Dr. Patel saved my vision! I've been going to Red Eye for many years. The service has always been good, and I like the photos they take of the inside of the eye to look for changes year-over-year. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. On March 8th I took a blow to the head. Seemingly nothing much. It hurt. It was annoying. I got on with my day. But, the next evening I noticed a flash of light kept popping up in the corner of my eye. A quick Goog told me it was likely an issue with my retina (none of the usual "it could be a cold, or cancer--just the one thing). I made an appointment online and Dr. Patel took a photo inside my eye. There was nothing to be seen. However, 2 weeks later as I sat at my desk minding my business, I saw a black wavy line in the corner of my eye. Something that moved with the liquid in my eye. Moments later, that black line was many fine black lines spider-webbing across my field of vision. In another minute, it was gone. I emailed Red Eye to see if I should panic now or sleep on it and then panic, not really expecting a reply since it was close to 5, and within a few minutes Dr. Patel called. She had me come in at 10am the next day, HER DAY OFF, 4 HOURS BEFORE HER FLIGHT. I was worried I was interfering with her vacation, especially if it was nothing, but she insisted. And it was not nothing. My retina had torn. Nothing could have been done to prevent it, but now that it happened, she acted quickly. She called and got me an appointment at Chicago Retina the same day. When I got there, the ophthalmologist said the tear could have become a far more serious detachment in a matter of days or even hours. I was able to get laser surgery that day to prevent further tearing. If Dr. Patel hadn't contacted me immediately, insisted I come in, sacrificed her time off...lots of "ifs" could have resulted in a delay in treatment that could have led to much more serious damage. I'm so grateful to her! read more

Only because zero stars isn't an option. This is a terrific place to come if you want to feel like you're on a hidden camera show or if you like to buy brand new glasses then have them snap them in half with zero accountability. The desk girls are pretty smug too when they aren't hiding behind their Covid masks in 2026. read more

Dr. Gifford is amazing and professional, but the front desk staff is so rude and dismissive that I am forced to find a new optician.

Had a wonderful experience last year but they seem to be going through some growing pains and new employees aren't up to speed yet. Dr. Patel is great and has assured me that they will use my feedback to coach the new hires. read more

I originally went to Red Eye in 2021 for an annual eye exam. My experience with Dr. Gifford was really lovely; he was engaging, friendly, and thorough. I needed new glasses, which the receptionists helped with. This year; however, was completely different. The staff scheduled my annual with Dr Patel in January. It was my first time meeting her, and it was supposed to be my full annual exam. The entire exam session (from greeting to goodbye) lasted 6 minutes. Not exaggerating - I looked at the clock both before and after. The whole thing felt so rushed that I actually asked her, "Are you pretty booked up today? Is there someone right after me?" She assured me there wasn't, but flew through the exam. I was left with an unpleasant feeling, but not enough to complain about, so I didn't mention anything. In the spring, I began to develop issues with both of my eyes. I was waking up every morning with them leaking and crusted. I made an appointment for whoever was first available. It turned out to be Dr Patel again. It was AGAIN one of the shortest, most rushed appointments I've ever had, with any kind of provider - this time, it was around 8 minutes. She asked a few questions, looked directly into my eyes (didn't check out my eyelids), and told me I had clogged ducts. She gave me a prescription for a steroid and some eye drops and sent me on my way. When my eyes were not better in 2 weeks, I made an appointment. I purposefully called to schedule the appointment with Dr Gifford because I didn't trust Dr Patel at this point. When I arrived for my appointment, DR PATEL called my name. I was sincerely confused, so I stated that I did have an appointment with Dr Gifford. She said, "Oh, yeah, I saw that. Since you saw me a couple of weeks ago, we changed it." They changed my appointment. That I made. On purpose, with a different provider. And did not communicate that with me in any way prior to my arrival. I had no choice but to go with her. 5-10 minutes later, and she's telling me I "must have an eye infection" and that a lot of times it's essentially a crapshoot for what may wrong (paraphrased, but that was the gist). I took the 3rd medication she gave me, and no improvements. At this point, I'd had enough. I finally made an appointment with Dr Liz at a WONDERFUL, thorough practice and was treated to a full exam, all to find out that I likely had allergies and the steroids/additional medication made it worse. Within 1 week at this other practice, my eyes were healed. I originally liked Dr Gifford, but with his insanely rushed/novice partner and front desk staff who change appointments without communication (and sometimes throw out a little attitude or tone), I would not return, nor would I recommend. read more

