Since 1833, American Optical has been focused on making eyewear more stylish, more functional, and more accessible.

That makes AO the oldest optical company in America.

In over 150 years, the team behind AO Eyewear has broken moulds, shaped the look of modern eyewear, and created some of the most iconic eyewear in history.

About American Optical

Before the invention of the car. Before the radio. Before typewriters, elevators, and telephones. Before electricity, in 1833, American Optical was already helping people see the world.

American Optical is the oldest optical company in American history, pioneering eyewear innovation for centuries.

AO’s founders believed everyone should have access to eyewear, not just the elite, and therefore changed history by bringing glasses manufacturing to the US. The brand focused on creating original pilot sunglasses to military specifications with real glass lenses.

AO has been known for quality since its founding, as a long-time supplier of flight goggles to the US military, and the first to produce aviator sunglasses for US airmen, it is not all that surprising that AO was approached by NASA to supply the first sunglasses on the moon. The FG-58, now the 'Original Pilot', was carried by the entire Apollo 11 crew in their survival kits.

This careful balance of form and function, allowed AO Eyewear to produce styles worn by the everyday man, as well as pilots, spacemen, presidents and world leaders since the mid-twentieth century.

The diverse wearability of American Optical allowed their classic aviator sunglasses to take on a persona all its own...

The AO Saratoga, most notably worn by John F. Kennedy, became an instant classic with its strong shape and high-quality design. These AO aviators were worn by President Kennedy in many photos while sailing, projecting the Camelot image that so many Americans aspired to.

American Optical is also the choice of many movie-stars. AO Sunglasses have been seen on Robert DeNiro in 1976s 'Taxi Driver' as well as in Alfred Hitchcock's 1958s 'Vertigo' and Ben Stiller's 2008 'Tropic Thunder'.

With AO Glasses, expect uncompromising quality - engineered to rigid military specifications. The American Optical sunglass collection is one you can wear for life. It’s a look that never goes out of style. Proudly made by American craftsmen using the finest globally sourced components

AO Glasses

AO have relaunched their brand, drawing inspiration from its original history and the milestones that came before it.

AO are still committed to independent thinking. Still made in America. Still focused on the future and AO continues to set the standard for American eyewear.

Recognised as trailblazers, American Optical have utilised breakthrough technologies, classic colourways and shapes that have come together to create some of the world's most iconic sunglass styles.

The relaunched American Optical brand pride themselves on AO’s rich heritage which is matched only by their pride in their commitment to craftsmanship. In their state-of-the-art American factory, AO produces the quality, classic eyewear that defines True Original style.

With AO heritage comes an expectation of quality built to last a lifetime. Every AO frame is handcrafted by a team of skilled artisans in their Illinois factory with the finest globally sourced components.  In the AO factory, a combination of machining and handwork creates a finished product with lasting style, carefully engineered comfort, and quality you can count on.

American Optical has been known for quality sun lenses since 1876 and continue to create the very best in unisex glasses.