Waveborn sunglasses look like Ray-Ban’s wayfarers, but hipper, and they give back like TOMS Shoes, but in a better, more sustainable way.

For every pair sold, the company helps people in need get glasses, eye exams, and surgeries, and invests in local eye care infrastructures around the world.

The Story

It all started when, while working for DoSomething.org, Waveborn Founder Jonathan Schilit was inspired to start his own social enterprise.

“I loved the spirit in building an organization for a social good,” he said.  ”I wanted to call myself a social entrepreneur.”

Two years and one Master of Business Administration later, Waveborn was…born.  

Giving Back

I first learned about the company about a month ago when a former classmate of mine reached out to me.  His name is Mike McCormick, and for him, the mission is personal.

“I was born with cataracts, which if untreated leads to blindness,” Mike explained.  ”I’m lucky my family had the resources to help me, and I’m passionate about helping those with similar vision problems, but fewer resources, around the world.

To that end, Waveborn has partnered with a few different organizations.  The first is Continue reading →