VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Online optical retailer, Coastal Contacts Inc. (TSX: COA) (Stockholm: COA) has launched a Brazilian website to sell contact lenses, eyeglasses and sunglasses. The company will also establish a distribution center in Brazil this year. “The eyewear market in Brazil is very attractive for Coastal and presents a unique opportunity to create a market leadership position quickly,” said founder and CEO Roger Hardy.

Founded in 2000, Coastal Contacts services customers in more than 150 countries through its family of websites, including Coastal.com,  ClearlyContacts.ca, Lensway.com, Lensway.co.uk, Lensway.se, ClearlyContacts.com.au, ClearlyContacts.co.nz, Contactsan.com, Coastallens.com and its newest site, Lensway.com.br.