Glasses, Frames & Sunglasses | The Golden Family Story | SEE Skip to content
The owners and founders of SEE in 1955
 
Circa 1998: Optical pioneer Richard Golden envisioned the future of eyewear. Fueled by the frustration of licensing existing brands at an absurd cost, Golden was intrigued by the idea of creating a proprietary, unique brand. He and his brother, Randal, and the expert product development team crafted an exclusive collection of high-quality, one-of-a-kind styles priced at about half of similar luxury eyewear.

Today, SEE remains the “go to” locale for eyewear aficionados looking for the closest thing to custom frames - made possible by SEE’s philosophy of producing incredibly small quantities (many times only one or two of a single frame in a specific color per city or per store).

FAMILY AFFAIR

RICHARD REALIZED HIS PASSION IN THE FAMILY BIZ

As a kid in the 50s, Richard Golden realized his passion for sales, selling greeting cards door-to-door while his father, Donald Golden ran a successful chain of optical stores. His father offered him several jobs in the company but Richard declined, instead opting to attend Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Advertising.

Eventually, Richard did find his way into the family business and soon after, the company boomed. The rapid expansion can be attributed to a string of incredibly popular advertising campaigns directed by Richard himself.

CIRCA: 1998

RICHARD GOLDEN HAD AN IDEA

Optical pioneer Richard Golden envisioned the future of eyewear. Fueled by the frustration of licensing existing brands at an absurd cost, Golden was intrigued by the idea of creating a unique, proprietary brand. He, along with his brother, Randal, and expert product development team, crafted an exclusive collection of high quality, one-of-a-kind styles at an affordable price, resulting in reverse sticker shock for the consumer.

The first SEE store opened in Birmingham, MI in 1998 and the rest is SEE history.

Fanfare and Pandemonium

SEE IS VOTED "BEST EYEWEAR"

In 2001 SEE begins to win "best eyewear" nods. First, we win in Boston and in our hometown, Detroit. The Goldens and the SEE family go wild. Fists are pumped and bumped, roofs are raised, mandatory office luncheons are held. Then we win in Nashville, Tampa, Charleston, Orlando and San Francisco! We just keep winning! Since then, SEE has racked up 76 "best eyewear" and "best optical shop" wins in readers' polls from coast to coast, and every win is as exciting as the first.

GROWTH MODE

SEE VENTURES INTO THE COOLEST NEIGHBORHOODS

The SEE brand and concept were a hit! People couldn't get enough of the eclectic collection of frames that was finally offered at a palatable price point. Customers were walking away with 6 or 7 pairs - unheard of in the optical industry!

The Goldens decided to open up shop in a few of their favorite neighborhoods in their favorite cities to see how SEE would fare. Between 1998-2005, SEE shacked up in South Beach, Chicago, Georgetown, Columbus, and Ann Arbor. To the Goldens' delight, SEE was a success.

ORIGINAL DESIGNS | LIMITED QUANTITIES

MAXIMUM EXCLUSIVITY

SEE, the purveyor of the most eclectic eyewear in the country, is committed to marrying the highest quality materials with the most advanced designs in prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses and offering them at a true value. SEE's one of a kind collection of men's and women's prescription glasses can be found exclusively in our optical stores, along with the latest technology in prescription eyeglass and contact lenses.

Looking for an eye doctor? Most SEE locations have an optometrist on hand for comprehensive eye exams. Browse and buy in our online shop or find a location near you and learn why SEE has been voted "best eyewear" and "best optical shop" 86 times in readers' polls from coast to coast.