VANCOUVER, British Columbia— Online optical retailer, Coastal Contacts Inc. (NASDAQ: COA) (TSX: COA) (Stockholm: COA) reports it has launched a vision benefit plan for employers and membership organizations to provide their employees and members with preferred access to Coastal’s prescription eyewear and contact lenses. The Coastal Vision Plan, the company said, provides each employee and his or her dependents with an initial free pair of prescription eyeglasses and ongoing savings on prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Other options allow employers to customize their plan. Coastal said it is currently working with benefits consultants, brokers and human resource professionals to bring the plan to market.

“Our initial offering is a discount plan, although we are developing hybrid offerings to meet the needs and requests of our customers,” a Coastal spokesperson told VMail. “Specific plans offered in Canada and the United States will differ depending on market conditions and employer need. We have already launched plans with several clients and have received highly favorable reviews from both employers and employees.”

The spokesperson declined to provide specifics on which clients Coastal is already working with. The company also reported that Greg Lechner, vice president, business development, is actively working with corporations, employer groups, insurers, associations and benefit consultants to extend this offer to their users.

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.