Quick to replace the plastic nose guides on my glasses. Mel was fantastic, professional and speedy. Also provided additional guidance. read more

It was my first time in, but what a great place. Rick and folks were so helpful and excited to find a perfect pair of glasses. He took one look and seemed to know exactly what I liked and what would work for my face-- which was much faster than me browsing on my own. read more

Unique frames. Stellar service. Not the cheapest place but their bifocals are unmatched. I have been enjoying my last pair from them for the last 2 years but it was time for an updated prescription so, I'm back. Appointments only. read more

Next Eyewear - New glasses. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Oakland, California

When I first walked in, Rick presented me with a style of a frame that was dead on stunning. I loved them. He presented me with over 10 frames to review. I kept returning to the JF Rey frames. I read previous reviews of Next eyewear, and I was skeptical. " C'mon I said, they can't be this good as noted in the reviews " WRONG! They truly are knowledgeable, a sense of insightful confidence! Yes, they are pricy, but it is matched by quality of merchandise and superb customer service! This is my first ever review that I have entered on Yelp. Next eyewear is worth it Thanks to Rick and Melissa. Can't wait for my glasses! I haven't felt this in over 30 years!! read more

Next Eyewear is my go-to place to buy new eyeglasses, and has been for many years. They are always helpful, have an excellent selection of really unique, quality eyeglasses. They're pricier than some of the cheap online vendors, but the great quality of the glasses and the excellent service is so worth it. Since I wear eyeglasses daily I need my glasses to hold up and look nice, and I consistently get compliments on them. Next Eyewear is happy to give me an eyeglass adjustment if my glasses need it during the year. read more

After Next filled my most recent prescription, I could see more clearly than ever. Now I see why higher end opticians are worth it. Wow!

I've gotten several pairs over a decade or more from Melissa and her team. FAN-freaking-tastic place and choices.

I went to a half dozen optical shops in the East Bay searching for something more stylish than my basic Costco frames. The Next team welcomed me with a wide range of fashionable options and explained the geometry of how frames should fit on my face. And unlike other shops they gave me undivided attention and didn't shame me because I'm a 60+ dude and not a 20 something. I'm delighted with my new frames and lenses and the money I saved compared to other shops. This easily was the best eyewear shopping experience I've ever had, and I highly recommend the selection and service offered by Melissa and Rick. read more

After buying expensive glasses here both stems broke off after a year and a half. I called to have them fixed and she was on vacation for 2 weeks so I had to buy new glasses. Manager said they can be sodered, as the spring had broke. I went in (all the way across Town) to drop them off after we exchanged 6 emails and made an appointment.Never did she say I would be charged $65.00 until I asked, right before leaving them with her. In my 30 years of wearing glasses, none have ever broken in just over a year, nor have I ever been charged to have glasses fixed. I find it irresponsible that management did not mention I'd be charged in our email exchange, and I should have been told. It was passive/aggressive of her and I wasted my time, gas, and money at this place. Don't be fooled by the "cool" vibe. This place is not at all cool. read more

After a bad experience with my first failed attempt at progressive lens, I did hecka research, discovered Next and never looked back. Rick and Melissa were so intuitive, customer service oriented, just ... delightful. In a very short time I ended up with artsy glasses that put a pizzaz in my step. Plus, I can see! Writing this, I am two pairs of successful progressives later, plus two of Melissa's "Mel O. Art" calendars and lens cleaning cloths (which I've given as gifts as well). Make a note to self, this is the place to go for your NEXT pair of glasses! read more

Next Eyewear - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Oakland, California

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Whenever I go to Next Melissa picks out frames that look great on me. It makes buying glasses fun rather than a chore. I rarely cross the bridge for anything other than visiting friends and family, but I do for going to Next Eyewear. It's worth the trip! read more

