$3.33 per wear · worn 30 times
The more you wear it, the lower it gets.
From the brand’s own pages, read October 5
Say what you think, then see how everyone else read it.
The American Optical AO Safety OC650 captures the practical, structured character of 1990s eyewear design. Its oversized rectangular silhouette features softly rounded corners, a gently curved brow, and substantial outer sections, creating a balanced profile with a distinctive utilitarian influence. The translucent red acetate-like frame adds a bold color accent, while the clean lines and generous proportions give the design a strong visual presence. Frame Model: AO Safety OC650 (Red) Decade: 1990s Country of Origin: USA Lenses: Empty, ready for custom Condition: Excellent vintage Measurements: 55-18-140 Historical Context Founded in Massachusetts in 1833, American Optical is one of the oldest eyewear manufacturers in the United States. The company became an important force in American optical manufacturing, introducing early steel spectacles, rimless frames, and the influential Ful-Vue construction. Its history is particularly tied to aviation and the U.S. military: American Optical supplied pilot goggles during World War I and developed military aviator sunglasses beginning in the 1930s. American Optical's FG-58, introduced for U.S. military pilots in 1958 and now known as the Original Pilot, became one of its most recognizable designs. The model was later issued to NASA astronauts, and pairs accompanied the Apollo 11 crew to the moon in 1969. Beyond military eyewear, AO also crossed into fashion through collaborations with designers including Claire McCardell, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Oscar de la Renta, making vintage American Optical frames an intersection of American manufacturing, military design, and 20th-century fashion history.
