Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.
Naked Specs is a brand new online optical store that sells prescription glasses and polarized sunglasses. They also have a community giving program that aims to bring clear vision to 10 million people on the planet.
Founded by Carol Pearce in Perth, Australia, Naked Specs gives customers the opportunity to shop for glasses with a conscience. Products start at $90 and shipping is free worldwide.
Many have heard of the “buy one give one” business model. Naked Specs donates five pairs of products or the equivalent funding amount for treatment, such as cataract surgery, when a purchase is made. Customers choose which charity or project to support at checkout.
Naked Specs came about after Carol felt a misalignment in values with the corporate organization she used to work for. This misalignment made her think about what she wanted to do next and what she wanted out of her career. She knew she wanted to make people feel good in some way and that she wanted to start a social enterprise that would help the less fortunate people in the world.
Her son has a visual processing disorder and another family member has compromised vision as a result of disease. When Carol learned of the statistics on visual impairment and blindness in the world, she knew she wanted to help. Online statistics showed her that 285 million people around the globe are blind or visually impaired and 80% of the reasons for these impairments are in the curable or preventable area.
It is important to Carol that Naked Specs’ giving is completely transparent (or naked). The company is monitored by B1G1 to ensure that the charities and projects that Naked Specs supports are completely vetted.
Naked Specs is also dedicated to providing high quality and unique glasses to its customers. Carol explains that the glasses bring color and styles that people don’t normally find in an optical store. For example, you’ll find glasses on Naked Specs with bamboo material and layered colors. You can even see what the glasses will look like on you with their “virtual try on” feature. Maybe it’s because I vacationed there during my childhood years, but the Cape Cod sunglasses catch my eye.
And guess what? Carol has offered a 15% off discount code to another jennifer readers! Just use the code PhilanthropySpecs15 to get 15% off your new specs!
Reaching 10 million people through Naked Specs is Carol’s “big hairy audacious goal.” But she knows it’s achievable, even if it does take a few years.
Which Naked Specs collection and/or charity catches your eye?
this post was also published on pplkind.com
Jen, I am in need of a new pair of glasses and I will have to give them a try. I avoid online shopping for glasses because I have a hard face to fit, and my heavy prescription complicates matters! I love that they have virtual try on and that they support endeavors surrounding good vision. I have always donated my used glasses because I can’t imagine not being able to see properly. It’s something that’s easy to take for granted.
I’m lucky in that I have never had problems with my vision (knocking on wood!). It’s definitely something I take for granted. Let me know what you think of the site. I’m sure Carol would love to hear!
What a neat company! I love the Bordeaux sunglasses, and I tried out the virtual mirror. Very cool!
Neat! I haven’t tried it out yet, but it looks fun and helpful.
Wow, five products or equivalent treatment for every pair purchased? That’s incredible! I have no doubt Carol & Naked Specs will reach that big, hairy, audacious goal! Thanks for sharing another great company that makes a difference, Jennifer. Can’t wait to check them out!
I love Carol’s goal and she passionate about making it, so I have no doubt she will. Wish I had a use for those sunglasses right about now!
Sunglasses are perfect for protecting your peeps against massive amounts of snow glare!!!
Good point! And provide extra protection from the wind! I’ll use anything I can to keep my face covered right now.
I’m kinda in love with the Limoges glasses – wow! And the sun has been horrendously low in the sky lately. I really need a new pair.
Those are cool. Love the color!
I have a feeling I’m going to need glasses soon. I will be sure to check them out!
I love the styles they offer. Very different. I’m trying to decide which sunglasses I want!
What an incredible company!!! Five- for one?? Amazing!! Next time Cass or I need glasses, I need to try this site. What a beautiful and generous mission for the world’s vision. SO needed!!
I know, right? I thought Carol was exaggerating when she said 5 for 1. She’s very passionate about helping those with vision impairment.
This is perfect as I’m searching for new glasses (once I get my prescription ;)). I will be using this promo code, it’s great to know you’re contributing to something that is giving back to those who need! Happy 2014 Jennifer! -Iva
Awesome, Eva. Good timing! Happy 2014 to you!
I love her back story and reasoning for starting this company!
So great to see positive comments from you all 🙂
I am determined to make a difference. I just need to remember the sheer joy on the faces of those who have had blindness restored through our giving program. Hard to describe, but so moving in many ways… and also tough to think that a 20 minute operation can change a life, but that it’s out of reach for so many. We’re going to change that!
I’d love constructive feedback if you have any on our site, and very happy to engage with readers who want to talk about philanthropy and business. Jennifer, thanks so much for your generous post and support of Naked Specs.
Best wishes,
Carol.
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid
to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.