American Optical

American Optical is an eyewear company founded in 1833. It makes sunglasses with a long history in military aviation and space flight. Its best-known aviation design is the Original Pilot, first developed in 1958 for American military pilots. The company also makes the General, Saratoga, and other sunglasses. American Optical continues to produce the Original Pilot with features designed for people who wear helmets and other headgear.

How American Optical became part of aviation

American Optical was the first company to supply goggles to US military pilots. Aviation pioneer Jimmy Doolittle wore American Optical flight goggles during a record-breaking transcontinental flight.

The Army Air Corps later contracted the company to produce sunglasses designed for aviators. This work helped establish American Optical as a supplier of eyewear for military flying.

In 1958, the company developed the FG-58 sunglasses for American military pilots. The design was later renamed the Original Pilot.

The Original Pilot was made to meet the demands of military aviation. Its shape and construction were designed around the needs of pilots rather than fashion alone.

The Original Pilot sunglasses

The Original Pilot remains one of American Optical's main products. The sunglasses are still engineered to strict military specifications.

One important feature is the bayonet temple design. Unlike some traditional glasses, these temples are made for easier use under helmets or other headgear.

American Optical also makes polarized versions of its aviator sunglasses. The company advises pilots to consult their employers when choosing suitable lenses.

American Optical imports lenses from specialist manufacturers and edges them at its own factory.

The Original Pilot remains available alongside other designs, including the General and Saratoga. These styles have been re-released as the company has introduced additional sunglasses.

From military aircraft to NASA missions

American Optical's connection to aviation also extends into space exploration.

The Original Pilot, then called the FG-58, was included in the survival kits issued to Gemini and Apollo astronauts.

The sunglasses were also worn by the entire Apollo 11 crew, making them the first sunglasses on the moon.

This history connects a product originally made for military pilots with NASA's early space missions.

A longer history in eyewear

American Optical began manufacturing eyewear in 1833. Its founders wanted to make spectacles accessible to more people and helped bring spectacle manufacturing to the United States.

The company later worked with fashion designer Claire McCardell on a line of sunglasses designed by a fashion designer.

It has also produced eyewear worn by US Presidents and other public figures.

For pilots and aviation fans, American Optical offers sunglasses with a direct connection to military flying and NASA missions. The Original Pilot is still made with practical features that reflect its aviation roots.