The Glass Monocle: Leslieville's Gem for Eyewear LOVE this place. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Leslieville on Queen Street East, The Glass Monocle stands out as a true gem among boutique eyewear shops. The experience at The Glass Monocle is made exceptional by its owner, Jackie, whose kind and attentive nature transforms every visit into a personalized journey. Unlike the impersonal encounters often found at larger chains like Warby Parker, Jackie's personal touch, honest recommendations, and dedication to spending quality time with each customer ensure that you find the perfect pair of glasses suited to your needs and style. One of the standout features of The Glass Monocle is its impressive selection of eyewear. From high-fashion designer frames to niche, design-forward brands from South Korea ( I have purchased both), the variety is both extensive and exquisite. My personal experience with The Glass Monocle has been nothing short of outstanding. I have purchased three pairs of progressive glasses with transition lenses (that's when the lenses turn into sunglasses when the sun hits them), and I am absolutely thrilled with each one. Jackie's expertise and patience in helping me select the perfect pairs have been invaluable. On several occasions, I have dropped in to have Jackie and his team adjust that nose thingy on my glasses. They are always happy to tweak the fit--free of charge and always with a smile. The dedication to customer satisfaction at The Glass Monocle is truly unparalleled. The knowledgeable staff, including an excellent doctor, ensures that you not only leave with a great pair of glasses but also a thorough understanding of your eye health. This comprehensive approach to eyewear and eye care makes The Glass Monocle a standout choice. read more

I recently purchased a pair of eyeglasses at Glass Monocle. I was immediately impressed by the appearance of the store. There was a great deal of attention to detail in the design and layout of the space, and a general sense of orderliness (compared to the haphazardness you often find at many opticians) . The owners clearly take a lot of pride in their store's presentation, and rightfully so. I received a friendly yet relaxed greeting from Jacky, one of the co-proprietors, and was offered a cup of hot tea, which I appreciated, as it was bitterly cold outside. They have an excellent selection of frames from well-known and emerging designers and brands, at various price points. Jacky was very helpful in helping me select frames and very meticulous in taking measurements and asking questions about my habits and needs as they relate to my vision and my prescription (I have a medium complex Rx with 3 level progressives) to ensure that the lenses were optimally laid out for me. Their prices are reasonable. I plan to buy a new pair of prescription sunglasses from them in a few months. Not your typical store. If you appreciate attention to detail, great customer service, and a great selection of quality frames, I very much doubt you'll find any place better. read more

If you're looking for chic modern eyewear at a great price, with top notch service from some of the nicest, most knowledgable and helpful staff, you've found the place. When we first walked in to browse the shop, we were greeted as usual... and my first thought was, "Ok, here goes the whole salesman approach, overbearing to the point of uncomfortable". HOWEVER - we quickly came to realize that these guys were completely genuine, exceedingly helpful with their recommendations, and so truly friendly that both hubby and I found ourselves wanting to stick around to chat. Jacky even recommended that I try on a pair of glasses that I never would've tried... and I ended up loving them! At no point did we ever feel pressured to buy anything (even though we did buy a few pairs)- and that's how I like to shop. The store itself is very welcoming, bright and easy to navigate. They also apparently have a "play area" in the back with games and coffee for those waiting or shopping. I will never go anywhere else for glasses again. The cherry on top was the fact that my two pairs of glasses were ready in THREE DAYS. Unbelievable service. Love love love, I'm so glad I found this place!! Serious props to everyone who works there, you have impressed me beyond belief. read more

I went here the other day which is conveniently just outside of Bathurst station, just to check out their selection. Little did I know that my visit would be so much more than that. First off the service and staff is exceptional!!! They helped me out without hesitation. Not only were they classy and professional, but they were very friendly. I'm not the most fashion savvy person in the world but Jacky and Kinnard made me feel really comfortable when selecting a pair of glasses. Not once did I feel pressure of a sales person, they were very accommodating and patient with me during the selection process(sorry guys I'm very indecisive hahah) and I felt like my time was important. Any questions I had they are very informative and answered them thoroughly. To be honest I picked a pair of glasses that looks very similar to my old pair, but they encouraged me to try out a bunch of different styles. They even ordered in few styles that caught my eye in a catalogue for me to try out and I actually liked a pair more than my old ones. I would highly recommend going to this store to anyone, it was the best Optical store experience I've had so far. You'll definitely get the 5 star treatment from the staff. Thank you!!! read more

