Best Eyeglasses Made in the USA: A Brief History of American Glasses Manufacturing

American-made eyewear is rooted in craftsmanship, commitment to innovation, and a belief in free enterprise. Depending on the manufacturer and market segment, much of eyewear production has shifted overseas, however United States was once the global leader in optical manufacturing, and its legacy shapes many of the most respected brands today. From the earliest colonial glassmakers to the legendary factories of Massachusetts and Chicago, the history of eyeglasses made in the USA reflects the ingenuity and spirit of American craftsmanship.

This guide explores the origins of American eyewear manufacturing, the rise of iconic brands, the industry's decline and revival, and the modern makers, like Vint & York, who continue to carry the torch.

The American Eyeglass Industry began modestly during the early colonial era because most eyewear was imported from European artisans who came from established traditions of lens making. As colonies expanded, the demand for eyeglasses did similarly. American glassmakers began crafting early lenses and simple metal or horn frames, laying the foundation for a thriving domestic industry.

In 1833, American Optical (AO) was founded just outside of Chicago and was one of the earliest organized optical manufacturers. This method of glasses manufacturing brought lenses from Europe and made eyeglasses accessible and widely available. While early artisans focused on durability, building frames by hand from horn, steel, and other strong materials, as industrialization swept the nation, these small workshops grew into bustling optical manufacturers. 

The combination of innovation, traditional American workmanship, and as suppliers of other war time necessities, the identity of US eyewear was born. American Optical established domestic manufacturing and pioneered innovations like rimless spectacles, standardized lens measurements, and interchangeable parts. Pioneers in the US melded efficiency and accesibility with the requirement that frames must be built to last. Vint & York honors this legacy with their American-made collections today.

Like many other industries, optical manufacturing was at a height in the early 20th century through the 1960s. Companies like American Optical and Shuron supplied aviator sunglasses, prescription glasses, and protective eyewear to U.S. troops during both World Wars and their designs withstood combat, cementing the reputation of American-made frames. 

There were other innovations that changed the nature of eyeglass manufacturing and production, with the introduction of new materials such as cellulose acetate and advanced lens technologies. By the 1950s, American Optical had become the largest eyewear manufacturer in the world, however new American manufacturers joined the market including Bausch & Lomb, Foster Grant, and Polaroid. 

In the 20th century fashion played a defining role in driving innovation and sales beyond war time supply and demand. The focus shifted from purely functional to include fashion. Foster Grant introduced mass-produced sunglasses in 1929, and the Art Deco movement influenced the design of frames. Hollywood films, pop culture, and military fashion all contributed to the growing influence of American eyewear design.

This period positioned the United States as an international leader in optical craftsmanship, combining heritage design with the timeless appeal of American ruggedness and style.

American Optical: A pioneer in the US eyewear market, known for innovations in lens manufacturing and frame design in the late 1800s and for collaborating with designers like Claire McCardell and Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1950s.

Foster Grant: Launched in 1929 as the first company to mass-produce sunglasses, making them accessible to the general public.

Bausch & Lomb: Developed the first polarized lenses for the US military, which ultimately led to the creation of the Ray-Ban brand.

Polaroid Corporation: Also a key player in the development of polarized lens technology in the 1930s. 

Global competition and the rise of mass production led American eyewear brands, alongside many other industries, to shift manufacturing overseas. Depending on the material, eyeglasses could also be made overseas and assembled in the United States. The 2000s ushered in a new generation of domestic makers, who met the demand for consumers looking for handcrafted American eyewear. Today, the resurgence of consumers seeking American-made eyewear for its superior craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and "built-to-last" are rooted in the original American manufacturing past.

Eyewear, "Made in the USA" confers a number of benefits. Depending on the manufacturer, consumers may expect higher quality standards, with more durable materials and greater attention to detail than mass-produced imports. They may expect smaller-batch production that allows for greater oversight and precision. Perhaps more important to this buyer segment is the fact that buying domestically supports local artisans and ethical manufacturing practices.

According to industry analyses by resources including Vision Council, American-made eyewear may be preferred because they use higher-grade materials and adhere to domestic quality controls. These advantages drive demand among customers. 

The Americana Collection is a celebration of our unique optical heritage. Frames are small batch and handcrafted in the USA, using premium acetate and metal components that ensure durability and comfort. This collection blends classic American silhouettes with contemporary design details. All prescription lenses are custom-crafted in-house at Vint & York's New York optical lab, delivering exceptional clarity and fit.

Explore the collection here: https://www.vintandyork.com/collections/americana-collection 

American Optical is the oldest American eyewear manufacturer, producing sunglasses for U.S. military pilots, U.S. presidents, and NASA astronauts. Their timeless aviators remain symbols of American ingenuity and are still crafted with exceptional precision.

Randolph Engineering, based in Massachusetts, follows a meticulous 200-step manufacturing process to create some of the world's most durable eyewear. Their aviator sunglasses remain standard issue for U.S. military pilots, reinforcing their reputation for unmatched quality and engineering excellence.

Founded in 1865, Shuron is another producer of distinctly American eyewear with a focus on mid-century design and comfort. Its iconic Ronsir browline frames are a piece of American optical history and they continue to manufacture glasses today. 

State Optical is just part of a new generation of American eyewear manufacturing. Based in Chicago, their frames are designed and assembled by local artisans, and the brand blends technology with traditional craftsmanship. 

While founded in New York in 1915, Moscot now produces its frames abroad. Its aesthetic reflects U.S. heritage, however the manufacturing does not.

Warby Parker revolutionized affordable and on-trend eyewear, yet all of its frames are produced overseas. The brand's rapid growth shows unavoidable trade-offs between low cost global work force and American manufacturing.

Created by Bausch & Lomb for U.S. military pilots in 1937, Ray-Ban was once the quintessential American eyewear brand. After Luxottica acquired it in 1999, its production moved abroad, turning a once-American icon into a global export.

The offshoring of these historic brands underscores how rare authentic American-made eyewear has become. Choosing companies like Vint & York, Randolph, and State Optical helps preserve U.S. craftsmanship.

Vint & York is among modern brands committed to designing and assembling eyewear in the United States. The Americana Collection frames are crafted from premium acetate, high-quality metals, and are designed on researched proportions ensuring comfort and durability. Our brand infuse modern optical engineering with the classic American esthetic that rival the world's best manufacturers.

Choosing Vint & York supports American independent small-batch craftsmans, and building on a tradition of quality that honor the legacy of America's greatest optical pioneers.

The Vint & York Americana Collection is inspired by the legacies of American Optical and Randolph Engineering, and the great optical workshops of the past. Our designers reimagine this heritage for today's customers. The collection includes everything from matte-black cat-eyed glasses to wartime-inspired aviator sunglasses crafted with precision to last a lifetime. Explore the full collection here:

 https://www.vintandyork.com/collections/americana-collection