I am new to glasses wearing. I looked in so many places from the doctor's office, Costco, and Warburg Parker to pretentious boutiques like that place in Elmwood on Ashby. I read Yelp reviews about how amazing Melissa is at finding just the right frames and finally was like ok, let's try it. It's so true!! She's got the quirkiest, most epic collection of frames. There are classic aviators and cat eyes with moxie, some stealth classics with little amazing details and some wild wearable sculpture. But here are a few observations that I think make this shop stand out. 1. Melissa asks eighty zillion questions that prove that she's an expert. I was just in there ordering sunglasses and she made so many important points about the lenses going with the frames and how the tint would feel to look through. She's lookin' out. 2. She designs charming lens cleaners that come with your purchase. 3. It feels like a calm cocktail party in there. There are regulars who dash in and out just to see what's new and get another pair for their collection because there's always something new and rad. read more

Stellar selection and unmatched service. Not only did they hone in on several pairs that looked great on me but they adjusted the pair I came in with from another optometrist in Oakland and switched out the metal nose pads for the cushion ones to improve the slippage down the bridge if my low-profile nose. Their selection is unique and will fit everyone's taste. Run, don't walk to make an appointment. You will not be disappointed. read more

Next Eyewear - The glasses I came in with. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've worn glasses since dinosaurs roamed the earth and hated buying them before I found Next. But now I have a collection of beautiful frames from them that never cease to garner compliments. You might be able to get cheaper glasses somewhere else, but not the excellent inventory, expert help making a selection that's appropriate to your Rx, facial structure, etc. and great customer service from Melissa et al. I happily recommend them! read more

I now DO have glasses from Next Eyewear! And I have to say: HOW ARE THERE NO PICTURES ON HERE YET? How? I mean, you look at a freaking restaurant on Yelp, you get 500 pictures of truffle-sprinkled french fries or whatever. You can't taste that! It could taste terrible! All you can do is look at it! But you go to a salon or an eyeglass store, where the way things look is part of the point, and... nothing! Not a picture to be found. Well, I am changing that now. Change with me! Use that cameraphone for good! Anyway, I have the best glasses ever. I am now in the Cool Glasses Club. You know, when you compliment frames that you love, and you're secure in the knowledge that yours are just as fabulous (or even better)? Instead of yearning for the other person's cool glasses? And then they compliment yours right back, because your frames are so awesome? THAT'S ME! This has never happened before. I had frames that looked nice on my face... but that's it. Plain brown or grey or tortoiseshell frames. I was afraid to even get red ones, for pete's sake. What if they clashed with my clothes? What if they stood out too much? I was finally ready to spring for the good stuff. I went to the magical Next Eyewear. I was there pretty close to closing time, but they were very patient with me. I tried on a ton of frames, I had my friends throwing frames into the mix, I had the nice people who work there throwing frames in... and each one was a little better than the last. But none of them was THE ONE. It was like each pair was a synthesis of everything good about all the pairs that had come before it. I was staring at two that each had a ton of awesome qualities. But neither of them was THE ONE. And I made the crucial decision to pick neither. Because I didn't want an *almost* perfectly right pair of frames. I wanted THE ONE. And now I knew what I wanted. I don't remember exactly what it was; I wanted these particular colors, I wanted this particular shape, I wanted something bold and interesting, and there were probably a few other variables too. I don't remember who found these frames. I think it was the goddess who worked there who was like, "Oh! Then try THIS." And the heavens opened and the angels sang smooth jazz and this pair of glasses appeared. A pair that fit my face and fit all my criteria and was dazzling and gorgeous and interesting and bold. That was at least a year ago. And I haven't stopped getting compliments on them since! read more

Next Eyewear - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Oakland, California

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I found my favorite pair of sewing glasses here. They are readers and clear in the distance, essentially progressives. I had them when I worked in fashion and use them for sewing now. A few times a needle has broken and kicked back. I mostly wear them to protect my eyes, but originally got them for style. The owner was real cool and told me about how his mother started the company. We just rapped for like an hour. I will probably never need another pair of glasses and I guess when my eyes get old, I will just update these frames with a new prescription. Anyway they have the coolest frames, mine are handmade in USA. read more

