I went to Focal Point because of the positive reviews on Yelp. I purchased some Oliver Peoples frames elsewhere and came for lenses only. Since I, like anyone else who watches 60 Minutes, understand that glasses are a racket, I went in to the store expecting to pay an inflated but reasonable price. Immediately, I was partnered with a sales consultant that was gruff and unpleasant. I explained that I was cost conscious and she quoted me a price of $230 for a "high end" non glare coating plastic lens. Frames would be done in a week. I was unhappy with this high price and explained that I was able to get lenses of good quality for less than $100 at Optical 88 in New York. In response, the consultant informed me that my frames were a poor choose that didn't fit my nose. Reasonable criticism met with an insult? I leave up to you to decide if this was a rude comment about my choice of frames (which, incidentally, was irrelevant to the price of the lenses) or if it was a comment about the shape of my nose and some kind of veiled ethnic slur. I left the store and called my partner to discuss the price. It was the same price I got at Minor Hall (without the attitude) but Focal Point promised to deliver quicker. Fine, I decided to go with Focal Point. I went back in the store and the initial sales consultant had left to move her car. Aww shucks. A new, friendlier sales consultant sat down with me and we went through the process again. This time, less than 5 mins later, the price was higher. I pointed this out to the new sales consultant. She said that the first quoted me for a price without UV protection. If true, that's insane. UV protection is as close to a "standard" feature on eye glasses as you can get. WTF? New price was $249 and delivery time was around 2 weeks. I appreciated the second person's attempts to normalize the situation (though her comment of "don't feed the bears" in reference to a homeless person was literally dehumanizing--I may want expensive glasses but you are wrong to think I think homeless people are animals), but the shifting prices, sour attitudes, and general upper crustiness of the joint had already soiled it for me. The lessons for me are that: 1) I should have just trusted that the folks at Minor Hall at UCB were quoting a fair price. Next time I will go there. 2) Take Yelp reviews with a grain of salt. read more

What a selection of frames! Cheri is up-front honest; such the fashionista, how could you not trust her professional opinion! read more

Focal Point has changed my life in such a beautiful way! First, they filled my VERY difficult prescription and then further customized my lenses to meet my unique vision needs. Second, the frames are beautiful -- truly special! Everyone who sees me says how much they love my glasses. Truly grateful! read more

Best selection of frames I've seen in the Bay Area. I've been a customer for many years. Very friendly and helpful staff. They also have frame sales about twice a year. read more

Lots of great frames, friendly staff- and their repair of my inexpensive sunglasses is a real bargain.

A stranger ran into me on the street, taking out the left leg of my Karen Walker Number One sunglasses. I'd worn them nonstop for last couple years, and was pretty devastated to find that the hinge on the leg had completely come off the body, which meant it wasn't a simple fix of just turning some screws around. Luckily, I found Focal Point nearby, and they were able to send the pair out to be repaired for $65. Not exactly cheap, but much better than the cost of replacement. I got them back within ~3 weeks, and while the pair won't ever be the same (impossible to fix 100%), I'm really happy to be able to wear my favorite sunglasses again. Their frame selection looked superb, albeit on the pricy side -- I spent a long time looking through the store. I'll definitely come here for my next glasses! read more

AMAZING customer service! I walked in there for the first time with my husband two weeks ago and we were greeted by the friendly staff immediately. An older lady was helping us and she was fantastic! She picked out about 30 pairs of glasses for me to try on! She was very patient and informative. She gave me great feedback about the glasses that fit better with the bridge of my nose, which colors and shapes suited me better, the whole deal! I was so thankful to have that much help because I have no clue how to pick glasses, not to mention that I am almost blind without my glasses lol. Overall it was a very pleasant and FUN experience. I spent way more that I had planned ($780) but I am very happy with my bright purple glasses :) I will be going back there in a couple of months to get some sunglasses, can't wait! read more

I have purchased eyewear here twice and had the prescription filled there as well. This was about 18 yrs ago. I have not returned to the store until last year while looking for an Alain Mikli frames. The draw back is that they do not accept VSP, while other boutique places do. There staff tend to be aloof and snobby. No wonder they were not on the top of my mind when I purchased my Mikli frames. However, I did meet 2 sales people there, Dove, and Ms. Bernard that were helpful. The owner is always very friendly to me. David always jumps in to greet me when i enter the store. This place would really be rocking if the owner educate the staff on customer service and carry some eyewear that is not as flashy. As I matured, my tastes went from LA Eyeworks to a minimalist Mikli. read more

