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DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, announced Thursday a plan for the gradual reopening of retail locations to the public, beginning Monday, April 27, with “enhanced safety protocols and a focus on meeting the essential, urgent and emergency eye health needs of patients and customers.” The company plans to open stores selectively over the coming weeks with a goal for all stores within its family of retail brands to be open to the public by early June. Specific information about reopenings within the America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and Eyeglass World brands can be found on the brand websites, according to the announcement.

National Vision announced in mid-March that it would temporarily close all of its more than 1,100 retail locations in response to the coronavirus pandemic hitting the United States, as VMAIL reported. 

“As we continue to navigate this unprecedented pandemic, we are monitoring the recommendations of public health and government agencies,” chief executive officer Reade Fahs said in the announcement. “Our priority has been, and continues to be, the safety of our associates, optometrists, patients and customers. During the temporary closure of our stores, we have heard from our customers and patients that they need the critical eyecare services we offer. We have developed a phased approach to reopening our stores to the public that we believe is not only safe and responsible, but also will allow us to continue serving those that need our eyecare services the most during this time of lack of access.”

As part of the selective reopening program, the company said it has developed and implemented policies and procedures designed to keep associates, optometrists, patients and customers as safe as possible. All policies and procedures align with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Optometric Association (AOA) as well as federal and state guidance on social distancing, cleaning procedures, use of personal protective equipment and other safety measures, the announcement noted.

Additionally, National Vision is implementing expanded health and safety training and procedures for all stores and optometrists practicing in its retail locations.

Throughout the phased reopening, retail locations that remain temporarily closed to the public will continue to provide services as associates remain available by phone for patients and customers in need.

The company’s e-commerce websites, including discountglasses.com and discountcontacts.com, also remain fully operational, according to the announcement.