Ray and Todd are true professionals in every sense of the word. After visiting several other shops in both the East Bay and in San Francisco, the obvious choice for me was Phoenix Optical. As soon as I walked into their shop I was greeted with a quick hello and a smile...and then it was down to business. Within minutes Todd helped me to narrow down my selection to the perfect frame that was best suited for my face. Even as I tried on practically every frame in the store, Todd was patient, accommodating, and quick to offer helpful tips that showcased his 26 years of industry experience. With professional customer service like this, combined with an insanely unique selection of vintage (1920's - present ) frames, it's obvious why Ray and Phoenix Optical have been leaders in their field for over 52 years. Thanks Ray and Todd for providing me with the perfect frames, lenses, and lens treatments that now have me seeing in high-definition once more! I will gladly return to Phoenix Optical for all of my optical needs. read more

"Ray A." took it upon himself to privately message me nearly 18 months after my original review to call me a bitch. That's really all that needs to be said about this business. Funny that he also told me I had zero class since I have never interacted with this person in my life. He also implied that I must be dirt since I was treated like dirt - now who's the classy one? The other optical shop I chose is laughing all the way to the bank. Congratulations, you really earned this demerit! read more

Received my glasses last Thursday and Phoenix is now bumped up to 5 stars. I'm sorry but these glasses are just way too legit to give anything less than 5 stars. I've already received several compliments. Mission accomplished :) read more

This place has a beautiful assortment of vintage and vintage replica glasses. I felt welcomed when I walked in, and was encouraged to try things on, but not in a pushy way. Todd (I'm pretty sure it was Todd who helped me) was incredibly knowledgeable and allowed me to take all the time I needed. He knows glasses and has incredibly useful information to share on the subject. He was candid and honest in his opinions about what looked good and what looked less good, but he wasn't overly pushy about which glasses I should go with. I was free to roam around and try things on and do my own thing, but there was always someone there to help me if I needed it. I now have a pair of beautiful progressives and the folks at Phoenix Optical spent real time with me, trying to help me find the right pair. I highly recommend them! And also their sister store in the Mission in SF! read more

I constantly find myself in an eye ware conundrum. I don't want to spend exorbitant amounts of money, yet I also want eyewear that is stylish, unique and high quality. Well spending the money and getting the high end is the only way to go, but all high end eyewear is not created equal. Phoenix eyewear boasts a beautiful, vast array of vintage and hand made frames. Want to look like no one else? What your eyewear dreams to come true? Want amazing unpretentious service and be truly taken care of as a customer? This is the place!! read more

Jumped in 20m before they closed to get a last-minute adjustment and Todd hooked me up, no questions asked. They have an impressive selection of designer/vintage frames, definitely worth a visit read more

After I left this less than laudatory review the proprietor called me and said that Phoenix Optical Co routinely offers VSP customers a 20% discount on their frames. He apologized that this had not happened in my case and sent me a check for 20% of the cost of the frames I'd bought. They have a great selection and I would go back again. read more

I can keep my glasses for years, if I don't sit on them. The glasses/frames+lenses Phoenix Optical offers are not only top notch quality, they command respect because they are vintage-spiffy, worth the pennies and provide a history with every wear. Do you know the history of the optical wonderland? A woman opened Phoenix Optical in the 1930s! Talk about Route 66, man. For me, the experience of shopping is very special- I don't shop for 'fashion' very often, so when I do, it's as huge an event as hitching the carriage in to town, shopping with purpose and debating every last ounce of question/apprehension out of whatever it is I'm contemplating purchasing. At Phoenix Optical you are afforded patience via as much time as you need, fabulous customer service and a product that is quite genuinely, well, genuine. I'm eagerly awaiting my new pair but have had the same pair that I bought 6 years ago at Phoenix, never once needing any repair. read more

Amazing service and huge selection. I was impressed by the time and care they took helping me find the frames I was seeking, truly above and beyond the usual. They also educated me thoroughly, so I better understood what I needed as well as refining my hunt so I at last had success. I expect I will be going back later for those one or two other options that keep calling to me. read more

