I've been a Modern Eye customer for almost 20 years now. First, they routinely offer the best, most comprehensive eye exams I've had in +40 years of wearing glasses. All of the docs are top-notch: incredibly knowledgeable & helpful. Second: their frame selection is fantastic. I get compliments almost *every day*, no matter which of my many pairs of glasses I happen to be wearing. I've lost track of how many friends & colleagues I've referred to ME over the years, and they've all been delighted too. Modern Eye are also great people. They've contributed to fundraising events and community organizations. I've seen staff help a crying student who needed a temple piece fixed, and a visiting faculty member right off a plane whose frames needed an adjustment, and someone who had lost a contact lens & couldn't see out of one eye. It's apparent how much Modern Eye truly **cares** about our community, and that keeps me coming back as much as all the cool frames and adaptive lenses they've helped me with over the years. read more

I had a really good experience here! The moment I walked in, the staff greeted me warmly and asked me what I needed. I broke my glasses and needed it fixed asap for class, and they went through all my options for lenses and helped me find the most economical option that suited my needs. They helped me with such sincerity and even expedited my order and I received it after just 4 days, when they originally said it usually takes 10 days. I would highly recommend Modern Eye for their kind and warm service and helpfulness, and efficiency in helping me with my glasses! read more

I made an appointment with the optometrist and was seen quickly. The staff was a little confused about my appointment but all went well. While they don't take my insurance the cost of the appointment was minimal. I've gotten glasses here for over 15 years and they still have a great selection. I highly recommend their specs. read more

I have been going to Modern eye since 2000 as a grad student. I trust Dr. A to get my old lady eyes to see, and Kate to not bullshit me on what frames I should get. Even bring my spawn. read more

Great selection of frames. Very responsive and ultra friendly staff. Been a customer for 15 years.

This was my second time at Modern Eye. I first experienced this quirky spot when I was a teenager. Fast forward more than 20 years later, I'm back. I have insurance (and it ain't cheap) and I rather use it well. I wasn't interested in the "Philadelphia Eyeglass.." spots. I wanted superb service, a boutique vibe that surprisingly doesn't pressure, but makes you feel important no matter what your budget is. I had an appointment at the end of the month, but I really needed to be seen before that date. I called a few days before to ask to be placed on a cancellation list and received a text on the day of a huge snowstorm. Of course I grabbed the appointment and got there within 30 minutes! I went through 3 different eye machines (vision tests, I presume), and opted for their retina imaging scan (in advance) instead of getting my pupils dilated. I saw Dr. Bryan, who was extremely personable, knowledgeable, and upfront about what I DID need and what I DID NOT need. I met with a friendly technician who explained my insurance benefits and guided me to cost effective specs, to give me more bang for my money. I was allowed to take my time and try on as many pairs as I wanted with an option for my mask off if needed in another part of office. After choosing cool purple studded cat eye frames ( within in my allowance and budget) I was completely satisfied. I had been online for weeks looking for frames and basically everything I saw was here! I asked for a copy of my prescription so I could order a few fun frames I saw online from other retailers and they honored the request with no fuss or sales pressure. Modern Eye has been around for yeeeeeears and still surviving... it's not hard to see why. Good to know: -make an appointment for eye exams ( no walk ins) -make an appointment to shop for glasses Expect detail and great service-not a long wait! read more

Modern Eye - UPDATE: picked up my glasses..Cat eye frames-even with my insurance coverage, I was able to get stylish frames! - Optometrists Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Modern Eye provides great service. I bought a pair of glasses at the Center City location, but the staff at this University City location have always been helpful with any issues I had. read more

