Warby Parker

Warby Parker is an American eyewear company that sells prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. It was founded in 2010 with the idea of making stylish, affordable eyewear available directly to consumers.

Full name: Warby Parker

Founded: 2010

Founders: Neil Blumenthal, Andrew Hunt, David Gilboa, Jeffrey Raider

Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA

Peak Era: 2010s–2020s (rise of direct-to-consumer retail and expansion into physical stores)

Industry: Eyewear / Retail

Service: Prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, eye exams, virtual try-on tools, and a “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” donation program

How It Works

The company started online but now also has physical stores across the U.S. Warby Parker designs its own frames and works with manufacturers in different countries. One of its biggest appeals is that frames with prescription lenses start at around $95, which is typically less expensive than many traditional eyewear retailers.

They also offer:

• Free shipping and 30-day returns

• A virtual try-on feature through their app

• Eye exams in many of their stores

• Contact lenses alongside glasses

Social Impact

Warby Parker runs a “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program — for every pair of glasses purchased, another pair is donated to someone in need. They’ve also made efforts to operate as a carbon-neutral company.

Growth

Over time, Warby Parker has expanded its brick-and-mortar presence and even partnered with large retailers to offer shop-in-shop experiences.