Barz Optics is an Australian-based family company based in Burleigh Heads in Queensland. It was established in 1996 by Kevin Barr – a former surfing champion with 45+ years of experience in the surf, snow ski, jetski, sailing and sailboard industries. During his years in the surf industry, Kevin encountered many surfers and outdoor sports enthusiasts who suffered eye problems such as pterygium (a type of cataract caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, wind, spray and salt) and who wanted to protect their eyes from UV rays and have sunglasses that could withstand their sports, and have prescription lenses fitted. Enter Barz Sunglasses!
Kevin began as a surf, sailboard and snow ski retailer, then progressed to Manufacturers Agent, representing companies such as O'Neill wetsuits, Oakley eyewear, Vans shoes, Freestyle watches, Hot Buttered surf products, various bodyboard companies and Creatures of Leisure accessories.
The desire to help people protect their eyes during watersports inspired Kevin to develop a sunglass/goggle to assist surfers in reducing the chance of developing pterygium and ensure maximum protection from UV rays and the elements. Originally hand-made from cellulose acetate requiring 16 hand-routing processes and three days of tumble polishing, each pair took twelve days in production. A maximum of 200 pairs could be produced per week.
Six years and three design developments later, the frame was produced by injection moulded using a hybrid nylon TR90 in our Currumbin factory, as are five other components. The assembly was also carried out in the same facility, enabling a capacity of 1200 pairs per week.
In their early years, Barz was approached by many companies in the optical and sports industry to supply or develop variations of the Arfa. These companies included Arnette, Yamaha, Tommy Hilfiger, Smith Optics, H2O Optics and Bolle. Still, they remained true to their vision and continued researching, developing and manufacturing in Australia.
Over the last twenty-five years, Barz Optics has expanded its products to include a wide range of unique sunglasses which contain polarised or non-polarised lenses, utilising many different lens materials. Discover their full range at NorthShore Watersports, including their floating models, photochromic lenses, prescription swim goggles and the Kiama cross sport sunglass/goggles.
While Barz Optics have remained a small family company they are one of the most innovative optical companies in the world. Enjoy Barz sunglasses, knowing your eyesight has the best protection available, or browse our complete sunglasses range at NorthShore Watersports!
