The only eyeglasses shop I ever go to. I have been going to Eye Want for over 15 years, even when i moved away and came back to town to visit. Annette has always taken care of me. I won't shop anywhere else. You come here to get frames that will last a lifetime (if you take care of them). They take a ton of pride in the fact that nothing is manufactured in China or Taiwan in order to provide the highest quality frames. If you are looking for variety, unique frames, and something that will make people say, "You have great glasses!" then Eye Want is the store for you. read more

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Everything went well I miss coming to see you Looking forward to coming by again and getting new glasses for my son read more

I wear glasses from Eye Want every day and I'm always complimented on them. The owner knows what looks good on your face and the selection is artsy. Wouldn't shop for glasses anywhere else read more

Eye Want is the vision of owner Annette Sollars who is the most fashionable master creative. Offered is the most unique eyewear that can be found. Upon walking into the store I may assure you that it shall feel as I did that you entered a combination of eyewear super-wear, gallery and museum. As you try on the most exciting eyewear to be found you may also delightedly gaze at the range of original artwork on the walls that are unique yet largely consistently theme-based on, yes, eyes! Once I discovered Eye Want I have been a loyal customer and everywhere I go I receive sincere and noted compliments on my eyewear as they are super unique and glamorous. I have an entire case of unique eyewear as they are worn like jewelry for differing occasions and to also visually coordinate with my wardrobe. The lenses are made to transition from daylight to indoor light and I continually receive compliments. This is the best! read more

I liked the selection, so I tolerated spending $1000.00 while being treating like a flaming pile of garbage. I'm going elsewhere this year.

I didn't appreciate the lack of transparency of the owner when I asked her what was the lens type of the sunglasses I got. I looked it up myself when I got home and found out she lied. I looked up the SKU and the lens type was on the manufacturer's website. I was hoping all these terrible reviews were just one offs, outliers. But the fact that their site was about consumer education when she lied about it instead of saying I don't know is a huge red flag. As I was trying on some eye glasses I didn't appreciate that the guy who assisted me forced me to smile. That was just really strange and they probably wouldn't say that to male customers. I'm glad I noticed all of these red flags. I planned on getting my prescription glasses here. From the looks of everything, I'm glad I didn't waste my money. Would not recommend. read more

Wonderful place! The eyewear styles are incredible! The owner really has a great ability to help choose the best frame for your style and face. You must experience the store. read more

I haven't lived in Chicago in years, but made it a project to find my way back to this place on my trip here b/c the selection is that good. Better than anything I have ever seen anywhere. I had looked at glasses other shops nearby, but even at the boutique places, the frames were generic (and more expensive). I looked at frames in other cities that should have cool stuff, but the owner of Eye Want CURATES her collection. She just has a really good eye. All of the frames have uniqueness and style. I got there 10 minutes before closing, but she spent time and zeroed-in on twenty or so frames that she thought might work for me, and if I were rich I would have bought ten pairs. Compare this experience to finding NOTHING that was special at the other shops. People should stop it with Warby Parker and these generic places online. Or anyway, if you want beautiful and unique frames this is where you should go. read more