Had a great experience here. I was visiting family for a week and 2 days before leaving I carelessly put my glasses on the bed and sat on them - ack! Found Phoenix Optical based on 5 star rating and travel time and - Todd Manning, Manager, offered to try the repair! He was very quick and very effective - no remaining sign of my self inflicted damage! Thank you, Todd!! He then gave me a short tour of the shop. I have never been to a vintage frame shop before and it was very impressive. Other reviews will give you more info on the frames. For my part I was very happy with our brief encounter at Phoenix Optical. read more

I LOVE this place. Sure it's pricey, but quality glasses are pricey. They have the best and most epic collection of dead stock vintage frames and super rad modern frames as well. I purchased some 1950's cat eye sunglasses bedazzled with rhinestones and pearls, as well as some one of a kind specs designed by the owner. I am so glad I found this place. I will be back! read more

This is the best place to get glasses or sunglasses in the East Bay (and maybe the whole Bay Area). I've been wearing glasses for 20+ years, and have gone to many of the places in the area, and I love Phoenix. They have unusual frames that you won't find anywhere else, they will custom make stuff for you, and they are incredibly patient and work with everyone to find the best glasses for them. Every color and shape you can think of, really great vintage frames, glasses with lots of bling, and frames that strangers will stop and complement you on (I know, because it's happened to me multiple times with my glasses and sunglasses). And on top of that, they're really helpful and know their stuff, and have a super friendly dog to greet you. They're not cheap, but I have crazy bad vision, so my glasses are always pretty expensive. And your glasses are ready really fast! read more

My sweetheart and I LOVE this place! The gentleman that helped us answered our tremendous stack of questions, wasn't pushy and we got exactly what we wanted. Our fantasy glasses! Hooray! My only wish is that I had had THEM do the lenses, because I think they would have done a better job than Kaiser, and found out too late that it would have cost about the same! (Kaiser insurance lacks in the optometry dept!) I will buy all of my glasses here forever! read more

I finally came to grips with the fact that my constant squinting at the computer screen wasn't getting any better and had my eyes examined. Sure enough, I needed glasses. Ray has been in business for 40 odd years. His selection is huge and spans from vintage to modern. He has great taste and expresses his opinion if you ask. I spent about 90 minutes trying on frames and never felt rushed or neglected. Best of all, I walked out with a perfect pair of frames. Highly recommended. read more

Got to LOVE these guys and i am a kid in a candy store here- WOW you want really hot frames this is your place- I have 5 fantastic pairs of glasses that they made for me and I have never see another person with the same look as me! Unique smart glasses for everybody- the quality is out of this world. And they can find glasses to fit every outfit and occasion... I have a great time when I drop in Todd and Ray are delightful and very good at lenses, tints and tempting frames. read more

These guys are great, and the prices are reasonable for the exceptional quality of eyewear.

Education and customer service I received today exceeded my expectations. I had already purchased a pair at the store down the street that I was very unhappy with , but Phoenix Optical took the time to listen and educate me and came up with two sweet frames that I purchased on the spot. I will buy exclusively from them in the future. read more

First of all this place is open on Sundays. I am not sure why other places are closed but it's annoying that they are. This place fixes glasses on the spot for a very fair inexpensive fee. This place is boutiquey. With fancy glasses but not dainty. They have a hardy / massive collection that I am guessing is over 2000 pairs to choose from. Great customer device as well. Smart and precise and nice. read more

This place has amazing frames! Felice was very personable and knows the business well. Great shopfront on College Ave. Glad to support a local business!! read more

