When people think of Rochester, New York, they might picture snow-covered winters, the Erie Canal, or the city’s long-standing connection to Kodak. But what many don’t realize is that Rochester has played a pivotal role in the development of the global optical industry—a legacy that continues today through companies like Rochester Optical.

From pioneering optical technologies to producing some of the world’s most advanced lenses, Rochester’s history is tightly woven with innovation, vision science, and the evolution of precision optics.

The Birth of a Technological Hub

In the 19th century, Rochester grew rapidly thanks to its location on the Erie Canal and its booming flour and garment industries. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that Rochester began to earn its name as a center for optical and imaging innovation.

The turning point came with the rise of three industry giants:

• Eastman Kodak – Founded in 1888 by George Eastman, Kodak revolutionized photography and imaging. Its development of photographic lenses, cameras, and film processing put Rochester on the global map.

• Bausch & Lomb – Established in 1853 by John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb, this company began as a small optical goods shop and grew into one of the world’s most recognized producers of optical lenses and eye care products.

• Xerox – While better known for its printing innovations, Xerox’s early work in optics and light-based imaging systems further solidified Rochester’s technological influence.

Together, these companies turned Rochester into a powerhouse for optical design, engineering, and manufacturing, attracting scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Rochester's Role in Advancing Optical Science

Throughout the 20th century, Rochester became home to world-class research and education in optics. The University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, founded in 1929, was the first of its kind in the United States. It remains a leading center for optical science and engineering to this day.

Rochester also helped advance:

• Precision lens manufacturing

• Microscopy and medical optics

• Defense and aerospace optics

• Consumer and industrial vision technologies

Whether for cameras, microscopes, military applications, or eye care, many breakthroughs in optics can trace their roots back to Rochester.

Rochester Optical: Continuing the Legacy

Founded in 1932, Rochester Optical emerged as part of this thriving optical community. Originally servicing local optometrists and hospitals, the company evolved to become a global provider of specialty eyewear, including:

• Prescription inserts for military and safety goggles

• Eyewear for AR/VR headsets

• Customized lens solutions

• Optical products for extreme environments

By staying true to the spirit of innovation that shaped Rochester, the company has remained at the forefront of functional and adaptive eyewear, building on decades of local optical expertise.

A Legacy That Inspires the Future

Rochester’s contribution to optics is not just historical—it’s ongoing. The city continues to lead in:

• Optical engineering education

• Photonics and imaging research

• Startups focused on wearable technology and medical optics

This enduring legacy of precision, quality, and innovation is what drives companies like Rochester Optical to push the boundaries of what's possible in the field of vision and design.

Final Thoughts

Rochester, NY, isn’t just a city with a rich past—it’s a living example of how science, industry, and innovation can shape the world. From the invention of the modern camera to cutting-edge eyewear technology, Rochester's influence on the optical world is undeniable.

At Rochester Optical, we’re proud to carry that legacy forward—crafting advanced eyewear solutions with the same spirit of innovation that made this city an optical capital in the first place.