I stopped in not too long ago on a whim trying to find replacements for the plastic nose pieces on my sunglasses. I was immediately given friendly service and they fixed my sunglasses for free! I hadn't previously been to Eye Spy, as I don't wear glasses. But if I did, I can imagine they treat their customers very well! read more

The glasses are super pricey, but they are one of a kind and super chic, I got two pairs, one was transition sunglasses and the other was blue light, both with "relaxed lens" which I have never heard of before. One of the glasses made my head hurt and she took them back to remake the prescription free of charge which was a complete shock for me from a one location small business and she was super friendly and helpful. All the staff in the store give you 100% attention while you are in there and it feels almost like a royal shopping experience because you get to try on everything you want to try. It was super fancy and it was my first time going there but the one of a kind personal attention is something that I haven't found at warby parker or Costco or perle vision or LensCrafters (who I have been going to for glasses since I was little). These frames are super deluxe and i know they will last me a long long time. They go with all the outfits I own and I'm super happy about them, compliments at least once a day at the minimum and I've been wearing them for three weeks. Good selection, lots of variety, something for everyone. You get the quality you pay for hands down. I would say I'd go again but with these glasses I don't know that I'll ever need new glasses ever !! I love them so much they feel like an extension of myself. They're gorgeous. read more

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I've purchased, in the past 8 years, 7 pairs of glasses from this store though I could've bought 100. No exaggeration! The selection is absolutely out of this world. All the eyewear designers are actually specialized in designing eye wear and not clothes, shoes or jewelry. Eye Spy glasses are fun, stylish... Jewelry for the EYE!!! Angela, CJ, Emma and Alissa are friendly, knowledgeable, interactive with clients and among themselves, asking each other questions, when they want a third opinion or if customer is in doubt between the many beautiful frames they have on display. I love the fact that the brands they carry are different and not seen everywhere. I would never get a pair of glasses (online) without having the attention and measurements done at the shop. As far as prices go, their glasses are exactly the same price as if you were to buy them overseas (all the brands carried by Eye Spy are European and Japanese brands) and I particularly love the sales events and trunk shows. read more

Super friendly and attentive staff. Eye glasses and lenses I got here were the best quality I've ever had.

Dear Eye Spy, There is this new invention called the Internet. Say it with me "In..ter..net." That's right. This little invention is great for retail purchasing. It means that no matter how cool and funky an optical retail establishment's eyewear is, I can actually buy it online. So what this means for optical retail establishments is...if I'm coming into your store I'm not looking for the lowest priced goods. It means I am coming to you for SERVICE. Which brings me to my next point. I don't want to be as obnoxious as your staff but I'm forced to say this. Your staff should pause and consider. "I work in a retail establishment. I am not saving lives. I don't create anything. I pick up eyeglasses out of a case and I put them on the counter for you." Let's keep that in perspective. Not that there is no skill involved in being an optician, or whatever you are, I'm just saying that you can save the attitude. The really unbelievably poor attitude. You may have a fine selection of cool and funky eyewear and I found exactly what I was looking for, but I will take my order to an optical retail establishment that a friend has recommended for its helpful service and its polite staff. And I don't care if I'd pay more because they don't have some special relationship with the eyewear vendor or whatever. It will be worth it to drop $800 worth of business (with more every year) to another local store who actually cares about customers and prospective new customers. read more

I was hoping for a fabulous experience, based on most of the previous reviews. The service was perfectly fine, although I do question the exam equipment. I haven't seen such old eye exam tools, really ever. So that does make me question my exam. However, my problem with Eye Spy is the availability and pricing. I know they don't take insurance, but I was also told that they were better than chains like LensCrafters because they specialized in indie designers and didn't screw you on the price. Yeah...about that. My husband's glasses were quoted at over $1,000-- and they were nothing special. So why then, for the same lenses and similar frames, is LensCrafters roughly $700 cheaper? I can justify expensive things, just not something like this. read more