My husband was working at the Hudson Bay Cafe a few doors down-- and I happened upon this funky little optical shop! What luck, they were having a sale. This optical boutique struck me as very "Rockridge": small, clean-lined, with a bright, fun selection and a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The three opticians were personable, thorough, enthusiastic, and very friendly. The woman I worked with was helpful without being overbearing; offered good advice without being "salewoman-y"; and helped me experience a very casual, fun shopping experience. Of course, I walked out with $150 dollar highly discounted titanium frames that help me embrace my inner nerd. What's not to love? I'll be back! The added bonus was the decent selection of "petite" frames with nosepads: perfect for my Asian bridge! read more

LOVE this place! Melissa is amazing at being able to just look at you and know what frames are flattering, she made my glasses shopping a breeze. Over the past few years I have purchased several prescription frames, including dark glasses from this shop...fast forward a few years later and I'm still thrilled with my purchases from there. Reliable and consistently great customer service every time from both Melissa and Rick, even for a simple visit to get frame adjustments every so often. They have a wide inventory of colorful and unique frames. I'd say prices are not the most expensive out there, but not cheap either. Quality, well-made frames from reputable brands are worth the cost for me because they are made to last and are comfortable to wear every day. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the choices of glasses out there and you need someone to help narrow down some frames for you that actually work well for you, this is the place to go. read more

Wow, a fabulous selection of stylish frames that actually fit my face! I've got a narrow bridge & face and need 48-50 mm frames. I looked at three different mass market glasses frame retailers but saw nothing stylish that fit. The frames were all: meh. And too big, 53-54. When I walked in here it was like frame heaven! The first frame I picked up FIT! Melissa pulled put few more frames and within 10 minutes I had my glasses! She said they specifically carried frames for small faces. They have frames from Germany, France, Holland. Not just the usual Chinese- made wide bridge frames, which don't fit me at all. I drove 30 miles to get to this store and it was worth it. Highly recommended! read more

Repeat customer, this place is worth whatever bay area drive you might endure! Last order with them was ideal service and quality. Learned this time around that even if Next Eyewear isn't in your vision insurance network, the price could still be cheaper with them after claim reimbursements! In regards to a recent progressive lens order - they offered a top quality Hoya Amplitude lens at a great price. A different in-network store in West Berkeley was charging double for a much lower quality progressive (so bad we had to beg for a refund) so in the end the out-of-network Next Eyewear lens was better and actually cheaper! Better because the surface/hue was obviously nicer, the lens markings were totally invisible, and the optics area in the lens was clearly wider. Also Next can adjust the frame on your face faster and more accurately than any store I've ever seen. They also have a cool selection of frames, and a nice vibe to match. I suppose lots of places could make similar claims so that part is subjective, but I like their selection. Staff is great too, one is an artist who has outstanding work all around the store and who if you are lucky might offer you her art on a lens wipe fabric :) The neighborhood is not really my scene and the parking might be less than ideal, but who cares - I would go back there over and over because I trust their work. There is a nice coffee shop and also a book store a few doors down actually so I shouldn't bash the hood - I'm just saying its worth coming even if ur not "local". read more

Simply the best selection, people, and service. You can not find better, I've been a customer for too many years to count. You won't regret your choice! read more

This shop has an incredibly unique collection of frames that are so much more fun, funky, cool and sophisticated than other eyewear places. On top of that, Melissa is so patient and kind, did every adjustment in her creative arsenal to make my glasses fit just right! I highly recommend coming here for both their fantastic selection and really great customer service. read more

