About Us
Optoplast is a leading global supplier of quality spectacle cases and accessories.
Founded in 1946 by Walter Conway and Herbert Thorn in Millmead, Guildford in Surrey. Optoplast celebrates over seven decades as a leader in the optical industry - boasting a rich heritage and history. Optoplast remains a family run and independently owned company today.
Optoplast have always been at the forefront of change; from the invention of the PIMO machine in 1951 which brought a new level of precision to the optical industry, to today using the latest CAD technology and 3D prototyping to push every design boundary. Optoplast stands for inspirational designs, attention to every detail and commitment to the highest quality.
We supply the optical industry with cases, frame parts and accessories including cleaning cloths, spectacle chains and tools for dispensing and glazing.
Our History
Click through the years to discover our company history.
Optoplast was founded in Millmead, Guildford in Surrey with an initial staff of six surrounded by rolling hills and cobbled streets, this small team of workers were soon to make a name for themselves within the optical industry.
Optoplast worked closely with the National Health Scheme to launch the first range of optical frames for the NHS.
The patented PIMO machine was launched and put into production, inserting metal reinforcements into acetate spectacle sides with absolute precision. This innovation changed the way spectacles were manufactured worldwide. With 80 staff at work, Optoplast were able to produce two temples a second, exporting more than five million a year to 11 countries.
The second generation of the Conway and Thorn families expanded the business with new production facility Manchester.
The business expanded further with new production facilities in Liverpool. This was a milestone in the history of Optoplast.
Optoplast opened offices in Germany – (Victoria Collection).
James Conway joined the company – the third generation of the Conway family.
Optoplast opened offices in Hong Kong (Rainbow Bright).
Jai Kudo Lenses joined Millmead Optical Group incorporating lenses and glazing into the groups’ range of optical services.
Leading UK eyewear distributors Continental Eyewear Ltd joined Millmead Optical Group.
Optoplast has been rebranded to include a new heritage inspired logo and brand-new e-commerce website – a first for Optoplast.