Your glasses will end up costing a small fortune here, but you'll likely get something your run-of-the-mill optometry shop will not have. What these folks at Modern Eye are selling are not just glasses or frames, but rather an "image"... your image in glasses. It's a clever marketing strategy that I don't think a lot of optometry shops understand. There are plenty of salespeople on hand who will greet you as soon as you enter the store. Each of them will try their best to find frames that suit your face. It can be quite fun trying on colorful, oddly-shaped frames that you might initially think look totally wacky, but end up working for you for some reason. It almost behooves you to get something unique and iconic at a place like this. Many of my hipster colleagues have done so and now it's my turn to funkify my image after finally giving in to the sad fact that my LASIK treatment over 10 years ago is finally looking a tad blurry from my old age. The shop is organized like most optometry shops with the majority of space devoted to walls of frames and a small area where the eye exam equipment and doctor's office are located. The eye exam itself probably won't last more than 20 minutes. The selection of your new image will take... ummm, well, I have seen many picky people around me nitpick all sorts of things, but you'd probably do the same if you were dropping almost $1,000 for your new image. I went through half a dozen frames before concluding that I wanted a rimless pair of glasses. Although the sample pairs looked good, my saleslady noted that the lenses could be customized and cut larger to frame my face better. I put in my order and got them a week later; they look great. I had some extra money to buy a pair of sunglasses, so I picked up a pair of Oliver Goldsmiths. Coooooool.... read more

The screw of my glasses fell out and I've decided to drop by this glasses store to see if they were able to fix it. I enter to this store and the employees who were working there were so friendly and as soon as I've entered they're started to engage in a conversation and not having to wait. They've fixed my glasses in a few minutes and my glasses were like good as new! read more

Bought my first pair of glasses here in 2009; brought my wife back to get her first pair in ten years. They were short handed, yet incredibly attentive and helpful. Their frame selection is easily the best I've ever seen. Laura, who helped us, suggested lots of great frames and provided useful feedback, helping us to make a good decision. She is clearly very passionate about what she does. She noticed I was yawning, and offered me some coffee. Like everything else about this place, the coffee was excellent! Modern Eye gets my highest recommendation! read more

Modern Eye - My new glasses! - Optometrists Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dr. Chris and the staff here are just the best. I started coming here in the 1990s when I was a student at Penn, and continue to make the trip into University City from New Jersey just to keep seeing him after all of these years. I have very poor vision and in the past have always had trouble getting glasses that were right for me. Dr. Chris not only takes enough time and care in his exams to get my prescription just right but has helped steer me towards the right shape frames to minimize distortion and have the best experience I can with my glasses, and I've always been pleased with the results. Recently I got my very first pair of progressive glasses here and I was nervous about being able to adjust to them, but they are just perfect and felt comfortable within a few hours. Can't recommend this place highly enough. read more

I only want to go to Dr Chris from now on and have for the last 4-5 years. Also I adore their customer service folks. They have gone the extra mile for me to make sure I'm happy - especially Kate. They just have the client in mind always. I'm never going to go the online route again for something so important as my vision. Thanks for all of your kindness folks (Even during the pandemic)! read more

I've have had my eyes examined at Modern Eye for over 10 years, great staff and Customer service. I have a pair of frame sand would Like to Know, can i bring them to have current lenses replaced with my prescription already on file. How much would it be. I also have, VBA insurance coverage, if so, would VBA use capitated bill for this service? Ceerfully, Edmondson 215 read more

This is the place I usually get my prescription glasses (regular and sunglasses). As noted, the staff is fantastic and they really know their product. This place can get busy, and so best to try to come at odd times (no lunch or after work) if you don't want to wait to get help selecting frames. I used to get my eyes checked at a UPenn Hospital eye clinic, but the wait list at UPenn was often long, and it seems like if you get your eye exam at Modern Eye they also give you an extra discount on frames/lenses, and so it more or less evens out $wise, and so now I also have my eye exam here. read more