I am writing this review first and foremost because the service at Next is fantastic. I've purchased more than one pair of super cute, funky frames over the years from Next. So cute in fact that I opted to buy duplicate pairs on the Internet for cheap (because Next doesn't carry them anymore.) I called Next to see if I can pay Next to adjust the new frames to my face and they told me they'd do it for free. There are two women here in particular who do the BEST fitting. I went in, they greeted me as they always do, and I walked out with both pairs fitting perfect and they didn't charge me a dime for the service. A couple of other positives.... If you love plastic frames but have a hard time finding ones that fit, Next will custom fit adjustable nose pieces into the plastic frame. I paid $50 to have them added to frames I didn't buy at the store and any reservation about the cost went away when I slipped the glasses on and they fit perfect. Just to be clear, I have never walked into his store without finding multiple cute frames; the selection is very good. The staff here does a great job helping you pick out a great frame for your face. They listen, make suggestions and give honest and direct feedback. Next is pricey but you are pretty much guaranteed to walk out with glasses you love and that fit great. Thumbs up for great selection, solid selection and fitting expertise and near perfect service. Thank you Next! read more

Right down the street from Phoenix Eyewear, Next Eyewear's alternate reality bizarro antithesis, this place is everything that an eye wear store should be. The selection isn't enormous, but every pair of frames is a jewel. The prices, for this kind of thing, are reasonable: less than you'd pay at your optometrist's if you didn't have insurance. And the service is probably the best I've gotten, anywhere, ever. I can only think of a few things in this world I would rather put on my face than a pair of frames from Next Eyewear. Um. I walked in here one weekend all covered in dirt and sweat stains after aborting a hike in the Oakland hills because of the heatstroke-inducing weather and the woman working here -- truly rocking her glasses in a way that would make every boy at the San Diego Comic Convention or in a PhD program swoon -- didn't even blink an eye. Rather, she sized me up in one second, and instantly selected about half a dozen frames that she thought might look good on my face. And boy, was she right. She offered her honest opinion on the frames I tried on, and listened carefully to me when I told her what kind of frames I was looking for. Basically, she did in two minutes what my ophthalmologist's assistant failed to do in half an hour: make me fall in love with a pair of frames enough that I actually felt grateful for the opportunity to blow half a week's salary on them. No really: thank you, Next Eyewear, for allowing me to spend half a week's salary on these frames. And, when I told the saleswoman that I wouldn't be buying lenses from Next because I wanted to take advantage of the rates that my insurance could get me (Next, like most frames shops, does not take insurance), she actually wrote down for me a lot of information about the specific types of lenses and features that I should ask my ophthalmologist for so that I would be sure I got the best available lenses. OK, I'm going to go fondle my new frames from Next now. Byee!!! read more

Being Asian, I basically have no bridge. This means that only about 5% of plastic frames can fit me. The others basically float about half an inch off my face or sit so low that the top rim interrupts my line of sight. Yes. I have bridge-envy. But this place totally dispels it! Not only do they have really beautiful frames, they can also add nosepads to any plastic frame they sell. Samantha, the girl helping me, was extremely friendly and made me feel very much at home. She had a great eye for frames that would fit me well. In the end, I decided to get a really cute bright red pair at a really solid price (it was on sale). read more

This glasses store looks great. If I ever decide to get glasses, I will probably go here. However, given the fact that I have needed glasses for, like, 20 years and have resisted thus far, I may just hold off until I can get them covered by Medicare. I think my near-constant squint makes me mysterious and a little intimidating. I think the occasional headache from reading the miniscule type of many Yelp reviews is my body's way of saying, "Hey, you're doing too much. Take a walk." I think not ever getting glasses is actually making my eyes stronger. But like I said, Next Eyewear is probably where I would go if I change my mind about that. And I'll ask for Melissa. read more

Wanted to begin my search for new frames and this was my first, and last, stop. Happened to be headed to a gathering in concord and searched for a place to peruse on the way. Wandered in and Rick, the owner, ended up helping me to find a different style than I was used to. He went out of his way to bring me quite a selection to try on, which was a bit overwhelming at first, but very helpful overall. He helped me to find something I liked and I ended up buying them that day (and, no, it wasn't just because I was hesitant to go back to lens crafters). Overall i experienced great customer service and a variety of slightly edgier frames to choose from. From what I heard they're constantly getting in new frames and getting rid of their old ones, which means you can expect the latest and greatest styles. Tip: get an eye exam before and bring your prescription. They can do the lenses. Even if you aren't just dropping by the area like I was, I think it's worth a trip. Plus there plenty of other stuff that's on the block to make a whole day of it. read more

