I went here back in January. The place was clean and had a good vibe. The doctor gave me a new prescription that seemed very different from my previous one. I got new glasses and had a really hard time wearing them. I had bad headaches and my eyes felt very strained wearing them. I stopped wearing them and went back to my old glasses. I went to a different place last week and learned that my eyes hadn't changed; the prescription from Providence Optical was completely wrong. I'll never be back. read more

Great spot to get an eye exam and buy contacts and lenses. Right downtown so street parking can be a little tough sometimes but there are garages nearby. And they seem to take lots of insurance and make it all very easy. I've seen two optometrists and they were both great. They really make sure you get the right contacts. I had to go back a bunch of times to find ones that worked for me. The selection of glasses are great. They have cheapo ones, pricey ones, and most importantly to me, lots of good ones in the middle. read more

Clusterfuck Dropped off my only pair of existing glasses for new lenses on 4/12, was told by the guy that they'd be ready 3-5 business days. Called to follow up 5 days later and was told by a woman that due to my Rx that I should have been told it would be 7-10 business days, and the order was submitted on 4/15. I complain that I would never have agreed to 7-10 business days in the first place bc they were my only glasses, I am running out of contact lenses and I can't function without seeing. The lady offered to get a 10 day supply of trial contacts to tide me over. I pick up the contacts on 4/19 and at that time they try to get me to sign a waiver just in case they break my glasses, which I refuse to sign bc they should have obtained that upfront before they took possession of my glasses. I ask how much my estimated cost would be after insurance covers the $150, they tell me approx $450. On 4/25 I call for status and get no response. On 4/26 the same woman called to tell me that due to my Rx the wait will be yet another 7-10 business days! Unbelievable! At that point I ask them what I can do or pay to expedite my lenses or get my glasses back so I can go elsewhere and the lady said I couldn't do anything. I ask again bc there are very few problems that can't be fixed by throwing money at it and she again said nothing can be done and blamed my insurance for the delay. I am pissed off at that point and hang up. Then I get a text message from her asking if I want to proceed with the order for lenses for my frames that they've held hostage since 4/12. After telling me no no no on the phone that absolutely nothing can be done to expedite my order or get my glasses back that day, I respond to proceed but added that due to the 3rd delay I would now be blind bc id run out of contacts (See text message). No response to text but immediately after that text I get a call from a 3rd person, presumably the owner who told me that she would personally pick up my glasses at the lens manufacturer and I can pick them up tomorrow. I go in the next day and the woman who I had been arguing with on the phone the day prior refunded my deposit in dead silence and when I ask how I know it was a refund, she wordlessly pointed to the word "refund" on my receipt. I laugh and say oh ya, I can't read it bc I'm blind! Har har. That day, I go to my regular eye shop a 10 minute walk away who not only got my upgrade Zeiss lenses in 3 business days, but also charged me $400 total BEFORE I submitted to insurance which is 3 migraines and $50+ less than what I was quoted by Providence Optical AFTER insurance. The only reason I didn't rate this place 1 yelp stars is bc at least the owner seemed to give a shit that I was going to be BLIND for a week+ due to the delays. I'll never give this place a chance again bc my clear vision, budget and sanity happen to be stuff I prioritize in my life. read more

