The deal expands 1-800 Contacts’ growing B2B offerings and enables new innovation for the global eyewear recommendation and virtual try-on company
DRAPER, Utah, Oct. 7, 2021 — 1-800 Contacts, Inc., the pioneer in the DTC vision space, today announced the acquisition of Ditto Technologies, Inc., a global leader in virtual eyewear try-on technology. The Oakland, California based company works with partners in the vision industry to simplify shopping experiences for consumers around the world through innovative technology offerings.
Over 60 million people per year have benefited from Ditto’s state-of-the-art technology that allows shoppers to realistically try-on eyewear and receive insightful frame recommendations both in person and online. Since its founding in 2011, top eCommerce brands, frame manufacturers, retailers and other eyecare professionals have integrated Ditto’s innovative technology to personalize and streamline the frame discovery experience.
For the last several years, 1-800 Contacts’ affiliate Premium Vision has partnered with corporate clients to offer sourcing, fulfillment, e-commerce and telemedicine services. In 2019, 1-800 Contacts acquired 6over6 Vision, Ltd., a revolutionary technology company offering accurate and reliable optical tests with just a computer or smartphone. Ditto will join forces with Premium Vision and 6over6 to create a turnkey B2B offering for other companies in the vision industry.
“Our clients have been asking us for additional technology solutions for years. By combining Premium Vision, 6over6, and Ditto, we can deliver an integrated technology and services offering,” said Kate Doerksen, cofounder of Ditto. “This acquisition helps us bring our vision to life on a larger scale to make buying eyewear simple and accessible.”
“Ditto’s goal of making it easier for consumers to discover and purchase great eyewear is closely aligned with our mission of making vision care simple,” said Kellen Fowler, SVP of Strategy and Business Development for 1-800 Contacts. “We are excited to have Kate and her talented team at Ditto join forces with us as we pursue a better way in vision care.”
