A Focus on Independent Eyewear
Independent Eyewear Stands Out Above the Rest
When you browse through the countless frames at your local chain optical shop, you might not realize that the $59.99 value frame and the $449.99 “designer” frame were likely designed by the same people and produced on the same assembly line. The eyewear industry has long been dominated by a few large international corporations and private equity groups, which control everything from the big mall chains to the small downtown shops that used to be independently owned. Have you noticed that your favorite optometrist’s shop now offers more basic frames and pricier lenses?
Starting in the early 2010s, many privately owned eyewear shops began selling their businesses to large private equity groups. These groups, often staffed by the same people who started the big box competitors, replaced meticulously crafted eyeglass frames with mass-produced, low-quality, high-margin pieces and swapped high-end lenses for more mainstream, less clear options.
With a bit of internet sleuthing, you might be surprised to find out how many local eyewear boutiques are actually owned by large investment groups with little experience in the optical industry. These companies go to great lengths to hide their acquisitions, but in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to find an optical shop that hasn’t been absorbed into a larger organization focused on maximizing profit over patient care.
The Obsidian Promise
Witnessing these changes, the founding members of Obsidian vowed to revive the neighborhood optician. Our commitment is to focus on independent, high-quality eyeglass frames and industry-leading lens technology, never sacrificing quality for profit.
So, what are independent frames? They are the antithesis of the mass-produced options found in malls and chain stores. Each frame is meticulously designed by a dedicated team of professionals, often handcrafted by experienced artisans, and distributed only when it meets strict quality standards. Independent eyewear uses premium materials such as Japanese titanium, cellulose acetate, and other precious metals that outperform the plastics and metals used in mass-produced frames.
A Design Philosophy
Take Laibach and York, for example. Featured exclusively in the Pittsburgh area at Obsidian Exceptional Eyewear, this bench-crafted frame line is designed by an industrial designer with a master’s in eye optics. After years of creating high-end eyewear, he launched his own label in 2013 to make his designs accessible to all.
Conceived and handmade in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Laibach and York not only preserves the art of handmade eyewear but also champions environmental awareness, supporting bee conservation and fighting colony collapse.
Laibach and York is just one of the exclusive brands you’ll find at Obsidian Exceptional Eyewear. We also offer hundreds of other frames from independent designers from all over the world. Each frame tells a unique story, crafted with passion and precision by artisans dedicated to their craft. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene workshops of Italy, our collection spans the globe, bringing you the finest in independent eyewear.
At Obsidian, we believe in celebrating individuality and quality. Our frames are not just accessories; they are expressions of personal style and craftsmanship. We meticulously select each piece to ensure it meets our high standards of design and durability. Whether you’re looking for something bold and avant-garde or classic and timeless, our diverse range has something for everyone.
Supporting global artisans is at the heart of what we do. By choosing independent eyewear, you’re not only investing in superior quality but also supporting the creative minds behind each design. We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional experiences, frames, and vision, ensuring that every visit to Obsidian is a journey into the world of exquisite eyewear.