I'm an aging guy, on a limited budget, who went from decades of scraping by with non-prescription…read morereaders to finally accepting that I needed four pairs of specialized prescription glasses--for reading, for sitting in front of computers for hours on end, and for distance both indoors and outdoors (sunglasses). After resisting wearing glasses for so long, and, let's face it, being a little vain, I wasn't a good candidate for progressives despite the practical and economic considerations. Trying to wrap my head around an expanding universe of frames and lenses in every shape and price range after being so resistant for so long was overwhelming. I'd gone to all the usual suspect shops in Old Town Pasadena, where parking is always a challenge, as is finding a knowledgeable and caring employee working on an hourly wage, without coming close to making a purchase. One day I was driving down Colorado Boulevard, stopped at a light, when I spied Brighter Optical and its spacious, free parking lot. I'd never heard of the shop, but thought why not, I might as well give it a shot. I was warmly greeted by owner Raymond Yu himself. I immediately felt comfortable in his small but well-stocked shop. Then I was immersed in a lengthy consultation with someone who had unlimited patience for my long list of questions, who spoke in soothing tones that put me even more at ease. It was so much better talking to an owner with a lifetime of experience and the ability to negotiate multiple purchases than an hourly employee with no real stake in the outcome. Not only did Raymond know everything there was to know about frames and lenses, he knew how to break it all down into easily digestible concepts that I could grasp even though English is just one of the languages he speaks fluently. Better yet, he filtered all that knowledge into personalized recommendations which rang so true I had no qualms about pulling the trigger on the sale. When the dust settled, Brighter Optical had a customer for life, while I came away with four pairs of flattering glasses for every purpose that exceeded the most fervent hope I had for my budget--and a new friend.

Excellent service and a wonderful selection of frames. The team was knowledgeable, attentive, and…read moremade sure I found glasses that suited me perfectly. A truly pleasant experience from start to finish.

Eric To, OD., FSLS is the best optometrist I've been to in a very long time. I recently switched…read morefrom Stein Optometry in Burbank to Lumen because Dr. To truly cares about his patients. The entire staff is amazing--super professional, the environment is very clean, and they have a beautiful, stylish selection of glasses. Dr. To recommended computer glasses for me, which had never been suggested during the years I went to Stein. I always felt my regular glasses were too strong when working close to my computer, since I sit pretty close to the screen and my nearsighted prescription made things uncomfortable at that distance. The computer glasses have made an incredible difference. I also switched to scleral contact lenses, and they've been a total game changer. My disposable contacts just don't compare--I used to experience some blurriness with them. Dr. To explained why that happens, and the staff walked me through how to properly care for the new lenses, including how to insert and remove them. I can't imagine going back to my old contacts now. The scleral lenses are extremely comfortable, stay in place, and are custom fit to my eyes. I highly recommend Dr. To.

1-Star Review: Absolute Nightmare - Avoid This Place Like the Plague…read moreI went in for a routine vision check and contact lens fitting, and left questioning everything about this practice. The "contract" or service agreement they pushed was a mess of vague language. Nowhere did it clearly state product viability, warranty terms, return policies, or what happens if the lenses or solution don't work for my prescription. When I asked for specifics on longevity, compatibility, and what coverage applied if something failed, the staff just shrugged and said "it's standard." Zero transparency. I signed under pressure without any real understanding of what I was actually getting. Communication was equally terrible. I left multiple messages and emails about follow-up care for my vision--questions about lens comfort, adjustment period, and when I should come back for a recheck--and got almost no response. The few times someone did reply, it was curt, incomplete, or completely ignored the details of my request. No one followed up on the care plan they vaguely mentioned during the appointment. I had to chase them repeatedly, which is the opposite of what you want when dealing with something as important as your eyesight. The employees' skill level and hygiene practices were the worst part. During the contact lens trial, I watched staff handle lenses with minimal care for cleanliness. Tools and cases didn't look properly sanitized between patients, and the way they "shared" or reused demonstration lenses and solution bottles across multiple people was outright unhygienic. One technician casually moved from one patient's eyes to the next without changing gloves or thoroughly cleaning the equipment. It felt reckless and unsafe. If this is how they handle something that goes directly on people's eyes, I have zero confidence in their competence or basic infection-control standards. Save yourself the frustration, the unclear paperwork, the ignored messages, and the serious hygiene risks. Go somewhere that actually communicates, follows up, and treats patient safety as non-negotiable. This experience was a complete failure on every level.

Adorable little shop, very quaint and well maintained and designed. Almost like a little library…read moreof glasses. I was in desperate need of getting my sun glasses adjusted because they wouldn't stay on my face for the life of me. They were able to assist me timely and very professionally. Both workers were very kind. I brought in my own pair and they adjusted them for a fair price. Worth every penny! They obviously know what they are doing here. Once I'm in need of some new glasses this will be my first stop!

I had a pair of sunglasses that got badly scratched after accidentally dropping them frontside. I…read morereally liked these aviator sunglasses I got about ten years ago and didn't want to pay full price for a complete replacement and Specstacular Fine Eyewear did a great job on the repair! Overall it was around $50 if I remember correctly. When I walked in and asked for help the service was friendly from the start. They can call and/or text you to notify you when the repair is done and mine was done in about a little over a week (they had to order the new lenses first). Overall I was pleased with the fast repair time. When I got them back they were good as new! Thank you to the staff at Specstacular Fine Eyewear!