Focal Point was recommended by many many of my yoga buddies for its amazing service and range of frames. I felt just the opposite. I left feeling that either my race or my dress or... determined my service. I was served by a lady in red glasses, will not write her name. I was in the store for more than an hour, and was shocked by the level of attention showered by other opticians to other clients. Oh well.... I will look for another place. read more

The owner contacted us and explained the situation about their store versus lenscrafters and I can see where he's coming from. The prompt, professional and helpful attitude was much appreciated. He's more then willing to help us out with the situation and just kind about it. I am impressed because you here horror stories on yelp about owners being hostile, rude, and just plain scary, David the owner is the complete opposite of that. **Will post an update once we come back from vacation and talk to the store.** read more

I have a little ici Berlin addiction I must confess, and these guys have an impressive selection. They stock lots of other great brands as well, and they are such nice people. I have also done special orders through them and they have always been so helpful! read more

Just had the kind of experience that reminds me why it's so valuable to have caring local businesses providing excellent service. I have extremely high-correction eyes (very very nearsighted; lots of astigmatism), and I also have a wide face and high cheekbones, so I'm hard to fit and generally have a very limited selection of frames that can work for me. A couple of months ago it was time for a new pair, and I selected some frames at Focal Point that were very cute but a bit larger than I have usually gotten. We thought that the new digital high-index lenses would work in them, and I spent my $1300 (this is a typical cost for me of new glasses). When the complete glasses came back, they were very heavy and distorted my face a lot --but I just took a deep breath and tried to remember that I ALWAYS hate my glasses. But, as I wore them they left big divots in the sides of my nose and were uncomfortably heavy to wear. This weekend I went back to Focal Point to see whether there was any adjustment that could be made to make them more wearable/comfortable, and explained why I was unhappy with them. The person who was helping me, Serena, disappeared with my file for a few minutes, and then came back and told me that they would be happy to let me pick out new frames and remake the entire glasses for NO CHARGE because it is important to them that their customers are happy. My eyes totally teared up; in fact, they're tearing up again as I write this with appreciation for their consideration and generosity. Serena helped me pick out new frames that are more appropriate for the prescription AND ALSO VERY CUTE, and we're starting again. I feel incredibly grateful and appreciative for the approach Focal Point takes toward their customers, for the unprecedented options they offer for "special needs" people, and for the kindness and professionalism of the staff. Customer for life! read more

I love this place. I got a pair of sunglasses here several years ago, and a pair of glasses frame last month. I received many compliments on them. I brought a friend here and she got a pair of glasses, she loved them. The staff is super professional, they know what fit you the best and is fashionable at the same time, I always trust them. Yes, it's a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. They have two big sales every year I think, June and December. Come to check it out. read more

READ THIS ENTIRE REVIEW----I TOOK IT FROM 1STAR TO 4 STARS JUST BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOW-UP OF THE OWNER TO MY FIRST EXPERIENCE. I took my prescription in to them to have a pair of progressive lens glasses made. I chose the frame and the glasses came a month later. I couldn't see anything out of them so they said they would have them redone. I still couldn't so they said they would do it again. Each time I got a different woman and was told a different story. The third time after I got the glasses back I still wasn't satisfied and couldn't get my money back because the 90 day time period had passed. So I put them in a drawer and was out $600 because I couldn't see properly out of them. Recently my wife was in another place and I mentioned to them the story of my progressive lens glasses. They said to bring them in and that they would look at them. They pointed out to me that the lenses were way off what they should be and that the glass was full of flaws which I could see once they pointed them out. I will not go back there and do not recommend anyone else going there It appears that I may have to retract my original review and gladly do so. Not long after I wrote it I was contacted by David, the owner of Focal Point. We talked for a bit on the phone and went over all the circumstances that led to my writing it in the first place. Then we made an appointment to meet at his store. He analyzed my glasses and said he would come up with a solution. He spent over an hour with me and really explained the various options which was something I had not understood before. After that he called my Optometrist to discuss the situation with him and they came up with a recommendation to correct it. He then called me to tell me that he was having new lenses made for my frames and that he would call me when they came in. I have not been over to get the new lenses yet but thought that I should write this correction immediately and then confirm it after I get the new glasses. I appreciate the effort he made and the time he spent. I think we both learned something from this. It became apparent to me that his reputation and the reputation of Focal Point are very important to him. I will raise my stars in the near future. 1/7/12 Well two weeks ago he called me and said he wanted me to bring my frames in because the new lenses were ready. We made an appointment he game me the new lenses with an explanation of what to expect and what not to expect. We also went over what I should do to cover for the areas that these glasses would not satisfy. Bottom line is that I have raised my stars and will make another appointment with him in the next few weeks to get another pair of glasses. read more

