If you don't want to feed the Luxottica monster (my friend G told me that they dominate the the…read moremarket, as well as own LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut), iiis is a perfect way to rebel. The design of the shop is quite funky and artsy (be careful not to fall into the pit!) and has all of the frames out so you can try them on as you like. I hate when all the frames are under lock and key; it really hinders the trying-on process. I checked out a couple of eyeglasses places in Birmingham and found myself drawn to the more obscure and unique frames at iiis. No Ray-Ban, Prada, or Vogue here. The ladies are all very nice and are very helpful and patient if you take hours to decide on your frames (ahem, me). Low pressure sales tactics. They are happy to help to find frames or if you want to browse solo, that's okay too. Plus they will even write down the glasses you're considering, both in their book and on a little card for you to take home. I'm not crazy about the location of Five Points but at least it's centrally located. iis is a little more expensive than what you might pay at other places but rest easy in the knowledge that you've got a very special pair of frames and are supporting a locally-owned shop. I did consider buying eyeglasses online but you just can't get personalized service like this online. This is great if you need adjustments later on. I'm very happy with my handcrafted-in-the-USA hipster specs!

Unique, top designer quality drama and lenses. Pricey but impaired to Ray Ban and other top…read moredesigners. Moscot was the brand that fit my pleasure.

Dr Wells is one of the most contentious and reputable ophthalmologist I am acquainted with…read more She is well educated and honored among her peers She is thorough and timely

I absolutely love Dr. Wells! She's an eye doctor that is very personable and she cares about your…read moreeye health. She takes the times to answer questions you may have and her office is equip to run additional screenings you may need like tests related to diabetes or glaucoma. Her office carries a great selection of frames and lenses. If you have VSP insurance, she's a preferred provider for them so this means you could get great pricing on your frames and lenses. I definitely recommend this office for your eye care needs.

The business is conveniently located with plenty of easy parking. Inside it's clean and attractive…read more The staff is warm and welcoming. The equipment seems very modern. Taelor and Dr. Essinger were friendly and professional; Dr. Essinger took time to explain things. I felt very comfortable and competently treated.

I just moved to the area and went to Vestavia Eye Care for the first time today. I was seen by…read moreTaylor and Dr. Essinger and they were both amazing! They were both warm and knowledgeable, making it a great experience. I highly recommend this office and will be back!

Everything about the people and the care provided was exceptional. I truly felt appreciatedread more

So here is the deal.... If you want a good eye exam but don't mind it taking longer than most…read moreplaces then UAB eye care is the place to go. You can see optometry students or residents or attending physicians. If you opt for a student be prepared for the exam to take about 2 hours. The students are very thorough but have to clear things with the resident or attending. If you opt for the resident be prepared for the exam to take 1-1 1/2 hours. The resident has more experience but depends on their speed and thoroughness as to how long it will take. The attending is most experienced so tends to take the shortest amount of time but that also depends on their schedule. This past week I saw this years resident and he was not the fastest. He was super laid back and didn't seem to be in a rush to get anything done. He also had 2 other patients he was working on so this visit was longer than usual. I like that they are thorough here as an optometry school so I tend to come yearly to see someone. This may not be for everyone - especially those in a hurry. But with all my eye issues, I will take the extra time.

Need an eye exam and decided this year to skip Costco and get a thorough exam…read more Wow! This place is about as thorough as you can get. I must have been on 6-7 different machines. I have cataracts, so there is always a little more going on than average. I really felt they made sure to cover all the bases and give all the options about when to have surgery and have them removed. Highly highly recommend!

Callahan is a very nice facility. I've been here a few times for appointments and found everything…read moreto be very efficient and professional. The staff is always accommodating and courteous.

Great experience and great service from every department from the optometrist to the eye ware…read moreassociate! They made a hectic day so much easier!

Just made my first visit to Eyemart Express and shocked to find out you could buy great looking…read moreprogressive lense glasses for under $ 200. Great glasses and superb service. Picked up glasses in 2 hours!! They fit perfectly!!! Last pair I purchased from Eye Care Associates was $600 with insurance!! Never again!!