I called Phoenix before I went to ask them if they could adjust a pair of glasses that I had not purchased there - I offered to pay for the service. I spoke to a nice man who told me to bring them in. When I entered the store there was an older gentleman who came to the front to help me. He was rude especially after I told him I had purchased the glasses on-line as I am unemployed and my prescription had changed. He told me he wouldn't adjust the frames because they were horrible and he might break them and it would cost me $50.00 for him to even touch them. He adjusted the nose pads as he could see I was upset. He then told me to return my glasses to the online site I had purchased them from. I understand the threat to his business online glasses must be. However, I would have been willing to pay $50.00 (or even $100.00) as the combined cost of that with the cost of the glasses would have been much less than buying a new pair from him. I will be in a position in the next year or so to buy glasses at a boutique again. My grown children already do as their eye sight is very poor (my daughter's is below -9.50 in both eyes) and they wear contacts and glasses. They both inherited money from their grandparents and last month my daughter purchased a pair of glasses for $1,200 from a local competitor. No one in my family will ever purchase any products from this store and none of my network of friends in the Rockridge area will either. I called and was told they could help me, I was honest about where I purchased my glasses, I was willing to pay for the service and I felt terrible when I left this establishment. The shame I feel around unemployment and not having enough money to buy something had never really hit me so hard. read more

Okay selection. There are SO many eyeglasses shops in this area, the distinguishing factor is service. These guys are below par. Bought one pair and had to wait for 1/2 hour 3 separate visits for service. Twice I ended up walking out due to being ignored. Fast forward, glasses arrived (they don't call you, you follow up with them). Painful back and forth to get replacement lenses 5 months later. Lectured me on how to clean my lenses (!). Failed to advise I had 4 months to get newRx at no charge. This morning dropped off frames for replacement lenses. Still not ready 3 hours later. Finally ready a full day later (an issue since they initially said come back in 45 minutes!). Ridiculously poor service, only one person in the shop.. Buying glasses is not a difficult process but Phoenix Optical needs to learn what "customer service" truly means and staff up to make this an easy/pleasant experience. read more

Pretty much everywhere I go, people comment on my vintage frames. Phoenix has oodles of deadstock vintage frames for men and women in all colors and styles. This is definitely the place to shop if you don't want anyone else to have the exact same frames. You can spend a long time browsing through trays and trays of rhine-stoned grandma cateye frames to amuse yourself. For those who are seeking something more conventional, they do carry contemporary frames by Oliver Peoples, etc. The staff there is very nice and helpful, and will re-adjust your frames if your glasses aren't fitting right, even long after you made your purchase. When I had two pairs of glasses made at the same time, they were willing to knock off a little bit off the price, so do ask them. And don't be afraid of the big German shepherd who lives at the store--he is a sweetheart; but do be afraid of the African grey parrot because I saw him bite someone who was bugging him. read more

I bought a pair of frames and lenses from Phoenix Optical a long time ago (when they were on Shattuck Ave in Berkeley). I was very happy with the service and the frames they helped me pick out. When I tried to update my prescription via my optometrist I was disappointed with the lenses and the cheap anti-reflective coating they used. Needless to say I went back to Phoenix Optical for my next set of lenses in these frames I got elsewhere. They provide the highest quality lenses and anti-reflective coating. They are expensive but I think it's worth the extra money to be happy with something you will be wearing on your face! read more

I cannot believe I have lived in the area for 17 years and never set foot in this gem of a shop! I wear glasses every day, and of course choosing your glasses is important and can be tough. After wasting my time at several other shops, I randomly stopped in Phoenix -- Todd was immensely helpful, the selection is astoundingly huge. The vintage frames are gorgeous and very tempting! I will be shopping here for frames forevermore, and recommending this shop to everyone. Don't waste your time anywhere else! read more

This place is amazing! They have a huge selection of unused vintage and new frames to choose from. The staff are super friendly and take the time to help you find frames that look good and fit your personal style, especially if you can't see very well when trying on glasses. It's always a fun experience to go here and pick out some new face accessories!!! read more

Even though I live in Texas I bought my glasses at Phoenix Optical because they have such a big selection of frames without metal (I am allergic to all sorts of metals). Had my frames for a year when they suddenly split. I had a trip to the Bay Area planned anyway, so I stopped by Phoenix Optical and to my great surprise, Ray said that instead of fixing it and risking that I would have the same problem again in the near future he would completely replace the frame and glasses FOR FREE! Now this is what I call excellent customer service. He had them ready for me the next day. read more

