Visited the store on Southport. As soon as I walked in I was greeted like I was a friend. I believe his name is Jay, so sorry if that's incorrect, he is the manager of the store and he was so kind and so helpful, especially since I bought my glasses elsewhere. Thank you for the kindness, I will be back! Angela C read more

I love this place! Amazing, fun staff. After many weeks (months, really) of coming in to get treats for my dog, I finally got to use their services as intended and get an eye exam and new glasses. Shawn did a fantastic job coordinating my care and searching out the best price (he also found me the perfect frames), and Jacob administered a painless and thorough exam. Highly recommend. read more

Great Place! Jay is great and the doctor gave me a new exam. Waiting for my glasses. They take VSP

Was recommended to Big City Optical on Southport by a friend - and so glad I went! She'd said she moved and there was another location closer, but still chooses this one because the staff/optometrists are so great. I can totally see why and I'm *so happy* I took her recommendation. This was one of the best eye appt experiences I've had - so many others feel like they're much more on the salesy side and you don't feel like you can trust the advice, but that was not the case here. Mayra and Ty, and the optometrist I saw, were all so fantastic! Made me feel very comfortable, were helpful and thoughtful in explaining each step in the process, and were very transparent/helpful in explaining as I was browsing and thinking through my prescription glasses/contacts options with no pressure at all. I will definitely go back and recommend to others! read more

I just switched from my Foreyes loop location (that recently inexplicably closed its doors) to BCO on Southport. Foreyes not only failed to notify me as to the loop location closure, they made it impossible for me to obtain my years of optometry history records with them despite my trying and BCO marking several unanswered calls to different Foreyes locations in the area that are (remarkably) still open. All this said, it turns out that Foreyes granted me a massive favor, as BCO, Dr. Pendleton and Mayra (Chief Optometrist & General Manager at the Southport location) welcomed me with supremely gracious, professional and expert open arms--putting Foreyes to shame. Additionally deserving of accolades are Avery & Ty, also both part of the BCO Southport Team. BCO Southport made my transition seamless and painless, handling every aspect of that transition and subsequent care and service beautifully--I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BCO Southport for all of your optometry needs, it and more accurately, the team there will not disappoint! read more

Customer service in person was great. The doctor was nice, the sales people and staff were helpful, and I had a great experience in the store. The communication after purchasing my glasses, however, left such a sour taste in my mouth. I was told my glasses would be ready at most a couple of weeks after my appointment. After receiving no texts, calls, or emails, I called the store only to be informed that something happened at the lab and my glasses were now expected to be ready in another week. I get it, things happen, but I shouldn't have to call to be told there was going to be a delay - that should have been communicated to me as soon as the delay was discovered. I call again a week later on the day that I was told my new glasses would be ready, only to be told that they were still not ready and no time frame could be given because the lab was closed. Now, months later and glasses finally in hand, it has been such a headache trying to just get my prescription from Big City Optical. I highly recommend going anywhere else. read more

I don't recommend, all they care about is making their money and overcharging you for glasses

I generally dread going to the eye doctor. It's not usually the exam that gives me anxiety so much as the high pressure sale of glasses. This was the first time I walked out of an eyeglass exam and actually am considering going back to purchase frames from them. I felt no pressure or obligation to buy frames there and felt the staff was respectful of this. During my exam, Dr. Wong communicated the process so clearly. I am so happy to have found this place! read more

