Pioneering Women in Eyewear: Trailblazers Who Shaped American Optical's Legacy

Celebrating International Women's Day with the remarkable women who revolutionized optics, aviation, and design at American Optical

The Untold Story of Women's Influence on Eyewear Innovation

At American Optical, innovation and adventure are in our DNA—and that legacy wouldn’t be possible without countless remarkable women who have shaped our history. This International Women’s Day, we’re tipping our hats (and sunglasses) to the fearless pioneers who left their mark on optics, aviation, and art.

Maude Tait: The Sky’s the Limit for Trailblazing Aviators

Aviation in the early 20th century was the ultimate test of grit, and Maude Tait proved she had plenty to spare. One of the era’s great female pilots, she competed in high-stakes air races, defying expectations at every turn. And when she took to the skies, she did it in American Optical goggles—gear trusted by pilots pushing the limits of human flight. 

She was among the trailblazing women who embraced aviation not just as a passion but as a profession, helping to pave the way for future generations of female pilots. Tait trusted American Optical goggles for her flights, relying on their durability and precision to navigate the demanding conditions of early aviation.

Tait’s fearless spirit lives on in every pair of AO frames designed for adventurers who refuse to stay grounded. Capture the aviatrix essence in the Margot. 

Neysa McMein: An Icon Behind American Optical's Visual Identity

Before AO sunglasses were gracing Hollywood legends, they were appearing in the pages of America’s most iconic magazines—thanks to the artistry of Neysa McMein (1888–1949). A celebrated illustrator, McMein crafted bold, stylish depictions of the modern woman for publications like the Saturday Evening Post. When AO introduced the FulVue, forever changing the look of modern spectacles, McMein’s illustrations helped cement its status as a game-changer. Her work captured a spirit of confidence and sophistication—qualities that remain at the heart of AO’s designs today.

How have movies not been made about this women? Calling her a famed illustrator in a male-dominated field who painted amazing portraits for American Optical doesn't begin to touch on her accomplishments. 

The Saturday Evening Post summarizes her amazing life well- "She was an actress, a prominent suffragette, a portrait painter of presidents, an industrial designer of cars, a commercial artist, a political activist, and a public speaker. McMein was friends with everyone from Harpo Marx to George Bernard Shaw. She composed an opera. She rode a camel a hundred miles through the Sahara Desert, where she turned down a proposal from an Arab sheik. When she set up an art studio on West 57th Street in New York, it became a bustling salon for celebrities. Although she was married, McMein was an advocate of free love and open marriage. She had affairs with Charlie Chaplin, Broadway director George Abbott, and author Robert Benchley." She may have even invented the scavenger hunt.

Her legacy endures as a trailblazer in commercial art, shaping the way women were represented in media and advertising. Channel her unconventional style in Lucinda, where vintage elegance meets modern expression

Dr. Estelle Glancy: The First Lady of Optics and American Optical Innovation

Dr. Estelle Glancy (1883–1975) wasn’t just ahead of her time—she was designing the future. Glancy wasn’t just one of the first women in the field of optics, she was also one of the first women to earn a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of California, Berkeley. 

She quickly broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her research and designs helped revolutionize lens technology, developing improved mathematical models for eyeglass lenses that enhanced vision clarity and comfort that paved the way for better vision across the globe. From pioneering progressive lenses to refining optical calculations, Glancy’s work was instrumental in shaping AO’s commitment to precision and innovation in both lenses and optical instruments.

Glancy’s expertise and contributions were widely recognized, and she became the first woman inducted into the Optical Society of America. 

Honoring the Legacy, Looking Ahead

The stories of these women are woven into AO’s history, reminding us that bold vision and fearless pursuit of excellence have always been part of the brand. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their contributions—and the trailblazers who continue to inspire us today. Here’s to the women shaping the future, one adventure at a time. Explore our Women’s Collection inspired by pioneering women.