I've worn glasses since I was 9 years old. This means that about once every two to three years, I inevitably need new eyewear. It's also inevitable that glasses are expensive. You don't really have much say in the matter because you have to be able to see, right? Let me introduce you to a brand I have come to know and love: Warby Parker.

Warby Parker was founded by a group of grad school students. One of them lost his glasses on a backpacking trip and due to the cost of eyewear, found himself unable to replace them. He ended up spending an entire semester without clear vision. There had to be a better way to provide affordable eyewear to consumers. His fellow students joined him to create an alternative to expensive glasses, and Warby Parker was born.

I was recommended this brand by my best friend. She was hooked when she learned just how simple Warby Parker makes the process. They offer a home-try on program at no cost to you. It's simple - You go to their website, you can choose to complete the quiz or go ahead and pick 5 frames you want to try. Warby ships them to you for free, you take some selfies and let your family and friends vote on their favorites. Then once you've made your choice, you mail back the home try-on kit (for free) and order your frames. Your new glasses arrive directly to your door within 10 business days. The best part about this entire deal - Prescription glasses start at just $95! When I heard that, I was sold.



In recent years, Warby Parker has begun opening up brick-and-mortar locations, as well! I was thrilled when they opened their Charlotte location, giving me access to all of their frames and their in-house experts. Some of the retail stores even offer eye exams.

As if I could love this brand any more, Warby Parker also has their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. 2.5 billion people in the world need glasses but don't have access to them. So, Warby Parker partnered with VisionSpring and together, they set a mission: For every pair of glasses sold, a pair is given to someone in need. To date, their effort has impacted more than 50 countries.



I've been wearing Warby since last summer. I purchased my first pair of Wilkies in June and they are still in tip-top shape. I purchased my first pair of prescription sunglasses in Raglan this summer as well. In the past, I've paid over $400 for a pair of nice prescription sunglasses, but with Warby, I paid just $175. I'm stylish, I have some extra money in my pocket, and best of all? I can see!

With Warby, there's nothing complicated about it! Everyone has the right to see and everyone has the right to affordable vision. Warby Parker has made that possible.