This is an update to my review of Urban Optics three years ago. Hubby and I returned a few weeks…read moreago with several optical projects each. Today, we returned and picked up glasses! Hubby had 3 projects. The two pairs of glasses he bought 3 years ago, and has been wearing regularly since, needed some slight adjustments and repairs. Enter Johanna, the incredibly helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and resourceful staffmember at Urban Optics. She greeted us at the counter and fixed hubby's two repairs/adjustments in lightening speed. Hubby also had some Maui Jim prescription sunglasses and wanted his new prescription put in those. Johanna sent them to Maui Jim for him. We just picked them up today and he loves his new lenses and plans to return soon to order progressives with his new prescription. I also had 3 projects. One was a pair of readers with a broken frame and a replacement frame to move the lenses into. Johanna worked her magic in moments and I had new readers! The second was the day we returned to pick up hubby's glasses and had occurred that morning. Our 6-month old puppy had turned my readers into a chew toy and popped one lens out, which I couldn't get back into the frame. Johanna took about 10 seconds to fix it and handed them right back to me. (How does she do that???) My third project was something of a tale. A few months ago, I left my vintage Maui Jim sunglasses on a plane. Since then, I found another pair on ebay. They were in great shape, but needed some adjustments for my face. The only thing was when I got to the shop, I didn't have them in my backpack. I remembered when I got out of the car, I heard something fall out of my pack and hit the ground. I had retrieved my wallet off the ground, but now I had a sinking feeling the new (vintage) sunglasses may have also fallen out of my bag. I raced back to the parking garage to see if they were there. I found them on the ground behind the car and when I pulled them out of their case, a car had obviously run over them, wrecking the frames and crushing one of the lenses. I returned to the shop, heartbroken, and furious at myself for not going through my bag to make sure I had everything before leaving the parking garage. Johanna was incredibly kind and felt confident she could fix the frames and would also call Maui Jim and see if they could provide a lens for my vintage sunglasses. Within a few days, Johanna texted to let me know that she had repaired the frames, but that Maui Jim no longer made lenses for my glasses. She offered to put non-Maui Jim lenses in the frames, but I would rather keep watching ebay and am confident that eventually, I'll find a lens there. When I picked up the sunglasses today, I was shocked at the frames. Johanna completely restored them to the point that you cannot tell they were crushed by a car. I've included a photo that shows the crushed and broken lens next to the completely restored frames. Hubby and I continue to be overwhelmed with the wonderful customer service at Urban Optics. We were especially appreciative of the service the very capable Johanna gave to us both. Thank you, Johanna. We know we were not easy customers and we so appreciate your kind care and attention to our various projects. Three years after my first 5-star review of Urban Optics, it is a pleasure to post an update and award another 5-stars to this gem at La Arcada Plaza. I asked hubby if he had anything he wanted to add to this review. His comment: "Urban Optics is the place to be if you want to be able to see like me!"

Worst OD I've ever been to. ** important note: They are not an authorized Oakley dealer and one of…read morethe reason is their business practices. They will put their own lenses on the Oakley's you bring BUT they don't tell you that Oakley doesn't allow any other lenses but Oakley to be used in their frames, it nulls the warranty and no authorized Oakley reseller optometrist will touch them after those lenses are put in or they'll lose they're license to sell Oakley's. When they were confronted with this, their response was that they'll gladly put new lenses in if I came in and paid for a new eye exam and pay for new lenses. So you're telling me you messed up and you won't fix your screw up without collecting more money. Lastly, they also lie about what your insurance covers. My insurance covers the eye exam but they lied and charged hundreds for the first exam that my insurance actually would have fully covered! Santa Barbara was never a place I'd expect to be ripped off, for such a "prestigious" city. Can't wait for the city to get through with their unethical business practices! Zero stars should be an option for Yelp reviews.

