I bought a pair of lovely glasses that did not work because they were too small to accommodate my bifocals. I complained and was rebuffed by the business owner. I posted a review, got a call from the owner, negotiated that I would return the frames and select ones I can see out of and my sense was that the discussion was polite and appropriate. Today I got notification that someone had reported my review. This is what the notification said and since I do not agree with it I am posting it in total. We're writing to you today to let you know that the Question you posted for Spectacles On Montrose was reported by the Yelp Community, and that our moderators have removed it. The best questions are about customer-facing elements of the business, which can result in answers helpful to others. If you have specific questions about your own interactions with a business, we recommend reaching out to the business directly by phone, email, or through direct message on Yelp. If you'd like to share your experiences with a business, we encourage you to write a review read more

Cute little boutique shop which carries cute funky frames you will not find at a chain. They are pricey which is not a big deal if you want some awesome unique frames. The issue is customer service, Benjamin really just is not very friendly or helpful. I'm not going to drop that kind of money at a place that really did not seem to care if I purchased anything or not. Just be aware they don't accept insurance, which is also not a deal breaker as I have purchased glasses from other boutique optical stores that didn't accept insurance, as you won't find the cool frames like these at a chain. I would suggest to check them out as maybe he was just having an off day. read more

Evan and colleagues are EXCEPTIONALLY talented and friendly and will go MORE than the extra mile to help you in any way they can!!!

I purchased some glasses on 1/3. I kind a liked them in the store but once I got home I wasn't crazy about them. They were $450. That was not including the lenses. I brought them back today because I was not really happy with them I wanted a refund. I was told that I could have a store credit but I could not have a refund. It was not my fault for asking before I made the purchase but the sales clerk should have stated there wouldn't Be a refund issued but a store credit if you were not happy with what you purchased. I will not shop here again. Reply to owner: There was nothing customized on the Pair of frames that I purchased other than The prescription lenses that were already in there from another purchase. When I went to have the prescription filled it was brought to my attention that there was a prescription lens already in the glasses, And the handle is warped on the right side... So basically I paid $450 for some used glasses. You NEVER win when you play DIRTY! As I stated before I will never shop here again! Thanks for nothing!! read more

I was overdue for a check up since I ran out of contacts and it's been a year since my last exam. I called a few places close by, and this one was the cheapest for a basic eye exam for contacts. I was amazed with how quick and easy the whole process was. Dr. Mapes was very helpful and informative with the proper cares of eye health, and listing the pros and cons of lasik eye surgery. I recommend coming here for anyone looking to schedule a basic eye exam appt.. It's quick, easy, and painless. *FIRST TIMERS-There's parking in the back. If you put the address in google maps, it should take you there. read more

I have been going to Spectacles and Dr Mapes since my old doctor retired. I was recommended by some close friends who go there and I have been incredibly happy. Evan has fixed my vision problems (and gotten rid of my wife's optical migraines) and been very helpful with other issues- allergies drying out my eyes for example. His rate for an exam is right in line with most places and I think he goes the extra mile for his patients (whom he treats more like family). The glasses won't be the cheapest you will find but their selection of frames is fantastic and you won't find a low quality brand or pair in the place. For someone who has to wear their glasses all day, the investment is worth it for frames that look good and will last. I can't recommend them highly enough, especially if you are having any vision issues that have not been corrected by previous doctors. read more

Shame on you for allowing the parking attendants from the restaurants that surround you to harass your customers as they approach your business during your posted hours. Anytime after 5 pm be prepared to have to give your life story to a parking lot attendant for a restaurant which you have no intention of visiting and has no other purpose but to obfuscate available parking from customers of any business on the row that isn't theirs. Double bad points because you post hours that claim you are open until 6 but at 5:55pm your door is locked and your sign says closed. I don't make a habit of visiting businesses late, but I lost 10 extra minutes trying to infiltrate the impenetrable fortress of defense put up around your parking spaces by your neighbor businesses. The single point of entry is the valet station, 5 cars deep, to a restaurant I have no business with. 1. Stand up for your customers, who would love to be able to easily access your place of business but can not because of what you are surrounded by. 2. Be open when you say you are open. If you state you are open until 6, I'm sorry but anyone who comes to your business at 5 minutes to close should be able to walk in. Otherwise, if competing for parking and staying open to your stated hours is a problem, maybe you should just close an hour earlier and avoid both problems. read more