This story starts out poorly but ends well. I went to this location about 7 months ago, because it's near where I live and they take my insurance. I arrived early for my eye exam appointment (to get more contact lenses), and from the moment I walked in, the two men at the desks started giving me a really hard sell on glasses. It was such an uncomfortable experience because I was just waiting for a doctor's appointment, and I was already sure I didn't want to purchase glasses from this location because the majority of the frames are designer and I don't like big logos on my glasses. I tried to be polite and said, "thanks anyway, I'm here for contacts." The men kept telling me why buying glasses would be a better use of my insurance, which is obviously something I know, and I imagine most people know. The tone was so patronizing and something about the hyper-masculine marketing-major attitude made me feel like they thought I was a dumb little girl, when I was just in the office for an eye exam, as I do every year, and I've never had an office make the experience like a used car lot. When I go to medical appointments in the neighborhood, I'm more accustomed to staff making me feel comfortable while I'm waiting for the doctor. Instead, they kept telling me about random promotions like being entered for Cubs tickets, which I could care less about. It was so uncomfortable that I wanted to leave or maybe just wait outside for my appointment time, since I still had 10 minutes before the start time. Luckily, the doctor could see me a few minutes early and she is a gem! The appointment was easy and informative. I believe her name is Dr. Wong. The exam room was pristinely clean and she has a friendly, professional manner. Then I had to go back out to the desk to check out regarding my contacts, and submit to what was now a weird guilt trip about not wanting to buy glasses. Again, the feeling--which I imagine most women recognize as something that happens pretty rarely, but is a clear feeling--was being treated like a child who can't understand what's in her best interest, and it definitely made me wonder if there was something about my gender that was contributing to the unusually patronizing tone. I'm a doctor and a college professor, and I'm not so dumb that I can't understand whether or not I want glasses. I shouldn't have to say so more than once, let alone more than 10 times. I was rushing to get out of the creepy environment, and didn't notice until I left that there were no prescriptions included in my materials. I definitely didn't want to go back in, so I figured I would call later and hoped there would be a different associate. Everywhere else I have ever been includes prescriptions when you checkout, either for your records, or if you want to reorder contacts more conveniently online. They told me at the desk that they were ordering my contacts and I would have to come back to pick them up, which was fine. After I hadn't heard from them in 4 weeks (I probably should have followed up earlier, but I can imagine it might take time), I called to check on the status and nobody knew what I was talking about. The person I spoke to said he would look into it and call me back, but after another week, I hadn't heard anything, so I called again, and they were still apparently confused. Finally, I got the nicest call from Nick Ray, who introduced himself as the new general manager. He was even more kind than he needed to be, and had my contacts shipped directly to my home and offered that I could come get some from him that day if i needed some immediately. I also asked him if he could email me my contact prescription and he promptly sent both my contact lens and glasses prescriptions that same day with a very professional note. Mr. Ray explained that the location is now under new management, and I didn't mention to him the hard-sell patronizing creepiness of the staff, but he said that he's working to improve the location, and based on my interactions with him and Dr. Wong, I rate this location as 5 stars. I plan to go back this year for my annual exam, and we'll just see if the front staff attitudes have become more respectful and comfortable for patients. If you like flashy designer glasses, they seem to have a great selection of modern styles. If you want a professional eye exam, the doctor I saw was excellent. read more

Amazing. Dr.Wong was super fast and efficient making the entire visit last less than 30 minutes (first time visit so this was the complete exam plus shopping!) Nick and Abi took out all of the guesswork of choosing a frame bringing me choices that best suited my style, personality, and day-to-day lifestyle. read more

Fantastic customer service at Big City Optical on Southport. All the employees are very friendly and attentive to your needs. The eye exam went well and contacts were fitted properly by Dr Asim who was very pleasant. Plus, there is the sweetest, tiny little service dog roaming about looking for a pat who is good at calming children and making adults smile. read more

Visit was not a with a doctor but an associate calling a dr on a cell phone. I thought something was off when my concerns weren't being acknowledged or further investigated. I was not informed that I wouldn't be having a visit with an actual Dr present. I was asked to reschedule or go to a different location to have my issues properly addressed. Huge time waste. read more

I was optimistic at first visit for and eye evaluation and fitting. Turned into the worst eyeglass experience in five decades of buying. The eye exam, twice, was not accurate. Lense repeatedly fell out of the frame -- including the replacement frame. New model frame: temples repeatedly fell off. No amount of overly-familiar and patronizing salessmarm and can make up for lack of knowledge and quality. Oh, by the way, the purchase price was 50% higher than any glasses I've ever bought. I imagine the technicolor salesman is gone by now but I will never use or recommend this place. Avoid like the Covid. read more

