Zenni’s Blokz Blue Light Protection Line Thriving as Consumers Seek Relief While Working at Home

NOVATO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zenni Optical, the online leader in prescription eyewear, announced today another industry milestone, as the company sold over one million pairs of its “Blokz” blue light-blocking lenses in 2019. Zenni Blokz sales have continued to increase rapidly, rising 56% year-over-year to date from 2019 due in large part to a starting price point of just $16.95 coupled with state-of-the-art technology.

“Zenni Blokz lenses have been an extremely popular addition to many customer orders since we entered the pandemic as the harmful effect of over exposure to high energy blue light continues to proliferate while so many work from home”

With consumers being more conscientious about protecting their eyes from harmful blue light during the coronavirus pandemic, and the rising popularity of blue light-blocking technology, Zenni has expanded its Blokz product line to include a photochromic option, which darkens in sunlight, Blokz sunglasses, and impact-resistant Blokz Trivex lenses.

The direct-to-consumer pioneer, now in its 17th year, has sold over 33 million pairs of glasses since its founding, including pairs delivered to all 195 countries on the planet. With nearly six million pairs of glasses sold in 2019 alone, Zenni continues to expand its accessibility and global reach to deliver on its mission of eyewear for everyone.

“Zenni Blokz lenses have been an extremely popular addition to many customer orders since we entered the pandemic as the harmful effect of over exposure to high energy blue light continues to proliferate while so many work from home,” said Bai Gan, Chief Product Officer of Zenni. “There’s been great support from the industry as a whole around the blue light protection technology in the last 18 months. Our customers are taking advantage of the best-in-class lens technology, developed in concert with Mitsui Chemicals, coupled with a market leading price point of just $16.95. We’re seeing great adoption of this low-cost, high value protective lens not only from our prescription-wearing customers but also those consumers with perfect eyesight, looking to protect it with a virtually clear lens they can wear in any environment their eyes need protection from harmful light.”

Zenni’s impressive global growth in 2019 resulted in a record gross revenue of more than $250 million due in part to the success of Blokz as well as the increased focus on brand marketing stemming from multi-year partnerships with the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bulls. As the official eyewear company for both teams, players and performance staff use Zenni’s Blokz as an eye recovery tool to block blue light from digital screens (e.g., watching film, scrolling through phones in the dark after games, etc.). The trailblazing online retailer debuted its first Super Bowl ad featuring 49ers All-Pro Tight End George Kittle to support its relationship with the team. To drive usage of Blokz in the burgeoning e-sports category, Zenni partnered with the Golden Guardians (GGS), the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. The company has since added four additional partners to diversify its category visibility with the Brooklyn Nets Gaming Crew (NBA2K), Houston Outlaws (Overwatch), Pittsburgh Knights (Rocket League) and Lux Gaming (HALO).

Additional success came from expanded brand marketing efforts, including its national “Eyewear for Every You” advertising campaign featuring actress, writer and producer Rashida Jones and product collaborations with designers including Cynthia Rowley who debuted her second Zenni collection in May.

Since its founding in 2003, the company’s mission has focused on providing the highest quality prescription eyewear at a fraction of the cost of traditional retailers and delivered solely direct to consumer via its online store. With complete prescription pairs starting at just $6.95, and averaging just over $40, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model.

Supporting these efforts is Zenni’s best-in-class customer service, which was recognized by Newsweek magazine’s inaugural 2019 list of America’s Best Companies for Customer Service, as the top in the online eyewear retailer category. In February 2020, Consumer Reports also rated Zenni a top three eyeglass retailer, ahead of 30 other legacy eyewear brands.

About Zenni

Zenni Optical pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make prescription eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in Marin County, California, Zenni offers men, women, and children the freedom to express their personal style and individuality through high-quality prescription and protective eyewear curated with a sense for fashion and incredible selection. With over 33 million frames sold worldwide, a pair of Zennis is owned in every country across the globe. Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear Partner of the Chicago Bulls and San Francisco 49ers. For more information, visit www.zenni.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.