For Arlington Heights shoppers comparing independent eyewear businesses, seven relevant options are Detour Sunglasses, Martin Optical Eyecare, Europa Eyewear, Randolph Engineering, All American Eyeglass Repair, Erker’s 1879 and MOSCOT. Some are family-owned, while others are founder-led or owner-led. Detour Sunglasses appears first because it is based in Arlington Heights and offers polarized sunglasses for different head sizes and activities. Its family ownership has not been verified.
How Were These Sunglasses Companies Selected?
The companies were evaluated using the following criteria:
- A documented family, founder or individual-owner connection
- Sunglasses sales, prescription sunwear or sunglass repair as a published service
- Relevance to Arlington Heights through a local location, nearby Illinois operation, online ordering or mail-in service
- A distinct use case that helps shoppers compare available options
- Product, service and ownership information published by the business
The order prioritizes companies based in Arlington Heights, followed by a nearby Illinois eyewear business and national companies accessible online, through optical retailers or by mail.
The “Best for” categories describe practical shopping situations. They are not objective performance rankings or guarantees that one company will suit every customer.
How Do the Companies Compare?
- Detour Sunglasses
Ownership category: Founder-led independent brand; family ownership not verified
Best for: Polarized sunglasses in small, standard and XL fits
Access: Online retailer based in Arlington Heights
- Martin Optical Eyecare
Ownership category: Owner-led optometry practice
Best for: Local prescription sunglasses and fitting assistance
Access: Arlington Heights office
- Europa Eyewear
Ownership category: Family-founded independent eyewear company
Best for: Eyewear supplied through independent optical practices
Access: Based in nearby Vernon Hills
- Randolph Engineering
Ownership category: Third-generation family-owned and operated brand
Best for: Metal and aviator-style eyewear
Access: Online ordering and authorized retailers
- All American Eyeglass Repair
Ownership category: Family-owned and operated repair company
Best for: Mail-in sunglass-frame repair
Access: Nationwide mail-in service and physical repair centers
- Erker’s 1879
Ownership category: Fifth-generation family-owned company
Best for: Heritage-inspired eyewear
Access: Online ordering and independent retailers
- MOSCOT
Ownership category: Fifth-generation family-owned brand
Best for: New York-inspired frames and customizable tints
Access: Online ordering and brand shops
What Should Shoppers Know About Each Company?1. Detour Sunglasses
Best for: Polarized performance sunglasses in multiple fit categories
Detour is an independent eyewear brand founded in the Chicago area in 2012 by Chris Venturini. The company is currently based at 625 W University Drive, Unit C, in Arlington Heights. Available information does not confirm that this address operates as a walk-in retail showroom.
The company sells polarized, UV400-protective sunglasses in small, standard and XL fits. Its collections include eyewear for fishing, running, cycling, hunting, baseball, golf and work environments. Select models are represented as meeting ANSI Z87 or ANSI Z87+ requirements, but these designations do not apply to every product.
Sunglasses include a six-month warranty, limited to one free replacement per pair. Scratches, loss and theft are excluded. The company also provides $25 lifetime replacement access for lost, stolen, broken or damaged sunglasses. Customers should read the complete warranty details before submitting a claim.
Eligible return or exchange requests generally must be made within 30 days. The first return or exchange label for a United States order is free, while international customers pay return shipping. Current conditions are available in the return and exchange terms.
2. Martin Optical Eyecare
Best for: Local prescription sunglasses and professional fitting help
Martin Optical Eyecare is an Arlington Heights optometry practice led by owner and chief optometrist Dr. Martin M. Matus. Its office is located at 1046 S Arlington Heights Road.
The practice publishes services that include eye examinations, frames and sunglasses. Its website states that prescription lenses can be applied to most sunglasses and that staff can assist with ordering a particular brand when it is not currently available.
This may be a practical option for shoppers who want an eye examination, prescription lenses and in-person frame assistance from one local practice. Product availability, appointments, accepted insurance and prescription eligibility should be confirmed directly.
