people,” she said. “That means more stores, more services, and more technology that improves lives.”
