NEW YORK—VisionSpring has announced a new, formal partnership with online eyewear retailer Warby Parker, one the organization says “is changing the way that glasses are sold and how for-profit optical companies behave.”

“VisionSpring is very excited to have partners like Warby Parker and Ray-Ban who bring greater attention to the need for affordable eyeglasses in underserved communities. These companies restore the sight of their customers every day and are now providing valuable resources to help the millions of people in need across the developing world,” a spokesperson for the organization told VMail. VisionSpring announced their partnership with Ray-Ban in March of this year.

"Hundreds of millions of people need glasses. VisionSpring solves this problem by creating jobs and permanent infrastructure to provide glasses," said Neil Blumenthal, one of Warby Parker’s four founders. Having previously served as director of VisionSpring, helping to pioneer the organization's model to train local entrepreneurs to sell affordable glasses in their communities, Blumenthal said "We are excited to support VisionSpring fulfill their mission of providing quality eyewear in a thoughtful manner around the globe."

To announce the new partnership, Warby Parker has also launched a campaign through their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/WarbyParker, which it also announced via e-mail newsletter this week. For every 10 "likes" the brand collects, Warby Parker will donate an additional pair of glasses to VisionSpring. According to WarbyParker, the company currently provides a pair of glasses to someone in need, namely through VisionSpring, for each pair of glasses it sells.

For more information, visit www.warbyparker.com/VisionSpring.