American Optical

American Optical enjoys strong community respect as a heritage American brand with deep military roots, frequently recommended as a top-tier alternative to Luxottica-owned brands like Ray-Ban. However, a notable shift in sentiment has emerged in recent years, with many longtime fans expressing frustration over steep price increases and a perceived decline in after-sales support following what appears to be a change in ownership around the COVID era.

American Optical remains a genuinely well-made, USA-manufactured product with proven longevity, but steep post-COVID price increases and reported gaps in parts support have meaningfully weakened its status as a standout BIFL value.

Community members consistently praise AO for its genuine American manufacturing, high optical quality, and durable construction — particularly the classic aviator styles. Many consider it superior to Ray-Ban at a comparable or lower price point.

• Made in the USA with genuine military heritage dating to 1935
• Glass lens options that resist scratching and offer superior optical clarity
• Saratoga model features an impressive 7-barrel hinge per temple
• Long-lasting frames reported holding up 10–15+ years with regular wear
• Frequently cited as better value than Randolph Engineering for similar quality
• Classic aviator styling that works for everyday and professional wear

The biggest recurring complaint is a dramatic price increase post-COVID — with some users reporting 3–4x price hikes — making AO far less compelling as a value buy. There are also isolated reports of weld failures and poor parts availability for older models.

• Prices tripled or quadrupled post-COVID, eroding value proposition significantly
• Replacement parts unavailable for older models, undermining BIFL credentials
• Some users report weld failures on aviator frames
• Old pairs reportedly built better than current production models
• Small 'AO' logo etched on lenses bothers some buyers

One long-time fan recalled buying AO aviators for around $55 a few years ago and being blown away by the quality — only to find the same pair now listed for $250, leading them to mourn another great American brand lost to pricing pressure.

A user who contacted AO about replacing yellowed and cracked bayonet ends on a 2015 pair was told the parts were discontinued and referred to a third-party refurbisher — at a cost nearly equal to the original purchase price — prompting them to conclude AO is no longer truly BIFL.

Several community members who own both AO and Randolph Engineering note they can find no meaningful quality difference between the two, but consistently point out that AO is the more affordable option — making it the practical choice for the same level of durability.

An optometrist commenter endorsed AO alongside Shuron as genuinely high-quality, USA-made alternatives to Luxottica brands, noting they personally refuse to stock Luxottica products in their practice.