Still come back here year after year because of Dr. Patel (only female optometrist at this location). But here we are again, with the same issue with the ladies at the front. In my previous review I explained how they made a mistake about my appointment and again this year it is the SAME issue...I made my appointment online, noting I needed them to check my annual insurance (just to make sure it is all set). I received a confirmation stating we were good to go with my appointment. Fast forward. My appointment is tomorrow already took off PTO (I also work at school so I have to make sure there is sub coverage and sub plans are ready). I call this afternoon just to make sure there is nothing wrong with my appointment due to the issue from last year. I call and it is the SAME issue, she states they called me and left a voicemail (no they didn't, just like last year). I tell her I didn't get a call or voicemail and explain this happened last year. She doesn't really care until I let her know it's not okay especially when I had to take PTO. She apologizes but then that's it. No solution no nothing. I ask her finally to reschedule on Presidents' Day and she says again how I have to wait until after February 15th, and I say isn't Presidents' Day on the 21st? Smh. Finally able to RE-schedule my appointment. Again, front office picks and chooses who they want to be nice to and accommodating. I've seen when I'm there how they talk with other customers but again Dr. Patel doesn't do that all. In the end...Let's just not lie about the whole I called you and left a voicemail. I can screenshot my phone and show you that no one called or left a voicemail this entire week or the day before I was supposed to have my appointment. read more

Overall, I highly recommend. I had a great customer experience. There is a calming/positive atmosphere, great staff, and the perfect blend of high level expertise with a mindful way in explaining processes as you work through the eye exam. Dr. Gifford was amazing, explained everything while checking in on the level of how much he explained. It's a very mindful way to work with customers - one that is lacking at other places. He recommended a specialist and followed up later to see how I am doing. I am very appreciative of the extra steps. FYI, I have been to 2 eye exams my entire life. The first one was about 1/3 of this experience. Again - I highly recommend Red Eye Eyewear. read more

I think Dr Gifford is a great doctor. I just had glaucoma and cataract surgery in one eye and i needed special glasses until i get the surgery in the other eye. My only issue is that they are not part of THE VISION DISCOUNT FROM EYEMED which is separate from being a member of EYEMED. So my dilemma is between selecting a Dr I like or saving money. This optical shop should subscribe to this EYEMED vision discount. read more

I've been going to Red Eye since 2017 but just recently switched eye docs. Let me preface - I love Dr Gifford. He's amazing. Dr Patel is also cool. But the new chubby guy they hired at the front is a tw*t waffle. I live right in the neighborhood & was walking my dog, remembered I had to pick up my contacts so I popped in. I tell them I'm picking up. Nice female receptionist goes to the back to get my order but chubby guy sees my dog and gives a long-ish spiel about how this is "a medical place" etc etc and that I need to wait outside. Mind you, this was a negative 10 degree day in the dead of winter in Chicago. So I stand outside for a min or 2 and nice female receptionist opens the door to hand me my contacts. Chubby guy must be fun at parties. read more

As my 12 year old said, "The optometrist is my favorite doctor!" She summed it up perfectly! The staff, Dr. Gifford & the eyewear collection combine for a great experience. I've been seeing Dr. Gifford for 15 years now, and I appreciate the time he spends with us. We travel in from Wheaton each year to get our vision checked and pick out cool new glasses. I appreciate the considerations for COVID as well. I highly recommend Red Eye! read more

I've been going to Red Eye for about ten years now. I've always had a fantastic experience. I was in on Monday and the service from Dr. Petal and the other staff members was A+. I highly recommend Red Eye. Great doctors, staff and glasses! read more