I first noticed this little gem a few days after Ike. I was sitting at a window table in Bistro Max and Julie, and kept looking past the patio into the windows of Spectacles on Montrose. The frames looked artsy. Not necessarily my speed, but I certainly couldn't keep my eyes off of them. Not in a "oh they're ugly, CAN NOT turn head away" hypnosis, but in a "ooh, those are interesting and avant garde" and "ooh, they have Spectacle in their name? I need to go there" sort of way. Fast forward to the past couple of weeks for me, aka. The Great Spectacle Search of 2009. I was driving by during a rainy lunch hour, and in a random case of look-see, I pulled into the parking lot in back. You just walk in between the narrow side patio of the bistro and the backside of the house. It looks like you could potentially be trespassing, but alas it's just a clever shortcut. It's a converted house full of stylish frames made from nontraditional materials. Not really completely artsy, but for example, there are some light titanium frames with odd-shaped arms. Others are bendy plastic jobs. There were some great concepts, but nothing that really panned out for me. If I had been including plastic frames at this point in my quest (I've been scarred by a year and a half with colored plastic surrounding each eyeball), I could have opened up my options considerably. Really the best way to describe the frames is 80s new wave. Not so avant garde and atonal, just slightly off kilter, original, but beautifully melodic. Similar to the eyeglass version of a Siouxie Sioux song. After reading the not so favorable review from a guy from San Francisco, I'm a bit confused. The optician (Mr Cutey-Patooty) who helped me was extremely helpful and patient. Also, he showed me some great options within my parameters. The only drawbacks were: they don't take insurance and I didn't see any frame I could pull off day after day. I'm giving them four stars mainly because they're definitely worth adding to your eyeglass search. read more

Here's the bottom line: Great range of glassees. Beautiful design. Horrible service. I've been waiting for a pair of contacts to be shipped to my home for nearly four weeks. I'm blind without them. This is supposedly the fastest option. Every Monday morning and Friday afternoon for the past four weeks, I call their store and ask about the status of my contacts. Each time, Evan, David or Wes puts me on hold for at least five minutes and proceeds to tell me that they don't have information on the status of my order. Each time I have to get irate and remind them that I've talked to them before after which they promise to call me back. They never do. And still I'm contact-less and out my $100 for all my trouble. After dealing with the collective incompetence of Evan, David and Wes, I'm ready to switch to a more competent optometrist. Spectacles sucks. read more

I won't discount anyone else's experience, but I can't imagine having a bad one here myself! To start with the trivial- the space is lovely and they stock absolutely amazing frames here. When my current ones wear out I'm definitely going to get a new set here. I had LASIK done in 2001, and since then my eyes have reverted about 50%, which is apparently incredibly common. I begrudgingly wear glasses some of the time, but mostly wander around not noticing friends when out in public, and tripping over things. And don't get me started on driving during the day, when I need my sunglasses more than my glasses. Anyway, Dr. Evan is great- he's very patient, willing to answer questions, and good at explaining what he's doing. He informed me that most glasses that purportedly protect the eyes while using a computer do the opposite, and we had a good discussion about post-LASIK dry eye. They DO stock very cutting edge frames here- they carry unique stuff nobody else in the city has, and the price reflects the quality- from about $300-$1300. That said, they immediately gave me my prescription on a card so I could pick out frames elsewhere if I wanted them. (They knew I'm a poor grad student.) My graduate advisor actually recommended this place to me and his take on the price was- "I have to wear them every day, and they'll last for years." Although they don't do insurance, they will provide you with an itemized form so you can file with your insurance, if it covers visual stuff. They also gave me a free pair of contact lenses to get me through until my new glasses are ready! The staff here is so nice, and they have late hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays (until 8pm). Parking may seem tricky, but you CAN park out front on the street OR in the lot at the corner of Oakley and Kyle (i.e. behind the shops on Montrose) even though it doesn't say. I've been going to the eye doctor since I was 8, and I'm 30 now, so I've had my share of bad experiences. I love this place. read more

