My husband and I had the best experience when looking for new frames. Not only was Beth AMAZING, but the entire staff was friendly and helpful. Frames were unique and Beth did an awesome job helping us decide on a pair. Their customer service is also unmatched. They went above and beyond during a time when they didn't have to. This experience has helped me to see good people do still exist in this world and we will definitely be returning in the future. read more

I came in yesterday to look at frames. I didn't realize that it was by appointment only, but Jackie let me in. She was so friendly, welcoming, and helpful. She allowed me to look around while also giving me frames to try that would fit my face. I really liked the frames that she was giving me. I've never felt like someone was able to help me find frames that fit my face shape perfectly, I have a small face. She was able to do just that. I really appreciated her help, she was great! The frames are all high quality and they have so many options. The pair that I liked was handcrafted in Japan, therefore it was a bit pricey, but definitely worth it. I will definitely be back to purchase new frames from here! Definitely see Jackie if you'd like help picking out the best frame for your face! read more

September 14, 2007: My world came crashing down in the blink of an eye. Thank god I blinked or the softball that came barreling into my face would have done some retinal damage. It did enough damage as is. My prescription sunglasses were broken, which inherently left my spirit shattered. The only thing on earth that could possibly revive my soul? Wearing a band-aide under my eye (to heal the wound people, not just for channeling Nelly) and getting my new Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses... and making them prescription. So I went and saw Dr. Bill at Shades (I don't think I can EVER go anywhere else; I seriously want to be friends with everyone that works there they are so cool), and told him my situation. I told him that I have been DYING to get these sunglasses and I wanted to make sure they could put my script in them. He saw the look in my eye of hope and despair and knew he couldn't let me down. And that he did not. Within two days, my life that had been over as I knew it turned around and I was back on my way to greatness. Thanks Shades, because if you had told me you weren't able to make those prescription the result would have been catastrophic. Think worse than telling a 5 year old Santa's not real. Yeah, that bad. read more

Shades is a true 5-star business. My wife "found" Shades sometime in the early 90s (?!). They have great glasses and some of the best service I've had at any business, anywhere. Marcia runs the front of the house, so to speak, for Dr. Bill. They really know what they're doing. Marcia has so much experience with glasses that she can look at you, the structure of your face, etc. and suggest a few pairs that would be good for you. She has been unfailingly correct. I've walked in and had her hand me "the pair"; then spent 2 hours trying on other glasses before buying "the pair." Between my wife and I, we've bought over a dozen pairs. Sunglasses, metal, plastic, etc. I've loved them all. The service is unparalleled. They know what is right and they do it. They are not inexpensive. read more

This is an update from a review in March 2020. I really love these glasses but the coating has degraded and left what looks like big smudges is my field of vision. They were replaced less than a year after first getting them and now a year later need replacing again. I am being told they need a harder coating which I'be never heard of but why wasn't that applied the first time they were replaced? Now they want $899 for new lenses after I paid $1300 only 2 years ago. Very disappointed. read more

Best eye place ever, period. From a long term customer. Known Bill 20+ years. He was great then. Better now. Great uber high end service and product. Prices Uber cheap for such high end product and service. Wish I could give more stars. Back in the day, Bill was great. Purchased multiple frames from him. 3rd go around, he sold me a product that failed multiple times, so I became upset. They tried to make good, but it was a pain, so I left Bill. Refused to come back for decade plus. Came home a decade later. Can't tell you how much I regret not coming home sooner. And that was 5 plus years ago. Since then, they super stepped up. Needed new glasses and sought new frame. Everywhere I when, did not have a frame I liked. Begrudgingly, I walked into Bill's place. He was not there. Staff was super duper uber professional. Found my ideal frames. Mini heart attack at $700 for frames, but they were it. Fast forward 4 years, the $700 frames color faded. Warranty only 1 year. They got the frames replaced under warranty. Loved them massively. Fast forward a year. My physical therapist broke my frame. Got script update. Now this is where they earn their 5+ stars. Extensive eye exam. Most comprehensive I've ever had. (Sorry Bill: Bill is starting to learn to do holistic stuff too.) Then Bill suggests lens for my script. When it comes in, I do not like it. Instantly, and without questioning, they offer another lens. Their lens technical guy gets hands-on to understand my issue. Give me another $700 set of lenses at no cost, just to make me see better. Offer to get other lenses if those do not work. Luckily, they work. Great place with high end product and high end service. Well worth the high end price. Bottom line: best high end glass place, period. It's expensive, but nothing in town better. read more