Great place to spend $1k to get treated like shit! Is the selection here incredible? You betcha! (Though they're not the only game in town.) That's why I went, despite a couple of bad customer service reviews. I bought a pair of frames I really liked (though Annette was very pushy about other frames even when I said I didn't think they were right for me). Despite the pushiness, pre-sale customer service was good. It's the post-sale that was ABYSMAL. When my glasses were ready, we agreed on the phone I'd pick them up that afternoon. I live over an hour away. When I got there during business hours, the store was closed & locked. I waited for half an hour, left a voicemail, & headed home. Halfway home she calls back - she had ducked out to the store, and hadn't so much as left a note on the door saying back soon. Fine. I head back & get my glasses. Almost immediately after, I got bopped in the face by my car sun shield, which was enough to twist the glasses so the lenses looked like they were taking a walk. I headed back to the shop during business hours on a day when I was going to be near that part of town. Now, NOWHERE except for an old physical sign on the door does it say she's appointment only. When I'd been there picking up, there were customers who seemed like walk-ins. Nowhere on her social media does it mention appointments or revised hours, and, while she has voicemail, there's no voicemail message - not even anything saying what store you've called - just a beep. So, obviously, I got there and the store was closed. I left a polite voicemail. Fine - it's the pandemic, I should have gotten verbal confirmation the store would be open. She texts me back, and I make an appointment with her for a specific time and day the following week. I arrive at my appointment, and, once more, the store is locked up. I call, and Annette answers the phone. I say, polite but confused, - hi, I'm here for my appointment, and I don't see anyone here? To this, she replies - what are you talking about? you don't have an appointment, I'm not even in the state. I said - I have text confirmation in front of me that I'm looking at right now saying I do. Who could I have been speaking to? Any idea how that happened? She treats me like I'm crazy, and says, no I have nothing on the books, I don't know who you could have booked with. I say ok and she hangs up. She then texts me, saying her husband has control of her phone, & she sent an auto-cancellation but it didn't go through, & she doesn't keep paper logs of her appointments ever. I replied - ok, I understand that happens, but if you knew your husband was handling your messages & you were having auto-cancellation issues, why did you scoff at me & act completely affronted, skeptical, insulting, & not apologetic at all when I said I had an appointment, & why didn't you just say so when I asked who else I might have been speaking to? She gives another non-apology excuse about how none of this, up to and including never updating social media, is not her fault, and we book an appointment for the same time the following week. "We'll get through this!" she texts, with a patronizing little emoji. The day before our appointment at the end of business hours, I text her to confirm that we're on for our appointment the next day. She confirms. At store opening hours the day of, she texts me & says - I don't have any other appointments. You think you're coming from far away - I'm coming from Indiana! Are you desperate to have your frames fixed? I say - I am the exact same distance from your store as you are in Gary, there's no need for that. I am desperate, they got unwearably twisted. Can you guarantee me you'd be here if I made an appointment for next Tuesday? She says - "I can't imagine they're unwearable. They're good quality and brand new." I replied - Then your imagination leaves something to be desired. They're decidedly bent. I really understand the distance, but you sure do keep insulting me. Her retort to this is - I'm a retailer, I get insulted & assaulted all the time, I understand how you're feeling. Good to know she knows how it feels, but does that to customers anyway! And on top of that, she keeps trying to paint herself as a victim to not get held accountable for her own incompetence. I'm never going back. I told her so, so she said my "charade" & insult to her was coming in several times (honestly telling her I was deciding between options there & elsewhere) & not buying for several months. She made sure to say that the frames I initially wanted went to "an FBI agent" & that her husband "is also her lawyer." Because not buying immediately, saying I won't be back, & leaving a bad review is an illegal charade now. Sure. My eye doctor will fix my frames. They can't guarantee the work, since I didn't buy from them, but it's worth $1000 risk to skip dealing with Annette. Save yourself. Go to Eye Spy, Lab Rabbit, Custom Eyes, Vintage Eyephoria, or See instead. read more

If you want cool glasses, have money to pay out of pocket and don't care about customer service then this is a place for you. My husband and I went because we have always seen the store passing by and we love to support local businesses. Pre-sales service was great. Post-sales is what we are truly shocked about. My husband's glasses were just slightly late. Mine on the other hand were mixed up with somebody else's. I was told it'd be a couple extra days. 10 days later and with no update, i went in to experience the "wrath of Annette" . Turns out you are not supposed to bother her for updates because she is too busy for that.She said she cannot just snap her fingers and things willl happen for me, because I want to...When i barely got a word in, i was so frustrated by her raised voice and uncalled for fury that i asked to cancel my order. It was the first time ever that i have experienced such a behavior, and from a business owner to customer. I forgive her because she is probably going through menopause. I imagine that must be hard. Ps . That evening Annette found time to text my husband and complain that i offended her very successful business because i suggested she hired someone to help her keep customers informed. As busy as she is...does it mean she took it to heart? read more

