I love going to Kessler Optical. First and foremost, I like to support local businesses. Dr. Kessler and his wife run the place with wonderful staff members, from reception--to the medical assistant before your exam--to fittings, and it's as friendly of an atmosphere as you can have when you're dealing with a medical appointment and subsequent fittings for eyewear. They have a beautiful selection of eyewear from different designers. The staff will spend as much time as it takes to get the right fit and the right look and tell you how to properly care for your glasses. You can walk in to get your frames adjusted or get your glasses cleaner refilled for free anytime. They really care about their patients and it shows in all of their interactions. The eye exam is comprehensive and Dr. Kessler is knowledgeable and kind. He takes his time and your exam is not rushed. I will continue to give them my business. read more

Poor communication. Unnecessarily difficult. Unprofessional. Complete waste of time. A page on their website (i.e. "Location, Hours and Contact") has a link to a site for ostensibly scheduling an appointment (i.e "Contact us now to schedule your appointment"). So, I did. Except, contrary to appearances, that doesn't actually schedule an appointment. Somebody from the office called a few days later to say they didn't actually have an available appointment. If the "Schedule and Appointment" site is not actually for that purpose, then be explicit about that. I got an exam elsewhere and then gave Kessler Optical a second chance because they supposedly carry a line of frames in which I was interested. I walked into the business during their stated hours of operation, only to be told they don't accept walk-ins. If that's their policy, then they should state that on their website. I should add that the woman at the front desk was unapologetic about any of this and unnecessarily difficult. If a business repeatedly fails to communicate clearly and inconveniences a customer as a result, then the business should acknowledge that and, ideally, try to make amends. Kessler Optical did none of that. I had limited time and needed to place an order for new glasses quickly before traveling for the holidays. Kessler Optical was a waste of precious time. read more

My review mainly echoes what others have mentioned. This was my first time seeing an optician and I did not know what to expect, perhaps I veered on being too naive and accepting of what I was told. Dr Kessler and Martina were great (the actual optical exam was fine). I was happy to buy glasses there as I didn't want to go to a variety of places to try stuff on. I'm truly the kind of person that likes to try on every style and is very indecisive, but I didn't have the chance to. I felt pressured to make a decision after a few pairs, yes I liked the pair I tried on at that moment, but for such a hefty price tag I would have liked a bit more time and personal space to browse. My main complaint is the absolutely insane markup. I was happy to buy a pair of designer glasses and trusted that they were giving me a fair price (as I said it was my first time at an opticians and I didn't know what to expect). I was told I was getting a 40% student discount, but later when I looked up the price of the frames, after the discount I still paid more than their full retail value (like 100 bucks more). This puts their quoted retail price at over 200% the true retail price. Sorry but that just seems blatantly deceptive to me and is a horrible sales tactic that detracts from any luxury store aesthetic they are trying to cultivate. I really value honesty and will not be going back here. Kessler Optical: If you are reading my review I hope you take the time to reflect on your business practices. read more

