Founded in Cincinnati in 1923, Super Optical International manufactures optical lenses and in-office surfacing equipment, including its FastGrind system for independent optical practices. The company builds FastGrind machines and lenses in-house, using a compact, tap-water system that can prepare lenses for edging in as little as 15 minutes. Its technology is now used in more than 50 countries, including by the U.S. Military.
US OpticalFounded by the Cotran brothers in 2008, US Optical is an independently managed optical laboratory in East Syracuse that manufactures prescription lenses for private-pay optical practices. Built around rapid production, the lab says it can ship 90% of orders received before noon the same day and offers a broad range of digital freeform designs under one roof. Its work is made in the USA and supported by a team that includes longtime optical manufacturing specialists, including employee No. 1 Joseph “Jay” Sagor.EAST SYRACUSE, NY
Three Rivers OpticalThree Rivers Optical is a family-owned wholesale optical laboratory founded in 1969 by Bill and Madeline Seibert, and now overseen by their son Steve. Starting with grinding wholesale uncut glass lenses, it grew into a fully integrated, single-location optical lab producing and finishing lenses, with digital CNC and freeform capabilities developed from the early 2000s onward. It serves independent eye-care practices and optometrists with lens products and related optical goods.PITTSBURGH, PA
Select OpticalFounded in 1963 from a small house-based practice, Columbus-based Select Optical makes prescription eyewear through its optical laboratory for independent optometrists, opticians, vision-care plans, and businesses needing safety glasses. The company has grown from 10 employees to 115, while skilled craftspeople still handle much of the hands-on work, including fitting lenses into frames. Select Optical serves Ohio and surrounding states as well as customers nationwide.COLUMBUS, OH