Lafont

Since 1928, Lafont eyewear has crafted frames that blend French design with everyday wearability, and Dr. Melissa McCulley brings that same spirit of artisanal craftsmanship to every patient who visits McCulley Optix Gallery. Lafont optical frames and sunglasses are hand-finished in France, combining bold color combinations, sculpted detail, and genuine comfort.

A statement pair for summer or a subtle everyday frame both have a place in the lineup, and our team helps you find the style that fits your face shapes and your personality. Explore the sunglasses collection below and see why so many Fargo patients trust us with their eyewear.

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The Lafont Collection

Lafont has spent nearly a century perfecting the balance between fashion and function, and that history shows in every pair the brand produces. Each frame reflects Parisian chic, mixing playful color and design with clean, architectural lines.

Heritage & Craftsmanship

Lafont remains a family-run company now in its fourth generation, and that dedication to quality is woven into every frame. Signature touches reflect decades of technical expertise passed down through the family. Modern production adds cutting-edge technology, but human skills still finish every hinge and edge by hand. That mix of machine precision and craftsmanship gives Lafont sunglasses a richness and Parisian elegance you can feel.

Style Range

Lafont’s sunglass styles range from timeless aviators to bold, sculptural shapes that turn heads. Soft neutrals suit everyday wear, and vibrant patterns work well for patients who love to stand out. With over 200 color combinations across the collection, there’s a fit for nearly any taste, classic sophistication or contemporary flair alike. Either way, you can find a Lafont design that feels like you.

Lens Technology & Protection

Lafont pairs its fashion-forward frames with lenses designed to protect your eyes in real-world conditions. Many sunglass styles include polarized lens options that cut glare on bright days. UV-blocking coatings shield your eyes from sun damage year-round, not just in summer. Choosing Lafont means style and comfort come standard alongside genuine eye protection.

Prescription Options

Great style doesn’t have to come at the cost of clear vision. Most Lafont sunglass frames can be fitted with a prescription lens, including options for progressive and single-vision eyeglasses. Our team measures and adjusts each pair so your prescription sunglasses feel as sharp as your regular glasses. That means fewer squints and headaches during outdoor activities.

Fit Guidance

Lafont frames come in a range of sizes and bridge widths, so getting the right fit takes a little know-how. Our team checks how the frame sits on your nose, temples, and cheekbones, adjusting the nose pad to prevent slipping or pinching. Your face shape also factors into which styles we recommend, since some silhouettes flatter certain features more than others. Not sure where to start? Take our personalized glasses survey before your visit to help narrow things down.

Choosing the Right Lens Tint for Your Day

Lens color changes more than the way your sunglasses look; it changes how your eyes handle contrast and color in different conditions. Ophthalmologist Emily Schehlein, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, notes that lens color can matter as much as darkness once you’ve confirmed full UV protection. Gray lenses keep colors true to life and work well for bright, sunny days where accurate color perception matters most.

Brown and amber tones help on cloudy days or in mixed light, since they make edges and textures easier to pick out. A peer-reviewed study in Optometry and Vision Science found that yellow-toned lenses meaningfully improved contrast against blue-heavy backgrounds like an overcast sky, which is why anglers and drivers often favor that tone. Green lenses sit between gray and brown, offering solid contrast without shifting color as much as amber does. Lafont offers several tint options across its collection, and our team walks you through them during your fitting so you leave with a lens built for your actual routine.

Meet Dr. Melissa McCulley

Dr. Melissa McCulley is a Fargo native who built her optometry career on a mix of clinical excellence and genuine care for her patients. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston College before completing her Doctor of Optometry at the Southern College of Optometry, both with honors.

Four years at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Ophthalmology followed, where she specialized in fitting specialty contact lenses and working with low vision patients, before she returned home to build her own practice. Today, Dr. McCulley brings that same expertise to every Lafont fitting, helping patients find sunglasses that protect their eyes and match their style. Learn more about our practice or meet the team who support her.