I was looking for a new optical service that took my VSP insurance plan since Pearle VIsion closed in CU. After looking at the VSP website (My one complaint with them. The website is more complicated than you think and doesn't clearly note services covered.), I looked at several sites and reviewed products online and chose Kessler. It's started promisingly enough. The doctor was nice and thorough. The facility was very well decorated and clean, though the display of their glasses is odd. It looks more like a jewelry store, and you can't browse frames without assistance. After the exam was completed we discussed what I do (I teach, sometimes online), and the doctor recommended two pairs of glasses: 1 for everyday and 1 for "screen time." That seemed odd because I am not locked into a screen for 8 hours a day like some. I said okay, and he sent it the first optician consultant. This is where it starts getting weird: a middle aged woman comes in and first informed me that Kessler only accepts VSP insurance for the exam. First off, I informed them when I called for an appointment that I had VSP insurance. Why not inform me of that THEN? She then proceeded to tell me that they have a "super special" lens process that is EXCELLENT! The implication is the super-special lens wouldn't accept the insurance. But that was okay because I'd get 50% off. With the quote given, that would make on pair of glasses around $500 to $750 out of pocket. With the same insurance at Pearle, my last pair cost $87. I was then led out to the front desk. The young girl at the front desk began checking me out, which meant I paid $50 for some part of the exam (a "super-special" part, to be sure) that my insurance did not cover. I then stood there. After a beat, I asked to at least SEE some frames. The young lady then sat me at the counter and ANOTHER optician came out. HER pitch mentioned NO 50% off discount, AND she IGNORED ME when I mentioned the previous optician's statement. Let me just say, Optician #2 was RUDE from beginning to end. Anyway, she presents how special the frames are and how they are "pieces of art, really" and then hit me with the cost: one pair of glasses would be between $1200 to $2000 OUT OF POCKET! I explained how with insurance I paid $87 for my current glasses and doesn't that price seem INSANE???? She just babbled something about the "art" and "the special lens" (OH BTW, said special lens take 3-5 weeks to get!!!) and then got up and left. Yup, that is how it all ended. I sorta walked out of the now empty lobby and was like WTF? Luckily I was given my prescription. I went to another clinic who accepts my VSP insurance and even remarked how great it was and got a very nice pair of glasses for $127 out of pocket. Dr. Kessler is very nice. He needs to hire opticians who are equally helpful. read more

I went to Kessler to replace the driving glasses I lost, I had a recent prescription. The woman waiting on me began with a $2,000+ price. I am sure Dr. Kessler is a fine doctor but his staff is entitled, pretentious, elitist and condescending and belongs on Park Ave, Rodeo Drive or the Gold Coast. The woman waiting on me or judging me must need progressive lenses to look down her nose at people. I am a professional that chooses not to broadcast it. Left went to All about eyes and was given a $250. price with a smile. We had a good laugh about Kessler. Need overpriced glasses with a little abuse and shaming on the side, this is the place for you. Dr. Kessler read your reviews. read more

This place poverty shames its potential customers, and--to second other reviews on here--is very condescending and elitist. Rather than being able to browse the selection of eyewear, one has to sit down with an optician and then be forced to ask the prices and to admit that one cannot afford them. An extremely humiliating and unnecessary experience. read more

Their office manager needs better phone and interpersonal skills. I had planned to come in for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and a dry-eye medical issue for Dr. Kessler to address in a visit. Unfortunately, the office manager who called me back was so curt, rude, and intimidating on the phone that I will not be visiting this business. I heard excellent things about Dr. Kessler, but they need to rethink who they have as a first contact person representing this office. read more

There's a lot to like about Kessler Optical. Dr. Kessler himself is phenomenal, the office is comfortable, and they have mimosas on Saturdays! Still, there are some things about the way they do business that leave a bad taste in my mouth. First, as a new patient, you're going to be asked to fill out an EXTENSIVE medical history--everything from mental disorders present in your grandparents to what birth control you're on. They wanted a more thorough medical history than my general practitioner has. I opted to leave a lot of this blank--it's okay to tell your eye doctor they're asking for too much info. Second, buried in the pile of new patient paperwork is a sheet that informs you that their standard yearly eye exam involves three additional components, all of which your insurance won't cover and you'll need to pay for out of pocket--taking your blood pressure, a blood sugar test, and a more extensive eye exam. I realize that diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, but my GP does my bloodwork every year, and I'm not paying $40 to have it done again! The sheet is drawn up without an option that says "I decline all three of these services", so I had to write that in myself. Be warned--if you are the sort to fly through your new patient paperwork signing everything in sight, you'll be saddled with about $60 of extra services not covered by your insurance. Third, every time I have left a message on their machine (during business hours!), they haven't called me back on that business day. Fourth, they're training a new receptionist (god I hope she is new), and although she's incredibly sweet, both times I was checking out I had to wait 10-20 minutes just to get my receipt worked out. This meant my entire eye visit took nearly two hours, and popping in to pick up my contacts took half an hour. I was told there were several emergencies on the day I had my initial appointment, which is why it took so long, so perhaps this isn't usually the case. Fifth, my contacts came with a rebate, and despite reassuring me that they had given me everything necessary to send in the rebate, when I got home I realized they had not. I now have to go back out to Kessler a THIRD time in order to get the correct itemized receipt for my rebate. Dr. Kessler and the other medical staff are fantastic, so I'm considering giving this another shot, but to be frank, I don't care how suave or chic the wait room is. I want my optometrist visits to be prompt, painless, and I don't want them to try to squeeze me for extra money by pushing unnecessary services. read more