Went to Spectacles for my annual eye exam because it was in my neighborhood and I was able to get a last minute appointment on a Saturday. I originally had an appointment with Houston Eye Associates but they had to cancel my appointment and did not have another weekend spot available for two or three weeks. They told me when I made an appointment an eye exam and contact fitting is $150. I didn't do much price shopping but it seemed reasonable. I filled out some paperwork when I arrived and was seen almost immediately. Dr. Mapes, who introduced himself as Evan, was nice, efficient, and very competent. I am very happy with my new prescription which actually turned out to be lower than my old one. He asked where I normally get my contacts and I told him I usually order online, so they gave me two laminated cards with my all prescription information. There was no pressure to buy new glasses after the appointment, which was good since their selection was way out of my price range. However, they had a lot of really interesting and unique frames. read more

This is a really small, cute and very unique place for eyeglass hunting! You might pass by it easily but it is right across from the CVS on Montrose in this little strip, you can park directly in front on the street, no problem. This may not be the place for you if you are on a tight budget, because they do not deal with insurance so this does get pricy! I purchased really cool frames from here about 5 years ago, the frames I got were made in Belgium by Theo Reef Knot, black and very different and unique. Even now I have never seen another pair like them at other eye frame stores. If I want nice frames I don't buy into the brand names like Calvin Klein, Burberry etc, those still looked pretty normal, and it's not like anyone is going to look up that close to the side of your face to see what brand name your wearing. Eyeglass frame choices at spectacles are really cool and unique! An optometrist does do eye check ups here, though i have not used him, I got my eye prescription from my local eye doctor and I sent it over to Spectacles with the glasses of my choice. My doctor was kind of skeptical at first where I was going to send my prescription to and it turns out that the owner/ Dr. at Spectacles went to the same Optometry school as she did. So it was all A-Ok! Why have I not bought another pair recently?? Well, those glasses lasted 4 years without me having to get another prescription, I'm still going to go back to those frames, the material of thsoe glasses I have to say are very sturdy, I have fallen asleep in them several times, them slightly bending and twisting and they have never broke. And never have the lenses popped out of their frames. I actually went to Japan a year ago and bought some really unique & cool looking frames in Osaka, Japan. Since I'm over there might as well buy, I'm not paying import prices like I would be in the States read more

Great eye doctor. I get anxious when it comes to my eyes but was totally relaxed with Evan the doc. Their frames are exceptionally unique and I'm 100% happy I went to Spectacles. read more

Unfortunately, this does not seem to be a POC-friendly business. When I originally booked my appointment on the phone, the staff seemed friendly and courteous. However, my experience in person was very different. As soon as he saw me, the man in charge of the front gave me a judgmental look and was very standoffish. I arrived a few minutes late for my appointment and apologized and asked if I could still be seen. He said that he would check with the doctor and when he returned, he said that the doctor had left for a "meeting". I was a little confused because I hadn't been late enough for anyone to immediately make alternate plans, but I let it slide and asked if I could possibly reschedule. There was a long, awkward pause before he hesitantly asked when I'd like to come back. I asked him to be a little more specific, and he begrudgingly pulled up the schedule and gave me one time available over the next week. I had to ask him if there were any more times available before getting a more reasonable time. By this point, I was so turned off by the atmosphere that I was already regretting not immediately leaving. Bottom line is, I left this place feeling unwelcome and disrespected, which is the last thing I would have expected from something as benign as an optometrist appointment. So unless you want an extra dose of your daily microaggressions, I would suggest steering clear of this place. read more