Providence Optical - Had to go almost go blind before they actually gave some proper customer service - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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This place is a minimalists dream. So thoughtfully designed, and just a beautiful place to enter. They have a pretty good selection of frames. All of them are unique, which I love. There are more hidden away, and if you can get someone to take the time to help you find a frame, you'll be able to access them. I don't know if it was an off day or what, but when I came to pick out a new pair of frames, it was as if I was bothering the person working there. I was the only customer in the store and he did not offer to help me. That was disappointing, as I wish I could've had his opinion and perhaps his help in finding a certain frame. Once I picked out some frames, the real saga began. I didn't hear from them for over a month and I ended up calling them. They said my frames arrived damaged so they sent them back and would be in touch when they're ready. I would've appreciated a phone call to let me know, so I wasn't waiting for a month (for frames that I already fully paid for). After I took them home, I wore them twice and they broke again. They took them back with some questioning (did I drop them, how was I wearing them), and when they came back they didn't place the prescription lens into one side! Honestly, all of the stuff up until this last bit is not their fault at all. The problem is that I had to go downtown each and every time, find parking, etc. I think I went there about 5 times before I actually took my frames home, 4 months after I initially purchased them. That being said, all the other times I came there to discuss my frames, they've been helpful! And my husband came to get his eyes examined, and he had a fabulous experience. They are super thorough and thoughtful with the exams. And his experience picking up his glasses was great! So, not everyone has the same experience as me!! read more

This is the only place to Go! They have the absolute most coolest and stylish selection. Krystal and Shantal are incredibly warm, pleasant and super pros offering superior customer service every time. I have been a customer for over 3 years.. Krystal always assists me in choosing the most attractive frames and is super honest and never lets me leave without complete satisfaction!!! read more

Providence Optical combines an amazing selection of high end unique frames with very reasonable prices. I love glasses, and I built up a large collection of frames over a decade while my prescription remained stable. Over the last two years, my prescription changed completely, so I needed to start again from scratch. Providence Optical had the best selection I've found anywhere in New England - seriously better than I've found in Boston. And they weren't cheap, but they weren't nearly as much as I've paid in DC or NY. I left with three pairs of glasses at a reasonable price, and there were several others that were painful to leave behind. read more

Pricey eye wear but if you are going for an exam this is a great spot! I really like my doctor even though she had lost her voice. She noticed a small issue with my dry eyes so I will be back in a month for a follow up. I do appreciate taking the extra care in checking that when I could have just been written off as dry eyes. Clean space and super modern, if you want some fancy new glasses I'd check this spot out! But very reasonable at just giving me my prescription and letting my order what I want online. Very easy to schedule an apt as well. read more

This place is optical heaven! They recently relocated into a great new space on Westminster that is beautiful. It is airy and modern, while still having that old Providence feel. As soon as you walk in, there are ladies at the desk ready to help you. They have a fantastic selection of eyewear that is different than the mundane choices at other places. But the star of the show is definitely Dr. Hill. Usually, I am super annoyed going into an optometry appointment and then still super annoyed (and poor) leaving. Here, Dr. Hill is so kind and personable, you enjoy the visit. So I leave relaxed and feeling my time was well spent (and still poor). Highly recommend. read more

5 star experience. Friendly and knowledge staff. Relatively inexpensive prices. Fast turnaround on lenses (less than one week). If you are expecting to walk in, get an eye exam, select your frames and walk out an hour later with a new set of specs... Sorry, expect again. PO is a true optical shop, that prides itself on service, quality and aesthetics. As a result, those in need of corrective lenses should prepare themselves for a wait. But as the stars at the beginning of this review suggest, that wait will be worth it. read more

Prompt, professional service and a vast selection of eye wear from vintage frames to chic and sophisticated European brands, Providence Optical carries it all - including their own brand and custom design frames. I received my eye exam here and found the perfect pair of eye glasses. I will be back for prescription sunglasses. Oh it helps that they accept my insurance VSP/Blue Cross Blue Shield. read more

Providence Optical - My new Rx frames! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Loved it! I couldn't get into my normal eye doctor, it was a 6 month wait (just for an eye exam!) I went under someones suggestion who had just gone here. I simply called and they got me in for an appt the very next day - easy! They also assured me my VSP coverage would be acceptable and there likely wouldn't be a copay (this was getting better and better). I work downtown so I walked over, though parking can be a bit of a challenge. They did mention most of their clientelle are college students who don't have to "come into the city and park" so they were sort of surprised I was a native :) I currently have a rx for reading and knew I needed both an eye exam but to update my current glasses. When you first walk in, you feel like you're in a very chic, urban shop that doesn't feel PVD, but I loved it. Glasses lined the walls as well as plenty of seating for waiting. I saw Dr. Giraldo...she was seriously one of the best docs I've ever seen! So personable, friendly, understanding, so not patronizing and wanted to truly get me and my eyes in the best shape possible. I loved that they don't pressure you to get your eyewear there, they are completely happy to give you a check up and Rx and send you on your way. So although I'm unsure I am going back for my actual eyewear, you can bet I'll get my exam here again. Seriously...the nicest people. read more

