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Best of Toronto

The Best Eyeglasses in Toronto

Posted by Rick McGinnis / December 17, 2009

eyeglasses TorontoThe best stores to buy eyeglasses in Toronto - as voted by readers of this site - can mostly be found downtown, with a few exceptions further west, up north at Yorkdale, and into the industrial badlands of North York. And while they might all offer variations on the same theme season to season - the "National Health" frame reinterpreted in everything from pink plastic to carbon fibre is big this year - they offer them at a wide variety of prices.

Whether you only buy specs when a new lens prescription is in your hand, or scotch tape is holding together your old pair, or whether you have a drawer full of designer shades for every day of summer, the shops listed below will likely carry whatever you need to either see better, or improve how you're seen.

Here are the 12 best stores to buy eyeglasses in Toronto.

Spectacle

Spectacle

Sleek and minimalist, Spectacle has been on Queen West near Trinity Bellwoods for 5 years, selling reliably fashionable labels like Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli. The store is a magnet for the walk-in trade, and carries frames ranging in price from $200 to $2000. The store also has locations in the Distillery and near Yonge and Lawrence. More »

Rapp Optical

Rapp Optical

“You live in a country,” Mel Rapp insists, “you buy the products of that country.” While many eyewear stores stock store labels, Rapp has the unique distinction of carrying its own Canadian-made line in its flagship College Street store. It’s a combination of Rapp’s personal and patriotic philosophy, at prices ranging from $390 to $1200 for the Rapp line. More »

Optic Zone

Optic Zone

Joe Singh’s dizzying jumble of a shop near the foot of Jarvis can be a bit overwhelming. “We carry everything,” he insists, and he might be right, with an inventory featuring labels like J.F. Rey, Tom Ford and Funk Royal, and prices from $150 to $1600. More »

Eyes on Church

Eyes on Church

This Church and Wellesley institution is small, but makes up for size with glam, and has a loyal clientele that changes eyewear almost as often as their shirts. Owner Farhad Gharemani insists that he never carries two of any frame, and strives to stock the most unique items from lines like Alain Mikli and Jean Paul Gaultier. More »

Gafas

Gafas

Open for just 2½ years, Gafas carries edgy labels like Dutz, Salt and Chrome Hearts, but made its name with a huge inventory of vintage frames from the ‘70s and ‘80s. With over 800 frames in its retro collection, you can take your head back to the future with labels like Playboy, Dior and Gucci. More »

Specs & Specs

Specs & Specs

On Queen West for 16 years, Specs & Specs has been selling fashion forward frames to hipsters since grunge still sold records. Their selection of labels avoids the obvious – names like Francois Pinton and ProDesign are featured – and prices are very reasonable, ranging from $150 to $300. More »

LF Warehouse

LF Warehouse

In an aging industrial park in North York, LF Optical’s east end location sells a broad range of name frames at deep discounts, thanks mostly to the low overhead afforded by its out-of-the-way stores. Labels like Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, Oliver Peoples and Martin & Martin can be got at clear-out prices for as little as $69, or as much as $400 for frames featuring titanium or gemstones. More »

Minh Chau Optical

Minh Chau Optical

This recent arrival in Chinatown specializes in blingy eyewear designs from labels like Chrome Hearts and IC! Berlin, and while their range starts on the very low end at $60, they stock frames costing over $2,000, and special order items carrying price tags up to $137,000. More »

Seen Vision Care

Seen Vision Care

With stores in Yorkville and Yorkdale, Seen specializes in limited edition and exclusive frames from fashion lines like Chanel, Prada, Versace and Marc Jacobs. They also carry the little-seen and very flash Police label, with prices ranging from a lens and frame package for $149 to $1200 a limited edition Dior frame. More »

Humber Optical

Humber Optical

This tidy shop in Bloor West Village has pulled clients from all over the city for 15 years, and carries all the major names, including Face a Face, Alain Mikli, Oliver Peoples and Prada, at prices ranging from $200 to $750. More »

Karir Eyewear

Karir Eyewear

Karir Eyewear, one branch of Bob Karir’s eyewear mini-empire, features innovative eyewear like Linwood Optical’s Blac line of carbon fibre frames, and cutting edge design from companies like Hoet. Karir carries frames ranging from $300 on the low end to $1320 for their exclusive Hoets. More »

Chinatown Optical

Chinatown Optical

On Dundas West for over 20 years, this roomy but well-stocked store features lines like Mikita and Philippe Starck, at prices ranging from $200 to $800. Skiers will be interested in the sports eyewear it carries, including a selection of high-end ski goggles, including the Adidas Sport line. More »

