The MOSCOT optical roots were first planted in America by Great Grandfather and family patriarch, Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. Hyman began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street on Manhattan’s famed Lower East Side By 1915, having amassed a following of loyal customers, Hyman opened the family's retail shop, MOSCOT's at 94 Rivingtom Street ,and the rest, as they say, is history!

In 1925, Hyman's son, Sol, at the tender age of only 15, joined the family business, and helped take over the reigns.

By 1936, MOSCOT was settled at 118 Orchard Street, on the corner of Delancey Street, which would be its home for the next eight decades.

In 1951, Sol’s son, Joel, began presiding over the “House of MOSCOT.” Charming, educated, and devoted to his customers, Joel quickly made his mark – overseeing the shop and conveying the family’s values to his sons, who would soon become the fourth generation of Moscots to take the helm.

In 1986, Joel’s son, Dr. Harvey Moscot, entered the family business. Joel's youngest son, Kenny Moscot, followed suit, joining the business in 1992

Shortly thereafter, the family opened its second shop at 69 West 14th Street, on the corner of Sixth Avenue in downtown Manhattan.

In 2012, MOSCOT opened its Court Street Shop in the landmark neighborhood of Cobble hill in Brooklyn, New York - bringing the family story full circle as the third generation Moscots were born and raised just down the way.

In March 2013, Harvey’s son, Zack Moscot, a formally trained industrial designer, came on board, making him the fifth generation Moscot to join the family business.

In July 2013, after 77 years, The MOSCOT Orchard Street Shop “crossed Delancey Street,” from 118 Orchard to 108 Orchard when its iconic building was sold – an extraordinarily propitious outcome for an institution determined to keep a foothold in its beloved Lower East Side for the next generation of MOSCOT. Hyman would be proud.