- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
The Optic Zone
Category: Health and Medical Optometrists Optometrists [Edit]
33 Jarvis StreetToronto, ON M5E 1N3
Neighbourhoods: Corktown, St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
(416) 362-3937
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- By Appointment Only:
- No
15 reviews for The Optic Zone
15 reviews in English
-
Review from Cathy B.
1/7/2012
Amazon! I was visiting Toronto from the States and, on a whim, walked into this store. Normally, when I shop for frames, I have to count on at least 30 minutes with the specialists to find a frame that is even remotely flattering. Here? She saw me walk in, heard my specs, and then walked over to a pair that was perfect! While she ultimately pulled down at least 15 pairs to consider, it was the first pair she found that was the winner.
Unfortunately, being an American, I had only dollars and an Discover card on me. And that credit card didn't work. I wasn't judged, they still helped me, and even wrote down the model/make of the frame so that I could order it later at my convenience.
Thanks, Optic Zone! -
Review from Alyssa G.
Toronto, ON
4/16/2012
I am picky about my glasses and I shopped around the city looking for something I liked for a few weeks. Out of all the places I went I have to say that Optic Zone had by far the best selection of frames in the entire city. They had everything from your standard classics to your wild and quirky.
Their store is small and somewhat cluttered, but don't let that deter you. Their staff is great at finding out what types of frames you're looking for, picking out ones to try on that look great and push your comfort zone a bit, but they don't go crazy unless you ask for it! They are really good at helping find something that works with your face/eye shape and style. Hands down best frame shopping service I had. I always try to give my business to stores/people that offer great customer service with a smile (and knowing what they're doing is a plus!)
Along with the selection, their prices on frames were some of the lowest I could find in the city. On the frames I ended up liking the best, they were $50-$60 cheaper than the other shops I went to.
I'm only giving them 4 out of 5 stars because their store is somewhat cluttered and can be a little intimidating when you first walk in, but their staff makes up for it by leaps and bounds.
I unfortunately didn't end up getting my glasses with them ONLY because I had purchased a groupon through another store. But if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have found the frames I fell in love with. For my next pair I am absolutely coming here without hesitation. -
Review from Roma M.
9/6/2011
While the selection is great, I wouldn't expect your needs to be taken care of unless you're planning to wait (for quite a while).
OpticZone reminds me a little of H&M in that glasses-crammed-in-every-corner kind of way. Make sure you've had enough sleep and caffeine before you take the plunge.
I had a lady juggle me and 5 other customers at the same time invariably spending more time with a senior couple. I ended up spending $$$ somewhere else. -
Review from David T.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This store is great!
The proprietor is very good at figuring out what style of frame will suit you best and is very helpful in helping you decide on which to buy.
The store has a huge inventory but don't think you'll be able to find anything yourself as their "filing system" is, er, Zen-like.
The owner's name is "Joe" -
Review from Harold E.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2009
I'm a repeat Optic Zone customer and fan. I've been going here for years, as a result of the old fashioned referral system.
Why do I endorse this store... it comes down to a few things really. First off, the prices are fair, if not great for designer lens, and you won't bust the bank. I have yet to find cheaper designer glasses in Toronto. Second, selection is excellent. They don't just carry a few brands, they seem to be always mixing it up with even lesser known designs from around the world. Thirdly, Joe (Optician) is great at what he does, and he'll ensure the glasses you pick match the natural features of your face. He is also very patient, which is a must for a good shopping experience.
To be honest, Joe has chosen a few pairs for me, that I would not of chosen myself, that ended up being great buys.
Service, style, selection. This place is great. -
Review from Spiro P.
Toronto, ON
12/14/2010
I've bought three of my frames from this location. I love my Ralph Lauren, ProDesign (from Denmark), and Diesel frames that I purchased here.
The proprietor was nice enought to provide me with feedback as to which frames suited me better.
I will definitely buy my next set of frames here! -
Review from Jason N.
Toronto, ON
1/27/2012
The owner and staff were fantastic at finding me the right frames. Yeah, the store isn't flashy, but it doesn't matter...they found me glasses that were exactly what I wanted. These guys are the best in the city.
-
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2008 1 photo
Let's start by saying my eyes are crappier than some, but not as crappy as others. So whenever I can afford to hit the benefits plan for a new pair of glasses, I go and get my prescription updated, try some new frames, etc.
It was suggested to me that I try Optic Zone by a friend of mine who had gone to Optic Zone and recommended this guy. A one-man shop, the front of the store is immaculate. Racks and racks of frames are on display, each one more challenging or funkier than the one that preceded it. The stock that is carried here is very usually of the moment fashion-wise, so you'll find that once your glasses are selected and worn, your head will be cutting edge.
That's the front of the store. The back is a pile-on nightmare. Don't be discouraged in the least, just be ready for it. Whatever the man's system, it works. Never has there been a mad scramble to find a pair of glasses or frames, contacts, what have you.