My friend and I stopped in when my glasses broke and I wanted some funky new frames. I had heard Eye Spy's ads on NPR, so I assumed they would be progressive and informative. This was so not the case. When we walked in there we were greeted by a woman who was so saccharine that I would image that all animals she would come in contact with developed tumors on the spot. I told her that I needed new frames and she kept saying "fair, fair. It was the most annoying buzz word I have ever heard. My friend and I had a contest while we were there to find the ugliest frames for our face since there was no way we could afford the overpriced frames . At each one, Ms. Tab went overboard with the compliments and told us at each frame "That's the one for you!" We started to ignore her. She started bringing us similar frames to the ones we were mocking. There was another salesperson there, but he way too cool to be bothered from his novel. There were some cool frames there, but I would never pay over $300 for frames, plus an eye exam. One more thing about Eye Spy that irked me. Both sales people did not wear glasses! The glasses I am wearing in my profile pic came from For Eyes. read more

I love this place - great service, a huge selection of amazing frames and a very nice doctor! People stop me on the street all the time to ask where I purchased the glasses I bought there last year. Really good stuff. Also, If you are like me and are at all insecure about how your glasses look on you, no fears here, they are very good at helping you pick frames that actually look good on you. I also really like that Eye Spy is locally owned, not a chain, and the owner herself is always behind the counter. Sadly, they do not accept ANY insurance whatsoever. Drat. Drat. Triple Drat. As this is not an inexpensive place to purchase your frames, this could present a problem. If you have the fundage, however, totally worth every penny. Will I go again? Absolutely! (Ahem) Once I pay down my grad school loans, that is. Did I already say drat? :) read more

This "optical bar" amid the Damen Avenue boutique row offers full service for fashion-forward four-eyes. Instead of glancing over the usual array of locked glass cases, the immensely knowledgeable staff will help you find the glasses you never knew you always wanted. These guys really know their stuff, too; they carry avant designs from around the world (including Anne & Valentin's full range, otherwise only available in Paris) and even send the staff around to the factories. Once you've narrowed it down to a few, they'll snap photos and email them to you, your mom, or whoever will make the decision. Post-sale communication and turnaround are equally attentive. Plus, free tea -- a cheap way to buy my vote. The glasses themselves aren't cheap, but neither is this the priciest in town. UPDATE: they're consolidating into the 3350 N. Lincoln Ave. location. read more

Needed new glasses, so I walked into this place randomly because it's next door to Starbucks, and when it comes down to it I'm that lazy. Ended up getting an eye exam, new glasses, and new sunglasses as well... so I guess I lucked out! Or maybe they did too since I dropped about $1,500. But spending money was really easy here- the staff took a sincere interest in me as a customer, making me try on multiple styles and colors before I landed on one that felt right. In the past, at other places, the vibe is totally like "everything you try on is awesome, now let's see the credit card." But at Eye Spy they actually talked me out of a slightly pricier set of frames in favor of what they said looked a lot better. For good service, I don't mind paying a premium. A week later I even got a follow up call from the salesperson to ask how the glasses felt, and to let me know that I could come in for an adjustment, etc. Never got that before, and it was really appreciated. I will make it a point to return when I need another pair. Oh yeah, add a 6th star if you like being orbited by 2 - 3 stylish and pretty women telling you how handsome you look in this or that pair. I walked out of there like a dizzy schoolboy. read more

I just stopped in this weekend after passing by many times and I was very impressed. I had some disappointing experiences elsewhere trying to find a pair of glasses I liked, looked good on may & could hold a progressive lens. Alissa was so helpful & gave me tons of choices - glasses that actually look great! Yeah, as others said its a little on the pricier side, but your getting unique, original & awesome glasses. Plus, I really felt that the staff took time to get to know what you wanted and your style. Well worth the $ in my opinion. read more

First of all, the selection is awesome! Glasses from Japan to France, etc, stuff that you probably won't see anywhere else. Honestly, you'll find types of glasses that you never knew existed, like art for the face. I love it. The employees there all great, really friendly and helpful. The main glasses lady, Mary, actually sent me a postcard afterwards. So goddamn nice! And the doctor there is pretty cool too. We discussed retinas and stuff. Buy glasses from here!! Go Go!!! read more

