10 Stars for a True Craftsman In 2025, I stumbled across a pair of Persol sunglasses I originally received as a gift back in 2005. Beautiful glasses, but after years of wear and age, the materials had stretched and oxidized. They hadn't fit properly in ages, so I tossed them in a drawer nearly a decade ago. Last week, I found them again and thought, "Dang, these are still some good-looking sunglasses--they just need a little love." I tackled the UV oxidation myself (thank you, YouTube and car polish), but the real challenge was the shape: the frames were warped, and the lenses were starting to pop out. I searched for glasses repair shops, which are surprisingly hard to come by, and after reading a dozen reviews on Google and Yelp, I found Gary's Custom Optik. The reviews were glowing--people calling Gary a treasure, a master of his craft, and truly "old school" in the best way. And let me tell you: they were right. Gary is indeed a gem. Before doing any work, he gave me a fair heads-up that these were 20-year-old frames and there was some risk involved in reshaping them. But honestly, they were already in the "what do I have to lose?" category--and if anyone could bring them back, it was going to be Gary. And he did. He spent about 15-20 minutes carefully working the acetate, reshaping the frames, tightening things up, and getting them back to being totally wearable. Not perfect--but so much better than where they started. When I asked what I owed, he said, "Nothing." That seemed ridiculous, so I bought a lens cleaning cloth and some cleaner just to give something back. This place is a classic. Wall-to-wall with frames and stocked with everything you could need for eyewear. I don't wear prescription glasses--but if I did, they'd come from Gary. Huge thanks to Gary and also to the friendly woman in the shop who laughed at my bad jokes and finished the job with a professional spritz and wipe. Highly, highly recommended for repairs, frame purchases, or just to witness a real craftsman at work. If it's five stars max, I'm giving it 10. read more

Awesome experience. It's already two years the glasses are serving excellently. Recommended!

Gary is the nicest man on earth. He adjusted my Celine cat eye sunglasses on the spot. Quality work and quality man. Thank you so much Gary!!!! read more

I've been avoiding wearing my glasses for a long time. I knew they needed more than a simple adjustment. Gary gave me a disclaimer that they could break beyond repair but I agreed to have them fixed since I wasn't wearing them anyway. Well they didn't break and now I'm wearing them. He didn't charge but I gave him some money for his time. He has a nice selection of unique and high-end frames in his inventory. I'm hoping to return when I'm ready for new frames. I'm so glad I found him. Too bad he's nearing retirement. read more

Gary is such a caring person making sure you get the right frames and fit And wow what a great assortment of beautiful frames he has Stop in anytime. read more

Needed glasses frame repaired google "glasses repair near me" Spells optic with a "k" lol why not Friendly Honest, very honest HIGH quality work on 5+ year old frame Worth it Glasses frame like new Absolute legend Thank you Gary read more

This low-key shop carries abundant of great choices. Service is top notched and Gary follows the "old fashion" way to take care each customer but at a fast speed. I bought a pair of prescription designer sunglasses after consulting Gary for different options. He is patient and extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Experience really counts when it comes to investing in a pair (or more) glasses which should not only look good and needs to be protective and comfortably functioning. These are all accomplished here based on my experience. Thank you Gary and your team! read more

Gary put in transition lenses for me into a new pair of frames I bought. After a few days of indecisiveness, I ended up buying the same frames but a tad bit smaller.(46mm v 44mm) Without wanting to waste these lenses, who do I call? That's right, Gary. Ghostbusters have nothing on this man! He was able to cut down the lenses and transfer them into the other frame within a couple hours. Mind you, I'm a new customer and he's been treating me like a family member. Even answered the phone on a day he was closed. I'm happy to have found a gentleman like Gary for any of my optical needs. read more

I just dropped off my eyeglasses with Gary, I need one of the screws put back in, I tried fixing myself, at home, but to no avail. I was desperate, and thought there might be no hope in fixing them, because, in case I wasn't clear enough, they wouldn't align and I spend hours the night before and this morning tying to put the tiny screw back in! When I got there, Gary explained to me that there was a different approach he would have to take, but nevertheless, he could fix them, and he even knew at first glance of my sad looking glasses what I had gone through. He said he'd have them ready in a few days, and he was worried that might not be good enough for me, but I was just so grateful and relieved that he could fix them at all, that I was ecsatic about it! I asked him what I was looking at as far as the price, as I expected it to add insult to injury, but his pricing was very reasonable, and I seriously almost cried in relief and gratitude! All this to say, Gary had great reviews online, and i had a really good feeling about going to him. He was very nice, patient, funny, and definitely a credit to his skill! Thanks in advance, Gary! See you Tuesday! read more

Great people and very professional I went there to see if replacement lenses are available for my Ray Ban. They checked with manufacturer to see if Parts were available for me. I highly recommend doing business with them. read more

Gary is amazing. He fixed our sunglasses and gave us advice at the same time. Definitely will refer people and be back at the same time!