You come into the store and immediately are greeted enthusiastically by the sales reps. Beth had exactly in mind what she thought would look good on my face, and I agreed with her! I tried on maybe about 20 that were selected from and we narrowed down the best contenders. Their selection of glasses and brands is top notch, not the typical Luxottica brands you would find at the normal optometrist. Patrick even able to tell me the glasses I had been wearing for the past 2 years was misaligned and was the reason I could not see correctly out of them (this is why it is quite important to go to a trained optician!!) Downside, they do not accept any kind of insurance, but you can always file for reimbursement. Also, when I went to pick up my glasses, they had to adjust it to fit my face, but to my dismay the tools they had used had scratched up the new frames =( . The sides of the lenses were also not polished, which should be expected for the price that you pay. read more

Best place to buy glasses hands down. Doctor bill rocks and does a very thorough exam with top end equipment. Place is bright and clean with an awesome selection. Thie and Marcia are awesome when it comes to finding what is right for you. If you buy from them, they will treat you well. Had two small issues happen over time and they fixed it for gratis. Check em out. read more

Jackie, she's OK. But if you want the real diva of Shades, Marcia is your sophisticated Lady.

Love this place. I got a pair of prescription sunglasses here a few years ago, and they're the kind of glasses that people always compliment. The glasses that they carry here are really stylish, a good mix of unconventional and classic styles. The service is also fantastic. In the years that I've owned my sunglasses, they've come a little loose. I brought them back in and Shades re-fitted them, no charge, and they were very nice and helpful about it--they even gave them a little clean-up. And now, they fit great. Of course, this place is not inexpensive. However, I'm personally of the opinion that glasses are worth spending money on, since they're on your face all the time. Also, when your service and styles are this high quality, you definitely get what you bay for. read more

After looking for small frames for a long time, I finally went into Shades and found exactly what I was looking for. They had an amazing selection and exceptional staff especially Jackie. She pulled frames that would fit my face and made sure they were fitted correctly as I have a pretty strong prescription. It was the first time someone had actually angled my progressives and it worked. I tried transitional lenses but decided they weren't for me so they made me clear lenses at no additional charge. I was a bit reluctant to spend almost 3x what I've spent on glasses in the past but I'm worth it. I wish they weren't so pricey though, because I would have multiple pairs. read more

Good service...no deals here on frames or lenses. One of the few places that carry Barton Perreira...they sold them to me for OVER list price. read more

My first experience with Shades was the email I sent asking about the possibility of ordering a certain type of frames. The promptness of the response was a sign that customers were respected and appreciated. My experience in ordering glasses was the best I've EVER had. When first walking into Shades, the cleanliness and display of frames was impressive. "Quality" surrounded me. The employee who worked with me was Marcia, and was I happy! I read the reviews and saw that many had positive comments about her skill in presenting the correct frames that suit facial features. Everyone was right on! She exudes much knowledge, experience, confidence, and friendliness. Marcia did know best and also asked what colors I usually wear so that the frames would be perfect. She also helped with frames for sunglasses. I am most appreciative to all who took the time to write about their experiences. Therefore, I am adding "five-plus" stars for the next person needing information regarding Shades. read more

I bought a pair of retro glasses about 18 months ago and needed a small repair to the nose piece. Shades Optical did a FANTASTIC JOB OF CUSTOMER SERVICE!! They had to send the glasses back to manufacturer, etc., and they were speedy, friendly, and dedicated to making me happy as a customer. This place ROCKS! read more

