AO Original Pilot Sunglasses

AO Original Pilot Sunglasses

I first encountered AO sunglasses back in the early 1960s while serving in the USAF.

During my training in the Air Force I went first to Lackland AFB, then Syracuse University (yes, and the military paid me to go there), next to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas.

Finally I was able to realize a dream I had growing up - I got my Private Pilot License at an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) at the Mathis Airport in San Angelo.

I was at Goodfellow for just 3 months, so I worked really hard to get my pilot's license before I left for my next duty base, Shemya Island, Alaska!

Not much opportunity to fly off that rock!

But in Texas the base had a PX (Base Exchange) where we could things we needed.

And that is where I found AO pilot sunglasses!

These AO Original Pilots were cool, and I felt like a real pilot (and yes, cool too) when I wore them. I fell in love with these incredible sunglasses.

The Original Pilot has been a favorite of U.S. military pilots since 1958.

Expect uncompromising quality - engineered to rigid military specifications.

Wear it for life, it's a look that never goes out of style.

We are an Authorized Dealer for AO Eyewear and these are Genuine AO Sunglasses.

The American Optical Company

The Wells family were the founders of The American Optical Company which became the world's largest manufacturer of ophthalmic products, and at it's height employed more than 6,000 employees.

During WWI and WWII American Optical provided the U.S. military with glasses frames and lenses for the soldiers.