I am definitely a regular here. I went here just a few weeks ago on a whim. I used to go to Westminster Eye Optical but...well, I have written a review. Anyway, this place is super clean with a calm, simple aesthetic. The flash comes from the array of frames and sunglasses that adorn the walls and tables and various glass cases. Service is amazing. Cannot say enough about the service. Best to make an appointment though so as not to come in and get turned away because they aren't free at the time. Frames are super stylish, even the non-vintage ones! And when you're done with your frames, give them another pass if you're looking for some quality and stylish sunglasses. However, BIGGER-HEADED FOLKS BEWARE! Our options are limited. read more

5 very well deserved stars. I'm a pain in the....well you know what, when it comes to picking out glasses. I think I tried about 20 pairs and I narrowed it down to 4 almost identical pairs. The associate had the patience of a saint as I went back and forth, forth and back. The selection of glasses is plentiful but not overwhelming and the associate really did a great job steering me away from and toward styles that would suit the shape of my face. When I had a problem with the frame....not the stores fault they worked hard with their supplier to get my issue addressed and were very apologetic. There may be less expensive glasses shops out there but I would say I felt like I got value for the money I spent. read more

My in-person appointment was terrific: the whole staff from reception to eye doctor was friendly, the office has a nice vibe & a beautiful storefront, and they got me through very quickly while still feeling well-cared for. Their glasses are significantly more expensive than other high-quality online outlets, but they seem to have a well-curated selection. However, the sign on the door says "eye exam: $60," and this is misleading. It's $60 if you pay out of pocket without using insurance. Otherwise, they bill your insurance $120 (or more, there's a mysterious, tiered pricing system) for an exam. I have limited vision coverage and this $120 was over my limit, so I ended up with a bill for more than $60. Although I don't expect Providence Optical to know the inner workings of individual insurance plans, they could have been more clear during appointment setup about what they charge for an exam, especially when it's supposedly written on the door! The staff was helpful when I questioned them about the bill afterwards, but I'm disappointed that they didn't provide proper information about costs ahead of time to make an informed decision. If you visit, be sure to ask questions about the actual costs. read more

I walked by this place hundreds of times before walking in, and I'm glad I did. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but what I found was super friendly staff, prompt service, great quality, and my favorite pair of sunglasses. Buying a pair of sun/glasses can often devolve into a frustrating exercise. Not at Providence Optical. I tried on at least 20 pairs of sunglasses, and it was fun. It helped that many of them were (really) funky pieces. Despite trying on pair after pair, Onega never made me feel rushed. Instead, she made me feel like a pair was somewhere in there, just for me. Given past experiences, I really didn't think I'd walk out with a pair of really flattering sunglasses (mostly because my style is anything but funky). But I did. This place definitely caters to folks looking for something a little more unique. But don't be at all discouraged if your style is a bit more ... tame. You may just walk out of this little place a bit more fabulous. read more

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was bruised by a bad eyeglass shopping experience at another store, but then I found you. Eye exam was all taken care of, staff helped me pick out a new pair of specs and order the right lenses. Was so pleased I ordered sunglasses for good measure. read more

Update: I did go back and the staff was very helpful in giving me suggestions for glasses and taking care to make sure the order is right for my lenses. I was very happy that this experience was more in line with what others have experienced. read more

