Hey, Northbook! You have a gem in New Days Optical. I was a customer of John's for more than 15 years when he was in Chicago. He is amazing. This is a one-man-show kind of store, but all you need is John. He doesn't do exams, so go to your eye Doc first, then bring in your prescription. John will make sure you have the perfect fit. Over time, I progressed from single vision to bifocals to trifocals, and he made sure the lenses were just right. No new-glasses-nausea! The fitting experience alone is an almost spiritual experience. Just go. You'll be glad you did. read more

This guy is a total jerk. I just went in to look at frames. I wanted to be sure the place I went to had frames I would wear. I asked to try a few on and he puffed out like a chicken, said he's a very serious doctor! The best!" Then he went and sat behind his desk. I was unsure what just happened so I said, "So...I can't try any on?" "NO!" I'm not sure why he did that but it was a total jerk move and I would only go here if you enjoy getting yelled at, otherwise I would stay away. read more

I moved to San Francisco from Chicago in 2004 and I still miss New Days Optical. If I need anything to do with glasses when I come to town, I go. There's just no need to hit a chain store when you've got Dr. John there to help you "create your own image!" Things that are better here than anywhere else I've been, Chicago or SF: 1. Frame selection - variety of styles, brands, prices. 2. Advice on what to get - I wouldn't have picked Dr. John out of a crowd to help me choose glasses, because he pretty much looks like a regular guy who owns a store and not like a fashion maven. But the man KNOWS FACES. He has never suggested a frame style that didn't compliment my face, even when ultimately I chose a different look. 3. Fitting - Dr. John will take a long-ass time to adjust the frames to work with your face's subtle or not-so-subtle asymmetries. Be patient, because after he's done they will stay on and feel great and not touch your eyelashes or look crooked or anything annoying like that. He did my sunglasses too and I love how they feel now! Extra bonus: after you're done, you can stroll right down to Intelligentsia and look like a genius while you read your paper and sip your coffee or tea. Extra super bonus: Dr. John owns this place and appears to be the only person who works there. It doesn't get more local than that - support small businesses AND true professional excellence! read more

Do not be deceived by the non corporate, slick store design. They have all the latest frames and can get you anything you want but here's the real story; Ive been wearing glasses since I was seven and last week, never got the attention and service from a eyeglass store than I got with John! I've never realized how important and how technical matching your prescription to your frames are and how your frames fit your face! Not every frame will work and John will take at least 45-60 minutes to get your prescription and frame to fit perfect before he orders the lenses! He also fits your lenses in the frame personally with the skill of a diamond cutter. He will not let you leave until your glasses and vision are perfect! In 40 years I have never seen with glasses better! TIP: Be sure to go to a good optometrist, not a hack from one of the chain stores! Johns talent will expose a bad prescription during the fitting process and you will have to go back for a new exam. Remember, the chain stores are in it to sell frames at huge margins and unlike Johns lenses, their lenses are made in China! - of course, the exams are free to get you in the stores! By the way, Johns lenses are made in France by the worlds best optical labs. They are more expensive but worth every penny. Ive learned a lot about glasses now and will never go to a chain eyeglass store again! Johns my guy for life! read more

Excellent place! Let me just say that if you care enough to have the glasses you put on your head to fit, work with your face, and not fall heavy on your nose or ears all while knowing that a professional craftsman is there for you if anything needs attention, New Days Optical is a must! What all the other raving reviews say about John, the owner/eyeglass extraordinaire is right. He gives you the actual service, attention and care you really should come to expect in such an important personal purchase. The fitting experience he meticulously provides to you is something you probably will rarely experience outside this place. There is something to be said about people who really takes pride in their work. Quality, attention, preciseness and amazing customer experience pretty much sums up this place. Just a heads up, this place is a one man run shop so put some extra time in your schedule if you are coming here just in-case he is tending another customer when you walk in. read more

John is providing the same high-quality service and attention to detail as always in his new location in Northbrook. I was also surprised when I stopped by the old place and it was gone. I called him, and he directed me to the new location. His new space is airy and bright inside. He has always helped select the best frames for my face, style, and prescription. Then he painstakingly and repeatedly measures, checks, and adjusts everything to make sure that the lenses and fit are the best possible. I am so relieved that he is still in business! I recommend calling ahead to check his availability. read more