I could not be happier that Big City Optical is in the neighborhood. I saw their sign when walking down Southport and figured I would give them a try for my next appointment. VERY PLEASED that I made this choice. From the first phone call to make my appointment, Nick provided me with the warmest welcome and best customer service. Upon going into my appointment, the staff was personable, easy to chat with and to the point. And, Stevie (the adorable puppy in the office) was just the cherry on top. Dr. Wong is my favorite eye doctor I have ever been to, and I have been to at least 10 +. She is kind, sweet, charismatic, to the point, and comforting. Excited that I found my spot for all my eye care needs! read more

I had an appointment scheduled with Dr Mehar Asim, and after waiting for nearly 20 minutes it became clear the doctor was not at the office. After some time, a different doctor came in and saw me. It was my first time at Big City Optical, so I didn't realize it was not the doctor I had scheduled with until after the exam, when I was informed it was a sub. If the doctor I scheduled with was not available, I would prefer to know prior to the visit to reschedule. read more

love having an optical boutique in my neighborhood. friendly folks. easy to pop in and get an eye exam or to have them fix your sunglasses. great eye candy to try on as well . ty is fantastic read more

Wonderful experience! It was my 6 year old first eye appointment and everyone was so nice and welcoming. It was such a great experience that my husband and I will go there too from now on. They were very Covid conscious and the exam was the most complete I've seen. I will recommend this location to all my friends. read more

BEAUTIFUL STORE!! Very clean, great staff, Tricia is amazing at what she does. Explains everything very well. Great selection of frames. Highly recommend!!! read more

Big City Optical - Optometrists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I cannot say enough great things about the Big City Optical team on Southport! Such friendly staff, a very clean store, great frames selection at multiple price points, amazing communication about costs and insurance coverage so an informed decision can be made! And Dr Asim was so terrific with my 4 and 6 year olds--she was GREAT with them! I wish I could give more than 5 stars! read more

Great customer service, no other way i can describe my experience. I'm from out of town and i called Big City Optical to see if i can just get one contact since my right contact ripped and Miguel told me to come in he will take care of me completely on the house. You can't find this type of service anymore and I'm glad to see this business owned by such a great person. Thanks again Miguel. read more

Fantastic experience - great doctor and exam, amazing customer service. Appreciated all the recommendations and help choosing glasses. My husband and I booked back-to-back appointments and they were super helpful and efficient getting us both in and out, with everything we needed. Thank you! read more

I came here over the summer for an eye exam. Everyone was friendly and helpful and the store was clean and nice. I decided against getting new glasses then, and I appreciated that the staff respected my decision and didn't try to push me into buying glasses that I wasn't ready for. I called them earlier today to ask for a reminder on my prescription and then sent it over quickly. read more

Had such an amazing experience from the moment I stepped into the store. It is conveniently located and beautiful, clean and well-lit with a great selection of designer frames (Gucci, Chloe, Penguin, Woow, Tom Ford, Raybans, etc.). Pablo and Tricia were so thoughtful and patient as I tried on at least 30 pairs of glasses, and were amazing at assisting me through making sure I was maximizing my insurance benefits. Dr. Mark was also wonderful! He was friendly and took time to answer any questions I had. He recommended a few different types of contacts and gave me the option to bring home and try three brands. I never felt rushed or inconvenienced, and am excited to have a new go-to place for my annual eye exams! read more

Going for an exam and fitting for new glasses was a great experience. The doctor was knowledgeable and very helpful with any questions I had. The front office staff went out of there way to help me find the right frames. read more

I bought sunglasses a year ago and one of the nose pads came off (likely my fault). I brought them in for a repair and they cleaned and adjusted them! They were given back to me good as new. Beautiful store, excellent service! Will be purchasing from here again. read more

Gorgeous store and very friendly staff! LOVE the broad selection of quality frames--perfect mix of classic/timeless and fun/adventurous. Convenient location, too! read more

This store is GORGEOUS! I love the selection of high end frames like Tom Ford, Gucci, and Chloe! So many great choices to choose from and the staff are knowledgeable and super friendly! This is a must stop! read more