Saw the other 5 Star reviews and it's true!! Walked in because my glasses were loose. Talked to Gary, before he even started, he showed me some damage and said "if you want me to work on this, I'm happy to, but know there's a possibility of breakage because of this metal fatigue". I said go ahead. He worked on it for a little bit, came back and they were perfect! Took less than 5 min. Asked him how much? He waved me off, but I still gave him $ for his time. Gary and Michelle were so kind and knowledgeable and provided phenomenal customer service! I will refer them to anyone who needs glasses. They are the total package!! Thank you both!! read more

Omg I broke my glasses and took them back to Costco. They were useless. Then I put my broker glasses away feeling like my $300 glasses were a total loss. I went to Gary's today and he fixed my Glasses for $15 in just a few hours. And he is fixing another pair I also thought were a total loss. Amazing. No more Costco or lens crafters. read more

I will keep this short, sweet, and simple. I have been using Gary's services for 35 plus years. He is simply the most knowledgeable, articulate person i know in this industry. I have always received on time, value added services. I trust Gary with my optical needs. read more

On my first visit, for new reading glasses in 2010, I was impressed with Gary's ability to assess a client's wants and needs and select the "right" combination of frames and lenses. That task is made more complicated, but a lot more fun, because he carries an extensive collection of fine eyewear from many top-quality manufacturers. In my case, he recommended a very simple, classic frame with an excellent lens that I still find attractive and serviceable today. I have also visited for sunglasses and recently returned because of a missing frame piece that Gary had to order. During those recent visits - to order and to have the repair made - I had opportunities to observe his dealings with other clients while waiting my turn. It is an interesting process that reminds me of a stage play featuring "The Philosopher Optician" who talks through a selection process, then collects just-the-right-frames for presentation to the client. In my estimation, Gary has not only a great sense of style, and the stylish inventory to match, but also an ability to identify frames that complement a particular face or personality - and, for some, a simple and less-expensive combination. I have visited many opticians over many decades and don't recall ever seeing such a nice selection or dealing with such a knowledgeable optician. If you are in the market for eyeglasses, visit Gary; he has decades of experience and he cares about doing the best job for you. read more

Gary knows what he's doing. I get that vibe right away from just talking glasses with him. The Yelp reviews don't lie, folks. He explained all my options for me and made a suggestion based on the fact that I'm almost blind and have really thick lenses. I trusted him and took his suggestion. My glasses were finished by the promised time. They fit great! Gary is really knowledgeable in the field of eyeglasses. I would definitely recommend him for your eyewear needs. read more

When I sat on my old glasses I went to Gary and he repaired them right away. I had already been planning to get new glasses, and I had brought my new prescription with me, so I decided to order them from Gary. I got a new pair of Ray-bans in clear and a matching pair of sunglasses. Gary suggested a new rounder style and my wife approved, so I got them. They worked out well. read more

Gary's Custom Optik - New eyeglasses - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Northridge, California

Had to do a review after the heart-warming experience we had there! I came in there with my boyfriend's mom who has severe Alzheimer's. She had stepped on her glasses and they were lopsided, and we needed to find a place that could fix her glasses and also work quickly, as she gets anxious when there's any waiting involved. They were incredibly kind to us, got the glasses fixed immediately, and refused to take any payment. What good people! I will definitely bring my business here in the future. read more

I gave my glasses on Tuesday and the following day it was ready. Very friendly and professional people. Absolutely would recommend them. read more

Gary's Custom Optik - Very happy with my glasses, he made it only in half a day!! Tuesday afternoon I turn in my glasses, following day it was ready to pick up - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Northridge, California

I came to there previous location and they helped adjust my frames free of charge! I came back today with bent frames and slightly lose fitting and Gary adjusted them once again! They focus on custom eye ware and they can help you with anything! Thanks again guys! read more

Gary knows his stuff. He's a solid professional and a great guy. I'm extremely happy with the quality of my glasses. It was a true pleasure dealing with him. Again, I couldn't be happier with the services he provided, and I'd strongly recommend that others give him their patronage. read more

I've been in twice - once to fix my dad's broken glasses, and the frames weren't salvageable but Gary cut down Dad's lenses to fit in a new frame, and didn't try to up-sell me to an expensive pair. Dad wasn't with me so Gary offered that if they weren't fitting right, I could bring my dad in later, and since my dad wasn't in good health, Gary said he could come out to the car to fit my dad's glasses. Luckily that wasn't needed since the new frames were perfect. So when I stepped on my own glasses, I came back and Gary fixed them, warning me that they might break during the process, which I agreed to. He did not break them. ;-) Since I'm a klutz and don't take care of my stuff, I'm sure I'll be back to visit Gary's again in the future, and I'm sure the customer service will be great and the repair price reasonable. I'm happy to patronize a small local business, especially when it's worthy of my loyalty. read more

