I use Yelp a lot - research most things before taking the plunge. Some time ago I needed to change opticians. From reading many reviews, Absolute Vision seemed to be the best bet in the Mid-Peninsula area. Clara is exactly as everyone describes: professional, sincere, helpful in every way possible and basically just full of good old-fashioned European grace and charm. Beyond this, I really like her new location in San Mateo. Just like her previous store, this one also has easy access right off Hwy 92 by the 280 intersection. Just take the Anza Blvd. exit off 92 and head north for about half a mile. Absolute Vision is tucked into a small and very cute shopping precinct on the right hand side - Crystal Springs Shopping Plaza. And as my husband just said after he read this review: "Yeah, and she gets your glasses right the first time! ....he's not an easy man to please! read more

I almost never write reviews, but Clara at Absolute Vision was so helpful and great, I really wanted to share that fact with anyone looking for the best optician around. Clara set me up with the perfect new prescription lenses today, for frames that I already had, and turned them around on the same day. All I can say is wow! So now I'm seeing better than I thought possible, and all done without the hassle and time this kinda of stuff can typically take. Another great thing, Clara took the time and showed me all my options, but didn't try to hard sell me anything, simply took care of what I needed with perfect grace and professionalism. Such a nice change compared to what usually passes for customer service, and all at a very reasonable price. So look no further, the store's name fits, this is absolutely the place to go! read more

I have been a client of Absolute Vision for aprox 10 years now. Clara has taken care of me everytime during the 10 years for prescription glasses, computer glasses, sunglasses. My experience at Absolute Vision rates above the 5-star rating. Clara is a delight to work with, she will work with you on finding the correct pair of glasses. Clara has taken care of me and my problems for many years. I am moving out of State but will continue to purchase my glasses from Clara by faxing my prescription to her and complete faith in her choosing the right glasses for me. Why, because she is intuitive and goes above and beyond to help you. I have sent many of my friends and family to her and they also rave about their wonderful experience and snazzy eye wear. Could not ask for better service!! Theresa G. read more

Shopping for glasses was always a very frustrating experience for me since I have a very small face and most glasses, whether cheap or very expensive, are way too large :-(. Then I found Absolute Vision Opticians, and my whole attitude about buying glasses changed! Not only does Absolute Vision have a fantastic selection of frames for all tastes (cool and trendy to classic) , but Clare, the owner, is the epitome of what customer service should be. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable about "alll things glasses", but she is also helpful and honest (not pushing what is not a best fit), and to top it off, gives generous discounts to make the cost of my cool glasses much less painful. Clara has earned a customer for life! read more

This is my favorite store for glasses. I live on the peninsula, and have visited other stores in San Francisco, Burlingame, and Palo Alto, but I like Absolute Vision, because the selection is great, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is the best (no snooty/upity sales folks to deal with). They have the best selection of Maui Jim's -- the only place I get my prescription Maui Jim's. Also, sometimes I need a cheap pair of prescription glasses for when I fall asleep reading in bed (don't want to ruin an expensive pair), and Clara, the owner, has helped me find an inexpensive, fashionable pair at a great price that I don't mind having on if I have to unexpectedly answer the front door. read more

My husband lost his eye-glasses which he has to have for driving and we urgently needed to replace them. We have a health plan that could not give him an appointment for an Eye Exam for several days and other places could not accomodate how quickly we needed the exam and replacement glasses. I checked Yelp and called Clara who was so responsive and helpful. She actually recommended a Dr. Hetland, who squeezed my husband in that very afternoon, for his eye exam based on Clara's referral. Clara then helped him pick out a really nice set of frames and cut the lenses right then and there. He walked out with replacement glasses that same day for a very affordable price. We were very impressed! read more

The frames of my prescription glasses broke (my fault), and I returned to Absolute Vision, where I had purchased them years ago. Clara as always was very helpful and knowledgeable and with her great selection had another pair in stock into which my current lenses would fit. She changed the lenses to the new frames, gave me a great price (and didn't charge for changing the lenses) and I walked out with new glasses after 15 minutes. I drive the 15 miles from Palo Alto to San Mateo because of Clara's knowledge and sincere interest In meeting your optical needs, her great selection, and very fair prices. I will return the next time I need glasses or contacts.. read more