Booked an appointment for an eye exam and was fully expecting to grab my prescription and be on my way to go order online, as usual. I've been getting eye exams a minimum of once a year for over a decade and this has become a pretty standard process. Because of the stellar experience I had with Dr. Alicia Wong (hands down the best and most effective eye exam I've ever had), I'm going to be purchasing my contact lenses from Big City Optical from now on. Not only was the exam itself significantly better than all others I've taken, Dr. Wong went above and beyond to make sure I was getting the right products and took the time to help me understand my eyes better. The sales team was polite and funny, and Nick at the front desk even went ahead to order extra sets of my (particularly uncommon) trial contacts to make sure I like them before I settle on this brand. Overall A+ experience, and the only thing making me reconsider brick-and-mortar glasses/lenses vs the online option. Definitely recommend you check them out! read more

Looking for safety glasses for work. Found BCO through VSP website. Called a couple of locations to verify safety frames were in stock. Got an appointment that day. Manager reviewed my insurance benefits before I got there to let me know my options. Very friendly staff and optometrist. The manager was extremely helpful in helping me pick out frames that suit my personal style. I had even looked at some frames that he suggested for everyday wear and logged them for when I want to get regular glasses. I will Definitely be going back for all of my future eyecare needs. read more

Lovely staff, both human and canine. The doctor I saw was not used to prescribing RGP lenses, but I am happy with the ones prescribed. I hope to be a patient there for years. read more

Wow! Very knowledgeable doctor. Staff was super courteous and I felt at home with Stevie (cutest dog ever). It honestly felt like your best friends were helping you pick out glasses. Even with the covid concerns (which they have proper precautions in place) it felt very personal! Everyone try them out!!! They take vsp insurance! Thanks so much Monica, Nick, Dr Wong, and Miss Stevie read more

All of the staff at Big City Optical on Southport are wonderful. Dr Wong is not only efficient and pleasant, she suggested corrective prisms in the glasses. I was born with extreme crossed eyes, and even with surgeries my eyes don't align and track together. Dr Wong asked if I have any neck problems, and in fact, I have recently been in physical therapy for a pinched nerve. She attributed the off-centered way I was holding my head to the misaligned eyes, and said that the subtle prisms would help me improve my positioning. I just picked up the glasses and really can't detect the additions. Nick, the manager, mentioned that during the eye exam, when Dr Wong had me walk around with prism lenses, that I started to straighten my neck. Monica was very helpful with frame suggestions. I have little sense of how glasses look on my face, so her selections were very welcome. As soon as I got home my partner complimented the glasses. Finally, this review would not be complete without mentioning Nick's tiny dog Stevie, who is an absolute sweetheart. All in all, this was a great experience. I have worn glasses since I was four years old, so I have encountered many different optical shops. Big City on Southport is one of the best! read more

Everyone I've met at the Southport and Broadway locations were extremely friendly and competent. Looking forward to my next appointment!

Nick, Dr. Wong and everyone were extremely helpful throughout the process. Not to mention Stevie, is the cutest little four-legged receiver! I love the frame and brand selection, I may have tried every frame in the store. They were super fun and patient while I made my decision. Will definitely continue visiting this location! read more

I stopped in Big City Optical to get my glasses adjusted. Their customer service was phenomenal! I was helped immediately and they took the time to ask and genuinely listened to my problems. They then made sure to address each issue. The staff was thorough and very friendly. read more

I highly recommend Big City Optical. Dr. Wong was very kind and made me feel very comfortable during the vision exam. She is clearly very knowledgable, and most importantly, she listened to and thoroughly addressed all my concerns. Nick was very courteous and made my daughter and I feel very welcome as new customers. He and his assistant Stevie were very kind in keeping my daughter entertained while she waited for me; he even brought her a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy while she waited :) Finally, he was very efficient in helping me picking out some new glasses frames. I have a follow-up appointment, and look forward to working with BCO in the future. read more

Great staff. Great selection of glasses and sunglasses. The doctor was very thorough. Can't wait until my glasses get in!

Came in here few days ago for the first time to look at some new glasses. The staff was very pushy and made me feel very uncomfortable. When I told them I am just browsing they completely lost interest in me and walked away. When I asked if they can look up my benefits they told me that I can go online and look it up at home. I decided to take my business down the street to Custom Eyes where they took great care of me. Don't waste your time here go to some of the other great places in town. read more

Really great store. Clean and stylish. Great selection and staff. Got an awesome pair of glasses at an even better price.