Lawrence & Mayo
Lawrence & Mayo is an Indian optical retailer whose first branch in India opened in Calcutta in 1877. It sells prescription eyewear, sunglasses and lenses through a national store network.
| First Indian branch | Calcutta, 1877 |
|---|---|
| Base | Mumbai, India |
| Category | Optical eyewear |
| Manufacturing | In-house lens laboratories |
| Website | lawrenceandmayo.com |
What is Lawrence & Mayo?
Lawrence & Mayo is one of India's oldest optical brands. Its first Indian branch opened in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1877, and its official contact address is Lawrence & Mayo House in Fort, Mumbai.
History
Early branches opened in Shimla and Nagpur, followed by Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and Bangalore. The company made eyewear for Maharajas and monocles for military leaders, and was among the first in India to introduce computerised eye testing, contact lenses, coloured contact lenses and, in 1976, progressive lenses.
Products and positioning
The brand positions itself as Masters in Eye Care and Masters in Eyewear.
- Own frame and sunglass ranges
- Lenses made in its own high-precision laboratories
- A wide choice of lens types and coatings
- Eye testing and dispensing services
Distribution
In 2016 the company operated more than 100 outlets in over 40 cities and planned further expansion, including through franchise partners.
Why it matters
Lawrence & Mayo shows how a heritage optical retailer competes in a fast-changing Indian eyewear market by combining long-standing clinical credibility with its own frames, sunglasses and lens manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Lawrence & Mayo?
Lawrence & Mayo opened its first Indian branch in Calcutta in 1877.
What does Lawrence & Mayo sell?
It sells prescription eyewear, its own frames and sunglasses, lenses and eye testing services.