Words cannot express how wonderful the customer service team is here, specifically Bill the Lab Manager. My dog scratched my eye this morning and I wasn't sure if my ever-so slightly-blurred vision was a true medical emergency or not. After multiple phone calls to Urgent Cares and Vision Specialists to simply see if my eye was scratched (all of which had zero ability and/or were not answering phones), I thankfully got ahold of one of the kindest, most informative human beings I've ever encountered - Bill. All I was expecting from this phone call was a simple "yes" or "no" we have time to look at your eye with a light to confirm or deny that it is scratched. Instead, Bill offered information and advice, making me feel SO MUCH BETTER about my situation. He also recommended local practices to go to should my conditions worsen. The five minutes he took out of his day to reassure me and answer my questions made me a customer for life. If I ever have any optical needs, I trust their team to service me. I will be referring anyone and everyone to this place. THANK YOU BILL!!!!!!! Give this man a raise. :) EDIT: Bill made it clear he was not a medical professional, but as an eye professional, he's seen plenty of situations like mine and understood what was going on. I am not referring anyone to seek medical attention from Modern Eye; simply expressing that their team is helpful, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. read more

Brooke from Modern Eye was so helpful & assisted me with something last minute. So grateful for her help, above and beyond kind of care!

My constant attachment to a laptop, phone screen, and countless books finally took a toll on my eyes - my prescription changed so much I had to close one eye to not get dizzy. After a month of inadvertently winking at strangers - I scheduled an appointment at Modern Eye. The optometrists and staff were great with appointment scheduling and pickup timelines. The eye exams are performed upstairs in cozy rooms - appropriately dimmed for folks who opt for dilation drops (and I had a blast with the exam gadgets - one of them felt like a Death Star thermal exhaust port trench run)! They have a delightful selection of frames on the main floor - ranging from serious to quirky - in many shapes, colors, and price points. While I adored many, all the cute frames were a shade narrow. I likely tried every frame available, and the staff was very patient and helpful as I agonized over functional (professional) vs funky (personality) frames. While I enjoyed the ambiance, staff, and experience - a prescription transcription error delayed full visual functionality for about 2 weeks. While this was quickly corrected professionally and efficiently at Modern Eye - my lament is that while I LIKE my frames, I'm not IN LOVE with my frames ... and contemplated going to another store for a selection that better fit my facial structure. If I had done that, I might have had one hell of a time getting the lenses reground due to the wrong prescription. read more

Besides the terrific selection of frames, the staff are HONEST and they tell me what looks good and what doesn't. Super staff, super owner, super glasses. Dependable, professional and so easy to visit. read more

Initial exam went well and didn't leave feeling any particular way. Two weeks later I go in to pick up my glasses and I can't see out of them. The prescription that I received was completely different from the original one I had walked in with and the doctor gaslighted me and suggested that I was being "too nice" and telling him I could see when I really couldn't during the first exam (why would I do that? I'm paying for this exam/glasses and my vision is a pretty crucial part of my every day life). Aside from the doctor the woman who helped me out front (didn't catch her name) was very helpful and apologized. Ended up leaving the second time with a new prescription that closely resembles my current one but was made to feel that I had done something wrong on my part when it is probable that they gave me someone else's prescription. Still have to pick up my new glasses, so hopefully that process goes more smoothly. read more

I stand outside this store and admire the sheer creepiness of their window displays--the rotating scenes of voluptuous women admiring the man with the eyeball for a head, or posed barbie bodies (heads also replaced with giant, plastic eyeballs), or the nativity scene with the eyeball as the Christ child. They're really quite glorious. I first entered to try and convince the store owners to give me one of the eyeball shirts on the mannequins in the window. No luck there (not that I won't try again), but they fixed my bent glasses for free. That was nice. I bought my next pair of glasses at Modern Eye because they have such a great selection of brightly colored, but unobtrusive metal frames... a rare find when the current fashion leans toward thick, plastic-framed hipster-wear or old-man, accountant chic (comb-over not included). A bit expensive, true, but you can find frames that aren't exorbitantly so. *If you want a huge selection of frames, from Harry Potter to hipster to please-take-me-seriously academic to old-school uncool, GO HERE. *The staff is wonderful. If you're not sure what will look best on your face and want someone to throw the best options at you, GO HERE. *If you have a habit of bending your glasses beyond recognition and needing them bent back into place, GO HERE. *The staff (is wonderful and) will work with you and your insurance. If you want someone who's willing to go the extra mile to make sure you get your glasses covered, GO HERE. *And if you really like creepy eyeball displays, GO HERE... but please bring me that eyeball t-shirt I so covet. read more

