Startup How Eyewear Brand ClearDekho Is Outshining Lenskart in Tier 3 & 4 Cities Aalam RohileApril 24, 2025070 views How Eyewear Brand ClearDekho Is Outshining Lenskart in Tier 3 & 4 Cities SUMMARY: ClearDekho’s Edge in Small-Town IndiaClearDekho, also known as Eyewear Brand ClearDekho, is taking the eyewear market by storm in India’s Tier III and IV cities. Launched in 2016 in Ghaziabad, this startup offers glasses starting at ₹500, targeting low-income families in underserved towns. With 100+ stores, a thriving online platform, and doorstep eye checkups, ClearDekho is outpacing giants like Lenskart. Recently acquired by the Jaipuria Group in 2025, it’s scaling rapidly, aiming for 200 stores by 2026. This article dives into ClearDekho’s strategy, milestones, challenges, and how it’s redefining vision care in Bharat. Introduction: A New Leader in Eyewear for Bharat Imagine living in a small Indian town, struggling to read because the nearest optical store is hours away, and glasses cost more than your monthly groceries. For millions in Tier III and IV cities, this is reality. But ClearDekho is changing the game. Founded by Shivi Singh and Saurabh Dayal, Eyewear Brand ClearDekho is bringing affordable, stylish eyewear to India’s heartland. With a clever mix of online and offline channels, it’s not just competing with Lenskart—it’s outshining it in small towns. Let’s dive into how ClearDekho is becoming the eyewear hero of Bharat. The Rise of ClearDekho: From Ghaziabad to Glory In 2016, Shivi Singh was working with VisionSpring, a global nonprofit focused on affordable eyewear. He saw a glaring gap: urban India had access to sleek optical stores, while small towns were stuck with overpriced or substandard glasses. Teaming up with his friend Saurabh Dayal, Singh launched ClearDekho in Ghaziabad, aiming to make quality glasses accessible for as little as ₹500. From a single store, Eyewear Brand ClearDekho has grown to over 100 outlets across 50+ cities, focusing on North India’s underserved towns like Meerut, Aligarh, and Azamgarh. Today, it’s a lifeline for millions needing vision care. Why Tier III & IV Cities Are ClearDekho’s Battleground India’s eyewear market is booming, projected to reach $6 billion by 2026. Prescription glasses lead the charge, but protective eyewear and kids’ glasses are gaining traction, especially post-COVID with increased screen time. Yet, 80% of this market remains unorganized, particularly in Tier III and IV cities, home to 70% of India’s population. Over 600 million Indians need glasses, but half can’t afford or access them due to high costs and limited stores. ClearDekho saw this as a golden opportunity. By targeting low-income consumers in small towns, it’s addressing a massive need. These cities, often overlooked by big brands, are where Eyewear Brand ClearDekho is making its mark, offering budget-friendly glasses and eye care tailored to local demands. ClearDekho’s Winning Formula: Affordable, Accessible, Scalable How does ClearDekho outshine its competitors? Its strategy rests on three pillars: affordability, accessibility, and scalability. Here’s a closer look. The FOCO Model: Empowering Local Entrepreneurs ClearDekho’s Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated (FOCO) model is its secret weapon. Instead of owning stores, it partners with local entrepreneurs who run ClearDekho-branded outlets. The company manages operations, ensuring consistent quality and pricing. With 50 stores in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR alone, this model has fueled rapid expansion into towns like Bahraich and Sitapur, where big players haven’t ventured. Seamless Online-Offline Integration Eyewear Brand ClearDekho started as an online marketplace, offering glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses at unbeatable prices. But small-town customers often prefer in-person experiences. So, ClearDekho adopted an online-to-offline (O2O) model, letting customers shop online or visit stores for eye tests and fittings. In 2024, it opened 10 new stores in cities like Lucknow and Surat, with 50 more planned by mid-2025. This hybrid approach ensures no customer is left behind. Doorstep Eye Testing for All Eye testing is a major barrier in small towns. ClearDekho solves this with doorstep eye checkup services. Customers can book a test at home, school, or work, get checked by certified optometrists, and receive glasses at their doorstep. This service has exploded in popularity, especially among students and professionals