DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.—Pearle Vision, a national eyecare brand, has signed an area development agreement that covers the opening of five locations in northern Illinois, according to a Pearle Vision announcement late last month. The agreement is with Vick and Monika Mehta, who are “experienced, multi-unit business owners and longtime residents in the region,” the announcement noted. The agreement includes the opening of five new Pearle locations in the next three years across Boone, Dekalb, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Winnebago counties in Illinois.

Vick Mehta said he believes “Pearle Vision is the gold standard when it comes to optical franchise retailers.” Pearle, which is owned by Luxottica, earlier this year signed area development deals in Florida and Arizona, according to the announcement.

“From the operating model, eyecon, to the marketing support, it’s exactly what we are looking for in a franchise investment,” Mehta added in the announcement. The Mehtas together currently own 35 Cricket Wireless retail stores throughout Illinois.

Pearle Vision’s area development program grants large territories to qualified candidates to develop and open new locations, according to the company’s announcement. This type of development program allows for steady and predictable growth in a specific territory with one team.

“When we think of expanding Pearle Vision, our top priority is to make sure the quality of eyecare remains consistent with the patient value proposition that has become expected of us,” Pearle Vision general manager Alex Wilkes said in the announcement. “Vick and Monika share our commitment to patient care and understand what is involved in operating a business. Their past experience combined with our ongoing training and support has set them up to hit the ground running.”

Pearle Vision currently has more than 500 EyeCare Centers located across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.