From Warby Parker to TOMS: Glasses That Give Back

5:00 PM, November 10 2011

By Elana Fishman

It's easy to see—pun intended—that charitable eyewear is having moment. Manhattan start-up Warby Parker was perhaps the first to test the concept, selling hipster prescription eyewear (and later sunglasses, too) for under $100 a pop—all while matching each purchase with a donation to those in need. Since then, BonLook has jumped on the bandwagon, while Eyebobs launched a charitable collaboration with none other than Katie Couric. And though they're famous for philanthropic footwear, TOMS is now applying their trademark "One for One" practice to eyewear. We've got the scoop on this awesome optical trend, from the costs to the causes behind each brand.

The Product: Optical and sunwear styles for men and women, with a focus on rich finishes and chunky Brooklyn-minded frames.

The Purpose: Warby Parker's "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" policy dictates that for each pair of glasses sold, another is donated to a person in need. The company works closely with nonprofit organizations that help them maintain low price points.

The Price: $95 per pair—which includes either prescription or polarized lenses.