The optometrists are friendly and down to earth. The prices, however, are exorbitant, to say the least. Paired with condescending staff, Modern Eye is not worth it. I was scoffed at when I asked if there were any closer appointments, rather than a month out. Customer service made me feel like crap for wanting to give them my business. Seeking another optometrist! read more

I LOVE Modern Eye. I went in looking for some new frames and wasn't quite sure what I wanted. The staff was amazing-- they didn't mind pulling probably upwards of 30 frames for me to try. Though the frames were kind of pricey, they never pushed to get the most expensive ones, and even helped me save money by telling me about a coupon for half off lenses on their website. When I went back in to pick up my frames about a week later, the guy remembered my name. About a week after that, I went to the Barbary and one of the guys who works at Modern Eye was working the door. I said "I know you!" He said "Modern Eye?" I said "Yeah!" and he let me in for $5 instead of $8. My boyfriend recently got an eye exam and frames there. Again, they pulled tons of frames (with the same guy that helped me), told him about the coupon, and when he went for his eye exam, the doctor knocked off another $100. His frames were originally $312, plus about $70 for the lenses and another $70 or so for an anti-glare treatment. He ended up paying under $300. If I could marry the place, I would. read more

Beware of the people at Modern Eye. I've been going there for eight years, and I am not sure how they do this -- whether it is through all those weird high-tech machines they say are for testing your eyesight, or the absurdly fun, friendly people who work there at least at the University City location) or maybe the mad genius Dr. Chris putting stuff in the eye drops--but I know that they have changed me. I used to hate wearing glasses. Now I can't wait for my eyes to get worse so that I can justify going in and getting new frames. I hardly ever wear my contact lenses any more, but they do a great job with contact prescriptions as well: I just like wearing glasses, something I never thought I'd find myself saying. It's entirely their fault. They have the best frames in the city, hands down. I always ask them to help me pick out frames, because it goes so much faster: they have great taste. They'll tell you if something looks wrong. In fact, part of my addiction to Modern Eye is because I have never had so many compliments in my life as I now get on my glasses. No matter where I travel, people are always saying, "I love your glasses, where did you get them?" I don' t know where that other reviewer went, but I can assure you that there are no tasteless people at the University City location ( will refrain from cannibalism joke). read more

Out of all optometrists I have ever visited, Dr Brian and entire staff were (and are) adept, thorough, helpful, quirky, creative, holistic-minded and last but not least, they are not condescending. I have had my share of inept and rude optometrists in the past (at other businesses), so this has been a very refreshing experience for me at Modern Eye. Their location is a real treat, it feels as though one is in a mini optometry museum, with all of the interesting, informative and thought-provoking art on the walls, as well as the educational books on the coffee table. Really en point! There was no hard sell to try to get me to buy frames and they were not annoyed that I need to be thrifty at this time by having them fill the frames I already own, with my new prescription. I must add that they really do carry a fantastic selection of frames, should you need any. This place is a true gem! read more

Never go out of business or I'll be wandering the streets blind. I've been a customer for years. All the staff and doctors know me by name, and I even get a little friendly harassment when I stop in. They even fill out my stupid insurance forms. I love these guys. Really, I actually have fun at the eye doctor and look forward to my visits! Doctor Chris gives the best exams I've ever had. If you have never had an exam by an actual doctor and have only went to mall cheapo eye places, you will be shocked on the thoroughness of his exam. He's even seen me without notice when I had an injury. He explains things to me and answers questions. They have the best frames around. I used to wear contacts most of the time, but over the years they have convinced me glasses are cool. With a little feedback, I sit back and let the staff choose for me most of the time. They even debate about the best pair. I only wish I could take them all clothes shopping so they can dress me too. It's not the cheapest place around, but I'm willing to spend more on cool frames that everyone sees on my face every single day. I'll never go anyplace else. read more

