Illinois · Est. 1833
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
AO Eyewear, rooted in American Optical’s long history, positions itself as the True Original of American eyewear. Founded in 1833, AO helped pioneer eyewear innovation and shifted spectacle manufacture to the United States, yielding sunwear that has adorned pilots, presidents, and NASA space crews. This heritage frames AO as a cornerstone of American design and technical craftsmanship. Today AO emphasizes its American manufacturing lineage. In its state-of-the-art American facility, AO craftsmen handcraft quality, timeless eyewear that defines True Original style, using only the finest global materials. This commitment to in-country craftsmanship is paired with a continued emphasis on independence and enduring quality from a brand proudly based in Illinois.
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Featured Products
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Manhattan Sunglasses
The American Optical Manhattan sunglasses fuse a timeless silhouette with modern performance. Drawing on AO’s historic design language, they offer clean lines, balanced proportions, and a versatile frame that suits both casual and refined looks. The lenses deliver sharp optics and reliable UV protection, while the hardware and subtle detailing convey a premium, collectible feel that echoes AO’s enduring heritage. Crafted in America, the Manhattan embodies AO Eyewear’s commitment to domestic craftsmanship. Each pair reflects careful, meticulous finishing and a focus on durability, from initial design through final assembly. As a Made-in-USA product, it carries AO’s long-standing reputation for quality, timeless style, and a strong connection to American manufacturing and craftsmanship.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Hadley Sunglasses
The American Optical Hadley sunglasses offer a timeless silhouette with modern-day performance. The frame is lightweight yet sturdy, built to withstand daily wear, with clean lines that suit a range of face shapes. Lenses deliver sharp clarity and reliable UV protection, essential for everyday sun exposure. Subtle design details—like a balanced browline, refined temple tips, and smooth hinges—enhance comfort without sacrificing classic appeal. Made in the USA, the Hadley embodies American Optical’s enduring craftsmanship. Each pair reflects AO’s history of precision machining, hand-finished details, and strict quality control that spans generations. The domestic production roots emphasize American sourcing, skilled labor, and durable materials, delivering a product that stands up to time while honoring a proud manufacturing heritage.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Sebring Sunglasses
Sebring reimagines the aviator for women with a refined enamel rim, a soft top bar, and confident lines. Crafted in the USA from the finest global components. American Optical's Sebring sits within a long tradition of American-made eyewear. AO’s heritage traces back to 1833, and the brand’s process marries craft and engineering to create iconic eyewear crafted in the USA.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Tournament Sunglasses
AO's Tournament sunglasses revive a 1950s AO classic with bold lines and a modern silhouette, blending retro character with contemporary styling. The design is framed as a heritage AO style updated for today, rooted in the brand’s mid-century lineage. Craftsmanship and the American-made context are highlighted by AO itself: Tournament is crafted in the USA from the finest global components, underscoring a proud domestic production ethos. The brand also emphasizes performance optics, with polarized lens options that deliver 100% UV protection, aligning style with outdoor practicality.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Racer Sunglasses
American Optical Racer sunglasses fuse AO’s storied American craftsmanship with a timeless racing silhouette. Made in the USA, they embody AO’s long tradition of quality and innovation dating back to 1833. The Racer line emphasizes practical performance, with lenses treated to a hard coating that helps resist scratches on outdoor adventures. Frames are handcrafted by skilled artisans in AO’s Illinois factory, using globally sourced components. This emphasis on American-made craftsmanship is a core part of AO’s identity, reflecting a long-standing Illinois-based heritage.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Whitney Sunglasses
The Whitney from American Optical blends a refined metal cat-eye silhouette with soft, angular lines for a timeless look, while offering AOLite polarized nylon lenses that deliver clearer vision and glare reduction without extra weight. It’s crafted in the USA from the finest global components, underscoring AO’s commitment to quality and American-made production. Proudly American-made, the Whitney sits within AO’s storied lineage of U.S. craftsmanship. AO Eyewear is based in Illinois and is recognized for manufacturing several iconic styles in America, reflecting a long-standing commitment to domestic production and high-quality standards.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses
The AO Original Pilot Sunglasses capture the iconic aviator silhouette with teardrop lenses set in a sturdy metal frame and a classic double-bridge. They emphasize enduring craftsmanship through clean lines and precise assembly, delivering clear optics and dependable sun protection. The result is a timeless, versatile look that pairs as well with casual wear as with more polished outfits, a true staple for pilots, travelers, and style-minded wearers alike. American Optical is a storied American brand with a long tradition of U.S.-made eyewear. The Original Pilot line carries that heritage into today’s market, reflecting American craftsmanship, durable build, and a design rooted in aviation history. Owning these sunglasses connects you to a proud American manufacturing ethos and a piece of the country’s design legacy.
American Optical (AO Eyewear)
American Optical Saratoga Sunglasses
The Saratoga from American Optical (AO Eyewear) is a revived icon worn by JFK, featuring a modern fit, AOLite nylon lenses, and durable hinges. Made in the USA from the finest global components. Its legacy is matched by its build quality: a premium craft approach that pairs classic silhouette with modern materials, all rooted in American-made production. This combination underscores AO’s commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and national manufacturing heritage.