I was able to get a convenient appointment time and was seen promptly…read more The staff and Dr. Grace Wong, were all professional and thorough. They were excellent communicators. I was given recommendations for OTC medication for eye care, which was helpful. Changes in my prescription were explained well and I was given options. As a result felt like I was an active participant in my eye health. I would recommend them to friends and family without reservations.

My entire experience here was absolutely amazing! The staff were excellent and so nice. Doctor took…read morecare of my eyes and I'm so happy with my eyeglasses!

The entire staff was welcoming and so helpful. The eye exam was incredibly thorough and the doc…read moretook the time to answer all my questions and concerns. Then, when it came to picking out a frame, when of their staff members spent about 30 minutes helping me, making suggestions and walking me through all the options for lenses based on the prescription I received. Top notch service and wonderful staff.

I've been seeing Dr, Justin Hu for nearly 8 years, and every visit has been fantastic. His care is…read moretop-notch and his staff are professional, and a pleasure to work with. I actually drive all the way from San Fernando Valley to Pasadena just for him, it's totally worth it every time. Thank you Dr, Hu and staff.

Over ten years I've become accustomed to the terrific representatives of Linden, and today did not…read moredisappoint Eliza is amazing. She made sure my glasses were properly aligned, took the time to ensure a proper fit and was friendly and professional Fantastic!!!!

It's too bad Yelp doesn't allow for zero stars. This review is not about Linden as a whole, but…read moreabout the bedside manner a particular doctor in their practice lacks. I recommend Linden to others. I don't believe in gatekeeping. The eye exam process is usually easy, plus they have incredible selection of glasses. This one measly star is to help others make an educated choice about what kind of provider they choose to see. I was assigned Dr. Chan. I went to her knowing that my vision had degraded since my last visit two years ago. At the beginning of the visit, I let her know I was having a harder time seeing and that I have a serious medical issue that impacts my vision with some regularity. She did a traditional exam and confirmed that I needed a stronger prescription. She suggested I move to progressive lenses. Fair enough. She asked zero follow-up questions, so when she asked if I had questions, I took that as my opportunity to address how my medical condition could be exacerbated by the process of adjusting to transitional lenses. I could tell she didn't have a firm answer, but instead of just saying that, she was incredibly dismissive. She said she had other patients who had seizures and chronic migraines (symptoms of the larger condition), and instead of asking questions, took the route of showing me laminated literature. I started to feel like I was being read a script instead of seeing a doctor. The tipping point was when she showed me what it would look like to look through a pair of progressive lenses and then said, "See, you didn't have a seizure." I was so taken aback by the comment, I responded: "You know it doesn't work that way, right?" Doctors at their core are diagnosticians. If you aren't transparent, they are not able to do their job. But, no matter how much work you put in occasionally you run into doctors like Dr. Chan who are more interested in getting you out the door than making sure the patient has proper care. Having a ghost illness makes life a little less manageable day to day, and folks like Dr Chan make life a little more painful. In the end, I thanked her for her time and chose not to stay. I'll take my business elsewhere, and when someone asks where I got my glasses (which happens a lot), I will tell them the truth. It is not my job to ruin Linden, but it is Dr. Chan's job to treat patients with respect.

I'm looking for a new pair of frames and wanted to try another place outside of my optometry…read moreoffice. Such a great experience! There's plenty of free street parking around the area, especially the side streets. This little shop has a wide variety of frames to choose from - I came out with 4 options in mind and need to come back to make a final decision (although I'm tempted to get all 4 haha). I was helped by Amy who is so knowledgeable about eye wear and helped me pick frames that fit my face and that can hold my strong prescription. She's very patient and not pushy at all. They do not accept insurance but their prices are not too bad at all so definitely come check this place out and see what you can find!

This is the BEST place to get your frames and prescription glasses…read more I've been a customer since they first opened up shop! They've been my go to for sunglasses! Today they changed my scratched up lenses in my Oliver People's sunglasses. I bought them here at least a decade ago! Here's the thing, when you buy quality it lasts, and personally I tend not to loose them. If you are a spectaphile, or eyewear enthusiast, get on the mailing list, they regularly have trunk show with amazing brands that you won't find elsewhere.

Staff, offices and medical care are wonderful. I always feel I'm getting the best care and advice…read more The parking cost and procedure get worse every year. That my only complaint. N

I had an outstanding experience with Dr Christopher Long and his entire team at Pasadena Eye…read moreMedical Group. I came to see Dr Long for Cataract Laser Eye Surgery ( Evaluation and Surgical Procedure ) . Dr Long walked me through every step of the procedure answering all my questions with patience, kindness and expertise. The Laser Surgery went smoothly and the follow-up care was top - notch. Dr Long is truly an exceptional Ophthalmologist! I cannot put into words how immeasurably grateful I am to him for restoring my vision in the afflicted eye... A Thousand Stars ( If I Could ) To Dr Long and his team!! Thank You So, So Much, Dr Long And Pasadena Eye Medical Group!! You Are My Heroes..