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A Personal Approach to Your Fitting

Talking Through Your Style and Vision Needs

Your visit starts with a conversation about your lifestyle, style preferences, and vision needs. Dr. McCulley or a member of her team asks about your daily activities to understand what you actually need from a pair of sunglasses. This helps narrow down styles before you even try on a single frame. You can schedule your visit online whenever it works for you.

Narrowing Your Options Together

Our team pulls frames suited to your face shape, prescription needs, and personal taste. Lens options, including tint, polarization, and UV protection, get discussed here so you understand what each choice offers. This step ensures your final pair matches both your vision needs and your everyday routine.

Precise Measurements and Adjustments

Once you’ve selected your frame, we take precise measurements to fit your prescription accurately. Checking how the frame sits on your nose and ears comes next, along with small adjustments for comfort. Everything gets double-checked before your sunglasses leave the gallery.

Simple Habits for Long-Term Care

We show you how to clean and store your sunglasses to protect the acetate finish and lens coatings. A soft cloth and avoiding extreme heat go a long way toward helping your frames last for years. Our team stays available anytime you have care questions after your visit.

A Follow-Up to Confirm Your Comfort

We check in after your fitting to make sure your sunglasses feel comfortable and perform the way you expected. Any needed adjustments get handled quickly and without hassle. A lasting fit is our goal, one you’re happy with long after you leave the gallery.

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See the Collection Before You Visit!

A Lafont frame looks different depending on the light, the color, and the face wearing it, so photos only tell part of the story. Dr. Melissa McCulley and her team keep new arrivals rotating through the gallery, and you can catch a first look at fresh styles on Instagram or Facebook before they hit the shelves.

Spotted a color or shape you’re drawn to? Send us a few details through our contact form and we’ll have some options pulled and waiting when you arrive, or book your appointment directly if you’re ready to try a pair on for yourself. Living in the Fargo area? It might be easier to visit McCulley Optix Gallery in person!

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FAQs

How do I choose the right lens tint for my Lafont sunglasses?

The right tint depends on where and when you wear your sunglasses most, since gray, brown, and green lenses each affect contrast and color perception differently. Gray suits bright, sunny conditions, while brown and amber tones help on overcast days or in mixed light. Our team talks through your typical routine during your fitting to recommend a tint that matches how you actually use your sunglasses.

What materials go into Lafont frames besides acetate?

Lafont is known for mixing acetate with panther designs, tortoise shell, and horn patterns, along with fabric like tartan or Liberty print sandwiched between two layers of acetate. This layering is part of why the color and pattern on a Lafont frame look deeper than a single-tone plastic frame. Our team can point out which styles use these mixed materials if that layered look catches your eye.

Can Lafont frames handle a strong prescription?

Yes, acetate frames like Lafont’s are often a good match for stronger prescriptions, since the material helps mask lens thickness at the edge better than thin metal frames do. During your eye exam, our team factors in your prescription strength when recommending an eye size and shape, since smaller or moderately proportioned frames tend to manage thicker lenses more comfortably. This way, a bold Lafont frame doesn’t come at the cost of comfort or a bulky lens edge.

What makes Lafont's design different from other frames you carry?

Lafont has stayed a family-run business for four generations, and that continuity shows in over 200 color combinations released each season rather than a handful of safe neutrals. Many patterns are hand-painted onto the acetate rather than printed, which gives each pair subtle texture and depth. If you want a frame that feels distinct from typical designer stock, Lafont’s design language is built around exactly that.

How do I keep the color and pattern on my Lafont frames from fading?

Keep your Lafont frames away from prolonged heat, like a hot car dashboard, since heat can dull the acetate’s finish and affect the fabric layered inside certain styles. Clean them with a microfiber cloth and a lens-safe solution rather than household cleaners or solvents, which can strip color from hand-painted patterns over time. If the color or pattern ever looks noticeably worn, bring your frames in and our team can walk you through your options.