ClearVision Optical boasts a rich history that spans over seven decades, beginning in 1949 when Fred Friedfeld, a 21-year-old Navy veteran, founded the company following his acquisition of an optician's license in New York state. Since its inception, ClearVision has developed into a leading eyewear manufacturer, renowned for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
In 1955, Fred Friedfeld and Mimi Forman married, with Mimi becoming an essential partner in the business, contributing significantly to its growth. By 1957, the couple relocated both their family and the business from Manhattan to Long Island, setting a permanent foundation for ClearVision Optical.
The company reached a notable milestone in 1966 when Fred and Mimi visited Oyannax, France, collaborating with one of the country's foremost factories to produce the inaugural line of the ClearVision Collection. This venture into original design marked the beginning of ClearVision's legacy in eyewear innovation. Following President Nixon's opening of China to American businesses in 1972, Fred and Mimi were among the early American entrepreneurs to explore opportunities there. Their efforts bore fruit in 1973 with the introduction of the Goliath frame, a product that remained a bestseller for two decades.
ClearVision marked its presence at the optical industry's inaugural national trade show, Opti-fair, in 1974 and has since become a staple participant at Vision Expo East. Initially, the sales force was comprised of Fred and a team of six sales representatives. By the dawn of 1980, ClearVision expanded its portfolio by launching HEAD Eyewear, its first licensed brand, which was also the highlight of the company’s first full-color product catalog.
In a significant family milestone, Peter Friedfeld, armed with a marketing degree from Syracuse University, joined ClearVision on a full-time basis in 1985. Prioritizing his commitment to the family business over attending his own graduation, Peter attended MIDO, the largest eyewear trade show globally, eager to contribute to the legacy his family had built. Soon after, David Friedfeld, a Washington and Lee School of Law graduate, also came onboard full-time. Bringing his experience as a competitive athlete and track coach, David applied his leadership skills to fostering team spirit and motivation within ClearVision.
A pivotal moment came in 1988 when Peter secured a licensing agreement with Fisher-Price Eyewear, introducing the first nationally recognized children’s eyewear brand for infants to age 6. This collection, uniquely crafted by pediatric specialists, addressed the specific fitting requirements of children’s developing facial features, setting a new standard in the industry.
ClearVision's journey through the optical industry is marked by significant milestones and a continuous expansion of its licensed eyewear collections. Beginning with a landmark agreement with Givenchy in 1991, the company embarked on a series of partnerships that shaped its offerings and presence in the market. The addition of Kenneth Cole New York and Reaction Kenneth Cole in 1994, followed by Ocean Pacific (Op) in 1998, set the stage for further brand collaborations. The close of the millennium saw partnerships with Jessica McClintock and IZOD in 1999, further diversifying ClearVision's portfolio.
The early 2000s brought new energy and direction with the signing of BCBGMAXAZRIA in 2004, introducing a line of eyewear that epitomized ultra-feminine style and contemporary trends. Ellen Tracy joined the ClearVision family in 2006, enhancing the brand's appeal with its distinguished designs.
A significant development occurred in 2007 with the launch of Cole Haan Eyewear, coinciding with ClearVision's receipt of the Hauppauge Industrial Association: Small Business Achievement Award. This period highlighted the company's dedication not only to innovation in eyewear design but also to its commitment towards its employees and corporate culture.
The introduction of an internship program in 2010 marked another pivotal moment for ClearVision. Welcoming a class of 22 interns, the program was not only a testament to the company's investment in future talent but also became a recurring success, with many interns transitioning into full-time roles. Throughout these years, ClearVision's achievements were recognized through numerous awards, including the HOW INHOWSE Design Award, underscoring its excellence in design and commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment.
ClearVision Optical's evolution continued unabated through the years, marked by significant introductions and accolades that underscored its standing in the eyewear industry. In 2011, the launch of Marc Ecko Cut & Sew and Digit eyewear collections made waves, appealing to those seeking eyewear that stands out for its trend-setting designs. That year, ClearVision's commitment to excellence and workplace wellness was recognized with awards such as the 20/20 Vision Monday EyeVote for Best New Launch and the NY Enterprise Report Small Business Award for Best Healthy Workplace of the Year, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the field.
2012 saw ClearVision raising the bar in the children's eyewear category with the debut of Dilli Dalli, a cutting-edge pediatric eyewear collection. This line quickly garnered admiration from parents, eye care professionals, and young wearers for its combination of style and practicality. The accolades continued with the MarCom Awards Gold Award for Product Launch for Dilli Dalli Eyewear and the Print Magazine Regional Design Annual for its 2011 Eco Tote Bag, highlighting the brand's innovative marketing and design prowess.
The momentum carried on into 2014 with the introduction of the Aspire Eyewear collection. This new line featured frames made from the novel SDN-4 material, blending lightweight durability with distinctive design features, all while ensuring wearer comfort. ClearVision's achievements were further acknowledged that year with the receipt of the National Association of Professional Women's Businesswoman of the Year Award and the Hauppauge Industrial Association's Business Achievement Award for Growth, recognizing both individual leadership and company-wide success.
In 2016, ClearVision broadened its collection with the introduction of Revo sunglasses, celebrated for their superior lens quality and dynamic designs. This innovation earned them the Vision Monday Eyewear Innovator of the Year Award, a testament to their dedication to advancing eyewear design and technology. The subsequent year, ClearVision's commitment to education was acknowledged with the Vision Monday Leadership in Education Award, celebrating their efforts to provide ongoing learning opportunities for eye care professionals.
Marking a significant return to the forefront of fashion eyewear, 2022 saw the debut of ClearVision's ILLA, an Italian-artisan house brand. This launch, featuring an elegant and sophisticated eyewear collection, was recognized with Vision Monday's EyeVote Best Brand Launch of the Year, underscoring ClearVision's persistent pursuit of excellence and innovation in the eyewear landscape.
As ClearVision forges ahead, it continues to set the standard in the eyewear industry, boasting a broad spectrum of brands that appeal to varied tastes and requirements. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge innovation, and unparalleled customer satisfaction, ClearVision Optical stands as a beacon of inspiration for the entire industry, charting a path of continued success and influence.
