Sterling Optical
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Optical retail |
| Founded | 1914 |
| Headquarters | New York, New York , United States |
Area served | United States, U.S. Virgin Islands |
Key people | Glenn Spina (CEO) |
| Products | Eyewear, optical services |
| Owner | Emerging Vision |
| Parent | Emerging Vision |
Sterling Optical is a franchised optical retail network in the United States, with its main office located in New York, New York. The company operates under the ownership of Emerging Vision, which is headed by CEO Glenn Spina.
As of , Sterling Optical managed more than 125 outlets throughout the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in addition to overseeing 40 Site for Sore Eyes locations situated in California.
History
Established in 1914 with a single location in New York City's financial district, Sterling Optical expanded its presence to Washington, D.C. by 1954. The acquisition of IPCO, an optical chain based in the northeastern U.S., occurred in 1966, leading to a growth from 20 stores by 1970 to nearly 130 by 1980.
Following a bankruptcy filing, the company was acquired by Cohen Fashion Optical in 1992 and restructured as Sterling Vision Inc., operating under the name Sterling Optical. At the same time, Emerging Vision was created as its parent organization. The company sustained its expansion through further acquisitions and franchise development.
In 1993, Sterling Optical purchased Site for Sore Eyes, a California-based chain, along with VCC (Vision Centers of California), a healthcare maintenance organization branded as "Sterling VisionCare," typically located adjacent to Sterling Optical outlets. The acquisition of Vision Centers of America and entry into e-commerce occurred in 1996.
That year also marked the introduction of two Insight Laser Centers providing LASIK procedures in New York and San Francisco; these centers have since ceased operations.
In 2005, the company incorporated the animated character Mr. Magoo into its marketing efforts.