Online eyewear retailer David Kind is offering customers an eyewear trade-up program. Now through May 31, customers can send David Kind eyeglasses valued at $89 or more that they have previously purchased from other online sellers. The company will donate them to people in need overseas/in developing countries through New Eyes for the Needy and others, and give donors a $95 credit toward a new pair, through its free no-risk online trial program. To participate in the program, customers pick three David Kind frame styles, which the company’s opticians recommend for home try-on for up to six days.

The quality of online eyewear can vary depending in part upon the measurement technology used, just as in a brick-and-mortar optical store. David Kind uses a patented photo measurement technology—similar to techniques used in the doctor’s office—to measure pupil distance, ocular center and segment height. The technique, developed and patented by David Kind, yields a perfect fit for every customer, offers greater consistency no matter the frame, and is far superior to averages or algorithms used by other online retailers, according to David Barton, founder of David Kind.

“At David Kind, we think quality eyewear, eye health and your vision should be top priority, so we place a strong emphasis on technology, craftsmanship and access to in-house opticians to ensure the best lens clarity and frame fit,” says Barton. “We don’t think anyone should have to find out the hard way that ‘$600 glasses for $95 online’ is too good to be true. If you’ve discovered they’re not for you, send them to us. We’ll give you a discount on higher quality fashion eyewear and pay it forward to someone who can benefit.”

For more on online eyewear retailing, read this month’s Through My Lens column, “Stop Optical’s Propaganda War.”

–Andrew Karp