My daughter, aged 23 and college educated, needed to renew her contact lens prescription. I told…read moreher to just call around and find out a place that has a good price on a contact lens exam and go see them. I knew that a contact lens exam costs more than just an eyeglass exam so I told her to make sure she was specific. She called me back surprised and said "Schaeffer Eye center has the best rate --it starts at $75. And I'll automatically have an eyeglass prescription, too." I was surprised because my sister has used them for years and spends a fortune there, but, hey, they have a stellar reputation, why would they lie?? I told her to be careful about ordering any additional procedures and sent her off. So my daughter goes in, asks specifically for a contact lens exam and when she goes to pay it is (wait for it....) $220. The optometrist and assistant (Christine Hodge) both said they were real sorry since they had BOTH told her it was only going to be $75, but she had to have toric lenses and an eye health exam so they did her a favor and marked off a mandatory followup appointment charge of $49 --so I guess I'm lucky she didn't walk out of there paying $269.' That evening I called and spoke to employee Christine Hodge, who had apologetically checked her out. Christine told me that Schaeffer eye center will not give a contacts exam unless you've already had a $90+ "eye health exam." And then, there was $60 upcharge for toric lenses. And then a mandatory appointment $49 follow-up fee for I don't even know what. My husband and I have been glasses wearers for over 30 years and this kind of price gouging is NOT standard practice--not at LensCrafters, Pearle, Eye Care Associates of Cahaba Heights, Sears, Sam's, Costco or Walmart, where all optometrists are fully trained and licensed and where we have always received excellent vision care. If anything, other eye care offices err on the side of caution ("okay, we recommend that you have this test done and it's going to cost an extra $25--please sign here if you want us to do it..") Any follow up appointments are included in the exam cost--they make sure that by the time you are through, you've got the exactly perfect prescription for your needs. Incidentally, I've had torics for almost 8 years with no up charges whatsoever. I know there are plenty of folks out there who don't mind paying Schaeffer a king's ransom for their eye care. But heads up, folks: If someone calls in to check on the price, guess what they're interested in? THE PRICE! Incidentally,during her visit, my daughter gave at least three indications of her concern for the cost of the exam. First, she said "I want a contact lens exam. It's $75, right?" When they asked her to sign a form, she pointed out a $25 dilation fee, which they crossed out and told her "that doesn't apply any more." Finally, when the technician, David King, asked her if she wanted an "Optimat" (sp??) test and she said "no" because it sounded like it might cost more money. Oh, and did I mention she still doesn't have her prescription?? After all that, they were trying to get her to make a fitting appointment. By that time, my daughter said "they had taken all my money and I just wanted to get out of there." She's scared to go back and I don't blame her. If someone had told me that for thorough, honorable, professional, eye care, your best bet is WalMart??? I would have thought they were a little bit nuts. But I know better now. Forget boiling crawfish, Dr.Schaeffer, it's your pricing practices that need sterilizing.

I will never wear glasses again, and the amazing thing is that I don't need them, thanks to…read moreSchaeffer Eye Center (I just have to write this note of appreciation). I'm taking mine today to Dr. Williams at Schaeffer Eye Center, because each year he goes on a mission to Peru -- both at a clinic they set up, and to homes -- to help people with their sight, and soon these will be doing wonderful things. For me, I never thought I would be able to live without glasses or contacts. My acuity was something like 20/1000-1200 before, plus I had astigmatism. I could not get out of bed without glasses. I even swam with glasses on. In November, I went to Schaeffer Eye Center at the Colonnade and Dr. Woolfson (he is *the* go-to Lasik doctor in Atlanta) was there to perform my LASIK. It took maybe...not sure...ten minutes tops? Very little discomfort -- and I'm very sensitive about pain, it really didn't hurt -- and only a couple or three days later I was able to drive without any aid for the first time, ever. Every single person at Schaeffer that has helped me has been amazing: incredibly professional, super-friendly, very attuned to anything I wanted to talk about or ask. Last week, I had my latest post-op visit and I have 20/20 and 20/15(!!!) vision. It's wonderful to sleep, swim, exercise, and not worry about broken glasses, fogged-up glasses, lost glasses, torn contacts, dry eyes, foggy contacts, do-I-have-plenty-of-contacts-and-solution, and all the money spent on those things. I just need a regular appointment to check the health of my eyes from now on, just as people who have great vision all their lives. I really appreciate when I see others post about the experiences they have had with local doctors, businesses, etc so here's mine. And I love that my doctor at Schaeffer does wonderful things for people in other parts of the world, and I love supporting Dr. Schaeffer and everyone at SEC because of what they do for our community (like CityFest and the money that's been raised for Camp Smile-A-Mile and many other charities). I'm so glad I did it, and am appreciative for everyone at Schaeffer for helping me achieve something I never thought I would have.

My youngest said he'd give the doctor 10 stars. Well, there aren't 10 stars so I'll give the…read moreoffice 5 stars. It was easy to schedule the appointment. We were seen on time - no wait time. The doctor and techs were thorough in explaining what each test was for and the results. The kids learned a lot about their eyes and how to protect them.

Dr Gregory has been my eye doctor for many years, she is very caring, compassionate and always…read moretakes time to listen to what I may have to say. Very professional, knowledgable and supportive doctor. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an eye doctor. I give her and her staff 5 stars for Staff, Punctually, Helpfulness and Knowledge.

Due to my insurance coverage had to go here instead of just around the corner from my house! But…read morenot regretting it at all because of the great experience I had! The doctor was very nice, friendly and helpful. She explained the details and rationale for what she learned from my exam. Showed me the images taken from inside my eyes and because of the findings setup a follow up visit in a couple of weeks. The office staff was helpful in researching my insurance coverage and I ended up ordering new glasses and with the exam and totalled just a few bucks!

From the owner: At EyeCare Associates at 3429 Pelham Parkway, the dedicated team of passionate eye doctors delivers…read morehigh-quality eye care services, including comprehensive eye exams. Using the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, they help keep your vision sharp and clear for years to come. EyeCare Associates also offers the newest styles and brands of eyeglass frames so you can look good while seeing better. Prefer contacts? Fittings are available as well. Ready to schedule your annual eye exam? Book your appointment online through the Patient Portal or give us a call.

Love love love my optomistrist. Dr. Jasper is honest, professional & has great bedside manners. She…read moreis a UAB grad and owns her own business. She has a wonderful selection of frames, etc Dr. Jasper is now accepting new patients, so make your appointment today!