Cheeterz Club: Stylish Reading Glasses for a Modern Look

Are Stylish Reading Glasses Possible? Cheeterz Club Thinks So.

A new eyewear company, Cheeterz Club, is challenging the conventional view of reading glasses. They aim to transform the perception of these aids from inexpensive, disposable items to accessories people are proud to wear.

The company is focused on designing glasses with both high-quality lenses and fashionable frames, all while maintaining accessible pricing.

The Founding Story

Cheeterz Club’s name playfully references the common slang term for reading glasses, “cheaters.” The startup was established by Jennifer Farrelly, who brings experience from advertising and sales roles at companies like Uber and Virool.

Farrelly’s inspiration stemmed from her own dissatisfaction with the existing market options.

A Response to Changing Perceptions

The idea for a better pair of readers arose from observing disheartening sentiments shared on social media. Friends expressed feelings of aging and self-consciousness, prompting Farrelly to question why this had to be the case.

“Why are my friends and I feeling pressured to feel older due to something that seems to happen so suddenly?” she wondered, reflecting on the challenges associated with entering middle age.

She observed that the available options at drugstores often consisted of poorly made, unattractive plastic frames.

“This is even more discouraging,” she added.

Collaboration and Design

To create a superior product, Farrelly partnered with Lee Zaro, a former head of Product at Warby Parker and Pair Eyewear.

Zaro, located in the Los Angeles area, quickly recognized the potential of this venture.

“Current drugstore reading glasses frequently lack quality and appear designed for an older generation, leaving a significant gap in the market for sophisticated eyewear,” he stated. “I immediately understood the brilliance of Jennifer’s concept when she asked for my help in designing her initial eyewear line.”

Quality and Features

Cheeterz Club differentiates itself by utilizing 100% acetate for its frames, incorporating spring hinges, and employing stainless steel components. The lenses are engineered for enhanced clarity compared to standard reading glasses.

The lenses boast an Abbe value of 58, indicating superior optical performance. This value measures light dispersion; higher numbers signify better clarity. For comparison, polycarbonate readers typically have an Abbe value of 30.

Furthermore, Cheeterz Club lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and feature oil and water-repellent coatings.

Optional features include eight fashion tints (ranging from pink to blue), two sun shades, Blue Light coating for reducing screen-induced eye strain, and Progressive lenses combining distance and reading correction.

These additions are priced at $10 for tints, $25 for Blue Light protection, and $40.99 for Progressive lenses – rates that are competitive within the market.

Style and Pricing

Cheeterz Club currently offers 42 distinct styles, from classic to contemporary, with prices starting at $28.99.

Farrelly emphasized the importance of affordable pricing, recognizing that consumers often purchase multiple pairs of readers for various locations.

“A broken item costing several hundred dollars would be upsetting,” she explained. “However, at a drugstore price point under $30, one can afford to have readers in multiple colors and tints.”

Beyond Product: Addressing a Demographic

For Farrelly, the success of Cheeterz Club extends beyond delivering superior reading glasses. It’s about acknowledging and serving a demographic that is often overlooked.

“Founders in their forties are underrepresented, which is unfortunate,” she noted. “There’s also a significant population in their forties and fifties with disposable income seeking appealing products. They invest in skincare and cosmetic procedures, yet are often forced to wear unattractive glasses that diminish their self-esteem.”

Future Plans

While currently operating as a direct-to-consumer brand, Cheeterz Club is exploring partnerships with eye doctors, boutiques, and other retailers for potential wholesale distribution.

The company is also testing sales on Amazon with a single pair of Blue Light glasses.

Cheeterz Club intends to initiate fundraising discussions with seed investors later this fall.

Update, 8/31/21, 5:30 PM ET: Cheeterz Club initially provided an incorrect number of available frames at launch. An earlier version of this article stated 14, the correct number is 42. The information has been updated.