Walmart to offer virtual optical try-on

Walmart Inc. will soon roll out a new augmented reality (AR)-enhanced shopping experience for eyewear customers.

The discounter, which has launched a variety of AR-based shopping tools since purchasing Zeekit, a virtual fitting room start-up, in May 2021, is expanding is AR offering with a new optical virtual try-on feature. Walmart also purchased AR optical technology company Memomi in June 2022 and introduced its own sustainable eyewear brand called Karun in December 2023.

Beginning in February 2024, customers will be able to virtually "try on" frames and purchase prescription eyewear online through the Walmart app or directly on Walmart.com. 

How it works

To virtually try-on more than 750 trend-focused eyewear options on the Walmart site or app, customers click on the 'Try them on' flag in the main image on the product page and allow the facial scan and view the glasses as if they were wearing them looking in the mirror. 

Next, shoppers can customize the lenses and upload their valid prescription, and then allow a scan to capture thei pupillary distance measurements and add the customized glasses to their cart. Trained opticians in Walmart in-store vision centers across the country can help answer questions throughout the process. 

Once an online shipment arrives, customers can visit a local Walmart vision center and work with an optician to get any finishing touches. 

As part of the process, Walmart uses 3D data and advanced algorithms to create a digital twin of eyewear frames, resulting in what the retailer says is a more realistic virtual try-on experience. 

"We continue to focus on improving access and convenience for our customers by allowing them to shop how and where they want," said 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." 

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

Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates approximately 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.