Discussion

65 Comments

bittles / December 17, 2009 at 12:55 pm
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and blogto continues the tradition of shitty top of toronto lists by not including the best and cheapest downtown eyeglasses store, Bright Eyes.
scottD / December 17, 2009 at 01:08 pm
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Rapp Opitcal has lost its shine for me with rude service, poor quality, and the gall to charge me for the glasses cases that come free with the glasses frames (I have the receipt to prove it). I tried out Spectacle on Queen and was pleasantly surprised ( I was expecting attitude) by the good vibes and good service that I got from the whole staff, Janice in particular. Every time I walk by that store I recall how much it was fun and easy to shop there.
Betty / December 17, 2009 at 01:35 pm
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Joe at Optic Zone is the best. He can size you up and throw pair after pair at you until you find the perfect glasses together. His staff is pretty good too.
The Beerad / December 17, 2009 at 02:12 pm
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Optic Zone is the best. Customer for life!

If OZ wasn't top 3 I'd throw my computer our the window.
JJ / December 17, 2009 at 02:31 pm
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Nicely done! Been looking for a good spec store in this town.

Spectacle does seem to be a good shop. Cool, super-friendly and relaxed, letting you do your own thing and try on frames at will.

As for Rapp, while I respect their offbeat selection, they definitely can have an attitude. Last time I went in, I felt like I was being "styled" in wacky coloured frames by an employee who wasn't remotely interested in my sense of style. Lady, if I wanted to look like a librarian turtle, I'd go buy a pair of novelty coke-bottle nerd glasses!
lisa replying to a comment from bittles / December 17, 2009 at 02:45 pm
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and silly people continue the trend of complaining about lists that the users of blogto nominated for and voted on.

I love Optic Zone.
asiantraveller / December 17, 2009 at 03:01 pm
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The best deal on glasses?
Go to CHINA!

Frames & lenses for $22!
Dawn replying to a comment from Betty / December 17, 2009 at 03:36 pm
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Joe is amazing. My husband bought his glasses here and he suggested a pair that you would never think of and they look fabulous! Definitely going there when I need glasses, he knew his styles, he was super friendly and extremely helpful.
Diana / December 17, 2009 at 04:23 pm
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Kudos to Joe's Optic Zone. I've sent a few people to him, everyone's happy. I"m the happiest - great advice, selection and prices.
keven / December 17, 2009 at 04:38 pm
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Joe @ Optic Zone is by far the best optical store I've EVER bought glasses from in the last 20 years of wearing them.

No pressure, doesn't sell you the most expensive frames, listens VERY well to what your budget is etc, he can size you up in no time and have you looking at only frames that match your style within your budget.

Great experience, he's got me for life now!

+1 for Optic Zone!
Tdork / December 17, 2009 at 05:03 pm
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I have just purchased a pair of glasses from Rapp. On the whole, I had a very positive experience. I am rather conservative, and was shown appropriate frames for my style. Within 20 minutes I was directed to two pairs that I fell in love with. Rapp is a bit on the expensive side, but after spending hours in other frame shops vainly trying to find the right frame, the extra expense was worth it.
Foureyes / December 17, 2009 at 05:32 pm
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No love for Saigon Optical?
Kenny / December 17, 2009 at 05:52 pm
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Or you can hit Pacific Mall and visit any one of the hundred eyewear stores in there. Tonnes of real brand names of all styles. So much choice, and because of the close proximity of competition, you can easily haggle with the prices.

But since it's in the burbs, blogTO dares not to venture out that far.

Bah... what does it matter to me anyway... I got laser eye correction surgery 3 yrs ago.
rick mcginnis replying to a comment from Kenny / December 17, 2009 at 07:02 pm
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Kenny - blogTO doesn't make this list, the readers do. And if I'm not mistaken Yorkdale and Sunrise and O'Connor are the 'burbs.
mike replying to a comment from Kenny / December 17, 2009 at 08:59 pm
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Dude, I went out there - it was like a 4 hour bus ride to the middle of nowhere. Might as well drive to Detroit.

Zip / December 17, 2009 at 10:30 pm
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I got my glasses at Rapp last year. Also got some lenses put it frames I got elsewhere and they were totally cool about it. The girls there are always friendly and the owner fixed my case which needed gluing. Check them out, they're pretty cool folks.

I also got a good vibe from that place on the corner of Yonge and Wellesley, Henri's Optical. Nice guy.