John is the shit... This little, teeny, tiny, fluorescent bulb lit store is just EXACTLY where you want to go to get your glasses. John does his best, to make the customers happy. And he does it unassumingly, and unapologetically, his way. If you try on a pair of glasses, and you think you look great, but in fact, you look like a tool-box...he'll tell you! In, his very John sort of way... If you hear the word "statement" uttered more than once in a sentence, that means, the glasses you are trying on are VERY different, and WILL get you noticed...and if he looks at you out of the corner of his eye while delivering the aforementioned word... Well, you might think about trying on a different pair. Always timely, always right on the money. Awesome...love the guy. We're moving to New York...and we'll still come back to get our glasses from him. read more

My experience at New Days has been nothing short of exceptional. Before I knew how skilled John was in lens making, I remember telling a friend of my first experience at the store. I was surfing the net for Oakley sunglasses and discovered New Days had better pricing than anything on the net. I drove to the Lakeview store hoping they were still in stock. While browsing the sunglasses, John noted my glasses were slightly uneven and asked if he could fix them. I was supposedly "fitted" at my optometrist, but they still slid down my nose from time to time. I agreed. Through squinting eyes, he painstakingly adjusted them to my face. After his fitting, they were perfectly lightly cradled on the bridge of my nose and ears. I could flick my head really fast and they didn't budge. Yay! Oakley sunglasses at a great price and my glasses felt like new. I told my friend, "I met this store owner that seems to be so happy with his profession that he oozes peaceful contentment." He makes you want to give him your business. And thus began my patronage... Even though I have vision insurance and get an allowance towards glasses each year with my optometrist, I still go to John for frames and lens replacements. His prices are competitive and he really takes pride in the quality, care, and maintenance of his work. Great selection of economical or designer frames and sunglasses. If it's not in the store, he will most likely be able to order the frames. The store is dated, but you'll quickly overlook that once you see how wonderful he is at his craft. read more

John is amazing in his dedication to providing quality glasses that fit, feel and help you see the best. But he's not warm and fuzzy. He acts annoyed when he has to show you glasses. I initially shopped at the across the street (when he was in Chicago) and had glasses made there that were bad. They caused blurry vision. I went to John and he sold me excellent glasses that worked perfectly. He asked me a few questions and finally told me that given my activities, running, biking, etc., I should just break down and buy Oakley sunglasses for their superior quality. He was right. I see better out of them than anything. He is not the most friendly retail guy, however, and he does seem put out at times waiting on customers. Just bear with him because the end result is worth it. You will get excellent glasses made by this dedicated professional. read more

This place is great. John is the best. I bought a pair of prescription Oakley sunglasses and even though Oakley makes their own lenses back at the factory John took a long time with me selecting the right ones and then making sure when mine came in to 'fit' them a litter better than off the shelf. Also my wife bought some stock Prada sunglasses that yes he may have pushed her towards but with good reason. They lasted roughly three years until the Pacific Ocean recently snagged them off her head in Hawaii. :-/ Again with her John took extra care to fit them to her head. She even went back when we lived in the city for regular re-adjustments (free of charge of course). John gave her an out of this world price on them in the end way lower than the big department stores. She's in the market for a new pair and we'll be back soon to find her her next set. John may take a little longer with each customer so your wait may be a little longer, but take your time and browse the huge selection he has, it will be worth the time, trust me. High end designer glasses/sunglasses at a moderate price. read more

This place is terrible. Ask the owner a couple questions on the phone before you come into the store and you will get an idea of the service. I went into this shop and the owner, John, was the rudest human I have every encountered. I asked to try on some sunglasses and he straight up said he isn't here to play games and he doesn't have time for me if I am not buying anything. He showed me one pair of frames and then walked away to go read his book on his folding chair at the entrance of the shop. Wtf. I was the ONLY person in the shop. I said I am the only person here what is the problem, and his response was that he mostly makes lenses and doesn't care about frames. Worst retail experience of my life without a doubt. DO NOT GO TO NEW DAYS OPTICAL LAB. TERRIBLE. read more