No wonder this place has 5 stars! I came in with my friend to get new nose pads and a tightening and took 5 minutes. The place is a vibe and the workers there are very friendly! They also have free cloth for your glasses and we are always losing those so it's always so good to have. No upselling or anything, we told him what we needed and he did that AND MORE! Would give more stars if I could. Best $5 we have ever spent. And that's on periodt. read more

This place is so great! My glasses were incredibly loose and I was in need of two new nose pads. I walked in and he was able to help me immediately! He quickly gave me a quote and told me to have a seat. He quickly replaced the nose pads and tightened my glasses. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes!!! Best place ever read more

My family has been coming to this shop for over 30 years and have been loyal to him since forever. He's a real nice gentleman and always ready to help out where he can. He's not worried about making an extra buck. He's more focused on helping when he can. And that's what makes this shop stay open. read more

I just want to leave a detailed review for Gary. I stopped by his quaint store in a Northridge shopping plaza and had to write about his excellent customer service and attention to detail. Last night, my beautiful designer prescription frames were bent. Really really badly. I was actually almost certain they couldn't be fixed and was really sad because I love them! I've had them for two years and are absolutely my favorite! I had called around to a few opticians in the area who just flat out refused to help this morning. When I called Gary's shop, the woman who answered was kind and told me to come in whenever I'd like. Gary explained that the frames may break or be damaged by his attempt to repair them, but that he'd do his best. He was friendly as we chatted about where I was from as he fixed my glasses. Quickly, may I add, and without charge! Gary is a true professional with a keen attention to detail and a love for customer service. I will also add that he were very delicate and careful with my glasses. I have an appointment later this week with the eye doctor because I'm due for a a new prescription and need a backup pair. I'll definitely be back here to select my new frames!!! Thanks for all your help read more

One of best optical experiences ,I have had. Great costumer service they make you feel welcome. Gary is a expert when it comes to frames and quality, he took his time and helped me with my frame even though it wasn't from his collection. Thank you read more

Gary's Custom Optik - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Northridge, California

So welcoming and kind. Glasses were finished so fast and very satisfied with the product. Thank you! Will be back :)

I found Gary's on the Zeiss website when looking for vendors for this brand's lenses. I have a really high prescription and looking for glasses that fit my requirements for fit and thickness are hard to find. I had shopped around to the fancy eyewear stores in Melrose, Beverly Hills, and DTLA, and mostly had bad experiences since I was talking to salespeople that didn't fully understand my requirements for lenses and were mostly pressuring me to buy a set of frames that they liked. Within five minutes of talking to Gary, I was convinced that he not only understood my predicament, but would use his experience to help me find something that would make me happy. He worked directly with the lab, calling the managers constantly to make sure that they could and would produce a high index lens with a minimal center thickness and beveling to bring the edge thickness of the lenses down. He also found me a pair of glasses that helped bring down the thicknesses of the lenses while also looking stylish and appropriate for my face. His price was reasonable and he was courteous and understanding the whole time. I definitely will recommend and will go to him for eyeglasses in the future. read more

Gary has great passion and expertise in eyewear. He did my lenses a few weeks ago and after a bit of fine tuning I've got the best view yet. Super friendly with deep experience ... what's not to like ... Highly recommend!! read more

Gary's Custom Optik is a CLASS ACT. Very polite, informative, trustworthy, and honest. They went above & beyond to get the needed prescription to make a new pair of glasses happen. This shop is a true valley gem. Thank you for making the process easy and painless, Gary! read more

Developed a rather poor habit of falling asleep with my glasses on, as one could imagine...the result was not good. My glasses were basically sideways by the time I took them to Gary's, fully expecting he recommend I purchase a new pair (like the 9,000 shops I took them to before). Long story short, in a manner of minutes my glasses were as good as new, I paid and was on my way. Everyone was very friendly, and his pricing was beyond fair. Lots of really great looking frames for sale in there as well. read more

As I get older, I start to understand the importance of having a proverbial go-to-guy. No more days of waiting in line for my number to be called at the local superemporium. My time is valuable, and having a specialist to consult with is the only way to go. When I need shoes, I call my shoe-guy. For tailoring, I have my special tailor-guy. I have a butcher, a watch dealer, and now, after far too long, I finally have an optic-guy. Gary is hands-down, THE guy for everything optical, and I'm proud to call him my guy. read more

