I came across this lovely optical store when looking at my trusting Yelp app for reviews/suggestions!! I sadly misplaced my old glasses and needed to replace them. I had only been to my eye doctor in my hometown and haven't ventured out in Milwaukee yet for my eye needs since moving. I considered ordering online, and looked at a lot of discount websites, but at the end of the day, I would rather pay more money to go in and pick out a perfect frame then just guessing based on pictures online, and possibly being disappointed with the look or the quality just to save some $...
To start, heck yes, I'm a sucker for ambience. This store has a nice location on Downer Ave, which I am familiar with thanks to Hollander and BelAir on Downer as well as the Original Pancake House. Parking is just fine because there's some free, non-meter two-hour parking just around the corner. The inside of the store has a cute, crisp white interior with walls lined of glasses. Very chic! Which of course gets me excited right as I walk in :-)
Optix on Downer offers a complete optical experience, with eye exams, custom made lenses with a decent-sized frame selection, and contacts. (I did not venture to the back area of the shop for an eye exam because I had recently previously had my prescription established at my hometown eye doctor... Optix called them to obtain my prescription info, which they had faxed over instantly). I discovered Optix does all their work on site, so you can expect to get your glasses in a timely fashion! That was important to me because I've had glasses take over a month before at other stores, which was frustrating.
Now for the good part, the FRAMES... As their website advertises, Optix offers "Fashion frames from around the world." Forewarning, there are some pretty pricey brands here!! And at first I was confused why they did not carry your typical chain/retailer eyewear store designer brands, like Coach, Dior, Oakley, Ray Ban...I could go on and on, get my drift?
Optix carries European collections which is probably why I had not heard of a lot of the labels. But just because I had not heard of them isn't a negative thing, I very well have just not been exposed to these brands before. They were all of excellent quality and very stylish!! They advertise on their website that "The Optix Team travels extensively to hand-select from the finest collections and designers on the market today."
No appointment needed, I just walked in to start trying on frames. There were three girls working when I went in. All were super helpful! Even the ones who were not "assigned" to me stopped over as I was trying on glasses and gave me their knowledgable opinions... One even said "no, that's basic" LOL! It was great! I ended up being happiest with SALT and Oliver Peoples brands, and went with the OP.
The workers were so helpful! They were also very patient and let me try on frames over and over...and OVER haha, I can be indecisive at times....they assisted me in finding the perfect pair and I am so happy with my purchase! It only took a week for my glasses to come in. If you need a second frame, they do offer 20% off too, which is cool. You definitely get what you pay for here!!! Would definitely recommend read more