Wow. If you are looking for a place to get amazing customer service, great prices on glasses, and an experience unlike any other while getting fitted for your glasses - you will love this place. Dr. John came highly recommended from friends at work and he exceeded my expectations. The modest little store on Broadway in Lakeview is bursting at the seams with glasses from the 80's to the most stylish Prada glasses of today. And Dr. John will assist from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. If you have a chance, read the Sun Times article on the wall about the place. Amazing. read more

I just left this place for the second (and LAST) time, totally dissatisfied. After reading these reviews, I came here about 6 months ago hoping to get a new pair of glasses. I waited for at least 30 minutes while the owner was helping other customers, only to be told later that he didn't take insurance. He was definitely a little abrasive, and very pushy about what glasses I should try on, but I wouldn't totally write him off over those things. I didn't have the money to front the purchase and then fight my insurance for a reimbursement, so I left, annoyed that I'd just wasted an hour of my life. But at this point I figured I'd still go back next time I needed frames, based on all these rave reviews. But today changed all that. I stopped in because my new Fossil sunglasses had lost a screw, and I was hoping for a quick repair. Upon entering the store, I did get a cordial "hello," but when I explained that I was in need of a repair, he barked at me that "if the glasses aren't sold from him, in his store, he doesn't fix them." I was about to explain that all i needed was a basic screw, and that I would happily pay him, but before I got the chance, he dialed his phone, started speaking in his native language, and turned his back on me. I was totally stunned, and slunk out of the store. There's a happy ending, though - I then went across the street, to "Contacts And Specs," where I was greeted warmly and told it would absolutely be no problem to fix my glasses. The guy who helped me even cleaned them up, and then refused to charge me. You'd better believe that the next time I need frames, I will be going to "Contacts And Specs" instead! read more

It's been 8 years since I've gotten new glasses. Rather than going to a chain, I thought I would go to a neighborhood spot. My husband got 2 pairs from Dr. John and had rave reviews. He's so nice. I like that he's not pushy about certain styles or brands like other stores have been. He can tell what kind of frame you will like (classic, trendy, artsy...). He did a great job with the fit as well. The price is better than the big chains. Great friendly service in the neighborhood! read more

When I need (or want) new glasses, I immediately think of New Days. John Hwang, the owner/optician, is a real craftsman and treats his customers right. He is not hesitant to suggest a new style or color of frame and adjusts his recommendations to the customer's wants. He works with many types of lenses, including wrap-arounds which is a godsend for those of us who need sturdy sports styles. He is up-to-date on lens materials and coatings and suggests the right one for your budget and preference. John is very loyal to his customers as his customers are to him. I think he remembers every pair that he has ever sold me as well as the adjustments to my prescriptions over time. I have gone back on occasion when my frames are misaligned, and he refits me as if it were a totally new pair. He is a true perfectionist. If you are in a hurry and don't have the time to get to know John and his practice, this is probably not the place for you. If you want a great pair of stylish glasses with an excellent fit, New Days is the way to go. read more

John is meticulous about measuring and fitting glasses so the initial visit, when you go in with the prescription, can be rather lengthy. However, the result glasses that are comfortable with very clear vision. I am always happy with glasses he makes for me. I have been going to John for about 15-18 years and have never had a complaint. I highly recommend him. read more

John Hwang is a true professional. He understands optics and how to fit a pair of glasses to your face. He can handle the most complex of situations --- and does so with honesty and expertise. I can not recommend him highly enough. If I ever moved from Chicago I would come back to get my glasses from John Hwang. read more

Just bought my glasses there and the reviews are true. I live in the neighborhood and there are a ton of glasses stores (For Eyes, See, LensCrafters, etc). I'm so glad I stopped in and am now a customer for life! Dr. John was extremely helpful and friendly. I am pretty picky and have to say I should have just listened to his recommendations because I ended up buying the first frames he suggested (and the first pair of sunglasses he picked too!). This has never happened - most places I spend hours with the salesperson just showing me frames that never look great. Price & Selection: Very competitive and top brands (Gucci, Maui Jim, Prada, etc.) at a great price. He did not try to upsell me on anything but rather just what was the right fit and value for me. Service: could not have been better! Meticulous about the fit and measurement - forget the 20 year olds at the large chains who just want to get you out of there. Dr. John has 20 years of experience and took his time to make sure everything is perfect. I honestly won't go anywhere now after this experience. Don't waste your time and just go to New Days. read more