I never thought I would describe an Optometrist's office as "trendy" or "chic." But there are no other words for Dr. Kessler's office. It's like a chichi hair salon. The waiting room has techno music playing. The magazines are of the Elle and Elle Decor variety, instead of the usual Family Circles and US Weeklies littering the waiting area. There is a long bar where the glassitas (that's my new word amalgamating 'baristas' and 'chicks who help you pick out glasses') help you try on new glasses from an extensive selection. It was odd, but admittedly, very cool. BUT, none of that compares to the fact that Dr. Kessler is fairly frickin' awesome. He was obviously intelligent (he likes Madison, WI, so, there's apparently a light on upstairs...ha ha, I'm hilarious...but kidding. Really, he's smart). He was very concerned about getting just the right fit for contact lenses and did a bit of trial and error there instead of just handing me a pair and rushing me out the door. More than anything, though, he did not give me the usual patronizing explanations of where to look while shining a light in my eye--I've been doing that since I can remember, and I appreciated being treated as such. He also didn't push for me to have my eyes dilated that day. All hail Kessler! read more

I second all of the previous reviews, reflecting on exceptionally bad customer service from the office staff. My experiences with Dr. Kessler, on the other hand, were absolutely professional and positive. If they could offer that side of the service without the pushy and pretentious saleswomen at Kessler, I would reconsider giving them my business again. read more

So, I visited this place a few months ago just for a checkup. The appointment went fine. Everyone was very nice and professional. The problem actually came after the appointment. I asked the doctor for a copy of my prescription, because I wanted to buy some eye glasses online. This is most affordable for me. I asked him about my pupil distance, because you need that to get online eyewear. He told me it was 54, apparently very small. I took his word for it and ordered some glasses, however all the pairs I tried, I found them hard to see out of. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I am working with an online company that accepts my insurance, and they tell me that measurement cannot be right, and can I use this app to measure mine? I do it, and the number I get is 61.5. I got new glasses with that measurement and I can see fine. Either, someone in their office did a bad job measuring me, OR, he lied. Either way, I am suspicious. That seems like such an easy thing to not screw up. I do not think I will be coming back here as a result. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would! The only pleasant person here is the front desk gal. Started out three weeks ago, I brought my two children in for exams. The lady with white hair and old lady glasses is EXTREMELY condescending and rude. Talks down to you like you don't know anything. Then the eye doctor also spoke to me and my kids as if we were all stupid. Also very condescending. They are probably a couple, or at least are perfect for one another. Fast forward a week, I call them to see if their files from their previous doctor came in. They had. Fast forward another week, still no call on status. Another few days go by, I have my appointment. As I'm filling out paper work, I'm following around my 1.5 year old. He walks behind the counter, I'm actively going to get him. The white hair lady comes out and asks me to get him. I said I am, as in do you not see me grabbing his hands now. She continued to repeat herself telling me to get him, AS I AM GETTING HIM AND WALKING HIM OUT FROM BEHIND THE CASE. She then went and told the doctor I was mean to her and they kicked me out. I didn't want to be there after my kids' appointments, but I was already invested, had an appointment, and was waiting on my kids' prescriptions. Don't waste your time! Rude and condescending, unless you like being talked down to... read more