After seeing the horrific reviews for the eye institute near my house, I went to Providence Optical for an eye exam. Initially hesitant because of the musical chairs nightmare parking reality downtown, I found a parking lot on Weybosset - they validate! (See parking tab on website) The selection is such a good size and organized nicely so you can take it all in without being overwhelmed. Thoughtfully selected and current. Many lightweight metals with clean, luxury sedan shapes. I already had frames selected for my bloated elf face before coming but I look forward to shopping for frames next time. The service is the real blue ribbon here. Two lovely women with comforting accents welcomed me - even as I was running late on a Friday afternoon. I was quickly seen by Dr. Hill who is superhero handsome (Smallville era Green Arrow) and super helpful. He asked many questions optometrists sometimes overlook (about medications, lifestyle changes) and made a gentle rib about my heavy prescription. He truly wants to make sure people are getting the clearest vision possible and encouraged me to come back for adjustments to get my glasses just right - even if I didn't buy them there! read more

I could not be more appreciative of the incredible service I received here. Crystal was a life-saver when I needed a glasses repair. She worked super quickly to help fix what I had thought was a glasses ending crunch. 10 minutes after walking in my glasses were fully fixed and back on my face! Really great service and super adorable frame selection that entertained me for my short wait. read more

Not only do they have the best selection, their service is OUTSTANDING. They happily take insurance, clean, adjust, repair...ask the coolest glass wearers in PVD. read more

This place is great! I had to get an eye exam and found this place after calling around, best price for an eye exam hands down! Also the prices for contacts here are the cheapest, I used to get my acuvues for 30 a box at Providence Place but this place only charges 21. read more

What a fabulous store. I have a new prescription and decided I wanted new frames, but something different, not the frames that all look the same from the chain stores. I stopped by this gem on Saturday, without the luxury of wearing my contacts to "see" what the frames looked like on me. Came back on Monday. I encountered three of the employees on these two days. FABULOUS - very helpful and not pushy at all. They allowed me to browse and I ended up finding a frame designed by the optician who works there. I cannot say enough about this store. Really cool frames, wonderful atmosphere and employees who give you good advice and who are extremely helpful. YOU MUST GO TO THIS STORE IF YOU NEED TO BUY FRAMES. read more

A friend recommended Providence Optical to me about 6 years ago when I lived in Providence, and I've been a happy customer ever since. I've since moved over the border into Massachusetts but I still drive back to Providence for all things optical. The staff has always been super helpful, and they have a great selection of eyewear. On my most recent visit, I accidentally scratched my lenses on vacation. Matt was able to order the lenses and replace them within 2 days. I highly recommend these guys. read more

This exceptional optical boutique offers a beautiful collection of high quality, interesting and fashionable frames. I recently came by looking for a new pair of daily frames I was NOT disappointed. After trying on multiple pairs elsewhere, all average and rather un-unique (commonplace, if you will), I found my haven for frames here. Service is exceptional as well, the staff is very knowledgable, helpful and honest - which is a plus when it comes to a daily necessity such a glasses. It doesn't hurt that I get compliments almost daily on my most recent purchase. I highly recommend checking out this shop. read more

Excellent Customer Service. They have have bent over backwards to provide excellent customer service in getting my prescription and glasses fit to be perfect. read more

Frame selection for men was really limited and mostly low-quality creaky plastic. Eye doctor was very nice and professional, unfortunately after trying to wear the new prescription for a few weeks they're still blurrier than the previous lenses I got at Lenscrafters. One lens is also sharper than the other, which gives me a headache. read more

Wow I am impressed with the quality and customer support, I felt welcomed and the staff is amazing. Thank you Providence Optical for making my experience amazing! read more

Excellent. They are the most professional and endearing optical shop I have been to in many years. They know what they are doing and they do it well. Thank you. read more

Two negative experiences with this company. First time the frames were not properly fitted and had to be sent out! Gave them another try and this time one of the lenses was the wrong prescription. Hard to trust they are properly taking care of extra features that can't be seen. I requested refund and do not recommend them at all read more

