ABOUT US

eyebobs is the original bold-readers brand. Founded in Minneapolis in 2001, on one belief:

"ordinary" shouldn't go anywhere near your face.
Person holding a green book titled 'Paris' in a blurred indoor setting Person holding a green book titled 'Paris' in a blurred indoor setting

OUR STORY

It all started with an a-ha moment in Minneapolis in 2001. Julie Allinson needed reading glasses. What she found was drugstores full of cheap readers, optical retailers carrying expensive designer frames, and nothing in the gulf between. So she founded eyebobs: readers with optical-grade lenses and personality to spare. 

Since 2001, we’ve been making original readers for original people. Since blowing the readers market wide open, we’ve added blue light, progressive readers, prescription, sunglasses and even accessories. Our designs are more unique than ever, and our lenses stay as functional and high-quality as they’ve ever been. 
Model Wearing TV Party in Yellow
Model Wearing Topless in Blue Tortoise
Model Wearing Topless in Blue Tortoise

It is our fundamental belief that “ordinary” shouldn’t go anywhere near your face. From day one, we’ve obsessed over designing unique, art-worthy eyewear for each and every idiosyncratic soul on planet earth. Here’s to noticing being noticed, and changing your entire perspective (literally). Today eyebobs is part of the Europa Eyewear family. Still designed in Minneapolis, still unapologetically original. 

Easy on the Eyes, Exciting on the Face. 
Explore More Frames
Dollface - Portrait_F

Who We're For

People upgrading from drugstore readers who want proof the quality is real. Prescription wearers bored senseless by beige optical-shop walls. First-timers holding the menu at arm’s length wondering what strength they need. Our two-minute Reader Strength Test answers that. And collectors on their fifth pair. We see you.

eyebobs at a Glance

The Most Looked-At Thing You Own

eyebobs is an American eyewear brand based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded by Julie Allinson. We make designer reading glasses starting at $98, progressive readers, prescription eyewear, blue-light glasses, reader sunglasses, and polarized sunglasses - every frame designed in-house by our product team, cut from premium Italian-designed acetate with spring hinges and optical-grade lenses in strengths +0.00 to +4.00, with a 90-day risk-free trial and HSA/FSA accepted. Since 2023, eyebobs has been part of the Europa Eyewear family.

EXPLORE MORE FRAMES
Founded
2001, Minneapolis, MN
Parent
Europe Eyewear (since April 2023)
Frames
Premium Italian-designed acetate, spring hinges · Lenses: optical-grade, +0.00 to +4.00 (quarter steps)
Makes
Readers · Progressive Readers · Prescription (single-vision & progressive) · Blue-Light · Reader Sunglasses · Polarized Sunglasses · Accessories
Price Range
Starting at $98
Returns
90-day risk-free
Payment
All major credit cards, Apple Pay, or Buy in 4 installments using ShopPay or AfterPay · HSA/FSA accepted
Stores
Mall of America · Ridgedale Center · Rosedale Center · International Market Square (IMS) + specialty optical retailers nationwide
Contact
hello@eyebobs.com · (866) 393-2627 · Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm CST 

Our Difference

Designed in-house. Every frame is designed in-house by our own Minneapolis team. No licensed logos, no catalog re-badges. Then produced by vetted manufacturing partners to our specs. Built to last: premium Italian-designed acetate that flexes where molded plastic snaps, and optical-grade lenses in quarter-step strengths so you wear the right power, not the closest one on a drugstore rack. Patterned acetates are uniquely made per pair, so no two are alike. Backed like we mean it: 90-day risk-free returns. Yes, ninety days.

The History of eyebobs

Since 2001, we've been crafting outspoken eyewear for outspoken people. No boring frames. No exceptions.

2001

Julie Allinson founds eyebobs, Minneapolis

2015

Norwest Equity Partners invests

2016

“Take a Stand” collection with Katie Couric for Stand Up to Cancer

2018

First standalone store, Mall of America

2019

Ridgedale store opens

2023

Joins Europa Eyewear

2025

Red frames on Saturday Night Live; red-frame sales double

2026

Over 18,000 verified reviews and counting.

Join The Team

It’s our mission to help glasses-wearers everywhere feel the most “themselves” they ever have. How? Through bold, one-of-a-kind glasses, championing self-expression, and having a little bit of fun along the way (only a little). If this sounds like a good reason to get out of bed in the morning, you may be a good addition to the team. If you see yourself fitting in, click to learn more.

CAREERS

Questions people ask about eyebobs

  • Since April 2023, eyebobs has been part of Europa Eyewear, following investment from Blue Point. We still operate and design from Minneapolis.

  • Yes, eyebobs are premium, designer eyewear without the designer price tag. Features include premium Italian-designed acetate frames with spring hinges, optical-grade lenses in quarter-step strengths, and a 90-day risk-free trial behind every pair. 

  • Designed in-house by our Minneapolis product team; produced by vetted external manufacturers to our specs.

  • Yes. Single-vision and progressive prescription, blue-light glasses, full-lens reader sunglasses (100% UV, tinted), and polarized sunglasses, in the same frames.

  • Virtual try-on is available on most product pages; our stores at Mall of America, Ridgedale Center, and Rosedale Center; International Market Square (IMS), and specialty optical retailers nationwide.