our story
The brand name Eyedope was first conceived in 2011, when founder Ron McCoy envisioned reimagining the traditional contact lens case—transforming an everyday accessory into a bold, stylish statement piece. Yet, despite his enthusiasm, the idea remained unrealized.
Several years later, on Christmas Day in 2015, Ron was watching reruns of Shark Tank with his family. Inspired by the determination and courage of entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams, he went to bed reflecting on what it truly means to take a leap of faith. The next morning, he awoke with renewed clarity. The Eyedope name deserved a broader platform—and eyewear, particularly sunglasses, offered the perfect canvas for a brand named Eyedope and built for individuality and expression.
Ron immediately immersed himself in research, studying leading competitors, emerging styles, supplier networks, industry data, and financial trends. He quickly recognized the magnitude of the challenge ahead. The eyewear market was saturated with well-established upper- and mid-tier brands commanding strong loyalty and significant market share. Entering such a competitive landscape would require more than passion; it would demand strategic differentiation and long-term commitment.
Undeterred, Ron spent eighteen months preparing for launch and officially introduced Eyedope’s retail website in April 2017. However, he soon discovered that even the most carefully planned debut does not guarantee visibility. Building traffic and brand recognition proved far more challenging than anticipated.
Over the following six years, competing life responsibilities and limited financial resources forced Ron to step away from actively growing Eyedope. Still, he never fully disconnected from the vision. He continued monitoring industry developments and studied evolving marketing strategies, quietly preparing for the right time to return.
That moment came under circumstances he never expected.
In December 2023, Ron received life-altering news: he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. In an instant, the ambitions, plans, and timelines of business gave way to something far more profound—the fight for his life. Cancer has a way of stripping everything down to what truly matters. The uncertainty, the fear, the long nights of reflection—they force a person to confront both vulnerability and purpose. Yet even in the face of this devastating diagnosis, Ron refused to surrender his optimism. He resolved not only to overcome the disease but to emerge stronger, with a deeper appreciation for every day granted to him. His battle became more than physical; it was a reaffirmation of resilience, faith, and unfinished dreams.
Throughout the next two years, as he focused on his health, Ron’s commitment to bringing Eyedope into the competitive eyewear space only intensified. With nearly eight years of research and reflection behind him, he refined his strategy and sharpened his brand positioning. He knew Eyedope had to stand for something meaningful.
Amid increasingly complex global and domestic tensions, Ron believed there was still room—perhaps now more than ever—for a brand rooted in positivity, optimism, and peace. Today’s consumers seek authenticity. They support brands that reflect their values and inspire their outlook on life.
To fully express this vision, Ron developed a tagline that would seamlessly connect Eyedope’s purpose with its product:
“See Radiantly. Live Dope!”
“See Radiantly” encourages the Eyedope community to focus on the positive, inspiring elements of their world—viewing the positive and exciting aspects of their daily life through the lens of Eyedope eyewear with clarity, confidence, and possibility.
“Live Dope!” is an invitation to embrace each moment with intention and gratitude. Every day is a gift—an opportunity to experience goodness, create impact, and live boldly.