Reading glasses are an essential accessory for millions of Americans, helping restore clarity for close-up tasks like reading, sewing, and computer work. But while many of the world’s optical products are mass-produced overseas—primarily in China and Southeast Asia—there are still a few dedicated companies manufacturing reading glasses right here in the United States. These American-made options support local jobs, offer higher-quality craftsmanship, and often come with more transparent sourcing and service. Below, we highlight the leading brands producing reading glasses in the USA and provide tips on verifying their origin.
Complete List of Reading Glasses Brands Made in the USA
ThinOptics, headquartered in California, is best known for its ultra-compact, flexible reading glasses designed to fit in a wallet, phone case, or keychain. While the company sources some components globally, its lenses are manufactured here, and the glasses are assembled in the USA as well. ThinOptics emphasizes innovation and portability, making them a popular choice for on-the-go readers. Many of their frames and cases are also designed and molded domestically.
Hip Optical designs, assembles, and ships all its prescription and reading glasses from its Florida-based lab. While some materials, such as acetate or hinges, may be sourced from overseas, the lenses are cut and fitted in the United States. Hip Optical offers a wide variety of frame styles and reading magnifications, with a focus on affordability and U.S.-based quality control. Their direct-to-consumer model includes virtual try-on tools and free at-home trials.
Shuron is one of the oldest eyewear companies in America, with a legacy dating back to 1865. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Shuron has long supplied frames for the military, medical professionals, and discerning consumers. Many of their iconic styles, such as the Ronsir and Sidewinder, are still manufactured in the USA. While lenses may be added by independent labs, Shuron frames are proudly American-made and ideal for those looking to pair U.S. craftsmanship with their custom prescriptions or reading lenses.
Saunt Eyewear, founded and operated in the U.S., focuses on sustainable, handcrafted eyewear that’s designed and made in America. Their reading glasses are manufactured in small batches using American acetate and domestically cut lenses. Saunt emphasizes transparent sourcing, low-waste production, and ethical labor practices, making them a standout for style-conscious and eco-minded buyers who want high-end frames and lens quality that reflect American values.
How to Find Reading Glasses Made in the USA
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
Under Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, a product labeled as “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” manufactured within the United States. This includes not only assembly but also the sourcing of significant materials. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and some companies use phrases like “Assembled in the USA” or “Designed in the USA” that may mislead consumers into thinking the product is entirely domestic.
To ensure your reading glasses are genuinely American-made, look for explicit statements from the brand about manufacturing locations, and verify whether the frames, lenses, or both are made in the USA. For a deeper dive into the nuances of labeling, visit our complete guide: https://allamerican.org/research/how-to-find-made-in-usa/
Materials
Reading glasses consist of several key components—each with its own sourcing considerations. Understanding the origin and quality of these materials can help you assess the authenticity and durability of American-made eyewear.
Frames (Acetate, Metal, or Plastic)
High-quality reading glasses typically use acetate, stainless steel, or injection-molded plastic for their frames. Acetate is a plant-based plastic derived from cotton and wood fibers. Some brands like Saunt Eyewear use domestically produced acetate, though much of the global supply originates from Italy or Japan. Stainless steel used in frames can be sourced from U.S. mills, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, where precision metals are produced.
Lenses
Reading lenses are generally made from polycarbonate, CR-39 plastic, or high-index materials. The U.S. has several lens manufacturers that produce prescription and reading lenses domestically. Brands like Hip Optical and ThinOptics cut and fit lenses at their U.S. facilities. If 100% American-made lenses are important to you, verify whether the raw lens material and optical processing are done domestically.
Hinges and Screws
Small but important, metal hinges and screws are often imported, especially from Europe and Asia. While some American eyewear brands source these parts overseas, others aim to use domestically machined components. If full domestic sourcing is your goal, check brand disclosures or inquire directly.
Labeling
U.S. law (Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304) mandates that imported goods be marked with their country of origin. For domestic products making a “Made in the USA” claim, the FTC requires that the product be “all or virtually all” made in the U.S.
Watch for common phrases that suggest partial domestic involvement:
- “Designed in the USA”
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “Made in USA with Imported Parts”
These labels typically indicate that the frames or lenses were sourced overseas but assembled or finished in the United States. For truly American-made reading glasses, look for transparency in company messaging and product listings, and when in doubt, contact the brand directly.
Final Tips
If you’re in the market for reading glasses made in the USA, ThinOptics, Hip Optical, Shuron, and Saunt Eyewear each offer compelling options. Whether you prioritize portability, heritage craftsmanship, sustainable materials, or complete customization, there’s an American-made solution that fits.
Before buying, verify the sourcing of both frames and lenses, especially if you want an entirely domestic product. Supporting American eyewear makers means investing in better quality, ethical production, and the future of local industry—all while seeing the world a little more clearly.
Reading Glasses Not Made in the USA
Here are a few major manufacturers we discovered that are not made in America. We’ll keep updating this list as we find more.
- Foster Grant: Manufactured in China.
- PeeperSpecs: Manufactured in China.
- Nannini: Manufactured in Italy.
- Mad in Italy: Manufactured in Italy.
- Morel Eyewear: Manufactured in France.
- ROKA: Manufactured in China.
- Warby Parker: Manufactured in China.
