Walmart launches AR-powered Optical Virtual Try-On and online prescription purchases

As part of its "adaptive retail" strategy, Walmart aims to help customers better visualize how products will look in real life — saving them time and giving them confidence that the items they need are going to work for them and their lives.

With adaptive retail, Walmart is bringing the best aspects of any one channel to the other, so in recent years, Walmart has increased investments in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to better assist customers in envisioning how fashion, beauty and home items would look virtually.

And now, they are expanding this offering to enhance the way customers shop for eyewear with the new Optical Virtual Try-On feature. Beginning next month, customers will be able to virtually "try on" frames and purchase prescription eyewear online through the Walmart app or directly on Walmart.com.

How does it work?

While the concept of virtual try-on is not new, Walmart is taking it to the next level. Unlike other platforms, Walmart uses 3D data and advanced algorithms to create a digital twin of eyewear frames — resulting in a more realistic virtual try-on (VTO) experience.

To virtually "try-on" more than 750 trend-focused eyewear options on Walmart.com or in the Walmart app, simply click on the "Try them on" flag in the main image on the product page. Allow the facial scan and view the glasses as if you were wearing them and looking in the mirror.

Next, customize the lenses that work best for you. Upload your valid prescription. Allow a scan to capture your pupillary distance measurements and add your customized glasses to your cart. What's even better, is that Walmart has trained opticians in its Vision Centers across the country ready to help answer questions throughout the process. Once you receive your online shipment, you can visit your local Walmart Vision Center and work with an optician to get any finishing touches.

Speaking of Vision Centers, they have been revamped to focus on what customers have shared is important to them — which includes elevated storefronts for an enhanced opportunity to find the best fit and style. By the end of the year, Walmart will have over 3,000 Vision Centers across the U.S., allowing customers to easily fill valid prescriptions for prescription eyewear, sunglasses, reading glasses and contact lenses.

On the record

"As a company, our commitment is to provide our customers with a shopping experience that exceeds expectations — one that is easy, engaging and personalized. With our latest addition, we are offering our customers yet another dimension of choice, meeting them exactly where they are in their shopping journey," said Tom Ward, EVP and chief eCommerce officer of Walmart U.S. "This is a testament to our continuous efforts to redefine and elevate the shopping experience."

"As a trusted health and wellness destination for over 33 years, we are dedicated to expanding our assortment and services to ensure we're meeting our customers' evolving needs — to live better and healthier lives. We continue to focus on improving access and convenience for our customers by allowing them to shop how and where they want," added David Reitnauer, VP Optical, Walmart Health & Wellness. "With the launch of Optical Virtual Try-On and online prescription eyewear shopping, we are taking the next step to help customers see better to live better."

The context

If you wear glasses, you know how rewarding it is to find eyewear that fits your style, budget, and vision needs. That's what Walmart wants to make easier for its customers, and it would be interesting to see whether other major retailers around the world will roll out a similar feature. We have no doubts that will happen; we just hope we won't have to wait too long.