I started getting my glasses here in 2001. That's 3 pairs, some custom made clip ons when I lost the original shades, and occasional visits for cleanings and a much needed fixer-upper after an intense roller coaster ride. Best selection, outrageously great customer service ... and yes, I think they are gifted when it comes to putting the right frame on the right face. Why I'm writing this today: I popped in with a pair of my sunglasses that broke (I have about 14 pair) and they were fixed & cleaned like new in a matter of a few minutes ... dude, I bought these at Walgreen's for $4.99 - they knew that. They don't care. You're a customer, and you matter. I send everyone I can here. read more

Whenever anybody asks me where to get glasses, I tell them to go to Next Eyewear. It's easy to get to from SF on the Bart and well worth the trip. The first time I went in, they made a point to spend a lot of time with me and they were really knowledgeable about what type of frame suited my face. Customer Service is A+++!! Basically, they rock. I have about 8 pairs of glasses/sunglasses from here. I can't walk by the store without finding something that I want and I can't say enough good things about them. p.s. They treat their return customers REALLY well. This is the personal service you have always wanted! Just be forewarned, if you walk by and they have a sale going make sure you have the money to spend before you walk in (or at least have your credt card on you :). Because you WILL walk out with amazing frames. Trust me. read more

This place tickles my brain...it's so colorful and amusing. Next Eyewear is about form and function, however. My picky, contacts-loving self was able to find stylish frames, with the help of Melissa, who is really a genius optician extraordinaire. I told her about my problems adjusting to glasses, and she actually advised against this fancy expensive coating that my eye doctor had mentioned. Apparently, some optometry clinics get bonuses from insurance companies for selling lots of glasses with the pricey coating. My glasses were ready for pickup within a few days, and I adjusted to them quickly. Ahh, delicious vision. Some time later, I noticed that my frames had an annoying way of slipping down my nose every time I looked down even slightly. I brought then in, and Melissa adjusted them and asked me a bunch of questions to try and figure out what made the frames loosen up so much. Turned out that the case I was using was slightly too small, which I probably never would have noticed. She gave me a new case free of charge, and they haven't needed adjusting since. Highly recommended. Somewhat pricey, but I'd rather have one great pair from the perfectionists at Next than two low-quality, sloppy pairs from Lens Crafters or (gasp) the UCB Optometry Clinic. read more

I don't wear glasses - but a trip to Next Eyewear made me sure wish I didn't have 20/20 vision. I came in on a whim with a friend. We'd been aiming for a place up the street, but saw this little, sweetly decorated window complete with robots and popped in. A really bright girl with wild pink specs was attentive, listened to what my friend was thinking about in terms of frames, and immediately began helping him select different frames to try within the range of styles he'd said he was interested in. She was super nice during the laborious process of selecting frames, putting them on him, having me take a picture and then having him put his current pair of glasses back on so he could see himself (yes, there are mirrors in Next, but my friend has pretty unique vision). She was able to recommend frames that would work well with his prescription, too, which was pretty cool. The frame selection itself at Next was my favorite part of the experience. There were so many eclectic, fun, funky, off-beat frames - along with enough standards for someone who loves to color inside the lines. Oh, and the prices were crazy reasonable. Totally recommend this place with one caveat: it does take a little longer than expected to get the frames and lenses. read more