I have purchased my glasses from 7 to 8 different shops in my life, but I can tell this is absolutely one of the best place to go, if you really care about professional fitting of glasses. In a small floor, you will find wide variety of choices, from major brands to latest European desiners' frames. From affordable to upscale ones. Dr. John, owner and fitter, is very knowledgeable about trend, different styles and ergonomic fit of the glasses. Through conversation with John, you will see how he is passionate about helping clients find his own best choice. Dr. John never pushes you to hurry decision, nor does he lead you to sell up. Instead he will give you sufficient time to try as many different types as you'd want to and give you useful advices. Furthermore, amazing part of Dr. John is his superior expertise and dedication in fitting process. His customization, backed by more than 15 years of experiences, is detail oriented and very thorough. Again he will take sufficient time with you until you get entirely satisfied with the fit. Dr. John's small optical shop does not look fancy from the outside. Frankly, it looks very simple and nothing fashionable. However you will likely to get very satisfied with this place if you are looking for a. Wide variety of choices b. Knowledgeable optician c. Good price d. Excellent fitting read more

A gem of an eyewear store, run single-handedly by the immensely knowledgeable and personable Dr. John Hwang; broad collection of eyewear for all tastes; surprisingly valuable fashion advice from Dr. Hwang on eyeglass styles; focused, precise, experienced eyeglass fitting enthusiastically labored over by Dr. Hwang; remarkably reasonable prices for a small store with such valuable customer service; quintessential neighborhood business that brings old world personability and craftsmanship to eyewear, inspiring unanimous fawning and patronage from its customers. read more

I got glasses here last year after reading the great yelp reviews. I was glad I did, I probably wouldn't have gone here otherwise because it looks kind of like a hole in the wall, but it has a great selection at decent prices. The owner was very helpful and dedicated to finding me a great pair of glasses. He even adjusted my Mom's glasses (who wasn't shopping for new ones) while we were there because he could see they were uneven. I couldn't be happier with my glasses! Don't go here when you're in a hurry though, the owner does love to talk. read more

John was extremely helpful and so precise with the eyeglasses fitting - he is definitely a skilled artisan and wants to only sell you the highest of quality product that feels great and looks great on you. I would highly recommend buying your frames here. He gives you the time of day that you deserve - considering that your glasses are an extension of your body and something that you will wear on your face for many years - spending time to find the best glasses for your face and meticulously adjusting them to perfection is crucial. I will never buy my glasses from anyone else ever again. Don't let the outdated exterior of this place fool you. He has a great selection and truly cares about his customers as well as the craft. read more

Sure this dude may be good with glasses- but he really is a prick when it comes to dealing with potential customers. Call the number and ask him more than 3 questions and he will tell you to come in...then just hang up on you. read more

Three stars for their frame selection. It was ok, but there wasn't anything special going on. But, after reading the rave reviews I feel like I have to give this place another look. read more

I just found out that New Days is listed here. I've been going to se John (the guy who owns the place) for over 12yrs. He is the most HONEST person when it comes to when your buying Glasses. Several times I've gone in with the Model # of a pair of glasses I saw and wanted. If John has them. There yours. And at a Better Price than you can get anywhere else. But I what is the Best of all this is John will be Honest with you on if they Look good on you. Has has talked me out of many glasses I thought I wanted. I own 14 pairs I've bought from him. He has change Lens when my Prespr. changed. HE'S THE GREATEST. read more

Look at the other reviews; I can't really add much. Awesome selection, reasonable prices, and a friendly, detail-obsessed optician to fit your glasses to your face. read more

I went to New Days Optical after my boyfriend got new glasses here a couple years ago. He was really impressed with his glasses and the service he got, so when it was my turn to get new glasses, I came here too. Dr. Hwang immediately recognized me from when my boyfriend and I had come in for his new glasses. I had never been satisfied with glasses I had gotten at other places, so I asked him for some recommendations. He had me try on a couple of pairs, and once I settled on a frame, he recommended that I bring a friend for a second opinion. When I came back to pick up the glasses, he spent at least 20 minutes making sure they fit every dimension of my face. I had stopped wearing glasses several years ago because every pair I had had didn't fit my face properly, but I have been wearing this pair for 6 months without any problems. I've also gotten lots of compliments on my glasses. I will definitely be back for my next pair! read more

