My husband and I went in 30-45 minutes before closing to get our glasses. They had great selections and they were patient while we were choosing. They were also knowledgeable about the different type of features we could purchase for our glasses, I appreciated how truthful they were and since my prescription is not that high, the clerk wasn't trying to upsell me to choose every single add-on. My husband's glasses took the estimated 2 weeks, however my glasses took 4 weeks, when we came in to pick up my husband's glasses we asked for an update and they said that the storm was delaying my glasses. When I finally got to pick up my glasses, the staff were kind to help me tighten the frames and even said that if they loosen over time that I could come back. Would recommend this place. read more

After a visit to the optometrist my first visit and eye exam in 12 years, I was told I needed glasses (astigmatism, myopia) for driving. The main reason I went for the eye exam is because my vision had been getting more and more blurry, particularly noticeable while driving pre-dawn and after sunset. It's not fun hearing you need glasses (first timer, here) and just thinking about going anywhere to drop off my prescription and having to pick out frames had me unnerved. My housemate suggested Goleta Valley Optical, and then said, "They have a place right across from Trader Joe's on De La Vina." Super convenient location for me, so that was the first major plus. Easily found parking on the street (didn't know they have parking in back) and when I walked into the business, I was pleasantly surprised at how beautifully lit, clean and open the place was. Lucky me (another big plus), I was waited on by one of the owners. A family business, and local, as it turns out. Another nice thing to discover. "Jacob" was tremendously patient with me, answering all of my questions. We had a most engaging back and forth, talking about our hometown of Santa Barbara. What a lovely person he is. No wonder business is thriving. (They also have a location at Turnpike and Hollister, I found out.) Jacob helped me find just the right frames, too. Everything he said and did made me feel much less stressed about my eyes and having to get glasses. I came here to write this review because I think more people should know about GV Optical and how well one is treated. It seems a rare thing, of late, to find such terrific and friendly service. Thank you, Jacob. I much appreciate your professionalism and awesome help. read more

Inconvenient location. Understaffed. Closed Friday afternoon, Saturday & Sunday. Was told there wasn't enough business to keep open. Sad. Took too long; almost 2 weeks. Promised on Thursday; not ready until Friday but unable to pick up in the afternoon. Offered a crummy case at first. When pushed, was given a better case. read more

The Doctor and associates were absolutely helpful, professional, pleasure to work with . Took care of my eyes. Thx staff

mixed rating: the exam with Dr. Andersen was great. the ordering of the glasses was awful. the sales person was quite friendly to the previous customer but with me, perhaps because I was only interested in the "free" glasses my insurance plan covered, she was argumentativ, combative, and generally not helpful. My plan covered SIMPLE progressive lenses but she told me their office didn't do simple progressive lenses. So I ordered single focus lenses...okay? yep that was ok.. but then she tells me that they don't do the lenses for the glasses I ordered they send them out to the insurer and it will take a couple of weeks!! so if they send them to the insurer and the insurer does provide simple progressive lenses WHY couldn't I order them??? you get the point: combative and unhelpful the exam was great ...so would I go there again? NO read more

Needed a quick fix for a pair of sunglasses and dropped by on a recommendation. Very impressed with the place- very open, modern, clean store. Very friendly, quick and helpful service... and the price was better than I expected. read more

Great experience! Friendly and knowledgeable staff. They have a great selection. I picked up a regular pair and a pair of and sunglasses, and they work well. They helped to adjust my glasses so they fit perfectly. The turnaround time was fast. read more

I never leave reviews, but these people must be avoided to save yourself future stress. I have been a customer for a few years, along with my son, and I wanted to order more contact lenses at Walgreens (they were on sale). Despite having another month before the expiration date on my prescription, they denied it. They never notified me of their "decision" or even called me for a new appointment (although, lol, I just got a text and call now - reminding me of this:). When I called their office, the manager, "Lulu," said I was just being "cheap" (no concern for my health) and "that it was too bad for me" as I was just avoiding their fee. If I had a chance, I would have happily responded that I am helping with my recently born grandchild and work six days a week, so I wouldn't have time to go for a few months. Since there is a month on the prescription, and my prescription has stayed the same for years, they should have approved the purchase. But she hung up on me before I could talk, telling me I should report them to the Cali board. Crappy way to treat customers! And Lulu needs to find a little kindness in her when talking to customers. This is unacceptable, so save time and find another place. Any recommendations? read more

If you're lucky, you'll find parking on the street right in front of the store! There is also parking in the back of building. Well run by 2 very attentive staff that really know their business. They'll even offer you some great alternatives to what you thought you originally wanted...so there's quite a choice to choose from, and decisions to be made. I'm extremely happy with the glasses I received. I even had some magnetic sunglass overlays made for my new prescription glasses! I didn't know they could do that?! The overlays are awesome! This is a top notch business! read more