My current pair of glasses from Focal Point is my 7th pair. My prescription is difficult and all the local Optometrists (all Cal graduates) cannot provide this level of quality. My dad graduated from Cal Optometry as well, but is now long retired. It seems that dispensing and fitting are lost arts George, Tatiania, Pellagia, and others over the years have all been very responsive and helpful. Candid recommendations from the staff are always helpful. M. Rosenthal read more

I was in the store today to purchase glasses and had a very unpleasant experience with the staff. This one older woman in red glasses that works there was extremely rude and snobby. I felt so unwelcomed in the store. The only reason I ended up purchasing the glasses is because I fell in love with the frames. This is the second pair of glasses purchased at the store so I'm a returning customer. However, I'm so turned off by the rude customer service that I will not go back there. They do have unique, beautiful frames but I rather spend my money where I'm treated kindly and with respect. read more

BEST opticians in the Bay Area. Period. Focal Point has THE best selection of high-end frames for the bold wearer who care deeply about what they wear on their face. Are you tired of the same old pedestrian Warby Parkers, Guccis, D&Gs, Ralph Laurens, Oakleys, etc...? Then hightail over to Ashby and College for the most comprehensive collection of luxury brands such as Theo, JMM, and Thom Browne. read more

I've been myopia-stricken since the age of 5, so you can imagine how bad my eyesight is. I have owned several pairs of the infamous coke-bottle-bottom glasses, I've had friends cruelly laugh at the unattractive ravages of being super-nearsighted. When I was 15, the folks at Lenscrafters looked me straight in the face and said, "I don't think we have the instruments to fill this prescription." Please, let's not talk about the stigma of astigmatism; thank goodness for contacts! Of course, you can't wear contacts 24/7 (umm, not with MY vision, anyway). A few years ago I went to Focal Point, having heard rumors of high-index lenses. Eyeglasses as thin as I had them back in kindergarten. They weren't cheap, but they are SO ADORABLE, and so very worth it. I've had the same very stylish frame with slim, nay, DINKY lenses, such that you would never know I'm like a -13.5 in one eye, -14 in the other. [Pause for impressed gasp from the optometrists.] Thank you, Focal Point, for existing. You saved this nearsighted nerd girl from having to wear her contacts too many hours per day, you made it possible for me to wear glasses in public without starting unintentional fires (when standing behind direct sunlight), you gave my eyeballs a break, and made it possible for me to look intellectual and cute. Your opticians never said "Omg, we don't have the instruments to do this!" You let me pay for my glasses in installments without making me feel flaky for being blind AND broke. You rock. read more

I have been going to Focal Point for over 10 years - I love this place! Their selection of frames is the best and the quality of their works is flawless. All of the opticians are excellent - and Paula is the very best! read more

Once again I brought in a pair of Gucci's in need of a screw and once again they fixed it ,this time while I waited! and only charged me $2. My eye's are going to hell so once I actually get myself to an optometrist I will definitely be going to them for a pair of glasses. Such great service! read more

When did buying several pairs of glasses a year become the norm? Since I started shopping here 5 years ago. I love their selections and the staff is very helpful. read more

They will take great care of you here! I came in after calling around to a bunch of opticians in the area. I had gotten super glue on a students' glasses after trying to repair a broken frame for her. Without question of where the glasses had been purchased (they were from Haiti) Dario took the glasses to the back and not only did he remove the superglue, he mended the broken frames all for no charge! For a small non-profit running a youth program with international students on a budget, this was a LIFESAVER. I was so impressed with the customer service that I'll be coming back when it's time for me to get my next pair of frames. (all the time in the waiting area gave me a chance to peruse their extensive and super-fashionable collection!) Thank you Dario and Focal Point! read more

