When it was time for me to replace my glasses, I remembered that an acquaintance had recommended New England Optics after I complimented her on her stylish new glasses. Especially in the days of COVID-19, I was happy to go to a local freestanding shop, rather than to a shop adjunct to an optometrist/ophthalmologist office, or down to Portland to a mall store.
When I walked into NEO, I was struck by the huge selection of frames. These turn out to be almost entirely from France, and way cooler than the usual dull selection at most shops. Sure, you can find plain frames at NEO, but I took it as a chance to shake things up and try new shapes, colors and looks.
I couldn't have picked a better proprietor than Merv for my mission. I had made an appointment, and he was ready to spend as much time as necessary. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be two hours--but two very entertaining and enlightening hours. Over my 50+ years of wearing glasses, I had certain ideas about what shapes were and weren't suitable for me. Merv had me trying on shapes that I would never have considered before, and he was so right. He picked frames off the displays, but he also brought out many options from the back, and in all kinds of colors and designs. Some were just wild, if you really want to make a statement.
I ended up choosing a pair so different from my usual shape. They're not way out there, but they're definitely distinctive. The first place I wore them was my book club meeting and I got enthusiastic compliments. I just keep looking at myself in the mirror because I just love the way they look.
Now these are not inexpensive glasses. But toward the end of my visit, a young woman came in who had lost her glasses, and she was on a tight budget. She asked if she should just go to Wal-Mart, but Merv said absolutely not, he would work with her to find a solution within her budget. I'm happy to have found such a standout local business. Now I'm thinking that maybe I need new prescription sunglasses . . . read more