VANCOUVER—Kits Eyecare Ltd. (TSX: KITS), a vertically integrated eyecare platform based here, has launched a partnership with Green Shield Canada (GSC), one of the country's largest health benefits carriers. Under the terms of the agreement, Kits will provide GSC's over 4.5 million members access to an exclusive platform allowing them to link their GSC account and directly order prescription glasses or contacts using their benefits, according to a Kits announcement late last week. The GSC members will also receive additional partner discounts on their orders, further expanding member benefits and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, the announcement noted.

Kits offers access to quality eyecare, maintaining one of the largest inventories of contact lenses and eyeglasses with over 800 styles and over 350,000 frames in stock, the announcement noted.

All prescription eyeglasses are produced at Kits’ state-of-the-art optical lab in Vancouver, B.C., allowing Kits to manufacture and ship throughout Canada.

Kits chief executive officer Roger Hardy said the company is excited to offer this level of integration to GSC's millions of members. “Canadians have high expectations when it comes to health care, and eyecare is no exception,” he said. We've built a first-of-its-kind integrated experience here that marries the Kits standard for quality, selection and value in optical, with GSC's commitment to innovation, affording members more access and maximum value out of their insurance benefits. It sets a new bar within the category.”

Luke Vigeant, SVP of product at GSC, added, “We take great pride in being a digital health leader—and this partnership with Kits is an exciting addition to our growing ecosystem. Vision care ties into GSC's commitment to better health for all and we are thrilled to see this depth of integration and partnership with Kits come to life.”