I have seen my fair share of eye doctors due to being blessed with horrible vision and moving frequently for work. I LOVE Kessler Optical. I had eye pain that was quite bad and Andrew got me in within 24 hours of my phone call. It was easy to submit all my new patient paperwork electronically so I was ready to go for my Saturday appointment. When I arrived to their trendy downtown location, I walked into jazz music and a bunch of classy individuals chatting and laughing as they tried on glasses at a posh bar-like counter. People were chatting it up with total strangers about which frames they should pick and the ladies helping everyone seemed so good at turning everyone they helped into their new best friend. I was offered chilled water upon my arrival and their collection of magazines included the New Yorker, which I love but do not subscribe to myself. Once in the exam room, music played while I waited and the screen saver of the computer taught me several new vocabulary words while I waited. Dr. Kessler was pretty much amazing and helped me solve my eye problem quickly so I could go on with my Saturday. I would recommend this eye place for sure! read more

Solid customer service. Yes, their glasses are expensive. But the staff are glad to help you if you want to buy your glasses elsewhere. They just specialize in high quality frames. My eye exams were great and they were very helpful in scheduling difficult appointments and responding by email. Not many places are as understanding or helpful like that. read more

I've worn glasses my whole life and been to many optometrists. Here's my assessment of Kessler Doctor is excellent Staff is friendly and helpful. Best selection of frames in the area, by far. A little pricey, but if you wear your glasses everyday I think its worth it to have something you like. read more

Most pretentious eye clinic I've ever been to. The two women behind the eye glasses counter were too engrossed with how good new frames looked on them (from a sales representative) to actually provide any customer help. Guess they are not really concerned about clients as long as they have their designer frames. I'm not sure that they realize this business is in Champaign, IL. I would expect something like this on the Gold Coast or maybe San Francisco. All frames are set aside in cases to ensure potential clients don't have direct access to their valuable frames. If you like pretentious, and maybe you do, then this is the place for you!!! Oh, and please don't bother them when they are meeting with their sales reps. They are much more important than actual sales. Update : my wife waited in for 45 minutes and the doctor never came. We went in with our newborn baby and we're treated horribly. Completely ridiculous. We ended up just leaving to never return. If you want to be treated poorly, this is the place to go. I would never recommend anyone in Champaign Urbana go here. Worst experience ever. read more

Kessler Optical is the best eye care in Champaign. Dr. Kessler and his staff are professional, prompt, thorough, and extremely knowledgable. The selection of eyewear is exceptional and the staff will do everything possible to make sure you get the best frame for your face as well as being sure the prescription is correct. The office is very well-lit (extremely important to someone who cannot see in a dark environment), clean, and the music selection for the waiting area is usually very nice. As someone who is legally blind, Dr. Kessler's care for over 25+ years has made it possible for me to keep what remaining vision I do have in the best condition possible. read more

While the tech and some of the staff were friendly, we were very disappointed in our experience here. They messed up the timing of our appointments causing a need to wait for an hour to be seen. The optician told us that she does not like children. It was not a pleasant experience to feel like we were unwanted intruders. We purchased comparable frames for less than half the cost at another local business. When leaving they will try to schedule you for your next visit; this is a ploy to keep you coming back--you wouldn't want to mess with your health, which they also ask for a full history regarding. Wait and decide if you truly want to visit again before committing. read more

Absurdly overpriced. Went in for prescription glasses. The frame I chose was priced at 855 when online retailer sell it for 300+ bucks. When I asked them, the sales lady tried to justify the price tag with warranty etc. but c'mon, more than twice the retail price? Also, the high index lens cost almost 500, adding up to a grand total of 1350. As an international student, I do not have eye insurance so the price seems really ridiculous. The eye exam cost 160 which I think is still much higher than average. I recently accompanied my friend to get a pair of designer glasses on Michigan avenue in Chicago, and the total cost is a mere 400, frame, lens and eye exam combined. My advice, look elsewhere if you do not have insurance to cover the full price. They don't stick price tags to the frames so keep in mind the ridiculously high pricing when shopping. Remember that you can get it a lot cheaper online, so just remember the model number of the pair you like. read more

