Since launching on Kickstarter in 2012, we’ve had a blast developing our line of repurposed bamboo sunglasses and providing eye care for over 11,000 people in need across 32 countries. After three years of working on that collection, we were ready for the next challenge. We wanted to create a new line of eco-friendly eyewear that could accompany you on your adventures around the world and not break your wallet.
Once we decided to develop a new line of eyewear, we connected with a new factory that specializes in injection molding and produces eyewear for major brands. We learned that a substantial amount of plastic waste is incurred during production. During this process, plastic frames undergo a refinement process which creates plastic remnants that end up on the factory floors.
We worked with our factory to determine how we could recycle this waste and use it in the construction of a new line of eyewear while still maintaining a high level of quality and integrity. By incorporating 20% recycled plastics in the construction of our frames, we were able to reach this goal. Now, we need your help financing production of this collection!
Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) Polarized Lenses is a new lens technology formulated for optimal visual and polarization clarity. The lenses are hard coated to resist every day scratches and block out harmful UV rays up to 400 nanometers. The polarized layer is chemically fused between two layers of TAC film creating a 1.0mm thick lens.
The frames are composed of TR90 plastic which is a type of polymer plastic that has many advantages over more traditional plastics used in eyeglass frames. TR90 is lightweight, impact and heat resistant (up to 350 degrees) as well as resistant to deformation.
We will survey you once this project has concluded to find out which frame you would like.
All sunglasses come with Microfiber carrying bag that also serves as a lens cleaner.
"Excellent glasses! They are comfortable. Friends have commented on how nice they look. I like the polarized lenses.”
"My favorite sunglasses! I love these glasses! I was anxious about buying them without having tried them on because I feel like it's so rare for me to find a frame that I like- but these sunglasses somehow look great on everyone I know who has them!”
"Perfect for men AND women! I have three picky brothers and I never know what to give them as gifts. Last year, I gave them all a pair of Dominicans and they are all obsessed! They actually have had to coordinate their looks when they get together so they don't all bro out in identical SOLOs. Pretty hilarious. Oh, and these also look great on women. I have a pair and they are a classic look that works no matter what you are wearing or what type of event you're attending.”
"LOVE these frames! I love these glasses for multiple reasons...They are high quality, re-purposed glasses that don't make you sacrifice style in order to participate in their awesome mission. I love my Cameroon frames, they are great for the beach and are very durable. I will definitely be investing in another pair of SOLOs soon!”
"Fun glasses that catch your eye. I love these frames because they are so fun and different.”
"Absolute Best Sunglasses Ever! Loving my new SOLOS! I feel "like a million bucks" when I wear them, not only because of the way they look, but because these same sunglasses have empowered someone less fortunate with the gift of sight. I am a repeat customer."
The concept for SOLO Eyewear was developed as a class project at San Diego State University. While completing an International Entrepreneurship course, Jenny Amaraneni read Paul Polak’s Out of Poverty where she discovered the great need for eye care around the world. She decided to research the issue further. Jenny, who has poor vision, encountered two startling statistics: approximately 1 billion people do not have access to eye care and nearly 80% of the world’s blindness is preventable. (World Health Organization)
These statistics were a call to action… the idea for SOLO Eyewear was born. Jenny partnered with her colleague and fellow student, Dana Holliday, to launch the company. To date, SOLO has restored vision for 11,000+ people in need across 32 countries and it's only the beginning. With the support of a stellar team, Jenny and Dana are leading the vision restoring efforts at SOLO. At SOLO Eyewear, we create environmentally and socially conscious sunglasses while inspiring individuals to live limitlessly and give abundantly. We believe everyone should SEE the world. #LiveAndGive
TIMELINE
July - August 2015: Design and Prototype
September - November 2015: Sampling
December - January 2016: Development of Molds
February - April 2016: Product Testing
May - June 2016: Kickstarter (Current)
July - August 2016: Production
September 2016: Shipment
Our Happiness Guarantee is valid for 30 days from the date of shipment. If you are not happy with your product for any reason, simply ship your product back to our headquarters and we will grant you a full refund or exchange.
Thanks to our incredible fans, we’ve been able to amplify our mission beyond our wildest expectations -- which has exponentially boosted our giving efforts. It's truly been an amazing journey as we've provided eye exams, prescription eyeglasses to schoolchildren and fully restored the vision of blind patients through cataract surgeries. We've impacted thousands of lives and we're only getting started. Thanks in advance for continuing to forward our mission of #LiveAndGive.
Risks and challenges
Over the past four years, we've become well versed in manufacturing and developing new, quality eyewear. We successfully launched via Kickstarter in 2012 and have since fulfilled thousands of orders around the world.
We are confident in our new supplier for the Recycled Plastic Collection and have successfully completed sampling and testing phases of the product. Although we have taken the necessary steps to prepare ourselves for mass production, there is always a chance of encountering unforeseen delays. If we experience any delays or setbacks, we will notify you as soon as possible.
We also provide a Happiness Guarantee to our customers. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with your purchase, simply notify us and ship your order back to us within 30 days of its ship date. We will then refund you or exchange your product. Our product also comes with a 1 year manufacturer's warranty that covers any defects.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterSupport
Funding period
- (33 days)