Red Eye Eyewear - My new frames! Can't wait to pick them up! - Optometrists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My eye was extremely irritated. It felt like something was stuck between my eyeball and my eyelid. Dr. Gifford saw me right away and did a brisk series of tests to try and figure out what was wrong. He was able to determine the cause of the irritation and extract a tiny silicon sphere from my irritated eye. I had a big dinner event that night and with Dr. Gifford's quick work, I was able to enjoy it without any discomfort. I cannot speak to the fashion side of the eyewear. But if you need an optometrist, this should be your first call in bucktown. read more

"Time After Time" played softly. Our eyes met. We shook hands as only two men can while Cyndi Lauper plays. Which is to say completely normally while enjoying some righteous 80s jams. He led me to a darkened room and gave me an eye exam. It was professional, thorough, and as enjoyable as an eye exam can be. Highly recommend. Oh, also, their contact prices are the same or cheaper than online stores. So, you know, there's that. read more

I'm fifty, it sucks...the worst part is needing reading glasses to even SEE my cell phone. I can't look at my laptop to work without readers or read a menu at a restaurant without looking like my Dad who wears his readers around his neck. Went to get Laisik and was told they can't treat near-sight issues 'you just have to deal with when you're old'. My old eye doctor said we'd tried all the types of contacts there were and NONE of them worked... Today I went to Red Eye and saw Dr. Patel. She found lenses that help me see near even better than my readers and just as good far.. unreal. I'm sitting on my laptop right now with no F)*()! readers and I can actually read my text messages on my phone! I am so happy. I had no idea this was possible! Thank your Dr. Patel!!! You are a life changer... read more

Another customer service failure by RedEye. Dr Patel is great, but that's about it at RedEye. Front desk receptionist has zero class & customer service. 4 trips to RedEye and 5 weeks waiting for a pair of Rx glasses not ONE apology by staff. $500 for Gucci frames, $700 for prescription = a bunch of trouble on my part. read more

I'm a huge fan of Red Eye and recommend them to anyone who asks. The staff are friendly and helpful, Dr Gifford is tops, and the glasses are super cute. I get compliments on them all the time. (Which means I can then say "Thanks! Go see Dr Gifford at Red Eye for your own pair!") I have been a loyal customer of Dr Gifford for more than two decades and will continue to be as long as I can. read more

Needing a new eye doctor, after my lifelong Optometrist retired, I was drawn to Red Eye after the many recommendations seen on a local community Facebook page, as well as a friend recommendation. From making the appt, to the appt itself, professionalism and kindness abound. Claire and Leslie are friendly and took the time to double check my Ins prior to my appt. Dr. Gifford takes his time to get to know his new patients, making me feel at ease. He took the time to answer any questions and explained each process of the exam, never making me feel rushed. Will highly recommend this practice and will be an ongoing patient. read more

The customer service at Red Eye is absolutely top notch! I bought Ray Ban sunglasses at another store and unfortunately broke them not long afterward. The first store made promises (twice) that they were going to get a replacement, as the glasses were under warranty. But after several phone calls, nothing happened. When I asked Red Eye about buying a new pair of sunglasses and explained the situation, they helped me get a free replacement from the manufacturer. They took care of the paperwork and dealt with Ray Ban directly. They went above and beyond my expectations. My wife has already bought two pairs of prescription glasses from Red Eye and they will be our spot going forward. Red Eye lives up to the great reviews!!! read more

Been going here for years and love Red eye. Dr. Kohn is professional and personable. Always feels like you pick right back up from the last visit even though that was usually a year ago. He's great at offering different solutions for contacts and takes the time to explain recommendations. Appts are quick yet thorough and convenient location. 5 stars. This place is great! read more

I just wanted to post a quick review of this outstanding business. I came here for my annual vision exam, and I saw Dr. Kohn. As many other reviewers posted, Dr. Kohn is very thorough, very patient, caring, and does a fantastic job in prescribing the best lenses for you. I was very frustrated with my previous prescription, so I had high expectations. Dr. Kohn exceeded my expectations, and I am now happily wearing the right lenses for my condition. I'd also like to add that both Dr. Kohn and Dr. Gifford are actively engaged in altruist work in countries such as Haiti and Honduras, where they bring their work and expertise to help those in greater need. read more