Do you want vintage frames or just awesome stylish frames? This is the place to go! I've been buying frames from them, for decades, since they were on Shattuck in Berkeley. People always ask me where I got my frames. The owner Ray, not there much these, is amazing at helping you picking frames. He has been in the family business since childhood and has a photographic memory for frames. They have their own design warehouses and models and it's a longtime business. There's more frames in back if you can't find what you want in front. I've always experienced the shop as very patient and kind. I feel mixed about some of the newer staff, but I have never found better frames than here. They also have a shop in SF. read more

These guys are the best. I came in just before closing and they couldn't have been nicer. Ray and Felice were helpful and patient. Knowledgeable is definitely an understatement. I have been buying designers glasses for decades (yes I'm old). Being an Interior Designer I have a strong esthetic myself. Ray took me through glasses that were actually designed by his mother decades ago along with some his own designs. The selection is enormous if you have the time, ask and learn the history of Ray Ascher or google this guy, wow. My second visit, Felice talked about Ray's history and his manufacturing in France, yes they actually make glasses not just buy and sell other company's wares. Real handcrafted exotic, over the years I have had some special glasses but I have never received the amount of compliments that I have received on my hand made French frames from Phoenix. My third visit was short and sweet, my questions all answered and my needs met, yikes ! These people are a cut above, that's for sure. Forgettaboutit ! First Cabin service, materials and construction. read more

Seems to be a problem with rushing or nervousness in service and workmanship. Rushed in and out and frame was all bent up on pick-up. Lenses are likely contracted out and not made in house as it appears. read more

I used to really like this store until I was treated like I wasn't good enough to shop in such an upscale store. The arrogance and irritated responses at answering my questions left me feeling like they thought I was stupid and a waste of time. If you are wealthy you will get the royal treatment but if you are unable to throw down 1600.00 for just a frame made of horn don't bother wasting your self respect and time. I expect to be treated equal to other shoppers not wait while someone wealthier is waited on immediately while I've been waiting over 40 minutes to be helped. Money talks here and if you don't have lots to throw around don't expect anything more than condescending behavior that the employees are put out and annoyed with your questions. read more

I joined Yelp just to write a review of this shop! In a world where good service is hard to find, Phoenix Optical is a real gem. I walked in with my prescription and a ton of questions, and Todd Manning spent 90 minutes helping me. The service was personal, the information he gave was extremely helpful in my decision-making process, and the frames in the store are beautiful and unique. I highly recommend this store if you are looking for service and selection. read more

I just had the best experience and ordered a new look for my everyday glasses. I've been looking around the East Bay and SF for frames that are unique and don't have the designer's name on the stem. This place was like a candy store of frames making a choice very difficult. From reading the other reviews I think I was lucky to have had the expert assistance of Ray Ascher, whose mother started the business. They design and manufacture all aspects of eye wear which probably accounts for the very reasonable price. I'm anxious to get a pair of horn rimed glasses now after learning about the manufacturing process and the uniqueness of the product- next year. read more

I have lived in the neighborhood for years and bought reading glasses from this place 3 years ago. Trying to shop locally. The guy who helped me, the regular guy there, was extremely condescending. He was just snobby about his merchandise and presumptuous about the whole deal. Sorry, when I spend upwards of $400-500 on something, I expect a pleasant experience. I love my glasses, no thanks to this guy, and I was willing to let the initial experience go, but ... the glasses recently broke and when I went in with them to see if there was any type of fix the guy completely looked down his nose at me. When I told him that they had simply cracked during a normal cleaning, he asked, "You sure you didn't sit on them?". When I replied 'no', he looked at me as if I were lying to him. Since I have no reason to lie and someone in retail should never make you feel that way, I am DONE WITH THIS PLACE. Never shop there unless you want to overspend and feel horrible about doing so. I recommend places online that are cheaper and have returns and warrantees. There is even an online store that has an app which will allow you to see the glasses on your face in 3D, glasses dot com. read more