I'm buying my second pair of glasses here... A friend of mine ended up buying a couple of pairs as well after she saw the ones I was wearing. Staff are attentive, patient, and excellent listeners. No nonsense. They were able to locate and order the frames I saw 2 years ago (back when I couldn't afford them). My request was quite a process, as the color I was interested in was different from the ones I had tried on two years prior. It required some detective work including digging through old images on social media. Frames are relatively pricey here. They are designer frames so that is expected - they are also carefully selected and narrowed down to the most interesting ones out there. I see the value in that aspect alone. I appreciate the curating that goes into finding interesting glasses... or interesting anything really. It seems rare these days. This is a safe place to visit during the pandemic. They are only allowing one person in at a time by appointment. read more

My last three pairs of glasses were boring. Something at the time made me like them, but they were boring. I picked out a pair about two years ago at a location downtown that will remain nameless. I liked them. Between picking them out and my exam, however, I happened to walk past Eye Spy. And I realized something. The frames I had picked out were boring as well. I found a fun, unique pair from Theo and they were certainly not boring! I never saw myself as someone that would ever purchase designer frames from Belgium, but here I am! Late last year I decided to look at another pair. There was a Theo trunk show coming up. (Who do I think I am going to trunk shows?!) But again, I found another awesome pair of frames! And while I thought the first pair was awesome and unique, this pair has received so many compliments from friends and strangers alike that I've lost count. Oh, I suppose I should say something about the actual service. Everyone there has been great every time I've stopped in. Whether it's helping pick a pair of new frames, cleaning my existing pair of glasses, or performing an exam, I've never had a bad experience! And finally a bit on price, since some of the lower reviews seem to mention that a lot. I can't speak for all of the brands available, but my Theo's are by far the most durable pair of glasses I've ever owned. Previous pairs have broken in ways that are impossible to fix. And I'm talking through normal wear and tear, not just sitting on them. My grandma just the other day complimented my current set of frames for how they felt on and how sturdy they felt in her hand. (To be fair they are made of pure titanium.) Would my grandma's mouth drop if I told her how much I paid for them? Probably. But to me the quality, unique design, and knowledgable and friendly staff make the price absolutely worth it! Im already looking forward to picking up my next pair! read more

I stopped in here months ago to have an old pair of sunglasses (that I'd bought elsewhere) adjusted. I was a little nervous that they'd make me feel bad for having glasses purchased somewhere else, but the girls here were super friendly and helpful, and not at all pushy. I've since been in a few other times when I've been in the neighborhood, just to check out other sunglasses. The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful, that now I am considering buying a new pair of polarized sunglasses. I never even knew the difference between those and regular before -- now I just have to decide which ones I like best (tough choice -- there are so many awesome ones to choose from). Luckily, they never seem to mind when I stop in, unable to make a decision. Everyone always seems to remember me -- and they play good music (bonus!) If i needed regular glasses, I would so get them here. read more

The sign reads Simply Spectacular Eye wear .. and they are right on target. With brands like Anne et Valentin and Lafont, you can't go wrong. Sales staff was helpful and polite when assisting with the selection of stylish frames. Located just north of Belmont Ave. read more

Everyone here is really friendly, which is a good thing considering most of their product is out of sight, which I wasn't a huge fan of-I like to see everything available. They have a nice selection of lines. I ended up going to Eyelines because they had the same frames I liked for less money. read more

Living in Roscoe Village I had walked by this place dozens of times and always wanted to stop in. This week I finally used their convenient eye exam as an excuse to visit. When I walked in, I was greeted by the super-cute and friendly staff and offered a makeover (a special event for that day)....I decided to just start with the eye exam but instantly realized this place was a barrel of fun. The eye exam was quick and painless and I left with a set of contacts in my new Rx on the house (never has this happened to me before.) While my visit this time was mostly utilitarian in nature, I will definitely be back to enjoy their special events (did I mention there was wine and cheese accompanying the makeovers?) and they're wide selection of unique and adorable glasses. Tip: I heard there is going to be an art opening at their Damen location in the near future....this will surely involved wine and cheese as well. read more

Eye Spy makes being myopic fashionable and chic! I am a far away fan indeed! I was thrilled to learn that Eye Spy carries some of my favorite brands: Francis Klein, Anne et Valentin, Carol Abram. I've purchased a pair of beautiful Francis Kleins from California without ever visiting the store. The talented team took the time to answer my email query - pictures and excellent counsel brought my beautiful specs home to me safe and sound. Needless to say, they are beautiful. If you seek ordinary, boring, run-of-the-mill glasses, Eye Spy is not for you. Do yourself a favor and get into the store tout suite! I am confident the talented staff can find you a pair to bring out the awesome in you. Some people buy shoes. Some buy purses. My accessory of choice are chic, fashion-front glasses from France. Money well spent and worth every penny! read more