I agree BlogTO could venture a bit beyond the core.
Kat / December 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm
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I also love Optic Zone! In the 25 years I've worn glasses/contacts I've never found a pair of glasses that I actually thought looked good on me and didn't make me feel very self-conscious. Joe asked me a few questions about my life/job and picked out some frames for me to try. I absolutely love my new glasses (well, May 2009), have received numerous compliments, and have recommended them to everyone I know. I will never go anywhere else.
Aleksandra / December 17, 2009 at 11:14 pm
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Why isn't Rapp on this list?
rick mcginnis replying to a comment from Aleksandra / December 17, 2009 at 11:31 pm
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#2?
Eric replying to a comment from Aleksandra / December 18, 2009 at 01:32 am
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Because you NEED GLASSES.

Oh I crack myself up.
Kevin / December 18, 2009 at 02:35 am
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Cracking me up here too :P

But thanks for the list. I will definitely try out Optic Zone after reading the positive replies.
Loïc / December 18, 2009 at 08:08 am
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Im glad to see Gafas in the top 5, I had a great experience with them and fully I recommend them. Ask for Tony! - cheers
tro / December 18, 2009 at 10:53 am
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OPTIC ZONE 4-EVA
dorie / December 18, 2009 at 04:59 pm
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I would highly recommend Roshad Optical on College Street. I have bought lots of glasses there over the years. They have great frames, good prices, the staff are super nice and quirky, and they have never steered me wrong when helping me choose my frames. I always get loads of compliments on my glasses! Give it a try!!
mc / December 20, 2009 at 03:54 am
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although i agree with many of the aforementioned stores, i'm quite surprised not to see josephson and goldstein boutique on there.
Bob / December 24, 2009 at 09:04 pm
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OPTIC ZONE ROCKS!!!!! Joe has an amazing ability to match your face to the right glasses. You never feel pressured, and he takes his time. I've referred many people to Optic Zone and they have always been pleased with his customer service and recommendations on specs. Three cheers for Joe!!!!!
yusuf begg / December 27, 2009 at 12:31 pm
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actually the optical lounge in scarborough offers a wide variety of styles..name brands..gucci, D&G and Guess etc... for affordable prices..
warmflash / December 31, 2009 at 09:04 am
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Henri's Optical at Yonge and Wellesley is a hidden gem among eye wear stores. Henri not only has a nice selection of glasses, he arranged for me to get an eye exam down the street, the same day I walked in. And you can't beat his prices!

starztwinkle / January 2, 2010 at 12:49 am
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Karir has an excellent selection of glasses but the after-customer service is dismal. I purchased a pair of glasses that broke within the year mark and were irreparable. The only solution provided by the staff were to purchase another pair of glasses - very disappointing for the prices that you pay on some of the frames.
Lynn Burton / January 2, 2010 at 03:31 am
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Be sure to check out Chinatown Optical on Dundas. There is an amazing selection and the service is excellent. Prices are fantastic and you are never rushed.
john / January 4, 2010 at 04:39 am
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Great to know such places good really like to buy good glasses. <a href="http://www.stareyeglasses.com/";>fashion eye glasses</a> are to much in trends.
Brad replying to a comment from yusuf begg / January 9, 2010 at 11:10 pm
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Blogto doesn't know what a Scarborough is.
Lyssa / January 10, 2010 at 09:34 pm
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Minh Chau Optical!! They have an amazing selection. The staff there are really helpful and friendly. It's in Chinatown so I thought that was random but I guess you can call it a hidden gem.
Alex / February 3, 2010 at 12:46 pm
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I have been looking for glasses for a while.Great selections of optical stores. I did visit a few of them and the wost I have been in is was at RAPP...just hated the attitude, the service there. People there are not nice, not pleasant at all.
william / February 16, 2010 at 10:40 pm
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Check out Eyes on Church, Amazing service and great glasses . I highly recommend this place .
Terry / February 18, 2010 at 06:42 pm
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+1 for Minh Chau Optical. The selection there is amazing. I once stayed there for 1 hour but they were really nice and helped me.
John sunglassguy / March 3, 2010 at 10:53 am
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I have never seen such a large collection of Chrome hearts in Toronto. I'm on my second pair and purchased them from Gafas. The store is massive and the eyewear selection is huge. Not to mention the staff is great. Highly recommended.
joy replying to a comment from rick mcginnis / March 14, 2010 at 04:01 pm
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Pmall is in Scarborough, which is apart of the suburbs.
P / April 3, 2010 at 11:09 am
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Stupid review, when I look for a good optical, I look for whether or not the opticians know what the hell they're doing and whether the opticians are actually servicing customers rather than letting their untrained lackeys flirt with customers and screw up the measurements on your lenses. Having a good frame inventory is secondary.
Alex / April 12, 2010 at 08:33 pm
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Eyes on church rocks! Best frames and service in Town.
I recommend this place
David / April 14, 2010 at 02:14 pm
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LOVE THIS STORE.... It has the most unique and cool eyewear! You will not find the selection of eyewear in like this anywhere in Toronto and the owner knows his inventory and will usually have 5 pairs picked out for you a couple minutes after you walk in. Great service and very low pressure. Make a stop here, it is well worth it!
Reply
martina / April 24, 2010 at 12:38 pm
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A note of caution in the far suburbs. Anders & Flynt have some great sales but terrible product support. The Armani glasses that I bought there snapped at the middle of the temple(twice!) and they basically shrugged and said there was nothing they could do. And of course the distributor Safilo told me to go to the store.
Another vote for Roshad.
Robert / April 27, 2010 at 01:46 pm
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I found this guy on Toronto life, this optical place is too good to be true. right away, I were attended by a polite tanned male staff very stylish. He put me on some exotic frame of which I would have never discovered myself, I were delighted. I 'm going to be yours customer for a long time. Many thanks minh chau optical especially to the staff goes by name of "Min".
What an experience!
Kam / April 28, 2010 at 04:16 pm
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I'm recently purchased two pair of glasses at minh chau optical. The staff (Min)has helped me selected the two frames which, I have received so much compliments. It is priceless, Thank you minh chau optical.


