Scott Harris Shapiro, CEO of Europa Eyewear, discusses the current state of the optical industry and Europa Eyewear’s unique approach to servicing Independent Optometry. Scott learned the value of communication at the beginning of his career when he was featured on and produced radio shows. Those skills have served him well as he leads an entrepreneurial company with the largest eyewear manufacturing facility in North America. Scott talks about the unique challenges in setting up this state-of-the-art factory outside Chicago and how being “Made in America” is a source of pride for Europa and its customers. As the new Chairman of the Vision Council of America, Scott looks ahead to how emerging technologies impact Europa and the optical industry.

Scott Harris Shapiro grew up in the eyewear industry and is the namesake of the multi-million-dollar eyewear brand Scott Harris. His parents founded Europa Eyewear in 1977, and for more than 40 years, the company has been designing, importing, and distributing eyeglasses and sunglasses. In 2014 Scott teamed up with a small group of innovative entrepreneurs to build a first-of-its-kind American eyewear factory and produce a new luxury brand called STATE Optical Co. In 2018, he and his team uncovered a unique opportunity to acquire a legendary eyewear brand that was a household name just a generation ago - American Optical (AO Eyewear) - and bring their manufacturing process to Chicago. Today he serves as CEO of Europa Eyewear and is Chairman of the Vision Council of America. According to Scott, “We don’t just want to make eyewear in America. We want to make truly American eyewear.”