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. The oldest and greatest optical company in American history has pioneered optical and eyewear innovation for centuries. AO’s founders believed everyone should have access to eyewear, not just the elite, and changed history by bringing spectacle manufacturing to the US. Since then, AO has originated sunwear styles worn by pilots, Presidents, and NASA space crews.