Mike / June 2, 2010 at 10:21 pm
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Tried to contact Minh Chau Optical to get info and price for a particular frame model. They replied "... as company policy they do not release any information over email or phone"
I found that very innovative.
JR / July 20, 2010 at 10:31 am
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Spectacle is a great place to buy glasses! I had an awesome experience from the mimosa on Sunday to the friendly service the entire way through. I had been looking at all the chain stores for something unique and a friend told me about this store. They had about 20 options I loved. Highly recommended!
Nicole / July 24, 2010 at 07:48 pm
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Has anyone gone to or heard about Optical Thirty 8 in Scarborough. I am visiting from Windsor next week and am looking for great selection at an affordable price.
thanks
Nicole / July 24, 2010 at 07:57 pm
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Has anybody heard of Optical Thirty 8 in Scarborough?
THANKS
Tim / August 23, 2010 at 05:25 pm
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I just wanted to recommend Delta Optical. I've bought my last three pairs from them at their Square One location (I think they have two more in Toronto - one at Fairview and the other ?).

They did an amazing job of picking out glasses I wouldn't have considered, and I've got compliments on all three pairs. Similar to comments above about Joe from Joe's optics - the people who've helped me there haven't pushed me to buy, nor pushed me towards more expensive frames just because they were more expensive.

I realize there are lots of cheaper options around, but as someone who is always wearing glasses, it's nice to buy something that's fairly unique and more interesting than going to a Lenscrafters.
Greg replying to a comment from Nicole / September 16, 2010 at 10:16 pm
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Guerrilla advertise fail.
Stacy / November 15, 2010 at 04:43 am
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Definitely check out Minh Chau Optical, hands down a hidden gem. As a student, I'm always on the hunt for the best deals and I gotta say I got my moneys worth when I hit up Minh Chau. They had a huge selection of eyeglasses and carried brands like Oliver peoples and Salt (I just recently went back to get a second pair of plastic frames by salt!) and a pretty decent sunglass selection. They're always updating so I don't feel like I'm getting second grade stuff, and if you're a loyal customer they'll definitely hook it up for you.

Definitely worth a visit, it gets pretty busy so i'd recommend a week day. Happy Shopping!
g. / November 16, 2010 at 08:40 am
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I went to Minh Chau on the strength of the positive reviews I found here. When I first walked in I was impressed with the selection and thought I'd soon find my new glasses. Much to my dismay, the man working the floor actually REFUSED to let me try on a pair of frames until I physically showed him my prescription (?!).

After trying on a pair of circular frames that weren't quite right, I asked him if he had any more in that specific shape. He said yes, he would get them for me. He then proceeded to pull two pair out of the CASE THAT WAS OPEN IN FRONT OF ME (he didn't even bother to walk to another case) and NEITHER pair were even close to the right shape. He then tried to tell me that ovals were the same as circles and, when I wasn't buying that, he told me that the round frames I'd tried on were from a "very exclusive designer" and "no one else is making frames that shape." Who was this design visionary? RALPH LAUREN.

