Many people are under the impression that one company, Luxottica Group®, manufactures all eyeglass frames and owns a large part of the product’s retail industry. Various online articles support that claim, but is it true? The specialists at Cook Inlet Eyewear in Anchorage, AK, offer a broad range of glasses and contacts from a variety of manufacturers and shed light on the subject.

Luxottica is an Italy-based eyewear company that designs, manufactures, and distributes various brands of glasses, including Oakley®, Ray-Ban®, and Oliver Peoples®, and sells them through their Sunglass Hut stores. They own a significant number of brands and several optometry chains, and there have been claims they control over 80% of the eyewear industry. However, though Luxottica is considered a leader in the business, there are many other suppliers of glasses.

Most eyewear companies are based in Europe, which is why many people in the United States aren’t familiar with them. Until recently, eyeglass frames were not manufactured in the U.S., and only a small percentage of frames are made in this country. Most eyewear is crafted in Europe or China, but American companies are gaining momentum, with Europa International and State Optical among those making an impact in luxury markets.

Europa, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Illinois, provides a wide range of designer eyeglasses and sunglasses. They originally were a regional distributor, but their products now are sold throughout the United States and in more than 20 other countries. State Optical also is a Midwest-based eyewear company that manufactures luxury frames. They were one of the first American eyewear companies and quickly became a favorite because of their dynamic styles and high-end appeal.

Cook Inlet Eyewear in Anchorage, AK, provides a fantastic selection of eyeglass frames, including American and European luxury brands that are difficult to find elsewhere. Whether you need contact lenses or new glasses, an optician will be happy to help you find the perfect style and fit. Visit them online to learn more about their services and call (907) 276-1021 to schedule an appointment. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for additional insight from their eyewear team.