Colored lens stock is a hard equation: dozens of shades, more than one wear duration, different powers and expiry dates. Stock too much and your cash is frozen; stock too little and you lose sales. This is a practical guide for distributors and optical stores in the Kingdom to manage inventory smartly.
1. Rank your shades by speed
Review the last three months of sales and split shades into three groups:
| Group | Description | Stock policy |
|---|---|---|
| A | Shades that drive most of your sales | Never out of stock, higher safety stock |
| B | Medium movers | Moderate quantities, regular reorders |
| C | Slow or seasonal shades | Small quantities or order on demand |
Often a small share of shades drives most sales, many of them natural browns, hazels and grays. But do not rely on assumptions; your own store’s numbers are the reference.
2. Calculate a reorder point
For each group A shade, use a simple formula:
Reorder point = (average daily sales × lead time in days) + safety stock
Example: a shade sells two boxes a day, delivery from the warehouse takes three days, and you want four days of safety stock: (2 × 3) + (2 × 4) = 14 boxes. When stock reaches 14 boxes, reorder. The closer the warehouse, the shorter the lead time and the less stock you need.
3. Balance wear durations
Monthly-lens customers come back often; 3- or 6-month customers spend more per visit but come less often. Keep a mix of both, such as monthly Élite and Wonder Look and Luminous in its 3- and 6-month versions.
4. Be careful with powers
Colored prescription lenses (Élite and MyLense Perla, -0.50 to -8.00) mean many combinations of shade and power. Do not stock every combination; keep the most requested powers in your group A shades and order the rest on demand from a nearby supplier.
5. Prepare early for seasons
Raise group A stock two to three weeks before Ramadan, Eid and wedding season, and add the striking shades that sell more for occasions. After the season, step back to normal levels.
6. Manage expiry dates
- Arrange shelves so the boxes closest to expiry sell first.
- Check dates monthly and move short-dated boxes with promotions before they become a loss.
- Ask your supplier for a clear issuing policy so you do not receive short-dated boxes.
7. Make your supplier part of the plan
A good supplier does more than sell to you; it helps you plan. Eye Language ships from four warehouses in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Jazan, so you can order smaller quantities more often, and your regional rep follows your sales and suggests reorders before core shades run out.
Monthly checklist
- Update your A/B/C ranking from the month’s sales.
- Review reorder points for the fastest movers.
- Check expiry dates and move short-dated boxes.
- Prepare the plan for the next season.
Want a starter assortment for your store? Request a quote and our team will suggest a range for your city and customers, or browse every shade.
Colored contact lenses are medical devices. This article is general business information for trade partners, not medical or legal advice. End users should always consult an eye care professional.
