Warby Parker Offers Employee Tuition Reimbursement toward BFIT Opticianry Program

August 9, 2021

Warby Parker, a New York City-based prescription glasses and contact lens retailer, launched a tuition reimbursement program for employees who enroll in the Opticianry program at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT).

The program is designed to help Warby Parker employees meet state requirements to become licensed opticians. Employees can choose from the following options:

• Enroll in BFIT’s two-year associate degree program and receive up to $10,000 in tuition reimbursement. BFIT’s Opticianry AS program, the only one of its kind in Massachusetts, is designed to prepare graduates to meet all licensing requirements.
• Enroll in BFIT’s contact lens theory/lab unit and receive 100% tuition reimbursement. This two-course option will be available to employees pursuing licensing through Warby Parker’s apprenticeship program.

Blair Wong, Director of BFIT’s Opticianry Division, said the new program is an extension of the already strong relationship between Warby Parker and the college. In addition to recruiting BFIT students, Warby Parker representatives have served as guest lecturers in the Opticianry classes and the company has sponsored the Opticianry program’s annual “Eye Ball” celebration for graduates.

“Our relationship with Warby Parker has been very special,” said Wong. “They have been one of the strongest employers, if not the strongest, for our program over the past three years. And our students who work at Warby Parker feel they are supported by the company.”

Adam Bentley, New Program Specialist at Warby Parker, said the relationship has also been rewarding for his company. “It’s such a unique industry with such a unique skillset and you have to have partners to attain that,” he said. “We really value what BFIT students bring to our stores; they bring a higher skillset, which is important when you’re dealing with the public.”

The tuition reimbursement offer is available to both full-time and part-time Warby Parker employees at any of the company’s 10 Massachusetts and Rhode Island locations.  There is no limit on the number of employees who can participate. Employees must receive a grade of C or higher in all coursework to qualify. Employees must also remain with Warby Parker for at least 12 months after graduation.

Learn more about BFIT’s Opticianry program at www.bfit.edu/OP