The first two things that people notice when they look at your face are your teeth and your eyeglasses. If you have those both those boxes checked, they will move you on to the next "judgement" category! I stopped into Big City Optical with absolutely no intention of buying new frames. While they do have a great selection of very trendy / upscale designer frames, what really sold me was the customer service. In today's world of online purchasing and "touchless" everything, it's really refreshing to have a live human being provide you with their input and service. Socorro was the staffer that greeted me initially. She listened to what I had to say , explained how to conduct my search for new frames, and then tailored her sales pitch to my needs. Without being clingy or cloying , Socorro used the classic sales WIIFM (What's In It For Me) technique flawlessly. I narrowed my search down to (2) choices and asked for her opinion. Although I'd only known her for 15 minutes, I knew we were both on the same page. She framed her reply and final choice by saying " frame A ( $700) looks really nice , but not better than, frame B ($300). Her opinion was not based on the price tag. Rather, it was based on which pair looked better on me. With no fewer than 4 ( and soon to be 5) eyewear shops within a 5 minute walk of each other in Andersonville, customer service is one of those components that create loyalty and brand awareness. I will return to Big City Optical in a heartbeat. read more

Just went into big city optical where I made a purchase for prescription eyewear last year. My glasses are damaged and I went in seeking options on how to repair them. The woman at the front desk, looked at them immediately and said " oh, those are done. They can't be fixed." Assuming I wanted her to solder them in the store. I kindly told her that's not what I was asking and that I was wondering if the brand had any replacement parts as I purchased them from the store - she said " well I can see if we have them. We haven't carried BRAND in a very long time." This woman clearly didn't wanna help me, didn't want to assist in any type of way, just wanted me to buy new glasses, and get out of her face. I confronted her and asked her if she would like me to go somewhere else because her vibes were not customer service appropriate. She said she didn't believe that that was the case, to which I reiterated what she told me initially, discounting my request for seeking help, and just saying that my glasses are done without even looking at them. I can understand why big city has a poor reputation. I will not be going back. read more

After the third attempt to get my glasses fit correctly, I had to send this note to the regional manager. Angie. The lenses on my glasses seem to be two different sizes or are not in the frames correctly. Either way, they are not correct. I will give you back your lenses and I want a full refund on path pairs of lenses. It is obvious this is going to be an ongoing problem. Now I am going to have to pay twice as much to get my eyes reexamined and new lenses made because I wasted my insurance on Big City Optical Thank you As your manager Adam stated so rudely when I first picked up both pairs that he was going to start charging me. My question is how do I start charging you for your mistakes? Including not even having my frames brought down from the other location to size me properly. Respectfully, read more

Big City Optical - Optometrists Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The exam was great, but ooooooof, did I have some unpleasant experiences with a staff member there! My first time in the store, the exam went fine, they were a little pushy about frames (despite my saying I wasn't interested that day), but that's fine--that's part of the job..and I'd actually thought about coming back when they restocked so I could see different options when I was up for it. The first unpleasant interaction when I questioned what the additional charges for the visit were for, the manager, Socorro, snapped the answer at me, like I'd deeply offended her by asking about it. I was a little shocked by her tone, but let it go. The second time I went back, I thought maybe I'd give their frames a shot. I also saw my script was missing some information (the pupillary distance (PD), which you need to buy glasses), and I wanted to have it--not just for my records, but in case I struck out on frames again, I could look elsewhere. Socorro not only wouldn't give me the time of day (the store was empty and they were all sitting around, btw), but treated me like I was trash for daring to ask. She informed me that they would not give me the PD unless I bought glasses with them, and when I tried to clarify, was abrupt, dismissive, and generally kinda nasty. I was at no point questioning anybody's competence, just trying to understand why the store's policy was to withhold this information. Anyway, after that horrible interaction, I didn't bother asking to look at frames. It was clear they did not want me in their store. At least Socorro didn't. I gave this place a final try and called the store to follow up with Socorro, because I didn't understand why she had been so rude to me twice when I'd never met her before these interactions. I figured if I had done something offensive, I should apologize, at the very least. And if I hadn't, then I would have liked a discussion about what the hell that behavior was all about. Socorro never called me back. At this point, since I didn't have my full prescription, and was *definitely* not going back in there to get abused a third time, I decided to do a chargeback to my credit card. Wanna know the best part of all of this? The store gave my husband his PD free of charge, without any hassle, without telling him, "oh you have to buy glasses in order for us to give you this info." AND he was treated respectfully when he asked questions and raised concerns. Weird, right? Edit to add: Thanks for your response, Claire, but it honestly just makes me question what's happened more. You said the store "releases the content according certain guidelines to protect the confidential nature of these records." I might be misunderstanding, but I am curious which specific guideline made it possible for my husband to get his PD, while mine was withheld, when we both asked for the same thing, from the same store where we both had our appointments. It's one thing if this rule was universally enforced in your store, and you informed patients about this during their eye exam. I would even accept a, "hey, if you want this info, it's going to be a charge if you don't order from our store, because we'll lose the commission." Neither scenario happened, though. I know it's not legally mandated (yet) for optometrists to give patients this number in Illinois, but I am super disappointed by the whole unfair treament and experience. I would absolutely welcome a conversation about it, and hope to, if nothing else, resolve any hard feelings on either side. read more