I paid 55$ What I received was the following: * Eye exam * 1 year prescription * 1 set of contacts that last for a month. * Training on how to insert & remove contacts * 1 Cleaning solution and Case for contacts * No waiting - When I got there I was seen right away ( although i did call the day before and set up an appointment, but usually at doc offices you wait like 20min to be seen.) * Great service This was the cheapest and most efficient service i've experienced. It didnt seem like a doctors office, rather a eye care store with doctors available. Lense Crafter would had charged me 110$ for the same service. Granted, I already had my eyeglass prescription with me. read more

Having shopped for prescription eyewear at various Providence and Boston locations, I was happy to discover Providence Optical a couple of years ago. They have a great selection of cool frames (even for my hard-to-fit face), a very knowledgeable and patient staff, and a fairly quick turnaround for lenses. Parking downtown is a challenge, but the store validates for a lot on Weybosset, just a short walk away. I won't go anywhere else for glasses now. read more

This is the world's greatest optical shop! They have all kinds of fun and interesting frames, both new and vintage. The service is top notch, friendly, and they really know their stuff. They also have art openings occasionally. read more

I was long overdue for an eye exam as well as a new pair of glasses, and the folks at Providence Optical were wonderful. The exam was thorough, the doctor was easy to talk to and answered all of my questions, and the lady at the front desk helped me pick out a cute pair of frames within my price range. I was a few minutes early for my appointment but I did not have to wait long at all. Everyone at the front desk knew other customers by name and were extremely friendly and laid back, but not so much to seem unprofessional. As for the selection, there were lots of funky and stylish frames to choose from in anyone's price range, not typical or boring like chain stores. I left the store feeling great about the whole experience, and I cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Dr. Hill was fantastic and I found the perfect pair of cute glasses for me. I am new to glasses so it took me a while to feel comfortable actually wearing frames, never mind liking what I saw in the mirror. But, Lee was super helpful and within minutes had helped me find the perfect pair I feel comfortable and happy to wear them all the time. I will be back for sure! =) read more

I recently enrolled in a new vision care plan through my work and saw that this place was in my network so I decided to check it out. Its a cute little store, very clean and modern. There are some really great quotes on the walls about "eyes" and "vision" which I though was pretty cool, not to mention the giant eye glasses mirror. The space is small and there is a tiny corridor that winds around to the exam room but the doctor was incredibly nice and knowledgeable. It usually takes me a month-of-sundays to decide when it comes to glasses, and this time was no different. The assistant at the front spent probably an hour helping me decide which frames to choose and gave genuine help with suggestions and even left me alone for a little (!) to discuss with my friends . It was cool he didn't pressure me and allowed some alone time rather than hound me or hover around which I've always experienced. All around great experience and I'm really happy this place is in my network! A tiny almost non-existent complaint: because its downtown Providence parking can be a pain but other than that, great find! read more

I lost a screw in my glasses and needed help to replace it. I stopped in to Providence Optical and not only did they fix my glasses in just a few minutes, they also offered to adjust them to ensure the fit was correct. Really kind people. Thank you for your service! read more

Got replacement lenses for some Rudy Project cycling glasses - good suggestions from the staff for lens material and no pushy sales of unwanted coatings. Also the eye doctor I saw in their office was very professional and friendly. Nothing negative to say. read more

They had such friendly service also a clam and welcoming atmosphere. The place is directly downtown so its not hard to get to, so a quick walk from the bus station. The eye exam was the best price i could find and it only took 30 mins. The Doc is a PC alum and he's nice to us college kids! read more

I was fortunate to stop in Providence Optical on a snowy Saturday, and received the undivided attention of Charlotte, Onega and Chris. They were incredibly helpful and patient, helping me pick out three frames for three very different purposes (readers, distance and progressives). I appreciate their kindness, and can't wait for my glasses to come in. I definitely encourage others to check them out! read more