Was looking for a place to fix my glasses I had for almost 10 years that recently broke. I snapped the right bracket off the frame and thought it was done. Gray saved the day. I left it with him to repair and not only he fixed the right bracket (don't know if i'm saying the right term) he also replaced the left (wearing down)bracket. I didn't ask him to do that. Now thats great service. Honesty is hard to find in business now a days and I vouch anyone can trust this place. Gary could of pushed me to get new glasses but instead first thing he suggested was fixing them would be the option with the lowest cost. From vintage frames they kept from the 80's to new present frames this place is worth making your new go to place for your eyeglass needs. Thanks again Gary. -cheers read more

My husband happened upon Gary's about 7 years ago looking to replace lenses in several pairs of glasses. This was one of the only places he could find that would do lens replacement only and in several different materials. At $99 a pair for each (and about the same prices today), this is a great value. He also ordered a cool new pair of glasses on that visit. I went with him to pick up his glasses and walked out ordering 2 pairs of the most amazing, beautiful, colorful glasses that suited me perfectly. I can honestly say that having Gary pick out those colorful frames changed the trajectory of my life. Up to that point I had mostly worn pretty boring black or copper frames. When he learned that I was an artist, Gary suggested that I could look more fearless and inspiring showing my true colors, so to speak. Indeed that touch of color perked up my business as a color consultant and in sales and at events, and inspired me to add color to my wardrobe and life in general. To this day, I get compliments on my glasses and people ask me where I get them. We've always gotten great service and turnaround at Gary's. He has an incredible selection of vintage and antique frames and sunglasses. He also keeps tabs on the entire world of design and eyewear trends in particular--and has plenty of his own cool ideas like painting the edges of rimless glasses. He has frames and lenses in all price ranges and styles. read more

Normally don't do reviews, super service! This is 100% the place to go to for glasses and glasses repair! My glasses were ridiculously crooked, and the first thing he did is let me know that a break was possible based on the damage, to make sure I knew what I was getting in to. But he fixed them up fast and flawlessly, and then I when asked how much owed him, he said one dollar! blown away by how cool he was read more

Took my glasses in for a repair and they were fixed in a prompt and affordable manner despite being a tricky item to fix. Gary was very professional and the store has a nice aesthetic look to it. Both he and his assistant had very stylish glasses and you can tell they have years of experience behind them. 10/10 would recommend to anyone. Thanks Gary! read more

Gary, where have you been all my life?! literally across the street the entire time! I didn't even know this place existed until my new insurance kicked in, and Gary's was on the top of the list and was according to google maps, 1.0 mile away from me. I decided to give it a shot, because I simply could not relate to the styles and trends of the day and the selections at every other commercial store. I needed something else. I am not your typical everyday shopper; I usually had to buy my glasses online after rigorously researching them. So off I went to Gary's. I was greeted by Gary and Michelle, and was immediately and very warmly helped by Michelle to choose my latest set of spectacles. Michelle was very attentive and patient to my needs and did a great job in assessing the type of style I was not only searching for, but one that meshed with my personality and sense of practicality. I am very particular about my eyewear, and after trying out what I believe to be around 20 different pairs, we hit the mark with a beautiful Garrett Leight 1036 bentleys! Once received, Gary adjusted the glasses to fit the contour of my head and made it fit like a fine bespoke suit. I have never had glasses that didn't strangle the sides of my head, and this made my headaches disappear in a matter of minutes. I didn't even know that it could be done, and my glasses fit like a glove; they feel like an extension of myself. They are beautiful! I also decided to get my sunglasses lens changed out, and Gary did it for half the price of what lenscrafter's quoted me and with better lenses(Ray-Ban G-15). I was disheartened to hear that my sunglasses that I bought would never be worn due to the fact that I was not willing to spend $250 on polarized lenses, but now, not only do I have them, they are custom fitted to me and me only! Everything is done on site(Gary services them himself), and done in the utmost professional and warm manner possible. As someone who has worked in the customer service industry for over 10 years, I know and appreciate outstanding customer service when I see it. Gary has a customer for life. Many thanks to both Michelle and Gary for a great purchase! read more

Found out about Gary's through Wired Magazine due to a shoot he'd provided glasses for based on Steve Jobs. I'd worked for Steve at PIXAR years ago and always wanted a set of glasses like his. Gary made them up for me within a week and the result is simply amazing. Great service, customer-centric, and worth the trip from Huntington Beach any day of the week. Thanks Gary for a great experience. Looking forward to seeing you when I need a tune up on these :) I would encourage anyone shopping for eyewear, wherever you are, check out Gary's and let him know Michael Murdock sent you. Best regards, Michael Murdock, CEO read more

This is my third time coming to Gary's.. Unfortunately I'm very hard on my glasses. The first two times he repaired my glasses he absolutely refused to take my money.. This third time I literally had to just leave the money on the count and leave lol.. He is such a great person.. And does great work!!!!! read more