Fantastic service, took their time on my exam and with picking out frames. I know there are cheaper options, but the service makes it worth it! read more

Doctor is good but front desk is incompetent and rude. My daughter's and wife exam went well. Then a disaster with my wife's glasses. They were suppose to switch the lenses on her current glasses. They told her it was done and let her walk out with them. She noticed they weren't changed but they still claimed they were after a back and forth convo. She then asked for her old lenses and then they couldn't find because they didnt switch them. In the end they admitted they didn't switch them out!!! This was all done with attitude from them. They also got the insurance wrong to top it off. read more

The folks at Big City were SO helpful with my glasses repair! Chloe was quick, kind, and accepted me as a walk-in at the end of the day. Highly recommend! read more

This is the only place I get my eyes checked and purchase frames. I always have difficulty choosing frames for myself; I never seem to choose ones that look right, and then have trouble deciding. The staff here have great taste; they choose frames for me that I would never have otherwise chosen, but that look perfect. This is exactly what I need! I had a very thorough exam with Alex. Afterwards, Misty had been so helpful in pre-selecting great-looking frames and helping me decide--as well as explaining my insurance coverage. She and Rasa were warm, knowledgeable, efficient, helpful, and proactive. It's the kind of experience that keeps me coming back to this branch year after year! read more

Amazing atmosphere and the customer service was amazing! Very friendly and helpful! Will definitely return for all my optical needs!! Adam was a sweetheart! read more

This place is amazing!!! It had been a while since I got my eyes checked, (due to a bad experience elsewhere). I was greeted by Chloe and Emily and the both were exceptionally nice. The doctor was amazing and so thorough! She explained all my eye tests being taken, and the actual anatomy of my eyes etc. Dr. Rasa was amazing!! I was a new contact wearing and Angie and Chloe both helped me! It was a 12/10 experience! I highly highly recommended this place!!! As someone who works in healthcare, this is definitely the type of care we need more of. Such a great experience. read more

I cannot recommend the South Andersonville Big City Optical location enough! I was looking for a new pair of glasses, and after falling in love with a pair at another location (and forgetting my prescription) the team at the South Andersonville Big City Optical went above and beyond to help me. Jennifer and Jamese were absolutely amazing - handling the transfer of the frames from one shop to this one, communicating with me every step of the way, answering ALL my questions, and going above and beyond. Their top-tier service made the experience 12/10. They're great people and made me feel so welcome - they made the (historically) stressful experience of finding, buying, and then fitting glasses a FUN one. They're the best, and have made me a BCO customer for life! If you're looking for new glasses and want to shop in a no-stress, friendly, and positive place, then this location is the one for you! Thanks again, Jennifer & Jamese! read more

Had a great experience getting new glasses! Misty was very helpful, made relevant suggestions, showed me multiple frames that complemented my face. Turnaround then was quick, even for bifocals! Highly recommended! read more

The most amazing service!! they're so helpful and transparent about everything! I had a great experience and they didn't rush me at all, I took my time and got what I wanted! read more

I went in to get a nose pad replaced on my sunglasses and ended up receiving above and beyond service. Not only did Chloe replace my pads, she also made any necessary adjustments to strengthen my beloved pair of sunglasses. While waiting, I observed another sales associate help other customers. I was super impressed with the knowledge they had of the product as well as the detailed reasons why certain frames work better for the customer's face shape + how to wear it. I would absolutely come back for some designer glasses! read more

I tried contacts in 7th grade (15 years ago) and ran out screaming and crying. Decided finally to give it another try to prepare for my wedding. The staff could not have been friendlier! Misty helped me with removal and placement of the contacts as well as pick a new glasses frame. I'm really glad I chose to come here for another go with contacts, and thanks to Misty and the staff, I did not run out screaming and crying this time! read more

I came in with almost broken frames and Chris saved the day! For no charge, he doctored up my new Gucci glasses and they fit perfectly. Highly recommend this location read more

Big City Optical in South Andersonville has the best customer service in Chicago. Misty and Socorra both strive to make their customers walk out happy. Misty asked me questions about what I wanted in frames and quickly found exactly the right frames for me. The shape looks so good on me that I bought two pair of glasses in different colors. When I got them I wasn't happy with the second color so Misty ordered a different color and switched the lenses while I waited. Now I love both pairs and highly recommend this location. Besides their expertise in selecting and fitting glasses, they're fun to chat with. For some reason Yelp thinks I'm from New York. I'm a Chicagoan!!! read more

