Everything !! Beks was amazing and very helpful with deciding what looked and felt the best for our needs , she's simply the best ! Will definitely be back !! Frames are not cookie cutter like most shops , love being different ! read more

https://blackstock-artanddesign.medium.com/i-bought-a-pair-of-zeiss-lenses-from-brass-monocle-on-16-ave-8fac8b7e445c I bought a pair of Zeiss lenses from Brass Monocle on 16 Ave. in 2017 because they use the advanced computer system of Zeiss measurement of pupillary distance and had them installed into expensive Ray Ban frames that I bought at www.glenmorevisioncenter.com. Combined cost $1600.00 and went back regularly for constant fit adjustments. They blamed my frames, and my brain for why they never worked properly. Refused to change the pads, said they couldn't get them from Ray Ban. I trusted them and believed them and put up with eye strain for six years as they said this was as good as it gets. Two weeks ago, I went back to Glenmore vision and had new pads installed where they told me anyone could get them and my glasses were adjusted by Deb Shea so that for the first time in six years, I had perfect comfortable vision. I had already ordered new Zeiss lenses from Brass Monocle as the coatings had worn off the old ones. During that process I was told by Carla that she was busy and to get off the phone while I was confirming my 1000.00-dollar order. I told her it was odd to be rushed off the phone when spending a thousand bucks. She never apologized for making it clear that I wasn't her priority. Or thanked me for my thousand-dollar order. I had the new lenses installed at Brass Monocle to protect my warranty but unless I need warranty work, I won't be back. They didn't fit properly, again, but the elderly gent just said, 'they look fine to me'. He never bothered to get off his chair and actually check the fit. I then told him that I'd just spent a thousand dollars, and no one said thanks. I find them incompetent, arrogant and rude like they are doing me a favour by serving me and meeting my health and safety needs. In comparison I spent 12 dollars at Glenmore Vision, my vision problems vanished, and Deb spent half an hour answering my questions giving professional advice. I suspect the lousy non-adjustments at Brass Monocle are a scam to sell more expensive frames as they kept blaming the Ray Bans even though they are comparable in quality and price and have an excellent reputation. Either that or they are merely incompetent. I guess either way, based on comparison, they are incompetent. So, I went back to Glenmore Vision the next day after getting my new lenses installed. For free, Ali spent half an hour measuring me and marking my lenses all the usual stuff that professional opticians do. I ended up with perfectly comfortable glasses and perfect 20/20 progressives. For free. Brass Monocle had told me that clip on sunglasses were impossible for my unusual frames, to fit them. Glenmore Vision just said, "Sure it will be about two weeks before they are done." Brass Monocle is like being charged for a Lexus and getting a used beater of a Dodge. Based on evidence. Their lack of competent care culminated in eye strain repeatedly over several years blaming me for buying what turned out to be name brand adequate and effective frames in a style I really like that they don't carry. Basically, a physical abuse by charming poorly trained mere salespeople that blame the victims of their abuse and neglect. I shudder to think what their personal relationships are like; I hope they never had kids. These people are awful based on evidence. read more

Brass Monocle - Professional Visual Artist - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Sadly their customer service is lacking. Not the same place it was 5 years ago. No fitting for new glasses. Just a call to come get them. Not what I experienced 5 years ago. The service then was impeccable. read more

Carla the woman working at this store is so sweet and super friendly. She took me on a brief tour of the Brass Monocle pointing out things in eyewear that I never knew before. Unlike Eye Candy the store 5 blocks down 17th that sells basically designer eye wear. Monocle and excuse the pun focuses on framing gear from Europe. I have never heard the names of most of the designers here except for Ray Ban and Phillip Starck but Carla explained that these most of designers were from France, Italy, and Denmark etc. The frames are the funkiest that I have seen in the city, many are wild colors and patterns and a lot of retro classic reproductions. I did like what she had to offer. When dialoguing about the Starck design she said that they started at 700 dollars but they would last at least 4 to 5 years, in not only do the hinges of the glass frame have a flexibility of flexing outward but they also had the flexibility of bending up and down. I don't usually think about hinge quality but she made me "see" another perspective when frame shopping. There is also this classic photo booth in the corner of the store and although it doesn't work it does add to the vintage decor of the store. read more