At New Days Optical I bought the best glasses I've ever worn in my life. The optician spent twenty minutes fitting my frames especially for my ears and nose, making them extremely comfortable. For the first time I have some new glasses that won't leave creases on the side of my head or deep marks on the bridge of my nose. The glasses are also the clearest and best crafted that I have ever used, bar none. Yes, they were more expensive, and yes, they took longer to make. But that's because this place is run by a man who cares about glasses, wants them to be perfect for you, and tries very hard to make that happen. He's a stickler for details and the only person I trust with my eyes. read more

As you skim these reviews, you'll see 5 stars consistently. That is for good reason, and I couldn't disagree more strongly with the single poor rating from "Geoff". I found Dr. John some 12-15 years ago when I lived in the neighborhood. I am a tough consumer, and checked out three other eye glass shops right in that area at that time. Dr. John was then, and continues to be, the absolute best "retail" shop owner/operator I will ever know. John takes great time and care with everything he does, and it actually takes some patience to understand that he will take plenty of time to ensure that your glasses are right for you, and that they have a perfect fit. I am hard on glasses, and John has made free repairs and fixes to all the glasses I bought FROM HIM more times than I can count. I almost beg him to charge me for repairs, but he always politely and warmly refuses. I'm dismayed that Geoff felt it was appropriate to bring product that he bought from another business into John's shop, and then expected "free" repair service. This shop is John's business, and not his hobby. It is always a joy to visit Dr. John's shop. Be ready to spend a healthy amount of time as John works with you, and I am certain you will be a customer for life. Lasik surgery is the only threat to that! read more

My experience with John began when I wandered into his shop. I knew I needed glasses but didn't really want any because I've bought many pairs but never worn them more than a few times because they're uncomfortable and don't really help enough. John explained politely that he didn't do exams, and advised me to go to a good ophthalmologist for a prescription. He even recommended a couple. I followed his advice and got a good exam. I'm not one who cares about fashionable frames, and John understood. Although he sells a full range of designer frames, as far as I could tell, he selected a simple, inexpensive pair for me. For the lenses, though I wanted good quality so that I could read easily, see the night stars, and experience the beauty of my grandchildren;s faces. John spent nearly an hour measuring and making what seemed to me minute adjustments to the frames so that each section (far, medium, and close) would be in the ideal spot. He even asked about the kind of work I do so that he could make each section the best size. A week later, I had my glasses. It's a completely new experience. I can see--distance, intermediate, and reading. Really! The glasses are so comfortable I forget I have them on. And--even though I didn't spend much for the frames, people tell me they look great. John treated me as an individual. I felt that he cared about me and my ability to see. I would recommend him to anyone. read more

I read the reviews and decided to check out New Days Optical. My experience there matches what I read in the other reviews. John is a true professional and there are a lot of things that he does that make visiting New Days a must if you're looking to buy new glasses. Within a minute of meeting me John picked out a frame for me to try on. Initially his choice surprised me because I've worn one particular type of frame my entire life. After trying them on, I realized that his choice was spot on, they looked very good! I tried on several dozen other frames and even though I spent a lot of time doing this John was very helpful throughout the entire process. When I came by to pick up my new glasses, John spent extra time to make sure that they fit perfectly and refitted the glasses with several different nose pads until he found the perfect one. All in all, it was a great experience and I highly recommend you stop by too. read more