I purchased designer frames here several years ago. One of the temples cracked so I called Focal Point to see about replacing it...Paula was fantastic. She researched the availability since FP was no longer stocking this European brand. There were some other complications on my end but Paula was patient and followed up in a most timely manner. Yesterday I had the temples replaced...The SERVICE was FANTASTIC from start to finish. read more

I just got my first glasses from Focal Point and they are by far superior to any of those I've purchased from other places in Berkeley & North Oakland. The quality of the lenses themselves plus the truly expert alignment of my prescription in my new frames is in a whole other league from my previous experiences elsewhere. I can't recommend Focal Point highly enough and wish I could give them 10 stars. read more

OK... it's hard to admit this, but true: I walked into a 3" pipe strung at eye-level between two trees. Very (not) Obama! My frames were twisted and a lens holder was broken and nasty marring showed on the lens. I called Focal Point where I had purchased these high-end Mikli frames some 4 years ago. It was a busy Saturday for them and I asked if I needed to make an appointment. No, she said, just come on in. They fixed everything within 30 minutes of my arrival. Not only that, they provided cheese and crackers with a drink while I waited. I'm very impressed with their service levels and the quality of their work. read more

I really should have done this a long time ago. I've bought 3 pair of glasses over a 8 or 10 year period from Focal Point. I'm looking at some of the other reviews that Focal Point is expensive. I gotta say something in response to these good reviews: Focal Point is a *bargain*. All the times I have gone in for a cleaning or an adjustment on my glasses and they do it for no charge. I mean come on! I honesty don't know how many places will even do this for you, and if they do, they will charge you for it. The women who work there are very friendly. I don't feel they are "aloof or snotty" at all. The other day I went in because the lens of my script sunglasses popped out. 15 minutes the employee worked on those glasses getting the lens back in at no charge to me as well as cleaning them and tightening all the screws. Oh, and they do have a section in back for sale frames if you are on a budget. So let's not just think about how you might save money at the "Wal Mart of glasses and eye wear". Think about great customer service and supporting small local businesses. read more

Yikes - the prices! In a desperate search for something to help me forget the sorrow of my four eyes, I splurged on some glasses here, with what felt like a fair amount of high end sales pressure. The glasses set me back nearly four digits (not counting pennies). The prescription was accurate and the lens quality high, I'll grant you that. But the frames took three, or was it four returns to get them to fit without causing throbbing pain. That, and the price tag, will keep me from returning for my next set. read more

My sister has been coming to Paula at Focal Point for years and when I decided to finally splurge and buy a pair of Barton Perreira sunglasses two years ago, I came to Paula. She was nothing but helpful and honest about choosing frames that actually fit and complimented my face shape. Paula recently helped me pick out a new pair of Allied Metal Works sunglasses that I've gotten so many compliments on. Paula cares about her customers and it really shows! The store as a whole is always on top of style trends and buys consistently amazing frames from high end brands, keeping me coming back and back for more :) read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Paula is my favorite. I go to her for everything. They have a large selection of frames and they know what they're talking about. My favorite place to shop for eyeglasses. :) read more

I had stepped on a pair of expensive sunglasses recently, and I was looking to get them replaced. I found this place on Yelp and decided to try it out, and it did not disappoint. The two women who were working when I went were amazing. I do not remember her name, but the one that sat down with me was absolutely an expert. She took my sunglasses to their repair station for a second, and explained that a little barrel in the hinge was broken, and it was just broken. She also said she could try to straighten it out a little just to salvage it, and went back for another minute. When she came out, her 30 years of practice became evident. Even though the broken hinge wasn't very tight, she managed to straighten out a pretty bad bend, tightened everything else up, and even washed them. I asked her how much it would be, and she said free. She even denied my offer to tip her. I did not buy anything, but their repair services are second-to-none. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs a repair to head on down to Focal Point. read more

Absolutely the best optical business I've ever dealt with. Quality is exceptional. Inventory and variety of tope rate frames within all price ranges. I have worked with Paula Bernard for several years. She is knowledgeable, courteous, professional and competent. She explained features and options regarding glass, coating and alternatives that made it easy to decide what to purchase (ie cost versus benefit versus need). I wear a bifocal and I am very fussy about the placement. Focal Point gets it RIGHT the first time. Don't go anywhere else. If you want quality, value and service, this is the the place. I've purchased glasses/frames from other opticians and labs. None of them compare to Focal Point. I am a repeat customer for good reason. They exceed my needs/requirements and they do it at a cost that I can afford. read more