I've allowed myself a week to cool down and reflect. I never review anything but this terrible experience needs to be relayed. Where to begin. On January 11, I was quoted a 7-10 day turnaround on my progressive glasses purchase. Multiple calls for an update were met with no more than an assurance I would be contacted with an update that never came. Three weeks after making payment for undelivered services and again having to reach out myself for an update I was told they would look into and get back to me. Only when I said I had been told that same thing multiple times without a single communication did she say that she would call the lab right now and get an update. She called back minutes later to say there was going to be another potentially weeklong delay because the lens failed inspection. Ok, get them right. One week later on February 8, I had to call again to get an update. (Seeing a pattern?) I was told the system shows the order is delayed at the lab. Stating I was annoyed at having been told this multiple times with no further update while receiving regular marketing communications (see below), the employee stated he was the new manager and the order should be ready by February 14. I stated my expectation that the glasses be ready on the 14th or if not that Big City Optical reach out to me themselves proactively. I stated that if the glasses were not ready "OR" if Big City failed to reach out on their own, I would immediately seek a full refund for failed delivery. I got a call back within the hour stating the glasses had failed inspection a third time. I was never told about one of the first two fails apparently. The manager had proactively cancelled my order entirely since they were not going to be ready on the 14th. Umm, ok. Manager must have just glossed right over the big "OR" in our previous conversation. He stated he could call back and have the lab put the order back in line for production. Realizing this is the moment I had been waiting for I have him issue a full refund. Hilariously, I received a text message from Big City on Feb. 12 letting me know my "original glasses" are back from the lab. I responded with interest considering I did not provide them with any original glasses. My request for an explanation was not responded to for 2 days until I received, "...I just meant to clarify that they were not coming back relensed with new lenses since we cancelled the order." I dropped it there since they clearly did not know what was going on. After all this, reflecting on the next bit is what drove me to follow through with this review. I received no less than 8 emails and text messages trying to sell me their services when they had not delivered on the purchase I had already made. Most infuriating of all, some of these marketing communications were asking me how I am enjoying my new glasses! As a reminder, Big City Optical never did reach out to contact me a single time to communicate about their delayed process without me demanding it. Nevertheless, Big City Optical spammed sales communication on me repeatedly while apparently being unaware that they had not completed delivery of my purchase. Still looking for a place to get a new set of glasses... read more

I had a great experience. Same day appointment, friendly efficient and helpful staff. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience from start to finish. Eye exam was extremely thorough and the doctor took time and care to answer my questions and made helpful recommendations. Misty helped me find the perfect frames, and provided superb customer service. Would highly recommend Big City Optical S. Andersonville to anyone seeking a top notch optical & shopping experience! read more

The team was super friendly and helpful! I stopped by with a pair of glasses that I found with my foot and Michael was able to fix them for me in about a minute. Thanks for the fast wizardry! read more

My frame broke at the most inconvenient time--on a holiday, all other stores nearby were closed for the holiday. I called Big City Optical, Mayra picked up and said she would help me. I went there, and she was ready to help. She fixed the frame quickly and professionally. She was just so kind, friendly and helpful! If it was not because of her, I would've spent the holiday blind! Highly recommend this store and Mayra's service!!! read more

Great experience at this brand new BCO location. Eyeglass prescription in hand, I walked in on a Sunday mid-day and not long after that had a new pair of glasses all picked out and ordered. Nate was friendly, detail oriented, and attentive to my concerns. One week later I got the call to pick up my glasses (a week sooner than the estimate). The fit and prescription (which includes progressive lenses) are perfect: I can read tiny book print again! Great frame selection and prices, especially if you have VSP coverage. Welcome to the neighborhood, BCO! read more

Didn't know where to get my eye exam so gave this place a try since not to far from my house walked Jenny & Shawn are really awesome get experience there highly recommend this place if your looking for new glasses or contacts or just want a new eye exam they will take care of you clean place the doctor was awesome too took care of my exam quick and friendly will be back again when it's time for new glasses haha thank you guys read more

Great selection of glasses styles and doctor was very responsive to my issues with previous contact lens perscription. This is the most comfortable pair I've been prescribed! Jenny was helpful to select glasses as well, thanks for the help! read more

Guys at this place are really professional and nice. I do recommend this place. Jamese fixed my glasses really fast!

The entire process from making the appointment to selecting my glasses was a breeze and a pleasure. What a great staff: Edwin, Shawn, Jenny, and Amer were incredibly friendly and helpful. I made my appointment online and Edwin (the GM) immediately called to offer me a different time that he thought would suit my needs better and he was right! Shawn took great care of me for the preliminary exam and the doctor (sorry, but I forgot her name!) took plenty of time during the exam and after to explain everything. When I returned the next day to look at glasses Edwin had put aside for me, I was greeted by my name by Jenny who had not even worked with me the day before! Jenny and Amer were very helpful and honest about what looked good (and what did NOT) on me. It was a great experience. read more