Online eyewear company to 'Change the View' for millions around the world

VANCOUVER, March 30 /PRNewswire/ - The world's largest online eyewear retailer is aiming to help millions of people around the world who suffer from poor vision by donating eyeglasses each time a customer buys a pair as part of its new charitable initiative.

Clearly launched the Change the View Project this month and will now donate one pair of eyeglasses for every pair of private label eyeglasses purchased.

The company aims to donate more than two million pairs of eyeglasses to those in need by the year 2020.

Change the View Project has donated 2,500 pairs of eyeglasses in 2011 to people in Haiti, Kenya and across North America.

The initiative aims to distribute 250,000 pairs of eyeglasses globally by the end of this year.

Roger Hardy, Founder and CEO of Clearly, said:

"There are approximately 560 million people around the world who suffer from the effects of poor vision because they don't have access to affordable eyeglasses. Most of these people will see an immediate improvement in their lives simply by receiving a pair of eyeglasses; something most of us take for granted.

"Our goal as a company is to change the way that people buy eyewear and as leaders in a growing online eyeglasses retail sector we believe that we also have a responsibility to give something back to those in need of the most basic vision care. The Change the View Project will help us and our customers to help children and adults around the world who require vision correction but cannot access or afford it."

The Change the View Project is seeking partner organizations with health aid missions around the world to distribute eyeglasses internationally. It is also seeking distribution partners in North America.

If you would like to help please contact the Change the View Project at: [email protected].

About Clearly

Clearly has quickly become the world's leading online retailer of vision care products, attributable to a combination of fast delivery, a customer-centric approach, and great selection at the lowest possible prices.  Founded in 2000, the Vancouver based online retailer designs, produces and distributes the largest selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses on the Internet, including a unique combination of designer brand eyewear, contact lenses, sunglasses, and vision care accessories.  Coastal Contacts rapid growth and expansion services over 150 countries through the Coastal Contacts family of websites including: Clearly.ca, ClearlyContacts.ca, Lensway.com, Lensway.co.uk, Lensway.se, ClearlyContacts.com.au, ClearlyContacts.co.nz, Contactsan.com, Yasuilens.com, Maxlens.com, and Coastallens.com. With annual sales revenue exceeding $153 Million for 2010, Coastal Contacts is targeting annual revenue of $1 billion by the year 2020. More information about Coastal Contacts rapid growth and product offering can be found at clearly.ca .

SOURCE Coastal Contacts Inc.