At last - a place where you can find interesting eyewear in Champaign. If you're looking for eyeglasses that are beyond the ordinary this is your place. I bought prescription sunglasses, and I look forward to returning for regular glasses. Unlike another reviewer, I found the staff to be *extremely* friendly and helpful. I was there in the mid-afternoon, with few other customers around, and I got the royal treatment. I was offered a sparkling water and got to look through a giant case of LA Eyeworks frames that happened to be there at the time (they were deciding which frames to carry in the shop). The folks I met at Kessler Optical were really great. read more

Changed my prescription in one eye and it was clearly totally wrong. Went back multiple times saying things were blurry and was told I just needed to get used to them. Talked me into really expensive glasses that I did not need (I was trying to get rid of chronic headaches and the thought that these fancy glasses might fix it clouded my judgment). When I asked about contacts their staff insisted I needed to take a class first and that It would take about a month to get me into the class. When I asked if the class was necessary they wouldn't give me a clear answer or explain what it was. read more

This place was very suave and modern, and it did uphold a very professional feel, however the supporting staff was unforgivable. The receptionist was so rude both on the phone and in person. I did not appreciate the aggressive attitude she delivered to a patient, let alone a customer paying for a service. Dr. Kessler however was very professional and knowledgable in his craft. He offered great advice and service and I have nothing bad to say about him, which is why it is with such regret that I must give this place such a low rating. Though Dr. Kessler was very good at what he did, he was NOT very approachable past my initial appointment. Everything else went through his nurses and receptionists, I didn't even get to ask him a simple question. The nurse performing initial tests was very nice. Unfortunatly all the logistical information was done by a VERY rude receptionist and I had never experienced such attitude at a doctors office. They were not timely with my orders and overall the appointment for a simple exam was DOUBLE the cost of any other office I've been to, including well established doctors in Chicago. The place bosts it's suave modern feel and "high end" service, but the actual service was average to below average. You can find other doctors at half the cost, especially if your insurance only covers a certain proportion of your vision care. I do not recommend this establishment if you are looking for basic examinations and diagnosis - there are other doctors just as good. I do not believe you need a place decorated with John Lennon posters and Apple computers to treat you for eye diseases and with vision prescriptions. read more

A suave eye place. Would you believe it if you saw it? I walked inside and thought, "Am I in New York? Am I on Michigan Avenue? How did I get to Paris?" Champaign optometry now comes in a new flavor: Urban-Chic. For me that flavor is a bright forest green -- my new colored contacts, customized at my appointment and ready to pick up the same week. read more

Great customer service. Dr. Kessler is very understanding and professional. Wonderful place. read more

If you are in Central Illinois, this is the place you want to be for the best in eye care and the awesome selection of eye wear! Staff was kind and professional; from getting me in quickly to the Optical Assistant explaining the purpose for each test she did. The eye exam is comprehensive and Dr. Kessler is knowledgeable and kind. He takes his time and your exam is not rushed. They really care about their patients, and it shows from the time you walk in the door, to the time you leave! read more

Dr. Kessler is incredibly intelligent and personable. He diagnosed a visual condition I've probably had for years that my previous doctors had missed. Due to this discovery, I can see better and am no longer suffering from headaches and crossed vision. I will be disappointed to have to find another optometrist when I graduate. All the being said, the glasses here are very expensive. I usually take my script and buy them somewhere more affordable. The glasses are beautiful and the staff is great... if you can afford it! read more

