In the Beginning...
21st Century Optics was founded in 1967 as "Eye-Glasses", Inc. by Julius Tart and Ralph Woythaler. Originally located on W. 27th St. in Manhattan, the laboratory produced lenses that were primarily glass and made by hand. In 1985, Ralph bought the company from Mr. Tart and moved the organization to Long Island City, its present home.
During the period 1987 – 1997, the wholesale optical laboratory business was enjoying dramatic leaps in lens processing automation. Looking to ensure that the company's course would be firmly set for the future, Ralph and the Woythaler family invested in innovative, cutting edge technology. In 1997, to reflect these major changes in philosophy and technology, Eye-Glasses, Inc. was re-named, 21st Century Optics.
Welcome to the 21st Century...
In 1998, a sales and marketing team was assembled with Anthony Fulco as its director. Anthony has since assumed the role of Vice President, Sales and Marketing. The 2000-2010 decade was one of great expansion for 21st Century. In 2000, 21st Century acquired National Lens Coating, a Manhattan based AR coating, tinting and stock lens house. To produce these important products in the Long Island City facility a new, state of the art, clean room was built. In 2003, 21st Century expanded operations into New Jersey by acquiring S&G Optical. This same year, www.21stcenturyoptics.com was launched, making it possible for eye care professionals to, easily and conveniently, place and track their lab orders on the internet. In December of 2004, 21st Century Optics entered into an agreement with Essilor Laboratories of America to form a strong partnership that would ensure a bright future for both organizations. In 2008, 21st Century acquired the Bronx based laboratory business of Metro Optics and its subsidiary Quick Care Frame Repair. In 2010, the customer base of Dependable Optics was welcomed into the 21st Century family.
Throughout this time, 21st Century Optics has been honored to receive multiple awards for outstanding performance, including the Varilux Laboratory of the Year award, first in 1999, and again in 2001 and remains the only laboratory to have won the award twice. In both 2002 and 2010, 21st Century Optics was named Transitions Partner Lab of the Year.
21st Century Optics is an authorized VSP Contact Laboratory. Your VSP jobs are always a high priority with fast turnaround. We are a Vision Benefits of America Partner Laboratory and are proud members of Block, Villavecchia and Combine Buying Groups.
New technological breakthroughs in digital surfacing have yet again challenged wholesale optical laboratories to invest in the future. 21st Century Optics has embarked on an ambitious expansion and proudly announces the opening of its new digital processing center and in-house Crizal AR facility. The Woythaler family continues in ownership and management roles with Ralph Woythaler as CEO, Barney Woythaler, President, Michael Woythaler, VP Production and Robert Woythaler, VP Operations. There have been many changes along this journey, but what remains constant are 21st Century Optics' goals: to provide personalized service to independent eye care professionals with quality products, advanced technology and outstanding customer care.