The salespeople at Shades struck me as a professional and friendly. The product seems, to my untrained eye, to be high-quality. I was troubled, however, by the fact that my 17-year-old son was given an eye exam and charged over $300. When I expressed my displeasure the next time I was called about my own I exam, I never received a follow-up from the owner or manager to explain what it happened. Not well handled. [Review update] I am writing to update my earlier review, about six months after having written it. After my review, I received a call from Marcia, the general manager of shades. She was apologetic about the situation and even offered to refund my money. I did not accept the offer but did appreciate the gesture. Although I do not believe the interaction with my son was well handled, I do think that Marcia handled the aftermath professionally. I will add a star to my review for this reason. read more

Well, they don't accept insurance, though they willing to fill in paperwork for insurance to reimburse me directly. And they don't accept Care Credit. My personal go-to for anything medical/health for both my family and my pets. Disappointed. Really am. read more

The absolute best!!! I have gone to Shades for years and, after moving to Chicago, still make the drive for the visual and personal experience. Dr. Bill and Marcia are an incomparable, dynamic duo! When you work with them, you look good from the inside out and the outside in. You can't ask for more than that. read more

The staff is great! Very knowledgable and friendly. I love my new glasses and higly recommend Shades Optical for anyone looking for great looking glasses and a high quality eye exam. read more

I just had the pleasure of purchasing my first pair of prescription glasses at the age of 53. I had no idea what I'd been missing! Marcia and Dr. Bill have now cared for every member of my family (an even dozen) for who knows how long and I've never, ever heard a negative word. That place is awesome. read more

The service and quality frames make a purchase from Shades worth saving for! I can only echo the comments about Marcia's talent in selecting frames and the time they take to ensure a good fit and great vision!!!! read more

What a fantastic shop! I walked in with some broken glasses I'd bought over a year ago - and walked out with matching replacement frames. Love the fast friendly service - I'll be back for my next pair of glasses!! read more

Fantastic experience! Being new to the area I had no idea where to go.... I am so thankful that I made the right decision! This is the most thorough eye exam I have ever had the pleasure experiencing. No uncomfortable "poof" in the eye necessary. Dr. Bill was patient and personable, I could tell he enjoys helping people achieve the best vision, and keeps current by providing the latest technology available. He then recommended the best lenses for my particular eyesight and preferences. Beth helped me pick frames to flatter my face and they are absolutely perfect, I love them! She is excellent with what shape is the best fit for your face. (I actually look better with the glasses on :) I had a feeling when I called to schedule the appointment, by how welcoming and friendly the person who took my call was, that I was choosing the right place. I am truly thankful for a wonderful experience, and highly recommend Shades Optical. read more

Think this place might be a bit prejudice to Black African Americans. I was just passing by about a week ago and I stopped in to see what style frames Shades Optical had. It took maybe about 7 mins before any one acknowledge me. It was maybe myself and one other person in the store in which all the staff seemed be conversing with. Then a young lady came up to me and asked how can I help and when I told her, I was just browsing, the need to help me was gone. Didn't ask any questions as to what I was looking for or anything. So maybe that other person in the store neeed more intensive care. Still looking and trying on frames and can't seem to hang them on the wire. Another young lady comes up to me and states hello welcome to Shades. She asked me if she could help me pull them down. She also stated she had new frames that came in and would look nice on me. Now these frames were nothing I would have picked out but it looked great on me. I told her a few times that I stopped in just to look at the new styles and didn't have much time. She stated that was fine no rush and when I had more time to sit down and try on, I could make an appointment time with her, and she can make sure time was dedicated to me. I so loved that. I'm 56 years old, and the last time I brought glasses was 7 years ago. So I needed that time and sit down to make the right decisions. So she wrote her name on a card and I left. Needless to say I called to make an appointment with her, and the young lady that answered the phone stated she is no longer here. But why I asked?. Where did she go? I got no answers. And she asked me is there something I can help you with?, I said no, the young lady name is Jenn, and she made me feel secure with her picking out a pair of glasses for me. She was genuinely thoughtful. Its a shame to see good people go. There is no real reason to go back to Shades Optical. read more