We love this store and it's become our go to spot for new frames, sunglasses, and custom lenses. They have a perfect mix of fresh designs you won't see everywhere else along with some of the expected sunglasses brands. I can't remember who helped me years back, but they educated me about transitions lens options; perfect for walking my dogs 4times a day in SF where the clouds and sun take turns in the sky 42 times per walk and I never felt like I was wearing the right pair. It's been transitions ever since! Jeannie helped us out today, she really has a great eye & could make adjustments or suggest a better fit on the spot, while I struggled to put my finger on what was "off". It was fun to learn and impressive to see! read more

Great selection of frames and an atmosphere that invites you to take your time finding your next favorite pair. Jim was very helpful in pointing out some frames that I liked without any heavy pressure to buy. I will definitely be back when it's time for my next pair of eyeglasses. The entrance to the Gift Center and Jewelry Mart is at 888 Brannan in the middle of the block. Pass through security to get your visitor's badge, then follow the stairs down to 194. read more

1. Excellent customer service and continued eyeglass support. Jim and his staff are receptive, courteous, professional and knowledgeable. I have been going to this shop for several years and the customer service I have received is excellent and unwavering. Jim will do whatever it takes to make certain you are well taken care of. 2. Great selection of frames! 3. Elan is the most affordable shop in town and the quality of the lens and frames is incomparable. 4. Elan sets the standard for selection, affordability and customer service for eyewear. You would be remiss to go anywhere else. read more

Excellent selection and service. I worked with Jeannie who has a great eye for the frames that look good on your face. Found frames I really like and I also got a pair of Oakleys for cycling with my Rx. read more

I have been buying my glasses and sunglasses from Jeanie and Jim for years! Not only do they have friendly staff, but they have a great selection! Prices are amazing, products are great and the staff is awesome at finding you the perfect fit. The store always has the latest and most stylish selection. I highly recommend you go check them out. read more

Here it is New Year's Eve and my eye glasses are in serious need if repair. I screwed up by thinking I could replace a loose screw, and the other one got wronged by a well-meaning optometrist office. These hi-tech glasses I bought from Elan about a year ago have springed hinges that make replacing screws extremely difficult, and I screwed the pooch on this one. I had to insert a bobby pin just to keep the stem on so they can be used - very ridiculous setup for me. Elan Optical not only replaced the screw I 'screwed up', but also fixed the one the optometrist wretched. I got my glasses back in brand new condition! No cost, and they fit perfectly afterwards. Great customer service - job well done! read more

Great selection of designer glasses, most frames are 25% less than you would pay elsewhere. Stopped in today and picked up 2 pairs of Maui Jims, one of which we'll probably bring back in to get prescription lenses for when we get a new prescription. The great thing is that you CAN get prescription lenses for some of the Maui Jim and Oakley and other "sport" glasses...I've tried at other places and even had "See" on Union take an order for one of their more wrappy-aroundy type frames for a prescription sunglass, which ultimately they couldn't fill. Elan has opened up new options for me to be able to see clearly while exerting myself on a bright, sunshiny day. Just knocking off a star as their hours are certainly not compatible if you are a typical working stiff. 10:30am-5pm, Mon-Fri....they may be open some Saturdays but call ahead....you have to call ahead anyway as if you're name isn't at the door, you can't get in the building....worth all the inconvenience, but still a pain. read more

Elan Optical - Elan Optical - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - San Francisco, California

Jim is the nicest guy -- I had broken my really nice frames, which I'd bought back in New York. Thought the frames were totally busted. I brought them to Elan Optical and Jim fixed them for me in 5 minutes, free of charge. Emphatically recommend this store. read more

Great service, saw a beautiful pair of sunglasses at the store right as they were opening for the day and the lady who was working was super helpful. Would totally go back to see what other unique sunglasses they have in stock. read more

Highly recommended! I randomly got there because they were on the way to my gym, and I was so pleasantly surprised! Really, everything was great: the selection of frames from different designers you typically won't find in the stores of the main chains, personal touch, great eye for what fits and what doesn't, friendly, but most importantly the results speak for themselves! I've never had glasses made so accurately to my taste and need. I will definitely come back! read more

In this era of internet options, impeccable service is what sets business like Elan Optical apart. Their store does indeed carry an unusually large inventory of on hand options. But, it's the professionals behind the counter helping you to navigate their selection which sets these guys apart from the competition. 5 stars for Elan Optical!!! read more