The first thing that I noticed when finding Glass Monocle was their extremely convenient location -- just steps from the Bathurst subway station on a main road. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a very cordial and upbeat Jacky who would later see to my needs as an optician. The decor inside had been very clean and modern, but still different from the luxury boutique shops that offer lenses and frames at an exorbitant rate. What I came to find was that their prices had been quite affordable, with brand names and styles comparing the price range of what is offered at Warby Parker. When selecting frames, I was given a good variety of options, and even a coffee or water while I browsed. Each of the items were then re-evaluated for affordability and comfort, and my my measurements taken for the frames. By the end, I knew I had chosen the right pair of glasses, and was even offered a free sample of contacts lenses top it all off. Will definitely come back again whenever I need new eyewear! read more

I came across Glass Monocle Eyecare surfing online for a good and reliable service in finding new eyeglasses, and I'm so glad I read all the great reviews they have online. I was so relief after made my appointment and went in, to find out their service is well earned online and without any exaggerations! They've the best customer service with a great selection of frames/ great price range and very helpful in every step. Jacky is simply one of the best optician I have found, his service is outstanding, as well as doctor Raymond who is very professionally in his attention and eyesight health advice! All the staff at Glass Monocle knows their work and enjoy their job, they'd definitely helped me to find the best glasses suitable for my budget and needs, and I can't thank Jacky and all the team enough! Keep it up with the great work @Glass Monocle! Definitely top service, I highly recommend this place! read more

First of all, the staff were super friendly and helpful. I had gone in for an eye exam as well as to purchase a new pair of glasses. They explained every step of the way and made it a really fun experience. They had a wide collection of eye wear to choose from and gave me a lot of options and chances to try. It was like a mini glasses fashion show. They provided very honest opinions and were very patient. I never felt pressured or uncomfortable. They also kept in mind my budget and helped me find the pair that I was truly satisfied with. The eye exam itself was quick and painless, and they mentioned if I ever wanted to wear my old frames I could always bring them in to have the glass replaced with my new prescription. I highly recommend Glass Monocle and would definitely visit again! read more

Everything about my experience with the Glass Monocle Eyecare was excellent, from the store layout, to the greeting when I first walked in, then the pre-exam, the knowledge, thoroughness, attention to detail and manor of the doctor who examined my eyes and explained everything, right on to the choice, selection and fitting of my new glasses. Everyone was helpful and friendly and trustworthy. I love my new glasses and the price point was great. They have a really great selection of frames. I would highly recommend them. I live in the neighbourhood, but would go out of my way to come here. I have to repeat what another reviewer said: "Glass Monocle is a gem of a shop in The Annex. They deliver boutique products and services, without the extravagant prices!!" read more

You know this is a quality shop when people from the neighbourhood will drop in just to say hi or have a chat with the staff. That says something about the business. During my visit at Glass Monocle, you really feel like you're among friends (who really do care about you looking your best). Staff are not pushy and will actually listen to my checkpoints before they offer their suggestions. I really appreciate that not only do they have the generic big name brands (Tom Ford, Ray Ban, Prada), but these guys also carry unique brands you cannot find elsewhere. You can just feel the passion and pride they have by the way they speak of their product, the service and just by the genuine care they show you. I can see why people keep coming back! read more