Bingo, bango. Modern Eye has never let me down. Five years later and my specs still garner oodles of compliments. Next time I need glasses, I am taking a vacation to Philly for a fitting. (Did you know that Modern Eye ships? I do, because I've had glasses mailed to me! This is what happens when you move away right after you find your dream glasses.) read more

A hipster optometrist- what next?? Major props to this little oasis of eye care. Helpful, professional and thorough. Got myself some super hipster glasses, was fitted for contacts and walked out partly blind (thanks to being dilated on the sunniest Winter day I've encountered), but thoroughly pleased. I can't recommend this optometry store enough...Oh they have a great collection of sunglasses as well, if you're fortunate enough to not need contacts or glasses... read more

I totally agree with the previous posters. I've stopped here several times to get help fixing some frames. The optometrist here has always been helpful, generous with his time, and even when he's needed screws and such, never charged me. I always vowed to bring my business here. If you're a Lenscrafters/Wal Mart some of person, the price tags will scare you away. But if you want to rest assured that you've got quality, style, and a place that won't forget about you after the register closes, Modern Eye is 20/20 like Barbara Wawa. read more

I have been a customer of Modern Eye for the last 4 years and I have never been disappointed with the level of service I have received. I love the aesthetic of the storefront and the staff is very professional, yet fun and, dare I say, charming! They take a lot of time and care to make sure you get the best product for you and they work to make sure you save as much money as possible. Dr. Brian is amazing and very thorough with his exams. While the frames can be expensive, Modern Eye has a huge selection with some really interesting choices, of which the staff will help you try out as many frames as necessary to ensure you get something that looks good on you and fits in your budget. In addition, I have gone there several times to get my glasses tightened and cleaned and they never charge me! read more

Great selection. Great, patient, friendly service. Ah, and I can see now. (Not expressly a budget frame place, though they do have some good deals, so don't count it out if you're on a budget!) read more

The staff and doctors at Modern Eye University City make up the greatest retail team I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing, period. I went here first for an eye exam and contact lens fitting after a terrible experience at another local optometrist so I was already rather frustrated with eye care, but these guys definitely went way beyond even the best expectations. They were extremely knowledgable and willing to listen to my concerns, and all of the technology they use is top of the line. I'm a student and don't have much money to spend on eyeglasses, so I was hesitant to check out the eye wear, but Dale, one of the clerks, called my insurance company and found out on my behalf that I have 100% coverage for one pair of glasses and was as excited as I was to pick them out. I got three different clerks to fit me informally, and they all added a personal touch while still keeping my tastes in mind. I ended up getting a pair of glasses perfect for my face and was helped every step of the way through purchasing them. Thanks guys! read more

Excellent costumer service I love to be treated like a future costumer !I just needed a quick fix on my sunglasses and it was done without people being mad or rude !!! Compare to eye encounter there is no competition! You guyz are the best read more

My opthamologist recommended Modern Eye for frames and lenses and I could not be more pleased. I experienced a high quality professional experience throughout the shopping, purchase and fullfilment process. Great product selection, competent assistance, caring attitude. read more

