Icare Industries dates back to 1968 when John W. Payne started the company. John was an industrial engineer who learned the optical trade from the industry leaders of that day, B&L and International Optical. Today, Icare Industries is one of the largest independently owned manufacturers of prescription eyewear and optical related products in the United States.

Ranked as the 6th largest lab network by Vision Monday, Icare is based in St. Petersburg, Florida. What distinguishes Icare from others in the industry is that we are an independent company, not a division of a larger company that has consolidated other manufacturers. This independence allows us to provide the best, product neutral solutions to our clients. Being independent allows us to be an authorized distributor of Varilux, Sola and Kodak lenses.

Today Icare Industries is managed by the sons of the founder, Scott Payne (Chairman of the Board of Directors) and Skip Payne (President). Icare is an employee owned company with long standing commitments to the local community. Icare and its divisions currently employ more than 150 people throughout Florida.

Icare Industries is the parent of IcareLabs, one of the largest laboratories in the United States.