Simply put, I will not go anywhere else for my glasses needs. Absolute Vision offers outstanding service, excellent selection of frames, and their customer services goes well above and beyond. So much so, that when I found out that they moved, I didn't hesitate on searching on Yelp and finding out their new location. Absolute Vision was formerly located at 258 Redwood Shores Parkway in the Knob Hill Shopping Center, for those who work at Oracle and/or are familiar with the neighborhood. If you have glasses needs and want to ensure that you get nothing but the best, then don't hesitate in visiting Absolute Vision! read more

If I could give more than five stars I would give them. After checking other opticians, visiting Absolute Vision is the only place where I will ever have my glasses made. The excellent selection of frames, and Clara's assistance to choose the best for my perscription was invaluable. She truly cared about my needs and her gracious manner was much appreciated. It's an easy ride to her shop and always plenty of free parking. This is the only place to have your glasses made. I am the former owner of a retail store in Palo Alto, Draper's Music Center, for 39 years and I appreciate Clara's excellent service. read more

I live on the mid peninsula and needed a new optician. I read ALL Yelp reviews for opticians in the area and picked off the top four. I visited all of them and Absolute Vision proved by far to be the best: clean, modern showroom, with glasses attractively grouped by style. Because of this, frame selection was easy. I completely agree with the other reviewers: Clara is a gem, very patient, knowledgeable, and sincere. The store is conveniently located close to highway 101 with easy on/off access. It is set in a shopping precinct with ample parking. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll like it! read more

Absolute Vision was recommended to me by a my eye doctor in downtown San Mateo. Much to my delight, Clara helped me last week. She is so delightful, extremely knowledgeable and made some excellent recommendations. I was honestly shocked at the low price I paid for stylish glasses. It was 1/3 of what I normally pay for glasses in the Mall. This is my first Yelp review ever but this new find made me sooooo happy that I had to comment! Thank You Absolute Vision! read more

This is an updated review. No changes in the 5 stars, because there's no change in my absolute recommendation. Clara has a nice selection, great judgment about what works, and a commitment to customer service that's hard to find anywhere. She's knowledgeable and helpful, and provides great turnaround times. I recommend her highly to anyone looking for glasses. My husband was also very happy with her sunglasses selection and advice. read more

I bought two pairs of glasses from Absolute Vision Opticians. A pair of progressive everyday glasses and a pair of Maui Jim prescription sun glasses. I'm very satisfied with both pairs of glasses. Clara the owner is very knowledgeable and does excellent work. She is very helpful, friendly and professional. Great coustomer service, Always there for you when you need adjustments. I highly recommend you try Absolute Vision Opticians! read more

I searched for the perfect frame for months. I wanted a smaller delicate frame for my small face. I my surprise, Clara actually had a lot for me to choose from! She was very helpful in helping me make my decision. Also her prices are very reasonable! Shockingly cheaper than most! This is the optician to go to for a great selection, great prices, extremely professional, quick service, and easy parking. This is an excellent place! read more

I have purchased my sunglasses from the shop, the brand is Maui Jim. They are the best sunglasses I ever had ! They are polarized and have about 9 layers of coatings to protect the eyes. The service is excellent, the prices are very reasonable. I receive my contact lenses and regular glasses from them also for years, I am very satisfied with the selection and the customer service can not be better ! I highly recommend the shop ! read more

Clara at Absolute Vision is the greatest. She has been our source for frames and optics for the past 11 years. She has always stood behind her products and provided quality service for the whole family. When a situation arose that required a service that she doesn't provide her referral proved to be of the high quality and quite reasonable. I would definitely recommend Clara and Absolute Vision to all of my friends and family. read more

I highly recommend; Clara's attention to detail is superb. She is very friendly and knows her stuff. We were fairly new to the country when we decided to try out this opticians after visiting a few others beforehand and deciding they weren't for us; Clara was very supportive, understanding and knowledgeable, which helped a lot. Even our young children loved her. Plus we loved the choice of glasses too! :) read more

A long overdue review. Clara is amazing!!!! I desperately needed new glasses for my vacation and Clara made my glasses in less than 24 hours!!! She has a huge selection of frames and her advice is invaluable when choosing the right frame and lenses. Clara really knows her stuff and goes out of her way to help. She deserves 10 stars and I will go nowhere else for my glasses now. Thanks Clara. read more

If I could give six stars to Absolute Vision Opticians, I would. I go there as well as most of my friends and all I hear is how great Clara is. My opinion- she is truly the BEST! Prices are good too and she knows what she is doing, truly experienced profeccional. Looking like a movie star too :) I know Clara for years now and my opinion never changed - best opticians in the Bay Area. read more