FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A local eye doctor’s innovative approach to selling contact lenses has blossomed into a growing startup. LensQuote, an eye care technology company founded in 2017 by Fort Wayne native Dr. Ryan Gustus, today announced plans to add up to 23 new jobs by the end of 2024.
LensQuote is designed to simplify the in-office contact lens purchasing process for eye care professionals and patients alike. The web-based app creates a clear visual presentation of lens options, allowing patients to evaluate pricing, understand their potential savings, and take advantage of the value of buying from the optometrist’s office.
“In office after office, we have seen contact lens sales skyrocket with the help of LensQuote,” Gustus said. “Eye care practices typically offer more convenience and better pricing than online, however they don’t do a good job communicating this value to their patients in the office. LensQuote helps them communicate this value while helping patients save. We’re excited to keep growing in Allen County and are thankful for the support of local and state partners to help make this happen.”
LensQuote provides automatic app updates, unlimited technical support, and comprehensive training that helps office staffers get started in 25 minutes or less. The company has grown to serve about 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada since launching the platform in 2019.
The company, which currently operates in Bluffton, is evaluating options to establish a headquarters in Allen County. LensQuote will hire IT, sales, and administrative personnel to accommodate growth over the next four years. Interested applicants can learn more about the company at LensQuote.com. Open positions will be posted online as they become available.
“LensQuote is an innovative merge of the health care and tech industries, and its commitment to expand in our state is bolstering Indiana’s reputation as a thriving tech hub,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “Indiana is ranked No. 1 in the Midwest for entrepreneur friendliness, and it’s great to see startup companies like LensQuote finding success here and choosing to grow in northeast Indiana.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered LensQuote up to $260,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. Northeast Indiana Works will provide the company with additional hiring and training assistance.
In December, LensQuote received $80,000 in seed funding after presenting at Elevate Ventures’ Nexus Regional Pitch Competition. The company is also a Spring 2020 alum of gener8tor’s gBETA program, the state’s first application-based accelerator. gBETA Fort Wayne, hosted by gener8tor, a nationally-ranked business accelerator, offers a free, seven-week program for early-stage companies like LensQuote to help build consumer awareness and establish the industry-specific metrics needed to become candidates for angel investment or full-time accelerators.
“Health care continues to be a growing sector in our community, and it’s encouraging that vision care opportunities are increasing to better serve customers,” Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said. “Congratulations to Dr. Gustus and his team. LensQuote’s expansion and use of innovation and technology demonstrate a strong commitment to Fort Wayne.”
About LensQuote
LensQuote is an in-office app that shows patients–in seconds–the pricing, options, and value of purchasing contact lenses directly from their eye care provider. Built by optometrists for optometrists, LensQuote offers flexible pricing, automatic product updates, unlimited customer support, and comprehensive training to help eye care professionals grow their business. For more information about LensQuote, visit LensQuote.com.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. GFW Inc. worked with state and local partners to assist LensQuote with its expansion plans. In 2020, GFW Inc. assisted 20 businesses in expansions or relocations in Allen County, resulting in more than 1,850 projected new jobs, more than $69 million in new annual payroll, and more than $169 million in new investment.
