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American Optical’s manufacturing process combines artisanal craftsmanship with precision engineering to create iconic eyewear.
Each American Optical frame carries a heritage of quality dating back to 1833, built on a single commitment: making high-quality eyewear accessible to everyone. At American Optical, manufacturing is rooted in true craftsmanship. We bring together expert artisans and the finest materials in our state-of-the-art factory. We are proud to be America’s oldest sunglasses manufacturer.
Craftsmanship Refined for Over 150 Years
Since 1833, American Optical has been revolutionizing eyewear manufacturing. Born from the simple yet determined philosophy of its founder, William Beecher — “I can do better” — the brand pioneered major innovations that changed the way we see. The first rimless frame, the Ful-Vue temples that improved peripheral vision, the first aviator sunglasses… the list is long.
In this same spirit, American Optical continues to manufacture its eyewear in the United States today, committed to producing the finest frames while adopting sustainable practices throughout its manufacturing process.
Uncompromising Standards
American Optical’s heritage comes with unwavering quality. AO artisans are sculptors, mechanics, and perfectionists all at once. Each AO frame goes through strict quality inspections throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that every pair shipped meets the highest standards.
American Craftsmen
No machine in the world can match the value of a skilled artisan when it comes to crafting sunglasses. Every AO frame is shaped by hand in our Illinois factory. Our process combines mechanical precision with meticulous handwork to create frames of the highest quality.
A “True Original” Eyewear Style & Exceptional Frames
Made in America from the finest components in the world, American Optical frames have been synonymous with quality since 1833. Our artisans are our greatest pride and the soul of our state-of-the-art factory. Each frame is handcrafted — and we’re sure you’ll feel the difference.
Form and Function
Every detail of your AO frame is designed to ensure optimal functionality, exceptional durability, and a bold sense of style. All AO eyewear is made in the United States using the finest components from around the world.
Details That Make the Difference
High-quality screws feature an injected nylon coating on the threading, preventing the hinges from loosening over time.
The robust and precise 7-barrel hinges provide exceptional strength and ensure optimal durability.
A streamlined hinge system that allows both the opening and closing of the temples while keeping the lens securely in place. This elegant design ensures a smooth look and an unobstructed field of vision.
Our premium range of AO lenses offers exceptional optical quality
AO lenses are meticulously crafted to combine visual clarity, long-lasting comfort, and durability. The result: sunglasses that blend style, comfort, and above all, optimal protection for your eyes.
American Optical lenses are crafted with the utmost care to provide superior optical quality and eye protection. Our range of lenses, sourced from the finest suppliers in the world, has been carefully selected to ensure optimal visual precision, perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
SkyMaster™
Glass lenses represent the absolute benchmark in optics, offering exceptional clarity and a vision that is as close to natural as possible. Originally developed for pilots, SkyMaster™ lenses are American Optical’s premium option, delivering distortion-free vision.
AOLite™
AOLite™ lenses are made from high-quality nylon, offering exceptional lightness and excellent impact resistance for enhanced comfort without compromising optical quality. Featuring a hard coating for effective scratch protection, AOLite™ lenses are an excellent alternative to glass lenses.
True-Color™ Gray
Gray sun lenses reduce eye fatigue in bright conditions and are the preferred choice of many pilots. True-Color™ Gray lenses are chromatically tuned to deliver optimal optical precision and a natural perception of colors.
Calobar™ Green
Green sun lenses offer true-to-life color perception for a natural viewing experience. Calobar™ Green lenses are chromatically tuned to optimize clarity and visual comfort.
Cosmetan™ Brown
Brown sun lenses enhance contrast and add a touch of warmth to your vision.
Their chromatic tuning improves optical precision and visual comfort.
SunFlash Gold Mirror
Mirror lenses reduce the amount of light entering the eye, providing optimal comfort throughout the day.
Based on American Optical’s True-Color™ Gray lens, they combine style and performance without compromising optical quality.
SunFlash Silver Mirror
Mirror lenses provide visual comfort throughout the day by reducing the amount of light entering the eye.
Based on American Optical’s True-Color™ Gray lens, their mirror coating enhances protection and further reduces eye fatigue.
SunFlash Blue Mirror
Mirror lenses reflect more light than standard tints, ensuring visual comfort throughout the day.
Based on American Optical’s Cosmetan™ Brown lens, they combine the contrast-enhancing benefits of the brown tint with the soothing effect of blue.
SunVogue™ Pink Gradient
With a darker tint at the top, gradient lenses effectively protect against sunlight coming from above. The tint gradually lightens toward the center to provide comfortable vision in all situations. The SunVogue™ Pink Gradient tint enhances depth perception and makes it easier to adapt to contrasts.
SunVogue™ Green Gradient
Gradient lenses are more than just an aesthetic choice: they offer effective protection against light coming from above. The SunVogue™ Green Gradient tint ensures true-to-life color perception for natural, comfortable vision.
SunVogue™ Brown Gradient
The darker tint at the top of gradient lenses is ideal for those frequently exposed to light coming from above. It lightens toward the center to offer a relaxed, comfortable viewing experience. The SunVogue™ Brown Gradient tint enhances contrast and adds a warm feel to your vision.
SunVogue™ Gray Gradient
Gradient lenses provide enhanced visual comfort under intense overhead light. The tint gradually fades to help prevent eye fatigue. The SunVogue™ Gray Gradient tint reduces visual strain in bright conditions while ensuring a natural, well-balanced vision.