EXHIBIT 16.1


June 9, 2003

Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington D.C. 20549

Re: Cole National Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan for Employees of Pearle
      Vision Centers File No. 1-12814

Dear Sir or Madam:

         We have read Item 4 of the Form 8-K of Cole National Corporation 401(k)
Savings Plan for Employees of Pearle Vision Centers dated June 5, 2003, and
agree with the statements concerning our Firm contained therein.



                                    Very truly yours,


                                    By: /s/ Grant Thornton LLP
                                        Grant Thornton LLP