Lenskart.com to offer eye check-up programme at customer's doorstep

Delhi-based Valyoo Technologies, which owns and operates online eyewear retailer Lenskart.com, has launched a new programme whereby customers will get eye check-ups by an optometrist at their doorsteps. The firm will also offer its bestselling 200-250 pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses for customers to choose from. The new service is aimed at people who do not have time for regular check-ups or to buy new spectacles.

Lenskart said that around 40-50 per cent of its potential buyers, who would want to buy spectacles online but are not aware of their eye-power, will benefit from the programme. To avail the service, interested customers will have to make an online appointment in advance by paying a fee of Rs 100. "People do not have time to go to a shop and buy specs. Also, they are afraid of buying specs online because they are not sure about their eye power or how they will eventually look after wearing the specs. Our new programme serves both these needs," Lenskart founder and CEO Peyush Bansal said.

The startup was founded in 2010 by Bansal. In October 2011, IDG Ventures put in $4 million in Valyoo, which also runs a string of other e-shops including Jewelskart.com, Watchkart.com and Bagskart.com. Early this year, Valyoo raised $10 million in Series B round of funding, led by Unilazer Ventures (promoted by UTV founder-chairman Ronnie Screwvala), with participation from IDG.

(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)