Had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Patel. I've been going to the ophthalmologists for nearly 20 years now and have never been shown my pictures but Dr. Patel showed them and explained exactly what she was looking for and why they were important. I felt very comfortable with her and had an overall pleasant visit! The selection of frames was a bit small and not personally for my taste but there were definitely some decent options. read more

Dr. Gifford is amazing and didn't look at me funny when I started coming in so I could get really nice cosplay contacts that were not from a kind of sketchy Malaysian website. Dr. Gifford had some wonderful theatrical contacts made for me and I very much enjoy his personality. The office staff is also super sweet. I cannot say enough nice things about Red Eye! read more

I had a very thorough examination with prompt and courteous service at the desk. Dr. Matthew is fantastic. He really takes the time to get your prescription right and thoroughly checks for any type of Eye problems and with very modern equipment. Dr Matt is also a very generous caring person who I know has donated his time and professional talents to many global causes. read more

This place is a gem located and is located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood where the Bucktown Beanery used to be. I was able to get an appointment about 4 days in advance. They called the day prior to confirm. The showroom had hundreds of glasses for sale with clearly marked prices. Everything is brand new and really nice - I guess they just moved right down the street because their last space they rented was sold and is being demolished. My visit started with a warm greeting at the front desk from three smiling young women. The check-in process was modern on an iPad, and then I was taken back for the start of my exam right on time. Dr. Kohn clearly explained everything he was doing and answered every single one of my questions. He updated my glasses prescription and also educated me and gave me all of the options for possibly changing my contact lenses. I really felt like I was a part of the decision-making process. Being a medical professional myself, I can tell that Dr. Kohn really knows his stuff and he is very passionate about his job. They take a photo of the inside of the eye on a really cool camera and then show it to you making sure everything is health and there are no signs of any early blindness-causing diseases. I wish more doctor offices were this inviting and professional. I will definitely be back. read more

I was overdue for my eye exam (longer than I'd like to admit) and I saw Dr. Gifford today. He was AWESOME. So friendly, smart, and fast. I've been going to these guys for a few years now and would highly recommend them. Their staff is friendly and the office is very clean and cutely decorated. read more

In a group chat with friends we all regularly discuss how much we love Dr. Gifford and would lay down our lives for him. The front desk folks are lovely, however we all have eyes for Dr. Gifford. read more

I have been coming to Red Eye for a couple years now. I have seen all the doctors in this practice and they all are friendly and give great care. The Doctor that really stands out among the rest is Dr. Andrew Kohn. He is very knowledgeable but gives you information about your eyes in a very down to earth way. Great conversation, some information, and you're in and out painlessly. The selection of frames is great and Patty who works in the front is always willing to tell you what looks great (she's honest when they don't look great too :) ). I've come here for my yearly appointments as well as when I injured my eye and received great thorough care at all times! read more

I have been coming here since 2012 and even though I have moved an hour away, I still come back. Friendly, personal, caring service and the place is comfy and inviting. Highly recommend! read more

Dr. Gifford and his staff are terrific. Always friendly and a pleasure to do business with. Dr. Gifford has been my optometrist for years and he is great. I recently switched to monovision contacts to avoid having to use reading glasses, and it was a process to find the right prescription. Dr. Gifford worked with me for several months and through several prescription iterations until we got it right. I'm so grateful for his commitment to his patients' vision and satisfaction! read more

My wife has gone here before and I was no longer close to my previous eye doctor, so I decided to give Red Eye a shot. They were able to get me in relatively quickly and were incredibly friendly and helpful at the front desk. My appointment was with Dr. Anita Patel, who I believe is newer to the team, but you wouldn't have guessed it. She was very friendly, yet professional, and actively listened to my history with some of the previous doctors. On top of it all, this was the first place that actually had a trial pair of my contacts in stock, being that I use toric lenses of a brand other than Acuvue. Overall a well run operation, in a nice,clean and modern space. I did not select any new glasses this time around, but it seemed like they had a plentiful selection of the latest and classic styles. read more