What a lovely store. I live around the corner from it and walk by it everyday. They have such adorable window set-ups and I knew that one day I would buy a pair of glasses from there. From the get-go, I was treated so nicely by the whole crew at Eye Spy. From my eye exam to frames selection to actual pick-up of my glasses. They took their time with me. They set out dozens of frames for me to mull over. I am super picky and never once did they roll their eyes or look exasperated by me. And I found a classy pair of glasses and a great place for my future eyecare needs. They even send you a lil postcard a week later. A cute touch. GO GO GO -- if you are looking for a new, hip pair of glasses. read more

Special thanks to Dr. Labrosse for taking a good care of me and helping me out to get the best contact lenses. I loved their unique frames collection. Staffs here have always smily face and are so helpful. I have had an awesome experience and i would highly recommend this place!! read more

I never write Yelp reviews, but for this boutique I will! I had such a wonderful experience shopping for a new frame with Jonathan. Highly recommend if you are looking for a unique pair of glasses and want to support an excellent local business. read more

I'd you prefer self righteous hipsters to provide a good customer experience while you're dropping a grand on glasses, this is the perfect place. I go for helpful, friendly people, so this was definitely not a good space for me. read more

Eye Spy Optical is the spot for frame junkies as well as spec virgins. EVERYONE here is so helpful that once you make your first purchase, you'll never stop coming back. I've been an Eye Spy customer (I like to think I'm a client) for many years...not only do I pick up my glasses here, but also get my yearly eye exams and contacts from them. Though pricey, you get what you pay for and the crew will never steer you wrong. And they will never forget what you like. I've got black/green, red, teal/brown, teal/red, purple/violet and I'm seriously considering a pair of baby pink frames this summer. If you like sunglasses, visit them and get lost in the sunglass wall. You can walk out looking like a hipster or go all the way to the Elton John route. I heart Eye Spy. read more

It was time for some new eyeglasses so I thought I would stop into Eye Spy since they're in the neighborhood. When I walked in, I let the Sales Associate (I think her name was Kat) know that I was still in my research phase and was pleased that she was still quite attentive. She pulled out several different frames which were all fine but nothing that was "clouds parting/sun shining down" when I put them on...plus I was noting the prices (more than I've ever thought of paying for glasses) and got a bit nervous. I was about ready to head out but tried on one last pair and it was love at first sight; they were definitely me but nothing that I would have ever thought to pick out...amazing detail and these fantastic little hand-painted flowers in the corners and along the sides. Given that they were so pricey, I took the night to think about it and after a friend said the magic words (Flex Spending), I decided to make them mine. I really had a great experience at Eye Spy; the staff...always friendly and helpful and there's a large selection of fun/quirky and unique frames. I absolutely love my new glasses (you can see them in my profile pic) and am so pleased with the service that I received from Eye Spy! read more

Pros: Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable staff. Great brands; quality materials. Cons: VERY expensive. Most of their options are bright, flamboyant and quirky glasses. You have to be a super confident glasses-wearer and ready to receive attention if you buy their frames. If you are new to wearing glasses, this may not be the place for you. Overall, very nice place. This place is for serious eye-glass wearers. read more

Was super excited to go here and see there fabulous frames! However customer service was really poor! I would say that the two employees working there were nice and I would use the word tolerable! What they were lacking was warm, happy, energetic, bubbly. I expected Price to be high walking in there but I also expected I could get some kind of deal like most places give! Asked if I bought two pairs could I get a deal only if you buy a prescription with it said I could get about $75 off, but would not budge for just buying two frames! Lenses were outrageous they wanted $375 for my prescription! After I told her it was really high she said the best she could do is $310 which was still way too high! I have been wearing glasses all my life and I have never paid more than $250 for lenses! Labrabbit is $165 for my prescription! I was kind of in shock when the lady told me $375 Would not waive shipping if I had it delivered! I have never paid for shipping for ordering eyeglasses! I think that is the least they could have done. Finally I asked them to see if I could get a certain pair of glasses in a certain color they said they would email me! I confirmed twice that they would email me and I asked when should I expect to hear from them! They said probably by the end of the day the latest a couple days! It's been a week and nothing which I expected the moment I left the store from the poor customer service! I messaged the eyeglass company myself and they got back to me within a couple hours, but since I had such a poor experience I will be taken my business some place else! Hope you consider making customers service your priority in the future! read more

