From a modest beginning in 1932 to launching cutting-edge eyewear innovations in 2025, Rochester Optical has remained at the forefront of optical excellence for nearly a century. Here's a look at the defining moments that shaped the company—and the optical industry.
By 1942, Rochester Optical's commitment to quality and precision earned it a military contract to support the war effort in Europe during World War II. A letter from 1945, at the war’s end, stands as a proud testament to the company’s vital role in supplying military-grade optical solutions.
Fast forward to 1990, when entrepreneur Patrick Ho purchased the company, bringing with him a bold new vision. By 1997, he fully acquired Rochester Optical and began revitalizing its legacy. That same year, he established a full-service optical fabrication lab, setting the stage for a new era of innovation and growth.
Rochester Optical Manufacturing Company Inc. was founded by Martin Gullen, establishing a local hub for quality optical craftsmanship in Rochester, NY.
Rochester Optical’s red lens glasses were used by anti-aircraft gunners during World War II, featured in the Science News Letter on September 13, 1941.
The company was officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, marking the beginning of a longstanding partnership supplying military eyewear solutions.
Received another recognition from the DoD, affirming decades of trusted support for U.S. military optical needs.
Celebrated 50 years in business with the release of a new optical frame catalog, highlighting the company’s growth and design capabilities.
In 1995, Rochester Optical took a major step forward by launching in-house prescription lens fabrication, allowing the company to fully control the quality, customization, and turnaround of its optical products. This investment in lens surfacing and finishing technology marked a pivotal shift from being solely a frame distributor to becoming a full-service optical solutions provider. By fabricating lenses on-site, Rochester Optical could meet the complex demands of safety, military, and specialty eyewear clients with greater precision and efficiency.
Patrick Ho, now President of Rochester Optical, launched an optical frame import business, Ho Sales International Optics, from the basement of his home in Bushnell Basin, NY.
The business outgrew the home setup and moved to a property in Gates, NY, becoming Montreaux Eyewear.
Patrick Ho formed His Vision, Inc. to acquire the assets of Rochester Optical Manufacturing Company, reviving the brand and its military contracts.
🔹 Relocated to 38 Scio Street in downtown Rochester.
Acquired Main Optical, a local wholesale lens lab. Began in-house prescription lens fabrication.
🔹 Inherited key contracts including:
Eastman Kodak
Ray-Ban (via Bausch & Lomb)
Introduced the first-ever “Frame and Lens” package pricing in the optical wholesale industry.
Rochester Optical proudly expanded its capabilities in 1995 by acquiring the Rx safety eyewear business for Eastman Kodak. This strategic move not only strengthened its position in the industrial safety market but also brought valuable expertise and contracts into its growing lens fabrication operations—laying the groundwork for future innovations in precision prescription eyewear.
Moved operations to a larger facility at 1260 Lyell Avenue.
Launched first retail optical store under Vision Associates of Rochester Inc.
🔹 Opened April 2001—just months before the events of 9/11.
Expanded by acquiring the neighboring 1240 Lyell Avenue property.
Acquired 2150 Ridge Road West to develop a future retail location.
Opened Rochester Optical & Sports Eyewear on Ridge Road West.
🔹 Also acquired 1575 Mount Hope Avenue for a second retail store.
Innovation took center stage in 2011 with the launch of Rochester Optical’s patented low-profile eyeglasses. Designed with precision and versatility, these frames featured flexible ear hooks and slim temples—perfect for maintaining a mask seal—making them ideal for firefighters, commercial divers, and fighter jet pilots.
Rochester Optical made history again in 2014, partnering with Google to release the first prescription lenses and frames for Google Glass™ smart glasses. This partnership marked the beginning of a new chapter in smart eyewear, leading to an exclusive collection of prescription inserts for emerging technologies like XREAL, LENOVO, and Magic Leap ML2.
Established in-house R&D to develop prescription solutions for smart glasses and head-mounted displays.
🔹 Ranked #31 on the Rochester Top 100 list.
Military business outgrew Lyell facility—moved to a new property on Emerson Street.
🔹 Ranked #13 on Rochester Top 100.
Expanded again by acquiring 1230 Lyell Avenue.
🔹 Ranked #36 on Rochester Top 100.
Opened the Mount Hope retail store.
🔹 Ranked #88 on Rochester Top 100.
Ranked #60 on Rochester Top 100 for continued innovation and growth.
In 2022, Rochester Optical invested over $10 million in building a state-of-the-art optical lab—a clean, green, fully automated production facility. Designed with sustainability in mind, the lab represents our ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship, with a bold goal of achieving zero carbon emissions.
MaskOptix by Rochester Optical is a revolutionary line of prescription eyewear engineered to maintain a secure seal when worn under helmets and full-face masks. Designed for professionals such as firefighters, divers, and pilots, MaskOptix ensures clear vision without compromising safety or comfort.
Key Features:
The sleek, slim frames integrate seamlessly with protective gear, preventing any disruption to the mask's seal.
Flexible ear hooks and adjustable dimensions provide a personalized fit, enhancing comfort during extended wear.
Crafted from stainless steel, MaskOptix frames are both lightweight and robust, suitable for demanding environments.
Pre-applied anti-fog solution ensures clear vision, even in humid or low-visibility conditions
Now in 2025, Rochester Optical proudly introduces Allegiant Eyewear—a groundbreaking new brand that redefines eyewear with interchangeable temple blades, cutting-edge customization, and timeless style. Allegiant embodies everything Rochester Optical stands for: innovation, craftsmanship, and a vision for the future.