Vanessa at Modern Eye is awesome. I called Modern Eye on Walnut street on the day my husband and daughter were flying in to Philly from Seattle. My daughter had forgotten to bring her contacts. She was there for a sport event and needed her contacts very much. Vanessa picked up the phone, I told her my situation. She asked a few key questions. I sent her my daughters prescription and she said she would look at options and call me back in ten minutes. She came through on her promise and called. Not only did they have what we needed, she was able to drop them off at our close by hotel! My family wouldn't arrive until after they were closed. As we were hanging up, she said she and her boss wanted to say "Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love". Thanks Vanessa, your kindness and professionalism will be one of my best examples of great customer service! From the Emerald City, Cathi read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. They have a great selection of frames. The prices aren't my favorite thing in the world, but this place makes me happy. And honestly, they have cheap frames and expensive frames...though I have expensive taste. The whole staff is SO down to earth. Dr. Bryan checked my eyes and he was so nice and talkative. The staff helped me pick out a wide array of frames with different price points...all according to my vague explanation of what I was looking for. It wasn't hard to come to a decision, as everyone there is super helpful...and honest. ;) read more

My first eye exam ever. I had no idea I had eye troubles. I had my eyes checked by the optometrist there, Bryan Machamer. He was a total baller. Very relaxed, knew his thing, and explained everything. He even had advice (I'm a computer scientist so my life = screens) that was reasonable. He did give me the party line (rest every 20 minutes of screen time, yeah, like I'd have a career if I did that...) but explained that he knew it was unrealistic and gave me some more advice that was more realistic. I'm coming back every year for my annual eye exam. (He even said not to bother, that at my age I needn't return more than every couple of years, but I'm the paranoid sort.) The people with the frames were very helpful too. They've got good taste, and although I didn't end up ordering there (they were backlogged in orders and I wanted my frames much sooner), they have an excellent selection. read more

Very happy with my visit to Modern Eye. I initially called around other optometry places on their prices for eye and contact lens exams and they had some of the lowest fees out there. The visit itself went smoothly--they carry the latest equipment to fit your contacts so the fitting is done automatically by the staff. The optometrist was very nice as well and did not act as a salesman to sell me their contact lenses or pitch me a brand of contact lenses that I don't want (I see this as being a huge issue in the industry). The staff were also very polite and handled the billing issues without problems. My only complaint would be that their website is rather annoying (especially the noises and music) and somewhat hard to navigate. read more

I love frames with geeky shapes and interesting details... Modern Eye has a lot of frames that are right up my alley. I fell in love with 2 frames, one was extra geeky, and the other was a more classic shape... I spent a while trying to decide between them but finally I just bought both because I loved them both so much. I spent $874 for two frames plus lenses and level 3 anti-reflective coating for both. I love the selection here and the people who helped me were so patient and friendly while I tried on everything. They even gave me coffee while I was deciding. :) Very good... I'll come back next year. Next time I'll schedule my eye exam here too so I can do it all in one trip. My current eye doctor is nice but she never has any frames that I like. read more

Simply Amazing. I was blown away by Modern Eye. I actually went in on a lark, thinking that the selection would be small, the glasses would be overpriced, and the service would be lacking. I couldn't be more wrong. Don't be fooled by the gaudy displays and creepy pictures in the window. You should definitely go inside. The store is actually bigger than it looks, and they've managed to pack frames in to every corner of the store. There's actually too many types of frames, so much so that I didn't think I would find anything. But that's where there staff comes in. Dale was a huge help. I told him I was looking for some black plastic frames, and before I knew it, he was stacking style after style in front of me. I'd try one on, and if I liked it, set aside, and if i didn't, fold them up and place them back. He used these preferences to hone in on new pairs to show me. The service was excellent. When everything was said and done, I ended up walking out of there with a new pair of glasses. I never thought I would go in to this place, and after 3 years of passing by it, I finally did. And I'm glad I made that stop. If you go in, look for Dale or Kate...both awesome associates. read more

This place is just the best. Incredible selection of frames including Paul Frank, which has some great stuff at very reasonable prices ($200 frames!!). The staff here is out of this world. I must have tried on 30 pairs of frames and the person helping me out was the best. He gave me honest opinions and did not try and push expensive frames off on me. Extremely cool atmosphere. They have my business for years to come. read more