I am a lover of eyewear. I have purchased many pairs of glasses not only because I need them, but because I believe they can make a profound fashion statement. Having visited many optical stores around the country, this one, Elan Optical in San Francisco is by far my absolute favorite! Why? They not only have the most current trends in eyewear, but the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. They are extremely helpful and honest when it comes to recommending different frames and also telling you straight away whether they feel the frame suits you or not. Every time I've gone in to intentionally purchase or just to visit and check out the latest and greatest, it's always a very fun and "feel good" experience. read more

Superior selection, great staff and service! I was very pleased to find just about every designer frame here. I also got a good deal on Oliver Peoples' glasses vs. the flagship store. Just wish they were in network for VSP, but the staff does the due diligence of checking what out of network benefits you can get. read more

3 years ago I ordered prescription sunglasses from Elan Optical and was very satisfied. We live in San Jose and when my husband and I needed new glasses we chose to go to Elan Optical. 2 months ago my husband and I got 2 new pair of glasses from Elan Optical. The choice of frames was excellent and the staff was really helpful to choose right frames for us. We didn't have any trouble adjusting to new glasses. I got a lot of compliments for my new glasses and recommended Elan Optical for those who wanted modern, perfect quality frames with excellent service. read more

Took a little wandering to find them in the jewelry mart (Look for #194) but they're super friendly and genuine. Jim and his wife have been there since the 80's. When I'm in the market for new frames...I'll be back! read more

This is the greatest store ever. Staff is courteous and knowledgeable. Great selection of frames. My family has been getting glasses here for some time now. Highly recommend !!! read more

Unless you're a frequent visitor to the Jewelry Center, you probably have never heard of Elan Optical. Otherwise you're like me and after conducting a yelp search for "prescription sunglasses," you eventually found these reviews! My thoughts: 1- Parking can be tough since you're competing against all of the other visitors to the Jewelry Center. Instead of parking on Brannan I usually have luck parking on 8th St. In addition, the REI is right next door so don't fret if you can't find a space! 2- Definitely call ahead (415.626.8301) and ask that your name be on "the list." To the right of the front entrance of the Jewelry Center you'll encounter a check-in station. The people working here will have a copy of "the list." 3- Walk across the great hall with the raised ceiling and go down the staircase near the elevator (left hand side). After going down the stairs, make a right at the first fork in the path and you'll find Elan Optical approx. 3 stores down (you'll see lots of frames through the window). 4- Upon entering, take in the sight of hundreds of frames from designer eye wear to more practical options. I was impressed by the selection on my 1st visit. 5- Take your time, browse around with the help of one of the attentive opticians, and choose your frame. Upon making a selection, they'll ask you to try on the frame, take measurements, and then using a marker (erasable i presume) they'll draw circles where your pupils actually line up with the lenses! Their explanation was that everyone's pupil / line of vision looks out a different portion of the lens. By marking the location where "your" pupil looks out the lens, they can get their lab to place your prescription directly in that spot. I'm sure that I've butchered the exact explanation but that is my understanding!! (I've never encountered another optician who has done this!) 6- After all measurements are taken, they'll write up your purchase and apply a discount to the frames!! I'm not certain if the discount varies depending upon what frame you choose, but I purchased prescription Maui Jim sunglasses and received a 20% discount. 7- I would recommend this optician for prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses. UPDATE: During a wedding in Malibu I actually lost my Maui Jim sunglasses (doh!!) I called up Elan and since they had kept the specifications from my last order I was able to order another pair!! Shipping was only $7 and they charged me the same price as last time. read more

This review is looong overdue! The ladies who work there are so great!! The prices are great, they are authorized dealers for the brands they carry. I ended up getting two pairs of sunglasses(I am so indecisive) Ray Bans and Tom Ford. I get constant compliments on the Tom Ford pair, I believe they are called the Jenna collection? I am not sure...but I do know that I am now OBSESSED with polarized lenses. Instead of squinting all the time, creating crows feet and looking in the mirror seeing that I will need Botox in my future...I can now relax knowing my Botox days aren't for another 20 years +. Thanks Elan! read more

Great eye wear and they have good prices. Sunglasses or prescription this is the place to go to. read more

Excellent quick service. They changed the lenses of my eye glasses in just few days. I asked for rush ordere and they did a great job. Thank you! read more

