California Supreme Court Kills Job Opportunities Creating Higher Eyeglass Costs for Consumers. -- SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The state of California does not allow optometrists to offer eye exams in the same location where an optical store sells eyeglasses. Under the law, only optometrists and ophthalmologists are allowed to sell eyeglasses and give eye exams under the same roof. Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130304/CG69653 LensCrafters, the National Association of Optometrists & Opticians and Highmark Eye Care Centers of America signed a petition to have the case re-examined by the U.S. Supreme Court. On February 19th the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based out of San Francisco, rejected the plaintiffs appeal, leaving the California law as it stands. Stanton Optical, a national chain of retail stores, had plans to open over 20 stores in the California market. The store openings would have created over 300 new jobs. After hearing of the Supreme Court decision, the corporate office reexamined their expansion plans to open new stores in California under their Eye Lab business model. Stanton Optical CEO Daniel Stanton was very disappointed with the ruling stating that the decision "could impact the future expansion plans for Stanton Optical in the California market." Stanton Optical currently operates 7 California based stores in Fair Oaks, Bakersfield, Fresno, Roseville, Visalia, Modesto and Sacramento. The average consumer will spend up to 4 times the amount at a private health care practice versus a retail store. Consumers can spend $500 or more when purchasing prescription eyeglasses from an independent optician compared to going to a retail eyeglass store. Stanton Optical offers 2 pairs of eyeglasses, starting from $69, plus a credit for the cost of an eye exam at each of their stores. The ruling could also affect online eyeglass retailers if the state of California decides to apply the law to internet businesses selling prescription eyewear. Stanton Optical operates the Frame Genie e-commerce prescription eyewear site. About Stanton Optical Headquartered in Palm Springs, Florida, Stanton Optical is a leader in the retail optical store industry. Visit www.stantonoptical.com to find the locations of all Stanton Optical stores, learn about all the products and services they offer or discover exciting career opportunities. Stanton Optical has locations throughout the United States including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Stanton Optical plans to open a minimum of 11 new stores in 2013. Stanton Optical Corporate Headquarters 3801 S. Congress Ave. Palm Springs, FL 33461 http://www.stantonoptical.com Lynn Smythe , Stanton Optical, 561-459-3263, lsmythe@stantonoptical.com SOURCE Stanton Optical