I'd popped into NEXT with my friend/coworker when we've had lunch in the area. I wear glasses for certain things, but generally have good vision. I didn't really think I needed a new pair of eyeglasses, but I did need to get some sunglasses fixed. The awesome girl working there (Melissa) told me that, of course, they will fix them. A while later I brought my sunglasses in. Rick fixed and cleaned three of them no problem so that they sat well on my head again. The other pair needed new lenses as they were warped. I was so impressed with how friendly and helpful he was, and even more impressed that my glasses were ready the next morning. (I had gone in before closing.) I made my way back to pick them up yesterday. They look great and fit great. So happy to have them back. Of course, while I was there, I had to look at some specs. Melissa handed me a fun sale pair that really looked good. Then she handed me the same pair in a different color combination and we both knew that was the pair. She just KNEW how to pick the right glasses for me. She humored me when I said I would love to wear them with the regular lenses until I get prescription lenses in them, and she seemed just as excited about how they looked on me as I was. I love this place. Good people who know what they are doing! read more

"Next" is my glasses place. Period. Melissa is a glasses guru...she has helped me pick so many beautiful frames--and I've come to count on her style savvy for my particular needs. Love their selection. The entire staff is warm, knowledgeable, and lovely to work with. I've purchased many frames there and have no doubt there are more in my future. read more

I literally was in this shop for 10 minutes total. The woman knew what I wanted before I could even articulate it - pretty amazing to experience! And, they were super nice and attentive (just enough) on top - will never go to another shop again. read more

The staff is super helpful and friendly. I went in to browse their frames and one of the salespeople gave me some crucial information to select the right size frames. You see, I am super nearsighted. As in, I can see clearly at six inches in front of my face nearsighted. So, when I am trying out new frames, it is really hard for me to really see what I look like in them. This is how I ended up with my current frames, which are way too big for my face with super thick lenses toward the edges (bought at a most unhelpful place in Alameda). I was horrified when they brought them out to show me what I had purchased. Somehow, I had missed red and green markings and silver brand decorations on the earpieces. I thought I was buying an all black pair...I felt like I bought girl glasses, and no one said a word to me. One helpful thing they do to avoid this at Next Eyewear is that they take pictures of you so you can actually see what you look like. Most of the frames were a little pricey for my taste, and I didn't fall in love with any. But, I also didn't have a lot of time to browse. The main drawback is that my insurance wouldn't cover as much as it would at an optometrist. The salesperson also made an adjustment on my current glasses so they would stop falling off my face, which was really nice and appreciated. read more

After visiting one of the optical companies on College Avenue in Oakland (and feeling discouraged), I discovered Rick - the owner of the Next Eyewear for the last 20 years. He was no nice and thoughtful and understanding. I didn't like any of the frames I saw - So, I decided to use older frames (for glasses I don't use any more). Rick provided encouragement to me for this decision and never tried to "sell" me on what I didn't want. The new lenses in the old frames are doing very well. Again, I was very pleased with Next Eyewear and will return to Next Eyewear when my glasses need updating again. read more

This place is great! They have an extensive selection, are very attentive and patient, and were excellent at figuring out the style I wanted (and the most flattering). They were also very accommodating with our three-year-old who was with us. This experience was so much better than other stores - we will definitely be back. read more

I work across the street from Next, and while I have great eyesight my boss is not so lucky, and gets all her glasses from Next. At least twice a day (and often many more times) people say that her glasses look amazing and ask her where she got them. Of course we always say "Next has the best frames in the Bay Area!" Our store also occasionally holds onto a pair of glasses for Next's customers if they can't make it to pick them up during Next's hours, since we are open later. Not many businesses would do that and go out of their way instead of saying "well come back this weekend." read more

I agree completely with all the positive kudos given to Next. I went in with maimed sunglasses, figuring it was time to think about buying new ones, but low and behold, five minutes later, I walked out with my repaired old favorites. Very customer oriented, I will happily return when I decide to make the plunge and buy new glasses. read more

This is the finest optics shop in the Bay Area. Melissa is an absolute creative genius when it comes to picking out frames for your (my) Dr. Bunsen Honeydew-like head. She has consistently delighted me with her frame choices over the last eight years. They also provide lifetime service on your frames, though they usually get it right the first time, so no maintenance is required except the usual de-gunking. read more