Extremely Rude and Unpleasant (the owner) and I do not recommend doing business here. I am disappointed I ever spent a dollar here and went way out of my way. read more

Three years ago, I came to Eye Want because my friend S got her gorgeous glasses there and I wanted the same pair. When I tried them on, Annette said, "No, not for you." Other people might find that sort of honest feedback snotty, but I love and trust a place where they tell you something isn't right for you. And I need straight talk when getting glasses as I haven't been able to see as far as the tip of my nose without assistance since I was a kid. She suggested I try 5 pairs. I took the one she said was the best and a more conservative pair. I get compliments on both, but now agree that the pair she recommended was the best choice. These frames were the best money I ever spent. Before I got them I wore my contacts ALL the time, often making myself uncomfortable no doubt doing damage to my eyes. Finally I get why people wear glasses on purpose. Today I came back because I got some replacement lenses. They'll replace the lenses in your frames. This is a good thing, because the Lions Club won't be getting these frames till I'm dead. read more

5 stars for eyeglass selection. Eye want all of them. 0 stars for service. The woman working there is unnecessarily rude. You know it's expensive when there's no price tag on anything in the store. I looked around for about 15 minutes without her offering me help which was fine because I was only looking. After asking her for the price of a specific pair, her only response was "we don't accept insurance", and walked away from me. Thanks, woman. read more

I can't believe I bought glasses from this place. I can't believe I spent so much on a pair of glasses. I really didn't mean to...especially after having read the other reviews here on Yelp. Not that the reviews were negative, just that the shi-shi fah-fah boutiquie-tique schtick is really not my thing. Upon walking in I was definitely overwhelmed. The selection in this place is incredible, but everything is in closed cases so it's impossible to browse independently (in fact, for this reason it reminded me of that Gold Coast bridal boutique I walked out of once). Luckily it seems Annette knows what she's doing. I explained that it was my first time getting glasses, that I really didn't know what I was doing, what they were for and what I thought I wanted. She presented me with about a dozen pairs to try on and, while this selection seemed really small compared to the vast selection in the store, it really seemed each was picked for a specific quality appropriate to my needs. I kept gravitating back to a pair I'd NEVER have picked up on my own but was one that Annette suggested. They were a bit pricier than I'd expected to pay for frames so I decided to check out some other stores. I went to LensCrafters across the street and Urban Eyecare a few doors down, realized I could spend forever looking at hundreds of similarly bland frames and went back to Eye Want for...what it turns out I really wanted. read more

I didn't not feel comfortable walking in this shop. Personally, I like when you are free to handle the frames and try on as many as you like on your own time. The frames were just a little too funky for me, but I think a more traditional style. If you are looking for something really different and aren't concerned about price, then this place is worth checking out. I just took a once around through the shop and didn't try anything on. Like I said, I personally did not feel welcome here. But I don't think I would have bought any of their frames anyway- maybe they were ahead of the game and could already tell that about me! read more

After shopping around at many local stores I ended up purchasing the coolest frames ever here. Yes, they were expensive...but shit..I wear glasses almost everyday and not only are they quality but they are super original. The owner is so sweet and I enjoyed working with her.. (some of the other staff should take some lessons though..) All in all..Eye Want is great local business to support! read more