Excellent as always. Dr. Kessler is really thorough, and always takes the time to answer any questions I have. I have been going to him since 1997, love the experience even more now that he has opened his own place. I love working with the staff to find frames, everyone is so helpful and honest, and it just makes for a really fun experience. read more

I was heart broken....after searching for an optometrist that wasn't part of a chain, I thought I had finally found the right place. The exam with Dr. Kessler was great. We talked, all was good. Then another person came in to talk about costs and the state of the art digital lens and something about algorithms. She quoted me a price of over $1000 for a pair of glasses! And this was after insurance paid its portion. Needless to say, I'll be going elsewhere for my hardware. read more

I needed a new eye doctor since I was staying permanently in Champaign after school. Everyone at Kessler is so nice and helpful, and Kessler himself is a great optometrist. He explained everything I had questions about and helped me choose what was best for my eyes. I did not purchase glasses or contacts here, because it's always cheaper online. However, I will continue to come back here for my annual appointments. Also, the office is super trendy, which I LOVE! read more

Everyone from Dr. Kessler to the receptionist were professional, friendly, and courteous! They have a great selection of glasses and they are skilled at picking out the perfect ones for your style and facial features. My wife has an odd prescription that has been mis-diagnosed for years. Dr. Kessler got it right and now her headaches caused from eye strain have gone away! read more

This place is wonderful. I was visiting from out of town for the weekend and lost my only pair of contacts. Kessler helped me get a new pair of contacts on very short notice, were extremely nice and made me wish I lived in Champaign so that Dr. Kessler could be my regular optician. Highly recommended. read more

I don't often go to the doctor, ANY doctor. When I say I don't go often, I mean...I don't go. Though, not being able to see the hand in front of my face has put it on the top of my bucket list. Kessler Optical, however, offered me a very different experience. It may as well be a jazz lounge. The staff makes sure you are comfortable & well hydrated. The music selection puts you in a mingling kind of mood, provoking conversation among the other lounge guests about the 'optic topic'. While being fitted for snazzy frames that compliment my magnetic personality, the staff maintained a level of professionalism coupled with a keen sense of fashion. I also noted the respect and teamwork that was going on between them; getting second opinions from each other, confirming each others' measurements, etc. After all, four eyes ARE better than two. The vibe is a perfect balance of relaxed and professional. It wouldn't be a stretch for me to say I was actually having fun while there. Hearing that it was time for me to go backstage reminded me that this ain't no jazz lounge. It was time to get my eyes examined. Surprisingly (or not so, given the front of the house treatment), the exam went smooooth like that jazz. Hip, cutting edge equipment and Dr. Kesslers' translation of what was going on with my vision into terms even I could understand made that bitter little multi-focal pill so much easier to swallow. There again, displaying the balance of relaxed and professional. That perfect balance is what changes the experience from being a dreaded appointment, to a visit one can look forward to. All joking aside, my glasses - the lens prescription and the frames are absolutely perfect. AND...it didn't eat up my whole all day. This review is saying something... it's coming from someone that does not go to doctors until it is dire, as well as someone who does not give reviews! If you have to have your eyes examined (or get new frames, contacts, etc.), and you want to be treated like you want to be treated, Kessler Optical is where its at. It really is as good as it gets. I'm just sayin'. read more

I made couple of trips to Kessler Optical and I was extremely disappointed by their service. To be fair, they have great collections and their staffs are quite knowledge. However, their overall attitude was VERY rude and arrogant -- to the extent that I decided to just leave the store although I had couple of glasses that I really liked. They carry expensive products so maybe their staffs feel entitled to be condescending to their customers. I did not get my vision checked so I have not met Dr. Kessler. Overall, not a fun experience and I felt bad the whole afternoon. read more

I think his office staff is HORRIBLE on not one, not two but 3 times have I tried to contact them to reorder contacts, make an appointment, get a prescription and NEVER get response same day. I am lucky if I get a response same week. I left a message 2 weeks ago to order contacts and to date have not heard back. read more