Brass Monocle - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Horrible staff and horrible attitude. I felt like Julia Roberts in the pretty woman movie! Humiliated, discriminated, and judged, simply because we probably were dressed very casual on Sunday. We found this pretty funny considering we were willing to spend top dollar on the right pair of glasses. They seem to be obsessed with keeping the cabinets containing the glasses locked at all times, which makes it a very painful process to try on multiple pairs. You have to point to the glasses you want to try on and then wait for the salesperson to unlock the cabinet and pull out the single pair. You can then try it on under careful supervision and then hand it back to them to be immediately locked back into the cabinet. The sales staff act really edgy as if they are afraid that you are about to grab a pair of glasses and sprint out the door at any moment. At one point, one of the salespeople practically pushed my sister out of the way in his frantic rush to lock a cabinet that she was standing in front of. The salesperson we dealt with was a poor listener and tried to dictate and choose for me the glasses I could try on. It was as if she felt that i didn't have enough taste to pick out my own glasses and she needed to intervene in order to help me. Little does she know I am a personal shopper and it is my job to help people dress stylishly and fashionably. I do not recommend this place. Horrible experience. read more

It was recently decided that I needed new glasses. I'm not going to lie; I'm a major klutz, so I tend to hate wearing glasses. I usually stick to contacts, and go from there. Well. First off, Shelley is a top notch doctor, and totally took care of me during my appointment to check in on my prescription. Second, I issued the sales team a challenge; I hate wearing glasses. Change my mind. And did they ever!! Luke and Rob were champs; they offered awesome advice, and really took into account my personal style, overall colour scheme (I tend to change my hair a lot), lifestyle, and picking out a frame that wouldn't be easily damaged by an infant. The entire crew in there is friendly, insightful, and are super fun to shop with. They have a really neat selection of glasses, and they put me in a variety of frames before they found the Bevel frames that I absolutely fell in love with. In general, the vibe in the shop is personable and comfortable. They even have a little comfy corner for breastfeeding mothers to feed their little ones in! A+ experience all around! Way to go folks... You converted me! read more

Worst glasses that I have owned! I have purchased 3 pairs of glasses (Bugatti, J.F Rey and Tom Ford sunglasses) from Brass Monocle downtown location. I spent close to $4000 for these glasses and all I've had are problems for the exception of the J.F Rey, which they don't carry anymore. The Bugatti's - these are frameless glasses and the two screws holding the lenses kept getting loose. I had to use pliers almost every two weeks just to tighten them up. I called to complain about the glasses and they told me to bring them in, which I did. They did what I did and just tighten them up, but after about a month they got loose again. I went nuts! I called and again they told me to bring them in. This time they fixed it by using some form of glue. This is great but what if I want to keep the frames and put new lenses in....good luck on that one. Next pair of issues was the Tom Ford sunglasses. During the first year I barely wore them, and one day when I was cleaning them the left screw that holds the arm/lens came loose and fell on the ground. It was so tiny that I couldn't find it so I called Brass Monocle and told them what happened. They said bring them in, which again I did and replaced the screw. Then about three months later a plastic piece that goes over the bridge of my nose popped off....I couldn't believe it! I said to myself you have got to be kidding me!!! I put a dab of crazy clue on my self and placed it back onto the glasses. Well that worked well for only about two months then it popped off again. I got ticked off and tossed that plastic piece it in the garbage. Then today I was cleaning my Tom Fords and guess what? The screw came loose on the right side of the glasses this time. Luckily this time I was cleaning them over the glass case where screw and lens fell in there. I mean are you frigging kidding me!!! I put the glasses back in the case and thank goodness I have one of those tiny screw drivers for glasses and was able to tighten everything back up. But guess what? While I was tightening that screw back in, I noticed that the screw that Brass Monocle put in before was silver in colour and of a different make. All four glass screws on my pair are gold colour not silver. In other words, they didn't even have the right parts for my glasses and substituted them with a different one. Now some may say well it's only a tiny screw what's the big deal? Well if someone pays $1300 for a pair of sunglasses and the store doesn't even have the proper replacement parts. Then it is big deal. The moral of the story is that these glasses are expensive and look great, however the quality is the worst I've ever seen and will NEVER buy from them again. I even took a friend of mine that and he bought 2 pairs from them....boy do I regret that! read more

I bought a pair of glasses here last week. The guy who helped me was friendly and quick- I would definitely come back. They have all these hard to find brands- ones that don't have a gross label on them but are well made and priced to match their quality! I also like that they don't rip you off on lens's like other glasses place- I was able to get good lens's at $125. After a brutal week at work, I should add that I came in looking like crap for buying and picking up. They treated me with respect both times. The only reason I wouldn't give 5 stars is the glasses being locked in the displays. I am quite introverted and having to interact with salespeople on days where I am already tired is a negative to me. I would rather try things on myself, without help, and then go up to pay. read more

