Jamie Murray Wells
UWE Bristol · Glasses Direct
The Student Who Took on the Glasses Industry and Won
4 March 2026
Jamie Murray Wells was a student at the University of the West of England when he needed new glasses and was shocked by the price — over £150. He discovered the lenses and frames cost just a few pounds to manufacture.
Undercutting the High Street
In 2004, Murray Wells launched Glasses Direct from his university bedroom, selling prescription glasses online for a fraction of high street prices. The concept was simple: cut out the expensive retail middleman.
Industry Backlash
Traditional opticians lobbied against online glasses sales, but Murray Wells fought back publicly. The controversy generated massive free press coverage, and orders flooded in.
Acquisition by Essilor
Glasses Direct grew to become the UK's largest online prescription glasses retailer. It was acquired by Essilor, the world's largest lens manufacturer. Murray Wells was named the UK's "Youngest Self-Made Millionaire" by the Daily Mail and later became a Dragons' Den-style investor himself.
Get weekly tips straight to your inbox
Join 2,000+ students getting our best content on tools, side hustles, and student life.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.