The photograph on my library card has been decreed the 'geekiest photo ever' by my kindly friends…read more The reason? I was wearing my spectacles. They may be Marc Jacobs but they were chosen in haste. A spectacle faux pas that could easily have been avoided had I known about Funky Spex on Johnston Street. A boutique specialising in unusual spectacles and sunglasses by cult brands such as Oliver Goldsmith and Thierry Lasry, Funky Spex has its very own idiosyncratic optical style along with sales assistants that look like they'd be equally at home as stylists on some esoteric lifestyle magazine. The selection really is extraordinary with an emphasis on brightly coloured, retro spectacles and the kind of sunglasses that are almost too beautiful to wear. If you have a thing for high-end eyewear and don't mind spending a few bob procuring probably the most beautiful pair of specs you'll ever set eyes on, you should visit Funky Spex.

Hooray, a place where I can buy glasses that don't make me look like an I.T consultant, or dowdy…read morelibrarian. Funnily enough I was brought to Funky Spex by my mother - a woman whose tastes are dubious at the best of times. At least she got this right. Funky Spex has great glasses. They've got super-modern-intellectual-architect style frames, and secretary in Mad Men vintage frames. They also have some plain and simple frames too if that's what your into. They also have optometrists who can give you an eye examination, and a fleet of helpful sales assistants who will happily spend hours with you browsing the collection and giving advise about which frames suit you best. They aren't cheap, but the quality is there and the frames really are unique. I always receive compliments about my frames (check out my profile picture if you want to see them). They also have a section attached to the main store that sells discounted stock, where you can try and pick up some bargain frames. Friendly service and unique frames make Funky Spex a winner.

What sets OPSM apart from other optometrists is their exceptional service. Here they really do…read morewhatever they can to make the process of getting eye tests, buying glasses (etc) easy. If you're in the market for a new set of glasses, they're always willing to give advice and make suggestions based on what they think will suit the shape of your face. I always pick the same style and shape but by asking for help I've been able to move out of my comfort zone with different shapes that still compliment my face shape. Eye tests here are free under medicare, though I was always under the impression that you can only get one per year. Recently I had the misfortune of being "attacked" by a tree, with a very spiky leaf scratching my eye and slicing my contact lense in half. Needless to say my eye was a bit sore and when I paid a visit to OPSM Anthony was able to take a look at my eye and make some suggestions on what I needed do next (eye drops, keep my eye clean and follow up with another test in a week to make sure the scratch was healing). I went back a week later and all was okay with my eye and I walked out without needing to pay a cent! How great is that!? Pro tip: you can make appointments online for some of their stores. Otherwise give them a call to book your optometry appointment.

Always had nothing but good experiences in dealing with OPSM including this store. Incredibly well…read moreorganised and courteous, I'd have no doubt hesitating coming back.

Wonderful range of frames, friendly and professional service. Sandra is a most thorough…read moreoptometrist, who makes an effort to get to know her clients. The same goes for Michelle and Adam, who over the years, have fitted me with the most flattering frames.

From the owner: We are one of Australia's most unique eyewear stores, specialising in high quality and limited…read moreedition eyewear. Our independently owned practice provides high levels of service and expertise when looking after your vision and selecting your eyewear.

'Eyes On Rathdowne' is a bespoke, boutique optometry practice that offers a detailed, thorough and…read moreexceptional service. The charming storefront in Carlton is exclusively 'by appointment only' which serves to guarantee an attention to detail unlike I've experienced before. Clare has a warm & lovely approach which lent to a very relaxed yet extremely professional and detailed examination. The shop features some incredible designer eyewear, and again the advice offered during trying on numerous frames was top notch. Another charming element to Clare's practice is the 2 darling cats which happily curl up, flirt and purr about while you have your vision needs carefully tended to. If you're a cat person, you'll be all smiles. On a personal note, Clare determined my last optometrist had over corrected my last prescription and we selected a pair of updated and fashion forward frames which I'm thrilled to pick up in just a few days time. Thrilled this level of service and care still exists. Local love.

Every now and then I come to see Dr. Coote for a general check up. One time a few years ago he…read morespotted a little abnormality in my right eye and referred me to a surgeon. Turns out I had a hole in my retina. Despite having had gone to the optometrist plenty of times, they never picked up on it. Thanks to Dr. Coote I was able to get it mended and stop any further complication. Up until this day I see Dr. Coote every so often to get a thorough examination because I know with his wealth of experience and knowledge I'm in good hands. And if anything were to come up again, he's going to catch it. Plus it also help that he is a really nice guy, with great sense of humour.

Best optometrist store in all of Australia. Optometrist Mitchell Turner and his team - Maria, etc…read more were so helpful and patient in working through an issue I had with a contact that floated up in my eyeball, which I couldn't remove. Not an easy feat to pull out a contact out of sight, but Dr. Turner worked through several options to remove and also replace my lens even though I was from U.S. and didn't know my exact prescription. Highly recommend for all your optical needs!

From the owner: Personalised, boutique eyewear and eye careread more

I booked my first appointment with George of Hawthorn Vision via twitter and received the most…read morecomprehensive and thorough eye exam I've ever had. Not only that, I now have the best glasses prescription I've ever had. I had no idea the world was supposed to be so crisp! They also have the means to test for glaucoma in more than one way for the surest results, cataracts, macular degeneration and more! I had the glaucoma, macular degeneration and peripheral vision test since it runs in my family and was emailed the results with very cool photos of my eye. After experiencing the franchise optometrists first, I won't go to anyone else except here now. We commute from the eastern suburbs just to see George. He should be everyone's optometrist. Child friendly and bulk bills where possible.

When I'm a wee bit older I don't want to be revered for my intelligence a la Germaine Greer or…read morecelebrated for being enduringly aesthetically pleasing like Sophia Loren. No, no. I want to be able to rock a pair of spectacles like the lovely lady at Fokus. A tiny little boutique located on Centre Place with its sights set firmly on the eyewear market, Fokus sells an incredible range of its own brand sunglasses and spectacles alongside pricier frames by brands including Sydney favourites Isson and ultra high-end label l.a.Eyeworks. Fokus' own brand sunglasses are fashion forward and beautiful looking - if a little flimsy feeling - with prices at around the $90 mark. And with more than a little of a Karen Walker eyewear feel about them, Fokus' sunglasses are as stylish as the pricier brands on offer but much more accessible. Whoever does the buying for this boutique obviously knows their stuff, as alongside an incredible eyewear collection, Fokus sells a few choice accessories - numbering hats, wallets, jewellery and more - which adhere firmly to the label's cool, functional aesthetic. If you're sick of the Guccis, Versaces and Ray Bans of the sunglass market, get yourself along to Fokus. Your peepers will thank you.