Best place to buy QUALITY eyeglasses at a fair price. Including most of the major European & Japanese brands. Truly an amazing selection! Jim, Jeannie & team are the best & treat customers with outstanding customer service. For the last 8+ years, I haven't gone anywhere else. Try Elan & you will NOT regret it! read more

Um, I dunno where the Jewelers comes from, it's Elan Optical. So you have to call ahead to get into the building, but with the $$ you save, it's well worth it. They have all the designer names (Dior, Oliver Peoples, Juicy, Ferragamo, Gucci, Ray Ban, Maui Jim, etc, etc) They did drop Chanel, so that sucks. But they sell everything at 30% off the retail price, and they have the newest styles straight from the magazines. And I can bring in my husband's prescription and they make glasses for him too. All around a great deal. read more

Great store. They are so nice and helpful I just picked up my new prescription glasses and I love them. Will be back soon read more

Came into Elan Optical during my break and their collection is impressive. The entire store is neatly organized, and especially clean. I took a long look around before asking about a pair of Versace sunglasses that I liked. I was helped by Elizabeth who was was absolutely lovely and definitely patient. As a person who doesn't wear sunglasses, i did not have much to work with. However, Elizabeth helped me choose some out and although I did like many of the ones she picked out, I ended up picking up the Versaces in the end. The prices are very reasonable and they do have some extremely attractive choices. Thank you Elan Optical, I'll definitely be back! read more

So happy I found this place on google maps and it really surprised me. Now, this is not a typical optical store... You need an appointment. But once you do make that appointment, by calling, you will feel lucky. The friendly, insightful staff and the vast selection of different types of designer sunglasses and frames will not disappoint. I picked out a pair of Persol polarized turtle shell frames with real glass... Very nice and 25% off so I felt like I stole them... I believe the glasses came to under $200. The lady that helped me at the front was so nice! As a New Yorker, I felt the West Coast hospitality instantly when I walked in the door. read more

Great service!!! Thank you for helping me pick out a pair of bad ass Gucci frames for my roundish, kinda square face! I love them!

Always a great deal and great service. Let you browse without being bothered. Will answer all questions with the best discounts on all glasses. Brought back glasses twice for scratched lenses and no issues. Fixed broken pair of Chrome Hearts that I thought were going in garbage. If you find a pair you like online, go in and get better service and most likely better price. Enjoy! read more

Great place! The staff is kind and efficient who helped me replace my broken support on my eyeglasses. It took her less than 5 minutes to finish, and she even changed both of them with a better material - silicon. Definitely recommend this shop for the ones needed. read more

Elan optical is a gem hidden in the basement. Quality frames and staff, on trend and reasonably priced. When searching for you next Eyeglasses is new favorite shades. Stop, go down the stairs and shop. You won't be disappointed! The eyeglasses that come in are straight off the runway and always deliver what you expect in previous eyewear. Lenses, frames and service they do it better than anyone. read more

We have been going to Elan Optical for many years. Jim, the owner and Jeanie are very knowledgeable and helpful, a pleasure to work with! Extensive collection of quality frames! read more

The prices are great the customer service is the best. And the ladies that work there are gorgeous :-) They go above an beyond for you. That's why we,ve been a customer for over 5 years. Customer service. Thank you Franks delivery service read more

Came here on a Saturday to go to Padis and my jewelry wouldn't be done for another hour and a half so my mom, dad and bf and I went walking around the center. Well there wasn't much open since only a select few stores are open on the weekend and this one is one of them. Dad was the one that wanted new glasses. I just like checking our peoples oakleys sunglasses since I am a sucker for sunglasses. Saw a pair I never heard of and Jim was very helpful. I ended up getting a pair of two faced Oakley sunglasses. That's pair number 3 for me. The boyfriend liked it so much he also wanted a pair but he didn't have his prescription on him. So jim wrote a bunch of info on the pair of sunglasses and what to do when we are thinking about getting them. So eventually I might just get it for him for his bday cuz the price is pretty cheap instead of goin to his normal eye glass store. My glasses were a total of $154. In the regular mall they run for $180. And plus they had a deal going on so it was and ending total of $115. I will defiantly be comin here again for my sunglasses!! read more