When helped, the assistants will get a sense for what you're looking for, and will then challenge you with some frames that may take you out of your comfort zone, but will get you thinking. Eventually, you'll settle on a pair of frames that work for you. Once your selection is approved by the owner and optician (yes, there is a nod of agreement that must occur), you can continue with your purchase. The orders are prompt and I've never had any delays with my order coming in. The staff is friendly, the selection wide and challenging, and you can get sunglass clips made for most any of the glasses on display. See you there. Geddit? -
Review from Eric F.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
I would fully like to echo the review of Harold. I read in an interview in Toronto Life that most people leave with one of thethree frames Joe Sing has recommended. He has a great and honest flair for what looks good on a person.
Also, I am part of the 5% of people who cannot get used to progressive lenses. We tried three different sets of lenses before reverting to Plan B - flat tops. Joe was patient and keen to find a solution. When we kicked in Plan B I was bowled over that after all this trying (of course at a cost) Joe volunteered to refund the difference in cost. I considered this a sunk cost and insisted on not doing this.
Small wonder that I have referred oodles of people? Small wonder that actually lots of people have heard of this store? I am a customer service consultant by profession and a demanding customer, but Joe gets five stars from me. -
Review from Amy M.
Toronto, ON
11/22/2011
I had a great experience at this store. I went in, gave them a vague idea of what i wanted, and they took out all the frames that fit what I wanted. We went through each frame and they told me if it worked or not, and in the end I picked a really nice pair of glasses in about 1/2 an hour. I was looking for a place that wasn't too expensive but where i could still get something stylish and interesting, and they had it! I will definitely go back for my next pair.
-
Review from Nirgal P.
East York, Toronto, ON
6/12/2010
I went to the Optic Zone on a friend's recommendation and some glowing reviews online. Indeed, Joe and his employees are very nice and really have a knack for finding THE frames that fit you. They also have a nice selection of designer frames.
That's where things started going downhill for me. Firstly, it took over a full month for the glasses to be made, despite being initially promised in 2 weeks max. The lenses were badly damaged when I took delivery so they had to order and make them again (another 2-3 weeks). Then it appeared Joe had written down the wrong measurement for the lenses, so new lenses had to be made. More weeks passed. This third set of lenses is so poorly crafted I can't wear the glasses due to dozens of tiny chips all around the edges, causing multiple reflections. Migraine generator, anyone?
We're now over two full months since I initially ordered my glasses and, despite being offered a complete replacement (the frames are now damaged from all those lens changes), I'm getting a full refund and taking my business elsewhere.
I've been wearing glasses all my life and never had to deal with such poor craftsmanship and delays. Despite being a nice guy, the problem with Joe is that he tries to take care of at least 3 customers at once and inevitably forgets things and makes mistakes, which are followed by more manufacturing mistakes and defects. -
Review from Marc L.
11/5/2009
This place is the place to go to when you want to stand out. It isn't inexpensive, but then again you're going for designer here. The shop is small, and somewhat messy looking, but Joe, the owner, knows his stuff. He completely got my look immediately, went in a direction I wanted, and then took me a little further out there then I might have wanted to go, but in the end I was glad I went there. A lot of people comment on my frames all the time now. By frames, I mean i bought two pairs there because of the success of the first.
-
Review from John S.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011
I gave up on these folks. It's true, they have a huge selection, and they make some decent suggestions. They're nice enough, I suppose (although I did find Joe a tad arrogant). But don't expect them to go too far out of their way to help you. I ordered a frame in another colour. They kept saying they'd call when it came in. I checked back at least two or three times and no sign of the frame. I eventually grew tired of the waiting game (and never did hear back). On the other hand, I was generally delighted with the service at Specs & Specs on Queen W.
-
Review from Mz W.
York, ON
4/13/2010
The optometrist is only in one day a week, on Tuesday. Very inconvenient!
-
Review from Kolleen J.
Toronto, ON
6/28/2009
After coming to Yelp to find a place close to work where I could buy new glasses, it seemed that this might be the best option. The people were definitely helpful, attentive and understood that picking out a pair of glasses is not an easy task. Let me start out by saying that I hate wearing glasses; I do so only rarely and even then, only out of necessity. So as you can imagine, shopping for glasses gives me the opposite feeling that shopping for shoes or clothes does. Given all that, I ended up walking out relieved, yes, relieved that I had found some decent glasses and it wasn't a stressful situation at all. My only complaint is that there was some trouble with my prescription, which needed to be faxed to them. When I called them about it, they were a little curt about the whole thing and didn't bother to follow-up. I called to see if the glasses were ready and they told me that they hadn't even received the prescription! I had called them days earlier and told them that the prescription should be faxed within the hour, but no one bothered calling to ask that it be re-sent. I know that is expecting a lot, but given the initial level of service, it appeared to be like so many optometrist stores where they almost seem desperate for your money. Hence, the four instead of five star rating. Anyway, I'd consider going back here for glasses as there are many options and the assistance provided to help you pick out the frames is quite good, but I think I've found another place for my optic needs.