Dario just fixed my broken sunglasses for free! I tried to pay him but he wouldn't take my money. Five stars! Not because the repair was free, but because where do you still get service like that anymore? When I finally admit to my old-lady eyes, I will come to Focal Point for eyeglasses. Their customer service is much appreciated! read more

You have to check this place out, if only to see the incredible selection. I heard about them while having a beer with some friends at the 21st Amendment in San Francisco of all places. I was talking about getting some new sunglasses and I girl at the bar said this was the place to go. And she was right. I got the coolest frames by a German company called IC Berlin. The staff was great. I was working with Maria, but all the staff would chime in and give me feedback on the frames I was considering. They really made me feel welcome and willing to spend as much time with me as I needed. Though my frame was not cheap, they had some great close-out frames in their outlet for people on a budget. I highly recommend these guys and will be heading back there soon. read more

I bent my glasses which I bought at a shop in LA, but I took them here and they quickly fixed them. They also noticed some other small problems and fixed those too, and it was all free! Great place, quick, and they've got really nice people - thanks! read more

Went there today for a minor sunglasses fix. The lady said one of the screws was stripped so she replaced it with a new one for me. She said it was only $2 but I didnt have any change with me, so she just told me forget it, we will do it next time. ahhhh so nice! will definitely go there again in the future! read more

I have bought at least 4 pairs of frames here over the years and have been thrilled with the customer service and the frames each time. Focal Point is great!. Now my husband, he was not convinced. But after years of wearing primarily contacts I made a believer out of him. I dragged him and the kids to FP on a Sat afternoon because my glasses needed adjusting (due to a very enthusiastic kid hug!). I planned to have him pick out glasses at the same time. While we were waiting for help (it was very busy) my son grabbed some thick, black Harry Potter looking glasses off the shelf. After a good laugh my husband took the frames to put them back and noticed the price tag of $999! Whoa - he had sticker shock and one foot out the door at that point. But I made him stay because my glasses needed that adjustment. Well when our turn finally came up Husband was blown away by the service. The woman who helped him walked him to the sale room and started selecting frames for him to try. By the end of 20 minutes or so, he had 3 frames he loved and was angling to buy 2. I had to nix that cuz the guy wears mostly contacts but he was thrilled with the very cool frames he ended up purchasing. Fast forward 1.5 years. Another enthusiastic kid hug (what does this say about our kids? Lovers, not fighters?) has broken the ear-piece of those same cool frames. A call to FP and a new ear-piece is on it's way to Berkeley where they will repair the glasses for him. Again, a customer service success story! Run, don't walk to Focal Point Opticians. read more

Ok, so I have been passing by this store for years and have thought 'too expensive' but then they had a HUGE SALE!!! which I came to find is annual in May AND November! I found Awesome Belgian or French? frames for 60% off and they filled my crazy bad prescription perfectly. The selection is insane. Seriously, I've been buying glasses for 15 years and they're one of the biggest stores I've seen. But the most fabulous thing about this place are the people. EVERY person I talked to there was amazingly nice, honest, and incredibly helpful. They even fixed my jacked up old Oliver Peeple's sunglasses for free! November 1st is marked on my calendar! read more

My toddler broke 4, yes 4 pair of my sunglasses. I looked on Yelp and found Focal Point. They provided me excellent service and were able to fix three of the four broken glasses. I was impressed with their selection while waiting and have suggested my husband go here for his next pair! read more

For such a high-end store, I expected better customer service this time around. It seems like the salespeople vary in terms of helpfulness and ability to help you choose something flattering. One of the salespeople here helped me pick out an (expensive) but flattering pair of sunglasses a few years ago which I LOVE and which they have been great about adjusting when I bring them in (today was no exception). I need glasses now and came in today hoping for the same assistance in choosing something flattering. I was really disappointed with the lack of help I received. The guy that helped me seemed to have no idea at all what would look good on me, and just followed me around listlessly choosing things that looked terrible on me and waiting for me to pick something out. I can get that lack of service anywhere. I came here because I wanted help picking something out! He said that he didn't know what to pick out because I said I didn't want anything too funky. He said that funky was what they had. C'mon, with that selection? I'm not impressed with the lack of service! Get the guy some training in this! read more

The staff at Focal Point is top notch, true professionals. You will walk out of here with the perfect frame for your face. I have 3 frames from FP and I get compliments on them all, all the time. read more