In a country where vision care has often been overlooked or under-prioritized, Lenskart has emerged as a disruptive force, reshaping how Indians buy eyeglasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses. Founded in 2010 by Peyush Bansal, along with co-founders Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi, Lenskart has grown from an online eyewear store into a powerful omnichannel brand with international presence. With its customer-first approach, innovative technology, and aggressive expansion, Lenskart is not only India’s leading eyewear company but is also positioning itself as a global contender.
The Genesis of Lenskart
The idea of Lenskart was born out of Bansal’s own dissatisfaction with the eyewear buying experience in India. A former Microsoft employee and an MBA dropout from IIM Bangalore, Bansal wanted to address the limited availability, lack of variety, and high costs associated with eyewear in the Indian market. In its early days, Lenskart operated solely online, offering customers the ability to choose from hundreds of frames, powered by an algorithm that helped narrow choices based on face shape, preferences, and budget.
As it gained traction, Lenskart expanded into selling contact lenses and sunglasses, gradually becoming a one-stop shop for all vision-related needs.
Disruptive Business Model
Lenskart’s success lies in its unique combination of online convenience and offline experience. While the e-commerce platform offers variety and affordability, Lenskart’s brick-and-mortar stores allow customers to try on frames, get eye tests, and receive personalized service. As of 2024, the company has over 2,000 retail outlets across India and is expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
One of the major shifts in Lenskart’s model was vertical integration. The company manufactures its own frames and lenses, which helps reduce costs, maintain quality control, and improve margins. Its in-house brand offers stylish, high-quality eyewear at competitive prices.
Additionally, Lenskart pioneered the Home Eye Check-up service, where trained professionals visit customers at home to conduct free eye tests. This service proved particularly useful in smaller towns and rural areas where access to optometrists is limited.
Technology at the Core
Lenskart has embraced technology in a way few Indian retail brands have. Its website and app use AI and machine learning to provide virtual try-ons, face detection, and personalized recommendations. The 3D Try-On tool, for instance, uses facial mapping technology to let users see how frames look on their face from different angles, making the online shopping experience immersive and close to the real thing.
The company also uses data analytics to study consumer behavior, optimize inventory, and manage its supply chain. From predicting future trends to identifying popular designs, Lenskart uses tech to stay ahead of the curve.
In manufacturing, Lenskart’s robotic lens manufacturing and fitting facility in Delhi-NCR is among the most advanced in Asia, capable of producing thousands of pairs of glasses daily with precision and speed.
Funding and Valuation
Lenskart has been one of the most well-funded startups in India’s D2C space. It has raised funding from major investors including SoftBank Vision Fund, Temasek, TPG, Alpha Wave Global, and Kedaara Capital. In 2023, the company was valued at over $5 billion, making it one of India’s few profitable unicorns.
In 2022, Lenskart acquired a majority stake in Japanese eyewear brand Owndays, expanding its reach in East Asia. This acquisition not only solidified its international ambitions but also added operational expertise in premium retail.
Challenges Faced
Despite its rapid rise, Lenskart has faced several challenges. Maintaining consistent service across its franchise outlets is one such issue, as customer experience can vary. Logistics and delivery delays have also occasionally affected online shoppers.
The eyewear market is also becoming increasingly competitive. With players like Titan Eye+, Specsmakers, and international brands entering the Indian market, Lenskart must continue to innovate and differentiate itself.
There have also been concerns around data privacy, given the reliance on tech-driven personalization. Ensuring user trust through ethical data practices will be crucial as Lenskart scales globally.
Sustainability and Social Impact
Lenskart has taken steps toward sustainability, with initiatives to reduce plastic use in packaging and promote recycling of old frames. It has also collaborated with NGOs and vision care foundations to distribute free glasses to underprivileged communities, particularly schoolchildren, as part of its mission to address preventable blindness.
The company’s focus on affordability has made eyewear more accessible to millions of Indians. With many people in India never having had an eye test in their life, Lenskart’s wide network of stores and home services is helping bridge a major healthcare gap.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Lenskart aims to become the largest eyewear player in the world, with ambitious expansion plans in the UAE, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. The company plans to open over 1,000 stores internationally in the next few years.
With growing interest in fashion-forward eyewear and the integration of smart glasses (AR/VR possibilities), Lenskart is exploring newer categories and innovations. Its commitment to blending technology, affordability, and user experience puts it in a strong position to shape the future of global eyewear retail.
Conclusion
From a modest online store to a multi-billion-dollar omnichannel eyewear giant, Lenskart’s journey exemplifies how a customer-focused, tech-savvy approach can transform even a traditional industry. With its relentless pursuit of innovation and quality, Lenskart is not just helping people see better — it’s changing how they see eyewear itself