I then walked down to Specs & Specs where they immediately showed me four pair of circular frames (none of which were by the very exclusive Ralph Lauren - shock). Incidentally, the ones I picked were the same pair I'd tried at another optical store but for half the price - at which point the salesperson said, "I think I can do a little better," and dropped the price another 50 bucks.

Specs & Specs rules.
cosmosuave / November 16, 2010 at 11:03 am
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Another one for Optic Zone as all the other reviewers have mentioned Joe knows how to pick a frame for your face and style... Been buying glasses from him for 10 years and have recommended him to many people...
Danny promontorio / December 15, 2010 at 04:00 pm
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I am just going through a veritable treasure trove of amazing vintage eyewear..Christian Dior...Cazal...Rodenstock...porsche Design...Yves saintlauren....Sillouette and on it goes. The owner of Ratas Optical always made sure there was plenty of choice when ordering frames. For people looking for that special vintage frame , that means we are the store to come check out if you are looking for that hard to find vintage frame (all new). We are located on the Danforth about a block east of Broadview subay station on the south side of danforth.
Don / January 13, 2011 at 01:57 pm
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I sat on my glasses and was passing by an Optical store and asked the staff to adjust my glasses but no one wanted even to touch them because I did not buy them there. I bought them in Calgary. I passed by Caprice Optical on Steeles and Jane and they adjusted the glasses for me at no charge. And you know what, I returned the next day and I purchased a pair of new glasses and was amazed by the service. They made me a pair of progressives transition lenses in 2 days and really helped me to choose the right frame for me. These poeple rock. I recommend them. The service and the price is amazing!
Joren / January 30, 2011 at 12:44 pm
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I'm hoping that next year, a new entrant will be on your list. Fabulous Frames on Queen West across from the Armory.
I have a high prescription and Jim took fantastic care of me, and price was much less than some of the other places wanted. On top of it all, I got a "trendy" frame that I figured was impossible, even with my previous high-index lenses.
M / February 27, 2011 at 12:04 pm
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There's an incredible family owned optical shop at Yonge and Davisville.
It's called Yonge vision, the owners are a married couple, theyre super friendly and have a great eye and almost always cut their customers a deal.

I've been going to them for the last 5 years and to this day every frame I've bought from them I still get sooooo many compliments no matter how long ago I bought the frame!
Lou Rosa / April 23, 2011 at 09:48 pm
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I recently went to C! Opticians at Sherway Gardens and was disappointed with the horrible the customer service. The man working there was not helpful at all and was only concerned about making his sale with the other customer. He was rude, condescending, and not helpful at all. I do not recommend this place to anyone because it's a waste of your time. Take your money and time elsewhere!
Mr. S. / April 24, 2011 at 06:50 am
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We're getting hosed in Canada, once again. They cost a third in Japan, when I visited. Too bad my head isn't the right shape. Try online stores with full satisfaction guaranteed. I have done so and paid just one-quarter what I would have.
Sean / June 3, 2011 at 11:59 pm
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I have been buying my glasses and shades from Eyes On Church for the past 12 years, amazing experience and great service, I always get so many compliments on my glasses that they choose for me .
I love this place
Keep it up guys
Jane / October 9, 2011 at 12:42 am
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Spectacles glasses are really overpriced and their staff don;t know what they're doing. Especially after you pay the deposit for your glasses, they're like "Next!" They stop caring about doing a good job.
Lincoln / November 12, 2011 at 07:51 pm
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Damn, meant so say for Optic Zone that "there were 4 customers in the store and with stuff absolutely everywhere (every surface was covered), I felt claustrophobic and left.
JB replying to a comment from scottD / November 14, 2011 at 09:29 pm
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You have to be an idiot to even pay that... considering you have the receipt... You must have been the dumbass of the day that day!
JT / January 28, 2012 at 02:46 pm
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Can't speak highly enough about Fabulous Frames on Queen E between Jarvis & Sherbourne. Just got three pairs of glasses for half the price I paid for two pair at Hakim 4 years ago. Great service, great staff. I'm never going anywhere else again.
Ade / January 29, 2012 at 04:06 pm
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I recently went to an amazing place in Aurora. Best optometry service I've ever received and their selection of glasses were better than anywhere I've been before. They're called Vue Optical, I highly recommend them. Worth the trip from Toronto. Check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VueOpticalBoutiqueInc

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