Blue Planet Optics: The Online Small Business You Need to Get Your Contact Lenses From
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and use my code, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
As someone who grew up in a family-run, small business, I can’t help but think shopping small is better than shopping the big-name retailers.
By better, I mean the entire experience from start to purchase and beyond.
Small businesses remember you. They tweak their products/services to accommodate their customers’ needs and desires.
You’re supporting them and the community directly by shopping small.
As opposed to supporting stakeholders with your hard-earned dollars, who own shares of dozens of companies, and whose only goal is maximizing profits at all costs, no matter what that experience looks like to the customer.
That’s why, instead of supporting giant companies like 1-800 Contacts, I choose to get my name-brand contact lenses (Acuvue Vita in case you’re wondering) from Blue Planet Optics.
I’m excited to feature them in this article, because being a small business is the least interesting part about BPO!
Use my code: GOGREENWITHALEXA for 20% off any and all orders at Blue Planet Optics!
Why I Love Blue Planet Optics
As someone who has a -8.0 prescription in both eyes, where I get my contact lenses is extremely important.
I genuinely can’t function with glasses alone.
Most contact lens users do not have that high of a prescription, so I was pleasantly surprised that BPO offers so many brands and a range of prescription combinations.
An aspect that drew me into Blue Planet Optics is their upcycling program for the contact lens blister packaging.
You know, the actual plastic packaging that your individual contact lenses come in?
The small plastic packaging that cannot be recycled in curbside recycling services across the U.S.?
Yes, those!
Through their See It Again Program, non-recyclable plastic blister packs, along with the foil, are being upcycled by Blue Planet Optics in an effort to repurpose the plastic.
On top of this, Blue Planet Optics continues to put their actions behind their values.
BPO donates $1 for every box of contacts sold to Sightsavers, a nonprofit working to prevent avoidable blindness and expand access to vision care worldwide.
As with any of my purchases, I try my best to shop with small businesses and especially, small businesses I believe in that are looking to make a positive impact on the world.
I stumbled upon Blue Planet Optics through Instagram back in 2023.
The affordability, upcycling program, and their dedication to their values drew me in…
But it was Erica’s founder story that really made me stay and keep coming back for more.
Meet Erica, Founder of Blue Planet Optics
Erica Buyalos is the CEO and founder of Blue Planet Optics.
Erica grew up wearing contact lenses, but didn’t see much evolution in the market over her time.
She knew access to eye care around the world needed a change.
So many people around the world simply cannot afford eye exams, eye care, or corrective support like glasses or contacts.
In college, she pitched Blue Planet Optics at her school’s entrepreneurship competition, and she tied for second place!
She earned $3,000 to kick-start her business.
Once she graduated from college, she filed the necessary paperwork to be able to supply contact lenses to customers, receiving approval from big brands like Acuvue, Precision1, and Total30 after about a year.
As of now, Blue Planet Optics has been selling contact lenses for three years, and every sale helps expand access to eye care all around the world.
Erica’s story is one of determination, creativity, compassion, and service. I’m so proud to support and partner with a great business like Blue Planet Optics!
Shopping Small is Essential
In a world where the U.S.’s largest corporation funds war, guns, the fossil fuel industry, and many more questionable industries…
This is the time to put our money where our mouth is.
To shop small as much as possible, to support businesses that actually put their money into their marketing is.
Plus, you can use my code: GOGREENWITHALEXA for 20% off your order (first time and beyond!) at Blue Planet Optics!
Vote with your dollar!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and use my code, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