As a new patient I had a very good experience here. Their online appointment system was easy. I…read morelove that they offer appointments during lunch time since I work nearby and wouldn't need to take time off from work. The office is equipped with advanced technology. They have an equipment that can scan the back of the eye to detect any issues. Dr. Skromne took the time to explain and show me what the scans indicated. I did not feel rushed at all, and actually thought they were extra patient with me especially since I kept switching deciding between getting glasses or prescription sunglasses. The whole team was professional and friendly, from the welcoming receptionist to the Optician who fitted my glasses. Would definitely recommend!

The entire staff, except the Dr., are so impersonal - they acted as if I was disturbing their day…read morebecause I scheduled a vision test and wanted to buy some prescription glasses. So rude and dismissive. The assistant to the doctor behaved like a robot reciting all her directions to me without even a hello.

Purchased a pair of glasses and a pair of sunglasses on Saturday. I called them Sunday and asked if…read moreI could come in on Tuesday to get them refitted. They were very nice and my glasses were fixed quickly. They have a buy one get one offer and also give an eye exam free if you purchase the glasses there. I highly recommend! Stephanie Cummings

I made an appointment with this business a few weeks ago. I arrived on time. I was quickly shown…read moreto an examiner room. The optometrist examined my vision and recommended that I see a specialist. I was then given my eyeglass prescription and walked next door and handed my prescription to the person behind the counter. His instructions and professional demeanor gave me a great sense of security that this place was very well run. I was instructed as to what my options were and I proceeded too select frames and vision options. It was a great experience. There prices are reasonable and I'm looking forward to returning and picking up my new glasses. I highly recommend this business.

I had such a wonderful experience when going for a random eye exam. The lovely staff made sure I…read moreknew what I was going in for, and guided me through the entire process. Of course getting an eye exam is going to be uncomfortable in some moments but they made sure to explain what each machine was doing and what tests to expect. Thank you to the team for your last minute accommodation and amazing care!

Dr Tiffany Corby and the rest of the staff did a great job with my annual eye inspection.The only…read moreproblem was the $28 fee for the eye pictures Everyone was efficient and professional.If you need eye care or glasses this place delivers!

I cannot say enough good things about this group of people. On my first visit, I felt like I was…read morethe only customer they had--everyone was so nice. Fortune made my appointment, and Julie helped me find their office on Donlon Street. Monique performed many of my eye tests using about six different devices, and Dr. Tabanfar conducted additional tests and recommended further testing later. Elaine assisted with my paperwork and helped me fit my glasses. I was never pressured to buy anything, and the whole experience was fantastic. I haven't personally met Fortune or Dr. Funnell yet, since they were off that day, so I have even more to look forward to when I pick up my new glasses next week. And they all have a sense of humor, too. Jeff Hodge / AKA... The Blind Driver and Bobby the Telepathic Guide Dog

Been having issues with my left eye and also came to see if my prescription had changed. Dr Funnel…read moreand his team are absolutely great. From the front desk to the people in the back who get you ready and do a thorough exam before I was seen by Dr Funnel. He explained to me in detail what was going on and set me up with a treatment which I do at home. I appreciate that there are still Optometrist like Dr Funnel as well as his highly trained staff. Definitely found my new eye Dr. Thank you.

Go see Jacqueline if you need new glasses--she made the insurance side of things so easy. Rosie…read morealso hooked me up with all the info I needed for contacts. Super friendly office and great service right here in Goleta.

Above average service selecting glasses in comparison to other optical shops I have been to in the…read morelast few years. I wish they had a bigger selection of frames that fit my face though I found a couple that were good enough. Good experience with eye exam here.

Front desk is the worst! More than 2x now they have scheduled follow up appointments - I put the…read moreappointment in my phone, and then they unilaterally change the date.

In case you can't have an appointment withDr. Joanne, rest assured her husband Tem is excellent…read morealso, thorough, helpful, had good ideas for alternatives to an eye issue. The entire staff is professional, also handy parking is in the back. Recommended highly.

Doctor Wilson is professional, caring, and also has a great sense of humor. He was really good…read moreabout fitting me in for my vision exam. I have been to him before and I will return in 2 years!

I always feel welcomed and very well taken care of when I come here which made moving into a new…read morearea that much easier! Hes the best. Truly a neighborhood favorite.