Don't EVER go here! The employees are huge liars and SLEAZE BALLS and take advantage of clients by charging them more than necessary. They prey on the rich that come in the store and overcharge them for all sorts of things and try to squeeze every last dime out of you. Most of the glasses break easily and you will have to come in to repair them at least 1-2 times a month and it is a huge hassle because the workers will make it seem like your fault and the replacement process is a nightmare!!! You are better buying off them online. read more

I'm almost not wanting to write this review because I don't want to give away my secret place for fabulous eye wear in Houston. Good lord, if you wear glasses and you don't know about Spectacles on Montrose, get your butt there and see what you are missing. First: Evan Mapes is one great optometrist and will hook you up with a comprehensive eye exam. Second: The inventory that Evan and his partner catalog in the store is better than any other eye wear shop in town. I'm partial to a few of the French and British brands exclusively. But, there are many others to chose from. The showroom's expansion is impressive and it matches the many options one may have in selecting the perfect frame for your pretty face. After my eight years of business at Specs, I receive countless compliments on my eye wear. I always recommend this shop for the discerning consumer. Great service, excellent choices and a great doctor. You can't go wrong IMO. Parking tip: Park behind the shop in the lot. Walk around. Avoid parking on Montrose. read more

Love the whole experience ! I have been a patient of Dr Mapes for many years .. He is the best . If your looking for frames that are going to set you apart from the masses , This is your place . read more

Spectacles is unlike any eyewear store I have visited. The level of customer service and professionalism is outstanding. From the moment you walk in the door until the time you leave, the professionals at Spectacles make sure your experience is excellent. Viewing their superb selection of eyewear and decor is the first sign that you are in a 5 star establishment. Their degree of knowledge and ease of explaining eye health and tricks to make eyewear work better is simply amazing. If you want quality at its best, Spectacles is the place to go. read more

Friendly helpful service. The salesperson was informative and patient. We're making a purchase.

My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Mapes for almost 20 years. We first saw him at Texas Eye Institute, then later at Houston Eye Associates. But Spectacles on Montrose is by far the best! We are very picky about our eye health, and Dr. Mapes always takes the time to answer all our questions and concerns. He has been taking care of my wife's severe vision issues and she couldn't be happier! As for the optical, we both get excited when our prescription changes and we get to get new glasses. Spectacles has the best, best selection. His staff is very knowledgeable and I usually let them choose frames for me! Ben has been at Spectacles for 6-7 years, and I always ask for him! Great eye care, great eye wear! read more

Excellent range of modern high quality spectacles. They do a thorough eye exam. My husband has had glasses for 46 years and this one is definitely up there with the best ones! read more

I write a lot of Yelp reviews for restaurants, not so many for businesses. But I really love Spectacles. Dr. Mapes is far and away the best optometrist I've ever dealt with--he's very thorough, never rushes you, and he's a genuinely nice guy, as well. The collection of frames at Spectacles is worlds above what you find at chain locations, and although Spectacles doesn't accept insurance, they provide all paperwork necessary to get a reimbursement from your provider. A great local business. read more

I never write reviews, but I have to tell my Spectacles story. It's long but worth reading. I went to Dr Evan Mapes in October. I'd been to other Montrose eye docs but none could fix my vision. I was frustrated and annoyed. I had constant headaches and variable vision. I had my exam with them. He got me seeing great but was concerned with my headaches. He wanted wanted to send me for blood work. I thought he was crazy. But I saw all his awards, credentials and news articles about him on the wall in the exam room so I caved and took his advice. Before the results came back, I picked up my glasses and I could see! Blood work results showed I was diabetic!?!?! Crazy! My doc said Dr Mapes probably saved my life, or at least greatly extended it. Wow. I told the good doc and he requested I return in 3 months to look at my eyes again. I trusted him now and returned in early February. We talked. I gave him my report on my diabetes. He checked my vision again and told me that as my blood sugar normalizes my eyes can/will change. He was correct again. He instructed his staff to change my glasses to my new correction at no charge. Really? What a great eye doc and optical shop. They've earned my trust and loyalty forever. I'm now a controlled diabetic and I see 20/15 with his prescription. Dr Mapes is amazing. His staff is amazing. My glasses are beautiful and I can see without any issues day or night. Every week I have several people stop me on the street and compliment my glasses. They're from France and I let them pick them out for me. No regrets. I look good, see good and feel good all because of Dr. Mapes and Spectacles. I can't recommend their services enough. I'm returning next week to order a second pair of glasses and get new lenses in my sunglasses. I'm excited to see them again. 5 stars isn't enough in my opinion. Thank you thank you thank you. I'm forever you patient. Kevin. read more