I have been going to Eye Spy for 18 years. I rarely visit the store - which I do visit to see what's new and connect with the great team there- without falling in love with at least one pair of frames. Check it out - you will not be disappointed. read more

I first visited Eye Spy in 2010 after researching where I could get the latest in lens technology. The internet led me to Eye Spy, so then I read some of the Yelp testimonials from previous customers. Not just any eye wear boutique can be awarded "best of" for four consecutive years without doing something right.I walked in and immediately felt like family. The staff are so friendly and even more knowledgeable about helping you discover the perfect frame and lens to suit YOU. I bought my first pair of Anne Valentine frames in 2010 and I absolutely love them. I then bought a second pair of Anne Valentine frames later that year for computer work and reading when I wear my contacts (I also get my contacts at Eye Spy). Before moving to Spain in 2011 I bought a third pair of frames from Eye Spy but changed it up a bit and bought a pair of Theo frames. My experience gets even better. I now live in Paris, but while on holiday in Rome I lost a lens from the pair of readers I bought. I sent an email to Eye Spy asking for the specifics of that lens so I could get it replaced in Paris. This is the response I received within hours from the proprietor. "Bonjour Roger! Ca va? Good to hear from you! I am actually going to be in Paris next week, so I will have a lens made and bring it to you." You too can experience this type of service. It will be worth your time to visit this amazing boutique, EYE SPY. Roger read more

no one here paid attention to what i wanted. they kept trying to force upon me things that obviously did not look good, but kept gushing over how fabulous it was. i understand wanting to sell me something, but don't lie to do it. i need glasses, but am not blind. overall, an offensive experience. *an additional note to my review. the owner recently emailed me to dispute my experience. strange. she mentioned that they sell more unique product and perhaps it was too extreme for me. i thanked her for the implication that i was merely too uncool to shop in her store and told her that i enjoy funky eyewear, but i want it to actually look good and fit well, not have someone just tell me it looks good. read more

Amazing selection (hence any stars) & an equally amazingly bad attitude by owner and staff. I had purchased frames from this establishment on more than one occasion because of the selection (I have a LOT of glasses) and the location (buy local and all that good stuff). But the last time we were in (and purchased something) I experienced perhaps the worst customer service of my life. I was treated with such haughty disrespect it still boggles my mind. Trust me folks there are several other equally and even MORE FANTASTIC independently owned eye-wear shops in Chicago that deserve your money more and will treat you with more respect. read more

Ummm did I really just get an owner comment on my review 9 months after posting? Not able to let things go? lol Holy unbalanced, Batman! Lets take a fine tooth comb over this reply from the owner. Voted "Best Eyewear Shop in Chicago" FOUR times, Eye Spy specializes in unique, handmade eyewear along with expert guidance in a living-room atmosphere. We carry small luxury lines that other stores in Chicago do NOT have, and travel to Milan & Paris to discover these handmade lines. During our past 15 years in business, we have *never* priced our frames higher that the suggested retail price. --- Voted best by whom? the staff? The owner? We carry unique, handmade frames based on customer requests, so although the frames may not be everyones' style, we sell these spectacular specs to people in Chicago and beyond. In fact, people regularly come to Eye Spy from out-of-state to find frames that cannot be found elsewhere. --- You can buy Mykita, Anne Et Valentine, and several more of your 'exclusive' lines at several other stores in the Chicago area. Sorry. The store is designed to look like a retro living-room. We have vintage furniture from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I am a huge fan of reducing/reusing /recycling, so I strive to outfit the store in vintage finds. --- Hey thats cool, I know when Im in the market for high end merchandise or a boutique dr, I always appreciate a nice thrift store vibe. Finally, the opticians at Eye Spy all have different personalities. We love the products we sell and love to help each customer individually, usually for at least an hour. We try to treat everyone who walks into the store with the same respect, whether s/he is purchasing or not. --- Eh, in their defense, they were kind of busy both times I came in the store. But not THAT busy; multi-tasking ppl... Thanks for your feedback and thanks to YELP for allowing small business owners to post their responses! --- Youre very welcome for the feedback. And I agree, its GREAT yelp allows business owners to reply/defend their business. However, if I could offer a bit of unsolicited advice to those owners. Carefully consider the wording and timing of your reply. Otherwise, you might just come off like a crazy person. read more