After visiting the usual suspects (Pearle and LensCrafters), I stumbled upon this great shop. I explained to Annette, the proprietor (actually, her technical title, according to her business card is "master optician, owner & eyewear dominatrix") what I was looking for, and she immediately led me to their vintage section. I'm thinking, yeah, sounds good. Then she explains that that's not just a name--these really are vintage frames, lovingly brought back to life by a company called RetroSpecs. Now, as you might imagine, I started to get excited. She showed me some excellent choices--she probably showed me a half-dozen that I would have bought were I in any other store, so good they were. I was amazed. I had been wanting silver-colored circular metal frames, but she showed me a bunch of options that were even better than what I had gone in wanting. But then I also inquired about the other possibility--I whipped out my grandfather's old glasses from the '30s to see if they could be refitted with new lenses. She said they could, and for only $80--which was a lot less than the $150 that Pearle quoted me. As she was looking at my grandfather's glasses, she said, "These are quite nice; they're gold." "Is that good?" I inquired. "Oh, yes, precious metals are always good," she said. "Oh--you mean they're *gold* gold?" I said. "Yes. 14 karat. If you like these, we also have some kind of like this you might want to see," she said. She then pulled out some others that were more rounded than my grandfather's, and completely rimless. I tried on the first pair and they instantly felt great. Unlike most, they didn't have those little plastic bits that sit on either side of the nose (and end up feeling all greasy and gross); they support themselves just by sitting on the nose. I looked in the mirror and suddenly I saw myself, instead of "myself wearing glasses." I knew we had found the winner. These glasses, like my grandfather's, were made with real gold, so they weren't cheap. But I've been putting off new glasses ever since I went back to school in 2002, so I figured it was worth it. My advice is to take Annette's advice--she knows her stuff, and she knows what will look good on you. read more

Yikes $400 for some frames? Like the sucker I am I bought them. Yes they are the most badass glasses on the planet but cut us a little slack maybe. Nice shop run by nice people who drive nice cars. ;) read more

I generally avoid the whole hipster West Town/Wicker Park area but now that I've discovered Eye Want, all I can say is EYE WANT IT ALL! I have an addiction and I'll let Annette be my enabler! Apart from the amazing selection of new and vintage frames, Annette is incredibly knowledgeable from evaluating the quality of frames to choosing the right frames for a look that will suit you, no matter what you're going for. She will patiently offer you pair after pair to try. I felt like I could have tried on half the store and it would have been fine! And I will never let another optician adjust ANY of my frames. She is an expert in the art of frames adjustment! I brought in a pair of vintage 1960 frames that needed serious adjustment. They felt perfect when she was done. And she adjusted the vintage Ray Bans I came in wearing as well. They're very heavy and need to be just right. She got them perfect on the first try. I have bought what is sure to be the first of many eyeglasses from Annette and Eye Want! She's going to be offering her own line of designs and I'm excited to see them! read more

Ya YOOOooooooooo Yelpers! Okay let me set the record straight- Eye Want is just what I wanted. Annette (the owner) is SO nice. I have no idea what half the people on here are talking about?? Maybe she was having a bad day- but girlfriend was amazing when I went in. My mother and I both strolled into Eye Want about 15 minutes before close... not only did Annette give us the best service possible, but she pulled out like 50+ frames for us to sift through. We kept apologizing because we felt really bad, but she did not care at all. She was extremely helpful, and suggested the best frames for us both according to what we had in mind. She let us stay in the store after close, and even gave us a discount! We spent A LOT of money on both of our vintage frames, but it was worth it. She even held my mom's frames for two weeks so she could bring her the prescription. Plus, this place really does have the best variety in Chicago. I've lived here my whole life, been to a lot of eyewear stores- I can say that with confidence. I am more than satisfied with my glasses, and she fitted them perfectly. If you want to be original, go here! But, if you want to look like all the rest, go to lenscrafters. booyah. read more

Yes, they're expensive. No, they don't take insurance. However, they'll give you an itemized bill if you want to submit on your own. Plus, they've got an awesome selection of frames and very helpful staff. I didn't end up with anything super-funky, just something that's a little different and definitely me. I was looking for a pair of glasses that I liked for over six months before I ended up here on a whim one day. The staff offered me many different frames to try on, and even talked me out of one funkier pair that I loved in theory, but wasn't necessarily that great for my face. They were willing to take my prescription from another doctor with no problem. Everybody was friendly and helpful. I also looked online afterward, and found my frames for up to twice as much as I paid. So, the prices aren't nearly as bad as they could be... In short, I'm more than happy. I knocked a star off because I wish that not every frame was behind glass. I do like the browsing and playing on my own. Other than that, this place is excellent if you're looking for a pair of glasses that's not just boring and blah, as well as great assistance in finding what you're looking for. read more