What a great experience! I went in for an eye exam and for a contact lense fitting. Dr. Mapes and all of his staff were so knowledgeable and just fun to chat with. I'm not an eyeglass wearer but they have a beautiful and interesting selection. My exam was incredibly thorough and I am definitely seeing better than when I walked in 30minutes earlier! read more

Overpriced with underwhelming customer service. I was in this week to get new lenses for glasses I purchased there 4 years ago. After paying $400 for the lenses I was told I could get a replacement case (cheap plastic) if I paid $10. And to straighten the frames on my face the "optician" proceeded to squish the frames rather than adjusting the temple or bridge. He unapologetically bent them even more out of square. Beware- service is not up to the prices you will pay here. I will never return. read more

So I just picked up the best eyeglasses I have ever purchased! I found Spectacles on Yelp and I am soooooooooo happy! I got an exam from Dr Mapes, he is so sweet and intelligent. I love him. Then I went to the optical and had so many unique frames to choose from - I had a hard time picking a favorite. I finally chose one and 4 days later they were ready! OMG. The best ever! I'm so thankful to Ben and Vic for helping me choose correctly. I love the glasses and I will never go anywhere else! read more

The BEST place in Houston. . .and I've lived in Houston my entire life. I have never had better vision than after seeing Dr. Mapes. He's incredibly knowledgeable and gave me the best eye exam I've ever had. I bought both glasses and contacts from Spectacles. My glasses are AWESOME! I'm glad I paid a little extra for the high quality eyewear and eyecare I received at Spectacles. I will never go anywhere else. read more

If I could give Dr. Mapes and his staff 10 stars I would! I've always used my vision insurance and always went to an "in-network" eye doctor. I've also never been happy with my glasses or my vision. I'd had enough of the cheap insurance docs and glasses so I asked my boss where to go. She sent me to Spectacles. OMG--I can see clearly now!!!!! I guess you get what you pay for because now I'm happy. Dr Evan Mapes is incredible. He provided, by far, the best eye exam I've ever had. And, most importantly, he did the entire exam himself. No techs or assistants there screwing up my exam. That was a most pleasant surprise and I see why everyone goes to him for eye exams. After the exam I went to look for glasses. I found so many cool frames I had a hard time choosing. This place is by far the best place I've ever been and I will be their loyal patient as long as I'm in Houston. Thank you so much Dr Mapes and staff. You are much appreciated! read more

Last summer I went to Spectacles on Montrose for the second time because I had been so happy with the result of my first visit, i.e. a pair of glasses specifically for working on the computer as well as a pair for "regular" times. However, this time the computer glasses I got were worse for computer work than my previous pair, so I returned to Spectacles on Montrose for them to correct the problem. The employees told me that I just needed to get use to them and to give it another week. I did so, but I still could not see as well with them as I could with my old computer glasses. Again, I returned. I asked them to check the prescription in the lenses with the prescription from Dr. Evan. They said that they did (I don't think that they did) and told me to again measure the distance from my viewing area to the computer. I did measure it again and it was the same as I had told Dr. Evan prior to my eye exam. They were almost rude to me and their claim that they will happily correct any problems with the glasses just does not hold up in practice. Currently, I am using my old computer glasses and trying to decide what to do with the overpriced new glasses that don't work for me. read more