dealing with digital eye strain, making vision care effortless. How ClearDekho Outshines Lenskart Lenskart, valued at $5 billion with 2,000+ stores, dominates India’s eyewear market. Brands like Titan Eye Plus and Fastrack also have strong urban footholds. Yet, ClearDekho is stealing the spotlight in Tier III and IV cities. Here’s how: Affordability First: ClearDekho’s glasses start at ₹500, perfect for low-income families, while Lenskart targets premium, urban buyers. Regional Dominance: Its deep roots in North India, especially Uttar Pradesh, give it a local edge over Lenskart’s broader focus. Franchise Trust: Unlike Lenskart, which has faced franchisee disputes, ClearDekho’s FOCO model fosters strong partner relationships. Community Connection: ClearDekho’s smaller stores offer a personal touch, resonating with small-town customers who value familiarity. Social Mission: By tackling avoidable blindness (50% of India’s 15 million blind cases), ClearDekho appeals to purpose-driven consumers. Eyewear Brand ClearDekho isn’t just competing—it’s setting a new standard for small-town India. ClearDekho vs. Competitors: What Sets It Apart? While Lenskart remains the dominant player in urban India, ClearDekho’s focus on affordability, small-town presence, and a franchise-driven model sets it apart. Here’s a quick comparison: FeatureClearDekhoLenskartFocus MarketTier III & IV cities, small townsTier I, II, urban centersPrice RangeINR 200–600 (affordable segment)INR 1,000+ (mid-premium)Business ModelFOCO, franchise-led, omni-channelCompany-operated, onlineStore Presence100+ stores in 40+ cities1,000+ stores, mostly urbanUnique PropositionFirst-mover in underserved marketsTech-driven, urban focus ClearDekho’s strategy is not to compete head-on with Lenskart in metros, but to create its own market in places where the need is greatest and competition is minimal Key Milestones: Funding, Growth, and Acquisition ClearDekho has hit major milestones. In 2021, it raised $4 million in a Pre-Series A round led by Aroa Ventures, followed by $5 million in 2022 from Venture Catalysts and SphitiCap. These funds powered store expansion, marketing, and tech upgrades. In FY24, ClearDekho clocked ₹15 crore in revenue, a 3x jump in three years, with a 60% gross margin. Losses stood at ₹8 crore, but profitability is in sight by 2027. The biggest moment came in April 2025, when the Jaipuria Group acquired Eyewear Brand ClearDekho, taking full ownership over two years. Announced on April 20, 2025, this deal marks Jaipuria’s entry into consumer healthcare. X posts buzzed with excitement, with users calling ClearDekho “Bharat’s eyewear champion.” The acquisition will fuel ClearDekho’s goal of 200 stores by 2026. Challenges Facing Eyewear Brand ClearDekho Success comes with hurdles. ClearDekho struggles to retain optometrists in small towns, where better-paying jobs in cities lure talent. Last-mile delivery in remote areas is another pain point, often delaying orders. The unorganized market, offering cheap, low-quality glasses, remains a tough competitor. Convincing customers to choose branded eyewear over local options requires constant effort. Competition is also heating up. Lenskart is eyeing smaller cities, and new players like EyeMyEye are gaining ground. Eyewear Brand ClearDekho must balance quality and scale to hit its ₹300 crore revenue target by 2028. The Future: ClearDekho’s Bold Ambitions ClearDekho has big plans. By 2026, it aims to open 200 stores, expanding into Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The company wants to capture 10% of India’s eyewear market in five years, a bold goal given Lenskart’s dominance. It’s also investing in private-label brands and AI-powered eye testing to cut costs and boost access. With Jaipuria’s backing, Eyewear Brand ClearDekho expects to hit ₹50 crore in revenue by FY26. By empowering local opticians and scaling its O2O model, it hopes to standardize the unorganized market, making quality eyewear a reality for all. Conclusion: ClearDekho’s Vision for India’s Heartland Eyewear Brand ClearDekho is more than a brand—it’s a mission to bring clarity to millions in India’s small towns. With its focus on affordability, accessibility, and scalability, it’s outshining Lenskart in Tier III and IV cities. Backed by a recent acquisition, solid funding, and a clear roadmap, ClearDekho is poised to redefine vision care. As Shivi Singh puts it, “We’re making glasses a right, not a luxury.” If ClearDekho stays on track, it will become the eyewear leader for Bharat.