Just got back from Eye Want. Walking in I got tingles all over! Annette's selection of frames are amazing & I was really impressed to learn she crafts frames herself. She helped me pick out the perfect frames by offering a ton of suggestions, i can't wait to pick them up, this place is truly one of a kind, u won't find made in china junk here. Picked up the glasses and i cant wait to get a another new pair, theyre pricey here but worth it. Another great thing, a week after I had my new pair i sat on them !!!! i was all panicky but anette fixed em in a jiffy, excellent customer service read more

Many options, kind of overwhelming you must trust the guidance of the owner. if you are into very unique styles this could be your place. In terms of service... I wasn't greeted even though I was literally the only person in the store... I kind of have to ask for help... so service was mmm not great. read more

I bought a pair of Lafont glasses here years ago. My screw fell out and so i went in to see if they could fix them and the owner said she would have to order it from France, She did let me pick out some frames that would fit into my lenses and get half off but I still spent $150 dollars! I also referred a client of mine to this place because I like the cool glasses. The owner was a massive a-hole to her!!! She had a serious attitude problem and what sucks is that her employees seem pretty nice. Maybe she needs to get laid or something but I will NEVER refer anyone here again!!!! Attention to the owner: Your bitchy attitude and new pair of glasses you wear everyday with your early 90's hair color isn't going to keep your business open. Good Luck! read more

Great selection of frames and careful measurements are the basics. Great service and follow up are outstanding.

Eye Want has the absolute best selection of frames in the city. The space is funky and has a true Wicker Park air of eccentricity to its decor, which is pretty damn sweet. If you live in Chicago, your eyewear investment should start and end here. With that being said, don't expect to look like a metropolitan street fashion trendsetter and pay 'made in China prices.' I got a pair of handmade frames out of Austria that the owner Annette picked out for me, and I literally get complimented on them daily. If you've worked in sales, you should know that time is money. I don't know her personally, but I think Annette knows her demographic very well, and that may be the reason why everyone here is crying over how she hurt their feelings and didn't kiss their entitled ass. In my personal experience, she was very knowledgeable, fashionable, and just genuinely a cool person. My frames needed to be repaired recently and she handled the situation very professionally. I would recommend Eye Want to certain people, and Lenscrafters to others. read more

Eye Want - How the owner likely feels when people walk in there to waste her time. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best glasses in the land. Specs from Hungary that are made of recycled LPs? Awesome. I agree with previous comments-- service is lacking. One guy on hand trying to help 3 customers. read more

I've been visiting Eye Want since elementary school and now I'm a college graduate. Every time I visit, I'm shocked that Annette not only remembers me, but remembers specific details about my past purchases and taste in frames. I can't rave about Annette and her store enough. I went to visit her a few months ago and she was so kind, generous, and accommodating. The years-long experience I've had at her store means the world to me, and I can't imagine shopping for glasses anywhere else. Her collection is unique, the store is colorful and bright, and she's helped me choose beautiful frames for years. read more

After visiting pretty much every eyeglass boutique in Chicago, I finally arrived at a decision at Eye Want. They were kind enough to indulge me as I browsed for frames there 2 or 3 times. Each time trying on some 15 or so frames. I found a pair of beautiful Beausoleil frames and they did a splendid job of cutting the lenses. Very heavy prescription (-10 or so) turned out thinner than the frame, which was quite nice. Also ordered some custom clip-on shades, made to fit/match the frames, that also turned out beautifully. Couldn't have asked for more. Kudos to Eye Want for carrying such a stylish assortment of frames. Well worth the investment, and a most excellent shopping experience. read more

Bad-ass glasses with as much (or little) touch as you want from a quirky little shop in Wicker Park. If you crave French style, retro-cool or an individual look and you are willing to shell out, Eye Wants you, baby! I'm a "in a hurry" girl. And Eye Want works with that. They rounded up a dozen or so recommendations from their awe-inspiring collection of high-end frames and I picked from those. In and out, happy, in 30 minutes. I saw others who wanted to linger and browse and get lots of help and that seemed to work here, too. So service is top notch. The fact that this place doesn't do insurance claims (you can do it yourself you know) also speeds things up. Not a bargain hunt, but then who the hell wants Wal-Mart glasses any way??? All hail Eye Want. read more

