WHY WE EXIST
OPTIC NERVE EXISTS TO CREATE A CLEARER VIEW OF WHAT MATTERS, PRODUCING PURPOSEFUL EYEWEAR FOR THE OUTDOOR INSPIRED
You come alive outside. Inspired by the freedom to move, to follow your own path.
Most days, it’s easy to feed this insatiable hunger for the outdoors, existing in the moment, or thriving on physical challenge. But let’s face it, other days it's tough to get up, get out, and overcome the obstacles of everyday life.
What’s different about you is that you choose what matters. You choose to go one step further, even when it seems impossible - to do more, care more, and feel more. You’re drawn outside to a place where time disappears and ambition multiplies.
That’s why you choose Optic Nerve. Because we understand your healthy addiction ot the outdoors and love for our playground, planet earth. And that’s why we exist, to create a clearer view of what matters, producing purposeful eyewear for the outdoor-inspired.
We know what it’s like to go the extra mile. With excruciating thoughtfulness around features and innovation, we make sure nothing stands in your way. A little extra flair, a lot more affordable, all with a steadfast commitment to sustainability - so you can focus on what’s important.
With Optic Nerve eyewear, you have no reason not to go. So don’t hold back. Race, charge, explore, or simply exist. Go a little too far, lose yourself, and feel more alive - because getting outside is always worth it.
ALWAYS WORTH IT
Our story starts in 1982 when Mountain Shades, the precusor to Optic Nerve, was established in Vail, Colorado. Since 1982, countless years, months, days, and hours have been spent in the mountains of Colorado testing our products to deliver only the finest sunglasses and ski and snowboarding goggles on the market because it's always worth it to explore outdoors. We work hard to create affordable products that outperform our competitors and your expectations.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the world around us by making it easier for people to experience and enjoy all the things they love to do in the great outdoors.
WHAT WE BELIEVE IN
We believe that when people are active, they are happier, healthier and more productive. That’s why we make protective eyewear to support a wide variety of outdoor activities – so more people can get out and do more things and add more happiness to the world.
We believe that the great outdoors is the world’s best playground. And that there is no indoor substitute for a walk on a beach or a ride down a powder-filled slope. That’s why our products focus on serving the needs of those who like to get outside and do stuff.
We believe everyone’s eyes are deserving of protection. That’s why we are committed to working with various charities throughout our community to ensure that those who are less fortunate than ourselves have access to quality eye protection for enjoying the great outdoors.
We believe that the consumer is smart enough to know the difference. We have faith that if we put the facts and features about our products in front of the consumer, they will understand the value we offer and the culture we’re trying to create.
We believe that taking care of people along the way is the only way to do business. From our founding, this philosophy has driven how we treat our employees and our business partners. It is the reason we put people above profits and relationships before transactions.
We believe in the power of independence. And its ability to inspire freedom to follow your own path. We know first-hand how important it is to chase a dream with unabashed passion and little concern for what the Jones’ might think.
OUR BRAND PROMISE
Nothing stands in your way. We believe there’s no reason not to go—so we eliminate excuses with eyewear that takes you where you want to be. Whether you’re moving, training, competing, or simply existing, we match our products with your outdoor motivation. Everyone has a unique relationship with the outdoors, and we get that. Our collections offer a range of styles, from sport to leisure, with the right balance of features and innovation so you can follow your own path. We go the extra mile so you can too. With excruciatingly thoughtful features and innovation, you get the highest-quality products, so nothing stands in your way of getting outdoors. And because the power of the sun lifts you up and gives you energy, we offer 100% UVA/UVB protection—so you can go a little further, stay out a little longer, and soak up every moment without worry.
Move with confidence. You’re not meant to sit inside, and neither is your eyewear. That’s why we use the highest-quality materials and a deliberate production process to heighten durability—so you have no excuse not to go. When we say forever, we mean it. Trust us with the life of your eyewear because we’re in it for the long haul. We stand behind our products with approachable and dedicated customer service, ensuring your purchase is always worth it. And we hurry, so you don’t have to. With free 2-day shipping on purchases over $50, you’ll be outside—living, exploring, and moving—whenever the sun shines. You’re looking for the perfect match, and we don’t blame you. If you don’t love your eyewear selection, we’ll take them back—no questions asked. If that particular pair wasn’t “the one,” pick again from our variety of styles and collections.
Choose what matters. You do you—good, better, or best—all made with quality materials and optics. We offer an intentional assortment and a variety of price points so you can choose what matters to your lifestyle. Make your purchase matter to you and to our environment. With products made from sustainable plant-based materials that are designed and distributed with solar power, you’ll not only look good, but feel good too. And you’ll get a clearer view of what matters. Choosing Optic Nerve means choosing great products that give back to our communities and create avenues to do more with life. Purchasing Optic Nerve eyewear means you’re supporting an independent company with a conscience—one that puts people and planet over profit.