I love this place! I saw Dr. Gifford for an annual exam and contacts/glasses prescription. Both women working at the front desk were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I like that they email me the patient paperwork in advance of the appointment to save time when checking in. Dr. Gifford was friendly and professional, and I had a new glasses and contacts prescription in about half an hour. I also ordered a pair of new glasses through them, and despite having to special order the frames they said it should only take about two weeks. They were very helpful in ordering and explaining my options for lenses and what they recommend. It was definitely more expensive than ordering glasses online but I know that if they aren't perfect the office will stand behind their work and make them right. I highly recommend this place! read more

I am long time loyal customer of Red Eye Eyewear! The only thing I regret is not giving them this review soon enough! They are a great group of people. Very nice and extremely knowledgeable. It's nice to be able to find a doctor you can depend on for years and never worry about finding a new one! Keep up the great service you provide! read more

Great selection of eye wear. The staff is always great about making sure you feel great about your visit! The Team of doctors especially Matt are all amazing and very knowledgeable. Thank you read more

I used to go to the Illinois eye institute on the south side since I worked close to the place. A regular eye checkup takes for ever. I was looking for a new place and turned to Yelp. I happened to stumble upon Red Eye. Gave it a try last year and was super impressed. To start with, making an appointment is super easy. The front end staff is great. They send you a reminder in the mail. Everything is electronic. You complete your details on a tablet and everything is digitally stored. The doctor is super nice and takes the time to listen. He does not pressure you to buy expensive stuff. The place is conveniently located and finding parking is easy. Lots of good places around the neighborhood. I would definitely recommend scheduling a visit with Dr. Gifford. read more

The entire staff has been amazing to work with since the first time I started visiting their office two and a half years ago. They are very thorough in explaining what is going on and answer any questions you have. read more

Everyone was very professional and helpful. Dr. Patel was very thorough, asked questions, made suggestions, and listened to my concerns. The contacts she prescribed we perfect. I am very happy with my visit, exam, and more so with Dr. Patel! Thank you! read more

My absolute favorite eye place! I purchased my Tom Fords from here 4 years ago and constantly receive compliments. The doctor here is very professional, personable and knowledgeable as well. I had a mix up when ordering my glasses so they mailed them to me along with a Starbucks gift card and a note apologizing. How thoughtful and professional is that? I'll be seeing you all really soon! read more

This was my second time seeing Dr. Andrew Kohn of Red Eye Eyewear and this visit was just as delightful as my first. Dr. Kohn has a great sense of humor and puts you at ease from the moment you meet him. My exam was quick and painless (he actually started my appointment early!), and Dr. Kohn is great at explaining things, so he kept me informed about what each test was looking at, and whether things were checking out okay or not as we went along. He doesn't push you to buy glasses or contacts there, or make it weird for you to request your prescription like some places I've been to do. I continue to be amazed that going to the eye doctor can be this fun and relaxed. He gave me the heads up that he's starting his own practice, and even though it will be a bit of a hike, I will follow him there. He's that awesome. read more

Easily the best optometrists' office I've ever visited in the 25+ years my vision has been screwy. I always seem to be able to get appointments at good times and on short notice. I called a few weeks ago and was able to get in next day. Since I've started visiting them I've moved up to Albany Park and I still make the annual trek down, passing many other offices on the way. I saw Dr. Kohn who was quite helpful and really took time to explain everything that was going on. The front office staff were incredibly patient and helpful in assisting an indecisive doofus like me pick out my first new frames I've purchased in years - which I am wearing now and love! In fact, I like these folks so much I signed up for Yelp just so I could write a review (and I am not one to sign up for these kind of things...). read more

Red Eye Eyewear is a wonderful neighborhood optometrist. My family (3 kids 21-6 years) have been patients for a decade, at least. Every visit is wonderful! read more