Our Story

From the Founder

In 1999, I made a decision that surprised a lot of people—I left my career on Wall Street to pursue something more meaningful. Not long after, a life-changing event reshaped my perspective: I was mugged and lost sight in one eye. That experience forced me to think deeply about vision—how essential it is, and how easily it can be taken for granted.

I set out to make a difference in the eyewear industry. I purchased the domain Eyeglasses.com, started the company, and never looked back.

As I built Eyeglasses.com and spent more time in the industry, I began to see a disconnect. Eyewear had become dominated by large fashion brands and mass production, often far removed from the craftsmanship that originally defined it. At one end of the market were widely available frames made for scale; at the other were exceptional products, but at prices that put them out of reach for many people. I found myself asking a simple question: why couldn’t high-quality, well-made eyewear also be accessible?

What I found was that this tradition still exists today. In the Dolomites, artisans and small, family-owned manufacturers continue to produce eyewear with a focus on quality, durability, and thoughtful design. Many of these techniques and standards have been passed down through generations, preserving a continuity that is increasingly rare in modern manufacturing. The energy of the mountains, Venetian creativity, and passion for design simplicity find its way into every frame they make.  I founded Dolomiti Eyewear to bring that tradition forward in a way that makes it accessible again, working directly with makers in this region to create frames that reflect its heritage. Every frame is designed and manufactured there, with the belief that eyewear should be made to last—and made with purpose.

That question led me back to where the modern eyewear industry began. More than 500 years ago, in Venice, artisans developed the first high-quality lenses, laying the foundation for everything that followed. Over time, that tradition moved north into the Dolomite mountains, where generations of craftsmen in places like Cadore refined the art of frame-making. In this region, eyewear was never just a product—it was a craft shaped by skill, patience, and a deep respect for materials.

For me, this is about more than eyewear. It’s about returning to a way of making things that values craftsmanship, integrity, and longevity. In a world that often prioritizes speed and scale, I believe there is still a place for products made with care—products people can rely on for years. That belief continues to guide everything we do at Dolomiti Eyewear.

Mark Agnew