Ray-Ban was founded in 1937 by Bausch & Lomb for U.S. aviators.
Bausch & Lomb developed sunglasses to reduce the intense glare encountered by pilots at high altitude. The resulting Aviator design used large lenses and a thin metal frame, creating the distinctive shape now strongly associated with Ray-Ban.
The brand name combines “ray” and “ban,” reflecting the idea of blocking harmful or uncomfortable rays. Ray-Ban later expanded beyond aviation eyewear, especially through models such as the Wayfarer and Clubmaster.
Ray-Ban changed ownership when Bausch & Lomb sold the brand to Luxottica in 1999. The 1937 founding date refers to the brand’s launch, not the later introduction of every famous Ray-Ban model.