I have been a tried and true customer since Alyssa opened her doors. I have bought scores of glasses--sometimes 3-4 pairs a year in the early days. Well, I ran into a BIG snag. I was there approx. 9 months ago and bought some glasses. I pout other frames on hold--they were on the sale table as a special ordered that the customer didn't want. Alyssa gave me a special price and I made a small deposit. I told her that ir may take me awhile, but I want the glasses. Of course, I had no idea it would be so long--and, by the way, I never heard a peep form her. Not a word about the restocking fee or 3 month payoff time limit, which, by the way, was never brought up in our extended conversation. I looked at my invoice again, ready tom pay them off and order the glasses. Come to find out, she disagreed with the lowered price and told me to refer the invoice. This was why I was calling--I was disputing the final cost of the frames, which was higher than the sale price. The price difference is a matter of $27.50. As a long-time customer, at least split the difference. NOT. She wrote to me in an email that there is a 15% restocking fee. Then s he wrote back again and said that I should read the invoice again--I would only get $2 back--NOT the 85% of my down payment. $27.50 is not a lot of money. It is the principle of the matter and how one conducts herself in a business matter. Do I split the difference and lose $13.75 over this, or do I please the long-time customer who has been a fan, a good paying customer with good word-of-mouth? Hmmm. Well, since I was met with getting $2 back--, I simply said keep it and I won't come back or bother you again. My advice: Don't trust a long-standing business relationship/friendship. READ THE PAPERWORK. It, and the person behind the cheapness will be at the ready to bite you in the butt and be happy about it. read more

(Review written originally several years ago) Prepaid for a special order of glasses. The frame was no longer available and there was no other frame that I really wanted for that price point. I asked for a refund and the request was denied. I had to settle for a frame that I didn't want. ...Started this review several years ago and chose not to post it. But last week, for the first time in my life, my EXPENSIVE Eye Spy Optical glasses that were not what I had wanted to order but had to pay for anyway snapped in half while they were on my head : ( read more

I just went here based on the reviews on Yelp... and I was happy they were all indeed on target with this one! The service was awesome and the doc very thorough and informative... yes the glasses are spendy, but they are indeed cute...frames you can't find elsewhere... VERY HAPPY with my experience and the service. read more

Oh yeah, another satisfied customer. Ok, so I checked these guys on Yelp, proving it does work! So, really, there were sooooo many pairs of awesome glasses, I literally spent an hour or so trying to decide. When I finally did pick them, I got a wonderful exam from their Optometrist. I only got them last Friday, but since then, people have actually stopped me on the street to tell me how cool they are. Plus, they provide this cool 25% off card to share with your friends as a referral bonus. Love these guys! Best frames in Chicago! read more

This place is 3x dope!! I love my sunglasses so much! I really hope they move to a bigger space. Maybe in Andersonville!!! If you're in need of some very unique, funky, phresh, and fashionable eye wear, look no further. read more

I own two pairs of glasses from Eye Spy (the first is the one I'm wearing in my photo). I've been quite satisfied with the selection and service. I get compliments all the time from people about my glasses. That's why I wandered into the store in the first place, because I wanted something that was unique and stylish, and not something you could find in a mall. read more

Well, I always go somewhere else and never find anything that's fabulous, like me. So, at days end of searching, i always end up at Eye Spy. If it ain't me, don't buy the glasses. After my heart always skips a beat cause I find that pair that no one else has, my heart skips another beat when I see the invoice. But ya know what? You can't put a price on what can only add to your look. You guys are the best. read more

I have been going here since it opened and have bought probably 10 pairs of glasses here for myself and my family. The service is absolutely top notch and everyone is friendly and helpful. They are especially skilled at finding frames that look great. I have some prescription sunglasses from Eye Spy and I look like a movie star in them! read more