21st Century Optics is an ophthalmic laboratory located in Long Island City, New York City, New York. We specialize in custom prescription eyeglass lenses, as well as anti-reflective GlareFREE® coatings, mirror coatings, and fashion coatings.

Company History

In the Beginning...

21st Century Optics was founded in 1967 as "Eye-Glasses, Inc." by Julius Tart and Ralph Woythaler. The company was originally located on W.27th Street in Manhattan. All work was primarily glass, and everything had to be done by hand.

In 1985 Ralph bought the company from Mr. Tart. Two years later in 1987, the company moved from Manhattan to Long Island City. From 1987 to 1995, the industry changed dramatically. "Eye-Glasses, Inc." adopted the state-of the art innovations in machinery and computers as they were developed, so much so that they were on the cutting edge of technology and the company had completely modernized. In 1997 the company was renamed 21st Century Optics to reflect the major changes in philosophy and technology it had embraced.

Welcome to the 21st Century...

A year later a sales and marketing team was assembled with Anthony Fulco as the director. Only one year after that in 1999, 21st Century Optics was named Varilux Lab of the Year. 21st Century Optics then acquired Manhattan-based "National Lens Coating," specializing in AR, mirror, tinting, and stock lenses, later moving the machinery, functions, and employees on-site to Long Island City. In 1999 the company was named Varilux Lab of the Year. In the year 2000 the company was recognized with the Essilor Outstanding Performance award, just missing Lab of the Year. A cleanroom was soon built, and in 2001 the company was yet again named Varilux Lab of the Year, the only lab ever to win twice. In 2002, 21st Century Optics won Transitions Lab of the Year. Soon after in 2003, www.21stcenturyoptics.com was launched, putting the company on the internet, making it possible for customers to order and track their orders over the world wide web. In December of 2004, 21st Century Optics entered into an agreement with Essilor Laboratories of America. The resulting partnership ensures a long, bright future for the company. The Woythaler family continues in an ownership position and management roles.