The Glass Monocle shop has some of the best customer service that I've seen. Jacky, Kinnard, and Kyle are the warm and attentive. The guys offered to help with any other issues (i.e. Nose pads, extra pair of contact lenses because I forgot mine)---which is not something that other stores offer. The optometrist who did the eye exam was thorough and professional. I've been wearing the glasses for a few days now and am very happy with the quality. Their prices are very reasonable--I paid almost double the price for the same pair of glasses at another store! The store is clean, bright, and well organized. Please do give them a visit! You don't be disappointed :). read more

Jacky at Glass Monocle Eyecare was highly accommodating with my financial situation (new student), and showed me realistic options for what I could afford. I haven't received my pair of glasses yet but I haven't been this excited for a pair in ages! Jacky left me 100% confident in my decision and tacked on lots of freebies as well to get me started on some new contact lenses. Overall, everyone there seems very friendly and efficient. Their selection is also not overwhelming, and seems to only include lenses that are stylish and well made. Can't wait to get my order! read more

As someone who hasn't worn glasses for 20 years, I was shopping all over the place to find the perfect pair. I did at Glass Monocle, with Jacky's help. Glass Monocle has an amazing selection of glasses and they always have great deals that match their leading competitors. Jacky was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and patiently answered every question that I had in a thorough manner. I am getting my contacts soon with him again. I would definitely recommend getting glasses/contacts with Glass Monocle, and I will personally be a repeat customer. read more

My experience here was a real eye opener - pun intended. I went in for a routine exam and reading glasses and came out, not only with important information about my eye health, but with a great looking pair of readers. The quality of my life changed for the better. The exam was thorough and Dr. Raymond Ho took the time to explain the results. He was extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. I will be going back for another pair of glasses soon. The lower budget frames are great - and the higher end selections are to die for! read more

Absolutely the best customer service. I'm usually a clearly contacts kinda gal but I went in for an eye exam and was blown away by how kind and helpful everyone was from the doctor to Kyle, who helped me pick out perfect frames and everyone else who I encountered there. They went above and beyond when I had to see a specialist before I could buy my glasses by making sure I had enough contacts to get me through. I'm deeply appreciative and they've earned a loyal customer. No more anonymous online glasses shopping for me. read more

Luxurious-but-friendly. Kinnard and the crew at Glass Monocle attentively made sure my glasses suit me. They made sure frames fit my face, lenses weren't too heavy, and were extra thin. They even took selfies of me in different pairs to see which looked best. Their courtesy eye exam improved my prescription and when my glasses finally arrived, the clarity made me gasp. After noticing a chip, they immediately ordered replacements and gave me a temporary pair. Possibly one of the best glasses shops in Toronto. Go there. read more

I have nothing bad to say! I've purchased two pairs of glasses from here and every time I've been in store I've had a great experience. All of the staff are super friendly, not pushy at all and are honestly just helpful. They don't push you buy anything or breath down your neck as you look around. The selection on glasses and brands is unique to lots of other shops I've been too and I feel like the prices were great too! Pretty sure this is the only place I'll be buying glasses from from now on! read more

Glass Monocle is as good as it gets. Every single staff member I dealt with there, from my eye exam to picking out the perfect frames, was incredibly friendly, insanely helpful, and super knowledgable. They made the entire experience so easy and I'd recommend them to anyone looking for that boutique eyewear experience without the boutique attitude. They also have a very fashionable assortment of affordable frames and will work with you to keep things well within your budget - just ask! read more

Went to Glass Monocle last week and was assisted by the spectacular Jackie. After a half hour consultation, I bought a beautiful pair of glasses that made me feel confident and beautiful! With patience and expert advice, I was able to fully trust in the advice I was given! The staff was awesome, giving a happy friendly vibe! Pricing and variety was great! I have nothing but rave reviews of this place! Great neighbourhood business! I highly recommend this place!!! read more

I love this store. They are friendly and welcoming when you enter the store. They listen to what you are looking for in frames and help you choose pairs to try on. I was told it would take about two weeks to get my glasses back with my prescription but it has always taken a few days less than two weeks. I had an issue with my lenses being chipped after 8 months and the lenses were replaced at no charge. I truly appreciate the service that this store provides. read more