Oftentimes, patients have questions about signs of quality. Today, we’d like to discuss a useful signifier of quality: country of origin. Below, we will discuss why a country of origin will change the level of quality of your glasses and we hope this short blog entry will help you choose a pair of glasses you will feel great about purchasing. Below is a short list but is not meant to be comprehensive.

1) Germany:
a) Highly technical- because of Germany’s philosophy of precision engineering and good work ethic, Made In Germany is usually a very good indicator of quality. Eyewear usually meets strict tolerance guidelines.
b) Responsible labor practices- German eyewear companies provide their employees with good benefits, safe work environments, and provide employees with a sense of equity and fulfillment in their jobs.
c) Uncompromising materials- Generally speaking, German eyewear brands will not cut corners to source cheap alternatives. Racing to the bottom is usually not in their DNA.

2) Japan:
a) Leaders in titanium- Japan’s titanium prowess is second to none. Oftentimes, a German or Italian eyewear company will send their engineering teams to Japan to learn about titanium if they wish to implement titanium in their eyewear. Many companies will also source their titanium from Japan, such as in the case of Blackfin™.
b) Good work ethic- The Japanese work ethic often means having strict tolerances for quality control and not being afraid to trash batches that do not meet quality controls.
c) A pedigreed history of metallurgy- Japan’s metallurgy history is world renown. Much like their knives, their metal glasses are exquisite.

3) Scandinavia:
a) Scandinavian eyewear brands are often overlooked. Much like the German brands, they are generally very technical, have an eye for quality, and due to a good work ethic, have strict quality controls.
b) Responsible labor practices: much like most of Europe, Scandinavian brands treat their employees well and this means you can feel good about purchasing frames made from Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Sweden.

4) United States:
a) Often overlooked due to a lack of a storied past in the eyewear industry, Made in the USA is a good sign of quality.

5) Italy:
a) Sorry Italiaphiles, but Italy is at number five. A storied past needs constant updating to remain technically relevant. Unfortunately, Italy has seen itself resting on its laurels, its branding, and its history.
b) There are still gems such as MadItaly, Blackfin, and LGR.

6) South Korea:
a) Similar to Japan, a good work ethic oftentimes means excellent quality.
b) Unfortunately, a short history means brands are few in number but this is quickly changing. Many European brands are opening factories in South Korea and technical knowledge will slowly improve to the point where native South Korean companies will spring up.
c) Unfortunately, labor practices require huge improvements. Unhappy workers often mean products will be loosely allowed to skirt quality controls as a result of employees not feeling their work is fulfilling or they feel they have a lack of personal stake in the products they make.