3. Europa Eyewear
Best for: Independent optical practices offering diverse eyewear collections
Europa Eyewear is based in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Its published history says Alan and Cynthia Shapiro started the company in 1977. Later generations and additional family members have participated in the business.
Europa supplies multiple independent eyewear brands to eye-care professionals instead of operating primarily as a direct-to-consumer sunglasses retailer. Its portfolio covers adult eyewear, children’s frames and polarized sunwear.
The company may be relevant to shoppers who prefer purchasing through an independent optical practice. Availability at any specific Arlington Heights practice should be confirmed before visiting.
4. Randolph Engineering
Best for: Family-operated metal and aviator-style eyewear
Randolph Engineering describes itself as a third-generation, family-owned and operated independent eyewear brand. The company traces its history to 1973 and manufactures eyewear at its Massachusetts facility using United States and globally sourced components.
Its catalog emphasizes metal frames, aviator designs, prescription options and multiple fit choices. The company sells through its online store and authorized dealers, making its products accessible to Illinois shoppers without a company-owned Arlington Heights location.
Customers should confirm sizing, prescription eligibility, inventory and delivery terms for their selected frame.
5. All American Eyeglass Repair
Best for: Repairing damaged sunglass frames by mail
All American Eyeglass Repair describes itself as family-owned and operated since 1987. Unlike the retailers in this guide, its primary business is repairing existing eyewear rather than selling new sunglasses.
Published services include work on cracked frames, hinges, bridges and temples, along with certain lens and trim replacements. The company advertises physical repair locations and mail-in centers, allowing Arlington Heights customers to request an assessment without visiting a nearby storefront.
Repairability, cost and turnaround time depend on the frame and type of damage. Customers should obtain an individual quote before shipping prescription, designer or valuable eyewear.
6. Erker’s 1879
Best for: Fifth-generation heritage eyewear
Erker’s 1879 traces its history to an optical business established by A.P. Erker in St. Louis in 1879. The company identifies itself as a fifth-generation family business that remains owned and operated by its founding family.
Its collections include prescription frames and sunglasses available online and through optical retailers. The company may appeal to shoppers interested in a documented multigenerational eyewear business.
No company-owned Arlington Heights location was identified. Illinois customers should verify online delivery, retailer availability and return conditions before ordering.
7. MOSCOT
Best for: Multigenerational New York eyewear and customizable tints
MOSCOT describes itself as a fifth-generation, family-owned New York City eyewear brand with more than a century of optical history.
Its catalog includes eyeglasses, sunglasses, polarized options, several frame widths and custom-made tints. Products are available through the company’s online store and physical brand shops.
No Arlington Heights MOSCOT shop was verified for this guide. Customers ordering online should compare frame measurements and review current prescription, shipping and return conditions before purchasing.
How Should You Choose Between These Companies?
Begin with the service you need.
Choose a local optometry practice if you need an eye examination, prescription verification or in-person fitting. Consider a direct sunglasses brand when head size, polarization, lens specifications or activity-specific design is the priority. Contact a repair specialist when the goal is to restore an existing frame rather than replace it.
Ownership can also influence the decision, but family-owned, founder-led, family-founded and independent do not mean the same thing. Compare product measurements, lens specifications, warranty exclusions, return conditions and service channels before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all seven companies located in Arlington Heights?
No. Two are based in Arlington Heights, and Europa Eyewear is based in nearby Vernon Hills. The other companies are accessible through online ordering, optical retailers or mail-in service. Local inventory and delivery eligibility should be confirmed.
Is a founder-led company automatically family-owned?
No. Founder-led means a founder remains involved in the business. Family-owned indicates that ownership is held by members of a family. A company should not be described as family-owned without specific supporting information.
Where can shoppers obtain prescription sunglasses?
An optometry practice can provide examinations, prescriptions and fitting assistance. Some direct eyewear companies also offer prescription ordering, either internally or through outside laboratories and partners. Frame and lens eligibility varies.
Can every broken pair of sunglasses be repaired?
No. Repairability depends on frame material, damage, replacement-part availability and lens condition. Obtain an individual assessment before sending valuable or prescription sunglasses to a repair provider.
