SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advanced Digital Eyewear Inc., Blue Shield of California’s exclusive online eyewear company certified by the California Medical Board, today officially launched its website www.My2020EyesDirect.com.
Advanced Digital Eyewear was developed by optical industry veterans Bernard Freiwald and Leslie Gardner, each of whom have more than 25 years of experience in the industry, including leading the worldwide development of Sola International, now a part of Carl Zeiss Vision.
“Our objective is to provide affordably-priced state-of-the-art eyewear directly to members of vision care insurance plans and to all consumers through websites that are co-branded with managed care, public and private corporations,” said Bernard Freiwald, CEO of Advanced Digital Eyewear Inc.
Rapid Growth Expected
“Online sales of eyewear are currently about 3% of the total U.S. eyewear market, and analysts project that online purchases will grow to 10%-15%,” said Leslie Gardner, President of Advanced Digital Eyewear Inc. “The combination of support from Blue Shield of California and our use of top quality, state-of-the-art lens designs, contemporary frames and processing technologies gives us a unique position in the market.”
Real-Time Blue Shield Vision Care Plan Benefits
My2020EyesDirect.com is the only in-network online eyewear retailer for Blue Shield of California, which allows many Blue Shield of California Vision Care members to use their existing benefits to purchase eyewear at no additional out-of-pocket cost.
“Our proprietary Real-Time Benefit Technology enables Vision Care members to download and to apply their benefits throughout the website,” said Gardner. “Their benefits flow through the selection process and are automatically applied to purchases at checkout.”
Enjoyable Shopping Experience and Virtual “Try-on”
My2020EyesDirect.com offers step-by-step guidance to make selection and purchase an enjoyable and friendly process. Customers can even upload a photo of themselves to virtually “try on” any frame selection that they choose and share their frame choices with friends and family through Facebook and Twitter.
If additional assistance is required, a professional team of trained opticians and fashion experts is available online or by phone to help customers select lenses and frames that work best for them.
If for any reason a customer is not 100% satisfied with his or her purchase, Advanced Digital Eyewear will accept exchanges and returns.
Extraordinary Values for Everyone
At My2020EyesDirect.com One Stop Shop, vision care members and everyone else can purchase a complete package of prescription eyeglasses including a frame from an up-and-coming designer and state-of-the-art lenses.
Vision care members can often purchase eyewear at no cost, though some plans have a nominal co-pay.
Everyone else can save 60% or more on their eyewear. A complete package with single vision impact resistant lenses, for example, is just $99 while the same frame with customized digitally surfaced progressive lenses is just $224.
Additionally, every lens includes UV protection, Hi-Res anti-reflective coating, and a tough scratch-resistant coating at no additional charge.
By contrast, similar eyewear packages cost $500 to over $750 at traditional local eyewear stores.
Looking into the Future
Twenty-one percent of consumers surveyed by a recent study by Bain & Company indicate that they would consider purchasing glasses online in the next 12 months, a favorable attitude that is expected to propel Advanced Digital Eyewear’s growth.
Growth will also be propelled by technological advancements that give consumers greater confidence in purchasing eyewear online, such as the continual improvements in virtual “try on” and in methods that assure a better frame and lens fit.
Advanced Digital Eyewear expects to partner with companies who offer financial, human and technological resources (such as in-store kiosks), as well as the strategic commitment to bring affordable eyewear to people worldwide.
About Advanced Digital Eyewear
Advanced Digital Eyewear (www.My2020EyesDirect.com) offers hundreds of select frames from up-and-coming and well-known designers and advanced-technology lenses in a simple personalized online shopping experience that provides eyewear tailored to each customer’s specific needs—at a significant savings compared to traditional eyewear stores.
Advanced Digital Eyewear was developed by Leslie Gardner and Bernie Freiwald, both of whom are known to the optical industry for developing Sola Optical into a worldwide company. Each has over 25 years of experience in the optical industry and a background in building brands with consumer package goods companies.