I have a thing about glasses. I like glasses. I like them a lot. I've picked up three pairs from The Brass Monocle and none of them have disappointed. The selection at The Brass Monocle is always pretty expansive and offers a lot of options from safe to insane. I tend to fall closer to the safe side of frames, but still prefer something a bit different. I've always been able to find something here. The service is always awesome - from being greeted warmly when arriving, to the level of help in selecting frames and fitting, the staff are always happy to assist. Sometimes when I just want to browse, I'm left alone to ponder my options internally without any distraction which is always nice. All three pairs I have purchased from The Brass Monocle were prepaid and shipped to my house as I lived 3 hours away in BC, but it was always a smooth and flawless experience - if I needed any further adjustments I just stopped by the next time I was in town. Prices are high for some of the frames, but that is the quality of the frames they carry - I have no regrets about the Alain Mikli frames I have purchased here - 4 years later I still wear them almost daily without any sign of wear. Next time you need glasses, stop by and see if they have something special for your face. read more

Both my wife and I have purchased glasses a number of times here. We like the frame selection and the service and customer care that we have received from Brian, he is exceptional. Thank you Brian. read more

The Brass Monocle is THE best place to buy glasses in Calgary. They've got the best selection, and world class service. Whenever I've come in the staff made me feel welcome and truly took the time to help me find the right glasses for me. I wouldn't recommend anywhere else! read more

If you're looking for a glasses that don't look like everyone else's at the office then the first place to look in Calgary is here. The stock is always changing and they always have some unique and eclectic choices both striking and subtle. The staff is helpful without being pushy and if you know what you're looking for but they don't have it they will try to find it for you. But of course expect to pay quite a bit more for your shiny new limited run frames then you would be paying for the run-of-the-mill stuff that you would get at Lenscrafters or Wal-Mart. read more

Go to the Brass Monocle for your glasses. I received creative and kind attention to detail, the coolest glasses that fit my face and lifestyle, and, most of all, my personal satisfaction was truly guaranteed. Go. Here. read more

I went to Brass Monocle for an eye exam on Sunday August 30 2020. I had a few minutes before my exam and had great help picking out a few frames from a trendy, blond haired guy. I was called back for my exam and it was great for an eye exam. I was handed off to another associate and proceeded to look at frames and lenses. I settled on frames and started looking at lenses. The associate proceeded to add all lens coverings like anti glare scratch etc. I told him after having glasses with all the coverings before, this time I wasn't interested. He proceeded to ignore my request and plowed on ahead with his sales. I finally had enough and stopped him. I said if he couldn't listen to my requests I wouldn't do business here. I paid my eye exam bill and left. His push to sell has cost the brass Monocle 1200 to 1500 dollars worth of sales which is unfortunate because I am a returning customer and was excited to return. My feedback is such that the focus should be more on the customer preference and not the push to up sell all the extras. read more

I've been in here a few times to look at their great selection of glasses and knew that this is where I'd want to buy mine when the time came for a replacement pair. Yesterday I went into the 16th Ave. location entirely ready to spend my money on a great pair of frames. It wasn't until I had finished circling the store (not being able to try on any frames - all of the cases are locked) and stood in the middle looking lost did someone finally come over and ask if I I'd like any help. I told them I would like to try on some glasses and when she asked me which I said there was probably a pair from each case I'd like to try. She opened one and I tried on a few pairs - the ones I gave a 'maybe' to were put back in the case (how was I supposed to remember all of the ones I liked?). The sales lady awkwardly made a few suggestions for me - without finding out what I was looking for. She opened up the next case and then was distracted by two other customers leaving me to stand awkwardly and wait at another locked case. I didn't want to have to wait around for a person who would supervise me for the entire experience and then have to wait on them to open cases. At this point I decided to just leave and find another place to get glasses. read more

Funky glasses and helpful staff, a great selection of eyewear

Carla also helped me in choosing my frames. She was very helpful in discussing the the width of the frames when placed on my face as I was look for progressives as well as progressive sunglasses. She helped me in my decision for both. I purchased my glasses in January as I'm told The Brass Monocle always has a monthly sale in January and the pricing on the frames are fantastic and much more easy on the pocketbook. I took my savings and purchased digital lenses and I can verify there is a difference. Go for it. A great shop and great customer service read more