NOTE THE POSITIVE REVIEWS ATTACKING MY REVIEW COME FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT REVIEWED ANYTHING ELSE ON YELP. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY HAVE NO CREDIBILITY AND ARE PROBABLY DR. JOHN OR ONE OF HIS FRIENDS, ASSUMING HE HAS ANY. Everyone seems to love Dr. John, but not me. I went there today with a minor question about my glasses. He tried to charge me ten dollars for something that most places will do for free. Needing to get this done, I said fine. AGAIN PEOPLE ATTACKING MY REVIEW -- I AGREED TO HIS PRICE AND DID NOT ASK HIM TO DO ANYTHING FOR FREE!!!! Then he told me if I didn't like it, I could leave. I wasn't being rude, wasn't being hostile. I was with my girlfriend and it was Valentine's Day and we were both happy and enjoying the day. In this economy, service is everything. Dr. John will never see a dime of my business. I commented on his lack of customer service. He told me, and I quote: "I have all the customers I need." Given that the store was 100% empty when he said this, I'll just have to take his word. I sincerely hope that Dr. John's complete jerk act puts him out of business where he belongs. Thanks for treating me like dirt, Dr. John. May your bad karma come back to haunt you. read more

If you wear glasses then you need to go here. I've been going to this guy for years, he always has great prices and excellent service. He actually takes the time to custom fit your glasses to your face. He's very very thorough about it. So once you pick out your glasses be prepared to sit and go through a lot of adjustments. read more

I have had only the most positive experiences at New Days Optical. John is truly an expert at fitting and fixing glasses. I moved out of Lakeview a few months ago, but I still go back whenever I need to get my glasses fixed or to get new ones. Look past the [dated] decor and you will be really surprised! read more

If you're looking for sunglasses and you already know what you want- call first before stopping by to make sure they have what you want in stock. Average. read more

I moved to California a few years ago but still come here for my glasses because John is by far the best craftsman I've ever found, and I have been wearing glasses for 53 years. He fits you perfectly and his suggestions about what looks good are exactly right. He takes his time so set aside enough time. It is more than worth it for great service and perfect results. read more

I can see clearly now...I do NOT need a fancy schmancy optical shop to make me happy. John is the absolute best at what he does and that makes all the difference in the world. No one was able to do my husband's lenses the way he wanted (certainly not the uber sparkly high end boutiques that we thought would provide such good service and quality)...until we went into that funky, old school, cram-packed-fulla-frames storefront on Broadway and spent some time with John. He cares about quality, and he cares about customer service. Period. I was shocked to find an awesome, extensive modern frame selection with all the current designers/styles, and we left with a totally sweet pair of specs for the hubs and two glam pairs of sunglasses for me. What a great experience, this is the stuff that creates loyalty. read more

I'm blind as a mole, so I won't trust just anyone with my glasses. In the 20 years I've been wearing glasses, I've never been as happy with an optician as I am with John, the owner and sole employee of New Days. He's a master at picking out frames, and he's dedicated to making sure you're happy with every aspect of your new glasses. Go here for a crazy extensive frame selection, very reasonable prices (like I said, I'm practically blind, so lenses run hundreds of dollars for me, and John undercut the prices quoted at large chains and small stores by a couple hundred dollars!), and the best customer service you'll find. He patiently spent 3 or 4 hours with me, on 3 different occasions, while I hemmed and hawed over which frame to choose, then spent about 20 minutes fitting the frames. The store is just a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but don't let that fool you. read more

Seriously amazing customer service. Very dedicated to getting everything perfect for the customer.

There's junk (Pearl/Lenscrafters), Not Bad (the many stylish boutiques including the one across the street from John), and then there is John. I've gone to him for 10 years now after reading an article about him in the Sun-Times. In that article, it stated that people from around the country came back to visit him because he was so good. I was skeptical, but went and was wowed. I write this review wearing the pair I bought almost a decade ago and am about to get my final fitting for a new pair. In that time I've bought 3 pairs of glasses (including those mentioned above) and several pairs of sunglasses. He always spends an enormous amount of time getting things right and worries about the bridge of my nose which can cause some glasses to fit incorrectly. His walls have a lot of old glasses, but his cases have all the newest and best. He knows his stuff---besides fitting, he knows the industry well (he warns against made in China stuff). His prices are the best, he has often been kind enough to make a good deal. I just bought a very rare pair from him and he told me that another customer found them across the street but brought them to him to do the lenses. And, I paid much less for the frames from John. He is a kind, caring, and utterly devoted man. You need patience at times because he is a perfectionist. So, I am and he put up with all my needs for adjustments and cleanings. Wonderful man, wonderful store. read more