1-800 Contacts has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 6over6 Vision, a startup that lets customers perform at-home vision tests using a mobile app or computer. The transaction is expected to close by the end of December.
The deal will let 1-800 Contacts integrate the 6over6 technology, to streamline the shopping experience by letting customers obtain new prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses without the need for an office visit. 1-800 Contacts will implement the technology in its Express Exam, which currently lets shoppers confirm their prescriptions through a computer or smartphone.
“It has been our life’s mission to create groundbreaking technology that would allow consumers the ability to take control of their own vision care and reach communities around the globe without access,” said Ofer Limon, Co-Founder of 6over6 Vision in a statement. “1-800 Contacts shares our drive to change what is broken in this industry, and we know that this acquisition will bring our vision to life on a global scale that can make real change.”
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Boosting its customer service capabilities could help 1-800 Contacts compete against Warby Parker, which is launching a private label contact lens brand. Shoppers still need to visit a store and have an exam before they can order their six-month supply through Warby Parker, so offering the convenience of at-home exams could give 1-800 Contacts an edge.
