Product Profile: Warby-Parker

After years of wearing glasses (since 7th grade, people!) I have decided to take the plunge and get LASIK this Friday. Can you hear the terror in my voice? While I'm a little nervous (ok, a lot) I have a great doctor, and I know everything will be fine. (Insert pep talk.) Most people who I have talked to say they would do it again in a heartbeat. Regardless, any good vibes you can send my way will be greatly appreciated. Please and thank you. 

For those who are familiar with LASIK know that I have been wearing my glasses for over two weeks now prior to the surgery, and I've actually gotten very used to them. I guess I'm getting my money's worth before I never need them again. Thank you, Tom Ford - you're not cheap. 

I only purchased expensive frames because that was all that was available ...and chic!. Back in those olden days, the stellar Warby Parker, the popular online destination for affordable eye glasses, didn't exist. Warby Parker launched in 2010 and sold out of 15 styles in four weeks, accumulating a wait list of about 20,000 people in the process.

With frames starting at $95, Warby Parker has revolutionized the eyewear industry. According to their website, they believed that "The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with customers directly through our website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price."

How does it work? You select any five pairs of glasses. They ship them to you for free. You have five days to try out the new frames. Ship them all back (for free), and then buy your prescription frames online. They even have experts on Facebook for that second (or 49th) opinion. Those who have bought glasses know how hard it can be to find the frames that compliment your face. 

Since their opening in 2010, they have added sunglasses, started a "buy a pair, give a pair" program, and added showrooms in multiple states. Worry, Texas not included - yet. However, you can get your Warby Parker fix because they are IN DALLAS RIGHT NOW!  They are touring the nation, visiting nine cities in six months to bring their showroom experience to life. And check out their ride:

It's a real-life school bus re-imagined as a professor’s library, complete with leather sofas, wood paneling, vintage books, and more. Today is their last day parked at 2323 Henderson Ave. but they will re-open on Thursday at the Shops at Park Lane. 

According The Wall Street Journal, the business keeps prices low by designing its own geek-chic frames, cutting out licensing fees, working directly with suppliers and eliminating markups by selling directly to consumers, who submit their prescriptions online

Click here for more company background.

photos via WarbyParker.com.