As someone who has worn glasses since grade 3, I know that it can be a chore to find eyewear that is both comfortable and looks good. So, I was excited to hear about the innovative “read on light” from two women founders who recently took MIDO, the international eyewear fair in Milan, by storm. Let me share more about how Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink of Read On (pictured above) are putting the excitement back into eyewear!
Disclosure: This sponsored post spotlights the groundbreaking “read on light” eyewear from Swiss startup Read On, founded by two dynamic women.
Who are Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink?
Sandra and Monika have already founded two eyewear companies (Strada del Sole and Sol Sol Ito) in the past and are changing the reading glasses world now, which I love. These two trailblazers formed Sol Sol Ito, a high-end, fashion-forward Swiss eyewear brand that has won several awards since its inception in 2012.
Monika Fink is a design artist. She studied sculptural art and did a design engineering apprenticeship. As for Sandra Kaufman, she is an industrial designer. Sandra worked in the Swiss watch sector for several years before she fell in love with eyewear design.
“We started by integrating the reading glasses into the iPhone case because people often forgot or misplaced their readers, but never the phone. With our first Read On product, we solved the problem as now the reading glasses go with you wherever you go,” said Sandra Kaufmann.
Both women, who wear glasses, worked together many years and formed the Swiss startup that sets itself apart from others in the industry. They’ve gone from the new kid on the block to a polished brand with offerings unlike any other, especially with the new “read on light.”
Monika Fink added: “About one in three Americans need glasses for reading and most people love to wear fashionable readers that match their outfit. That’s why we developed the ‘Read on light’ collection in five trendy colors, with a matching hard case and even a handy strap, so people can wear them around the neck.”
How is ‘read on light’ different from other reading glasses?
“read on” is a super-lightweight, slim, and flexible eyeglass frame that Read On launched at MIDO in early February. They are one of the thinnest reading glasses out there at only three millimeters wide.
Not only that, but they are foldable! Yes, you read that right. The light glasses fold to fit easily within a hard case and come in five fashionable colors.
The case matches the color of the frames, making for a great set. I like that the case is hard, not soft, as it provides better protection when you’re on the go with them in your purse, bag, or pocket.
Rather than being chunky and heavy, these glasses are the exact opposite, making them comfortable, like you almost forget you’re wearing them. They’re also convenient to carry with you if only for occasional use, such as reading a book.
Plus, they’re unisex, so they look great on everyone. And, thanks to the long arms, you can easily adjust them on your nose, whether it’s closer to the tip of the nose or further up, depending on what angle you want for a clear read.
They’re made to last, too. While thin, the frames are sturdy, formed with very flexible high-quality TR90 material.
The light collection is the newest offering from Read On, which came out with reading glasses and a handy iPhone case for storage. When they were asked whether the reading glasses could be bought without the iPhone case, they came up with “read on light.”
Award Winner: Way to go, Sandra and Monika!
Monika Fink and Sandra Kaufmann turned heads with opticians, eyewear enthusiasts, and distributors at MIDO when they unveiled “read on light.” It’s not the first time they’ve gotten a lot of attention, garnering several awards for their innovations.
For example, they were the Creative Hub winner in 2019 and won the Good Design Award the following year. In 2021, Read On received the German Design Award for excellence in design and received a Red Dot Design Award in 2023.
Giving the Eyewear Industry a New Look
If you’re looking for an exciting step up from conventional readers, “read on light” is a stylish, functional choice. Plus, you’re supporting a women-led startup!
Cheers to these two inspiring women founders, Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink. They are changing the eyeglass industry for the better.
Get yours today conveniently on Amazon.
Top image: read on light founders Sandra Kaufmann and Monika Fink wear the glasses they designed. Photo by Nina Maria Glahé.