ClearVision Optical announced it has been added to New York State’s Historic Business Preservation Registry (HBPR). The HBPR recognition highlights businesses that have operated for at least 50 years, have demonstrated business excellence, and meaningfully contributed to their communities. State Sen. Monica Martinez, D-N.Y., nominated ClearVision for this esteemed designation in the HBPR.
“Being recognized as a Historic Business in New York is a testament to the vision and dedication my father, Fred Friedfeld, instilled in ClearVision when he founded the company over 75 years ago,” David Friedfeld, president and co-owner of ClearVision, said. “From day one, our mission has been to support eyecare professionals with exceptional products and unwavering individualized service, while also making a positive impact in the communities we serve. This honor reflects our enduring commitment to these values and the legacy we strive to uphold every day.”
The award was presented during Founder’s Day, ClearVision’s annual celebration of its founder Fred, where team members, the Friedfeld family, and numerous friends of the company gathered. This year’s event served as an opportunity to recognize ClearVision’s 75th anniversary, honor the company’s award-winning culture, and joyfully connect with many vendors and community partners. State Sen. Monica Martinez was on-site to present the award on behalf of the Governor of New York. Founder’s Day concluded with a toast and festivities.
After returning from his service in the United States Navy in World War II, Fred used the GI Bill to become one of the first licensed opticians in New York. Shortly after, in 1949, he founded ClearVision. Since then, the family business has spent decades building a culture dedicated to making each day better for others. That approach extends to its community.
ClearVision maintains a dynamic internship program through partnerships with universities and local high schools to expose students to a great workplace and to help them start building their futures. The program does this through a combination of mentorship, relevant experiences, and dynamic training.
Beyond that, ClearVision frequently collaborates with local charities, such as Long Island Cares, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Haven House, The INN, EAC Network’s Child Advocacy Center, Family Service League, the Maurer Breast Cancer Foundation, Optometry Giving Sight, Habitat for Humanity Long Island, AHRC, United Way, and many more. In addition to the extensive list of charities it works with, ClearVision also offers two paid volunteer days per year to each team member.
ClearVision’s efforts in the community and its reputation as an exemplary business partner in New York have been recognized many times. It has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State by the Society for Human Resource Management nine times. ClearVision won the Long Island Herald Family Business Award in 2022, the Newsday Top Places to Work Award in 2019, and the Long Island Business News Corporate Citizen Award in 2019. In addition to that, David, along with his brother and co-owner of the company Peter Friedfeld, won the Legacy Leaders of Long Island award in 2023 from the Long Island Press.
About ClearVision Optical
Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is a 75-year-old, award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for many of today’s top brands. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York. It has been recognized as a Best Company to work for in New York State for nine years. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe. Licensed and proprietary brands include Revo, ILLA, Uncommon, Adira, Demi + Dash, BCGBGMAXAZRIA, Steve Madden, IZOD, Dilli Dalli, CVO Eyewear, Aspire, ADVANTAGE, and more.