I love my glasses that I got here they are amazing and I know that they unique and make me feel like I am a rock star. I think Annette was friendly from the moment I walked in and she took the time to show me lots of other glass before I found the ones I liked and she didn't get annoyed when I asked to see other pairs and I looked at a lot! Honestly, it was hard to pick because it was like being in a eyeglass candy store! Yes they were expensive but they really didn't take that long to get. (picked out on Monday, ready on Friday Morning). They probably would cost even more if I bought them someplace else, if I could even find them someplace else...like maybe NewYork, but I think NY'ers would find the prices here more reasonable. Anyway, why would you go cheap when it comes to your vision or your health...you only live once and you should do it with class. read more

This place and Annette are the bomb !Lots of interesting things to look at ,which is what got my attention as I was walking by. Unaware that it was a eyewear shop. Annette let's you look at these antiques and Objects de Art, she hung back without swooping in on me with a heavy sales pitch. I had been looking for new glasses. She recommend 5 different frames, the best one is the first. She certainly, has an eye for design, great sense what shape looks great on peoples face. I was really impressed with the entire experience, Annette is the "eyeglass guru." You will enjoy the process and product. read more

The woman working here was pretentious and obnoxious. When I asked if the store takes vision insurance, she made face like I had just pissed on her floor and said "Insurance companies don't pay for fine eyewear." She ignored me when I had questions because she was talking to some guy about him sticking nails and crap up his nose. I guess he was a carny or something. Poor service. read more

If you are looking for THE MOST UNUSUAL DESIGNER EYEWEAR.. look no further.. ANNETTE is brilliant in her purchasing, customer service as well as assisting you with making the best choice in what is best for your needs. read more

Cool glasses served with a side of attitude. The woman with the jet black hair and funky glasses is just plain old rude! I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy - ok maybe but if you are looking to spend way too much money on a pair of glasses, be ignored and treated like an interuption - then try it. read more

Not a place for the masses- but if you truly want to make a statement, this is your best shot. The have very original/artistic frames. The only negative was the pretentious staff- how sad. read more

Great selection however, for the price point you would expect the owner to leave her attitude at home. Service is terrible due to this and the overall it is not a very friendly atmosphere. Its too bad that I like what their selections but am quite turned off by the owner/staff to want go back. read more

Went here years ago and was treated like crap so walked out vowing to never return, but now that I'm not fresh out of college and can afford any pair of glasses I want I decided to go back in and see what they had to offer. Still the same crap service, apparently. There are so many 'funky' eyewear shops in the city now, I don't know how this one stays in business with such a horrible reputation. read more

This place was able to re-lens my rimless frames (which every other place told me they wouldn't do). So I gotta give this place high marks for can-do attitude. The owner has some personality, but I received very good, BS free service. This place doesn't take my insurance, so I had to pay a pretty penny, but the prices for what I wanted were quite fair. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anybody. But especially for people who have very exact ideas of what they want, Eye Want will go out of their way to get that for you. Frame selection is also huge, so if you are looking for something different or original this is a great place to find it. read more

I am a collector of eye wear. I have been a customer of Eye Want for almost 10 years. I love glasses. I have been all over this country looking at eyeglasses. I just like to wear unique frames. Eye Want has by far the most distinct frames around. They are very one-of-a-kind. Yes, they are expensive, and no, they do not take insurance. However, if you want to own and wear a pair of glasses that people will notice and comment on, this is the place to shop. I am surprised to hear about the rude service. I have known Annette for many years and she has been nothing but kind and supportive. I have sent many many people to Annette, and not one has ever complained. Most fall in love with the frames and buy 2 pairs. I think this place is a true Chicago Treasure. read more