Came here to try on some frames from my favorite manufacturers (Oliver Peoples and Barton Perreira), and I was blown away with the selection. They pack a lot of frames in a relatively small space. As others have said, the selection is impressive, and the prices can't be beat. That alone deserves the stars, but for me, the 5 stars are for Elizabeth. Awesome customer service, and her eye (no pun intended) for what might look good on you is amazing. She helped both my wife and I pick out frames and suggested some frames that were a perfect match. I also liked that she was not shy about her opinion for ones that were not a good match. And her knowledge about frames and the options that are available was amazing. Once I found a pair I liked, she knew all of the available materials/finishes for the frames off the top of her head, and was able to quickly show me examples. In addition to the glasses my wife bought, she wanted a specific model of Ray Ban sunglasses, and after looking and not seeing the model in the store, my wife was able to describe them to Elizabeth, and just based on description, she was able to locate them on an iPad in a jiffy and ordered them for us. Given the sheer number of Ray Ban frames, that was no small feat. Estimates on manufacturing times were exact, the frames fit perfectly, and look great too. My 2¢... If you are in the market for glasses or sunglasses, go in to check out the selection, and leave a happy customer. read more

I got some sunglasses here. The girl that helped me was beyond wonderful so the owner or jerk of a manager can thank her for the three stars. The owner was terrible and downright room. Older man that acts like he is god's gift to this universe. Terrible service from him however the younger blonde girl was a sweetheart. Would I go back? Meh ... I have seen better I was just in the neighborhood. read more

Elan Opticals is located amidst a bunch of jewelery stores so that may explain why it is classified as Elan Jewelers. Regardless, they sell sunglasses here aplenty. They are high end and have a wide selection of designer brands but since they whole sale there's a discount. I only got 25% off retail maybe it doesn't hurt to negotiate. You can't just walk in, you need to call ahead of time and the sales people put you on a list that you need to be on to get to the stores. The nice part about that is that they know your name when you walk in and the sales people are very friendly and patient. They'll recommend styles and brands they think look good on you but there's no hard sell. read more

Came back for a pair of prescription glasses; Elizabeth is just the best!!! It was my first pair of prescription lens, which took some adjusting and getting used to. She was patient, helpful and made sure I found the perfect pair and was comfortable with them. I tell all my friends to go here, and they are never disappointed. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place! read more

This eye glass store is the best in the world period. Why ? Best inventory and they guarantee the lenses for life and will replace for "FREE" your lenses if you scratch them for any reason. And I have done that at Elan Optical and the cost was zero. All the staff is pure pro and been there for years. Me and the wife have purchased all our glasses there at 30% less than moll prices!!! My Maui Gim sunglasses are the best I have ever had, they retail at the moll for $900 and I purchased at Elan for $600 !!! That's just an example of the savings and Elan is located at a building where the public can buy all kinds of great gifts at wholesale prices. Give Élan a try and you be a customer for life like me and the wife. Say hi to Gim, Laura and Jeannie for me. Steve and Irina, San Francisco read more

Love this place! They have an incredible, vast selection of the latest and greatest eyewear and sunglasses, from Cartier, Gold & Wood, Dita, Tom Ford to less splurgy, still stylish Tory Burch and Ray Ban at discounted prices. But it's the staff that makes the experience something to Yelp about. From the moment you walk in you will get the friendliest, most dedicated service you've ever had. They will ask you what you're looking for and won't stop until you locate it. The staff is a wonderful sounding board, giving you honest feedback to help you find the frames that make you look and feel your best. I couldn't be happier with my cat eye Oliver Peoples shades. Elan Optical has the best service, products, and value, in the bay area. They're also inside the Jewelry Mart where you can spend the day shopping for wholesale diamonds and drinking complimentary champagne, but that's just icing on the cake. I'll definitely be back! read more

This place is great! An amazing selection of designer frames at the lowest prices plus the customer service is great. Elizabeth helped me out with both of my sunglasses I have purchased there and I look like a baller without spending baller money! I never thought I would ever purchase two nice pairs of sunglasses in the same year but you can definitely see and feel the quality from the cheap crap I have been wearing. Plus they have no problem tightening and cleaning them when needed and they also have many prescription options. The owner Jim is also really nice and quite humorous. Its Guccccccccccccccccciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. read more

They were super helpful knowing what would look right on and what wouldn't break the bank. Then, they replaced a missing crystal in my Bvlgari sunglasses (that weren't purchased there), cleaned and tightened everything on them when we bought a couple of new pairs there. Thanks guys! read more