Vision with a Southern touch.

With a passion for quality eyewear and a dedication to the communities we serve, Sunglass World has thrived by staying true to Southern values and the belief that every customer deserves a personalized experience. Our journey started with a simple vision: to offer stylish, high-performance sunglasses while putting people first. Today, this vision continues to guide us as we bring exceptional service and handpicked styles to loyal customers across the Southeast.



Our Journey to becoming the Southeast’s Sunglass Leader

With deep Southern roots and a commitment to personalized service, Sunglass World has been a family-owned business since 1984. Founded by Dr. John Adolf and his wife Pat, we have grown from a single small-town store into a beloved name across the Southeastern U.S.

Through over three decades of dedicated service, we have stayed true to our founding values: treating each customer as a friend, offering exclusive styles, and always prioritizing the communities we call home.

Milestones in Our Story.

Sunglass World

1984

Sunglass World is Born.
Driven by a vision to bring high-quality, stylish eyewear to local communities, they quickly establish Sunglass World as a trusted name.

Dr. John Adolf and his wife Pat open the first Sunglass World in Gautier, Mississippi.

Sunglass World

1990s

Expanding Along the Gulf Coast
These new locations allow us to bring our unique approach to eyewear and personalized service to even more communities.

As Sunglass World gains popularity, stores are opened in coastal cities like Panama City, Mobile, and Destin.

Sunglass World

2000s

Venturing into New Markets
This marks the beginning of Sunglass World’s presence outside the Gulf Coast area, bringing our Southern values and exclusive styles to a new audience.

Building on their success, Pat and Doc (as they're affectionately known) expand the brand to Gainesville, Florida.

Sunglass World

2010s

Leading the Way in Sunglass Retail
Customers recognize Sunglass World as a place to find one-of-a-kind styles and personalized service.

Our experienced team of managers and sales associates become veterans in the industry, attending expos and trade shows to stay ahead of the latest trends.

Sunglass World

2024

A New Era Online
Now, you can access our carefully curated selection and enjoy our signature customer care from the comfort of home.

With the launch of our updated website, we bring the Sunglass World experience to online shoppers.