My new first stop for glasses when I want something fancy! I'd been shopping for glasses for a few weeks both online and offline. I'd already had simple/subtle/conservative glasses and moderately stylish glasses, and decided I wanted to treat myself to something more over the top. I started at the chain stores, ended up on some websites, found a few that I liked (and bought), none that I loved. At that point, Groupon read my mind (or search history) and started showing me ads for glasses. I ignored most of them, but the ad for SEE kept coming up, so eventually I clicked and took a look at their website. I noted their business model-- they only make a very small number of each custom design, so you're unlikely to EVER run into someone with the same frames. There was one frame in particular I really liked on the website, but even with the Groupon it seemed expensive, and I didnt need any more glasses. I went back to the website the next day to show my wife, and it was gone. I called the store and they said they only had one left in the entire world. I said, I'm coming town to check it out. At the store they have a much wider selection of frames than the website, and a few caught my eye, but my favorite was still the the one from the website. Shawn, the manager, was incredibly helpful and possibly the most knowledgeable person I've encountered when it comes to eyewear. His style of customer service is more terse than some-- "Those dont look good on you" "You cant use that discount code" instead of hemming and hawing or lying. I initially found it slightly offputting, then almost immediately came to appreciate it. He also was able to tell very very quickly what I liked and how to sell me on what would actually be in my best interest to buy, as opposed to just making a sale. Using the Groupon, I was able to get the frames and lenses for less than most other high end eyewear shops, and about double the cheap places. My glasses were ready in about a week and I very much appreciated that Shawn texted me rather than calling. When I went to pick them up, Tyrone was also working, and he also seemed very knowledgeable and helpful (insert Erykah Badu joke here.) I wish I'd thought to use my vision insurance here, as my dollars would go further. As it stands, when my insurance allows for a new pair, I will probably start here. If I dont particularly like anything immediately, I have faith Shawn will be able to pick out something perfect. Bottom line, if you want something high fashion, quality, expensive but not overpriced, this is the place to go. read more

SEE - My favorite frames! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Lots of super fashionable frames to choose from and good customer service. They definitely have some more eclectic frames so maybe try something new and different. Location is right on State Street so glad I could support a local business here. Also, they will give you a good discount as they are not a VSP provider and you can still send in your receipt for insurance reimbursement . Overall good experience. read more

SEE - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

We were walking around on state street and saw this store, the staff is friendly, and my daughter tried several sun glasses and can't decide, i was sitting there waiting for her. The staff brought me a pair of glasses for me to try, very unique, actually quite nice. But I'm not in need for more glasses. Maybe next time. read more

SEE - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Wandering around town and decided to browse. The selection was great. The service friendly and knowledgeable. They had a great sense of style and what might look good on me. Who knew that they'd be so right?! 3 pairs later and they even transferred my RX and shipped the glasses to me. To my surprise, they even lined up the vision well! Next time I'm in town I'll surely stop in! read more

SEE - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The staff is friendly and inviting. The frames are stylish and modern. I had my exam with Dr. Lynda who could not have been more perfect! She was knowledgeable and showed me my previous prescription from years ago in comparison to the new prescription. Divine. So happy with my experience!! 10/10 would recommend read more

"Fast" forward five years and I am still a loyal customer. I have truly had a compliment a week on the glasses that SEE chose for me. I would have never chose this style, but that is why SEE is the best. Just like going to a doctor - they knew what I needed. I cherish these frames and only go back to SEE for new lens. Above and beyond customer service. Also, very thankful that the same people greet me and know my name. They truly take care of me! read more

Abhorrent customer service, cruel employees. I went to get my glasses adjusted and the man condescendingly asked me whether my glasses were from this store, and when I said no, and they quite literally grabbed me and pushed me out of the store. I felt completely violated. Glasses at this store are also incredibly expensive. This is one of those very strange local stores that will certainly shut down very soon because they are not serving any particular market. read more

I hate shopping. For anything. But getting glasses at See was one of the most fun shopping experiences I've ever had. The staff, particularly Sean (Shawn? Shaun?) was amazingly helpful in selecting frames. Great selection you won't find at the typical eyewear store. They gave honest feedback on styles and it barely took any time to find the perfect look. The glasses were ready quickly as well. Would 200% recommend. Have had these glasses for two days and have gotten compliments from nine people thus far. Try Sees. You'll see the advantages. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! My wife told me several years ago that one of my daughters needed glasses, so that meant I was getting new glasses. She also informed me that Walmart didn't cut it, it never did and it was time to start looking like an adult when I went to work. So we went to See. And when I say "went," what I really mean is that I piled everyone into the car and drove two and a half hours to Madison, quietly bickering most of the way since there were also some nicer places closer to home. But I'm glad we went. Fast forward a few years and let me tell you - this place is AWESOME. I just went back for the third time. Shawn is the most knowledgeable guy I've ever met when it comes to eyewear. I will never buy glasses anywhere else again, even if it means getting on a plane if we ever move out of Wisconsin. One of my favorite pictures of my daughter is Shawn handing my daughter some frames to try on from the "Get your Sexy on!" rack. There really is something for everyone in this store. And the framed photos they have are very cool also. Yes, the frames may cost a bit more than other places - although not as much as you may think - but you really do get what you pay for. And even my crappy insurance pitched in quite a bit. And when you get the glasses, they adjust them so that they fit your face perfectly, something I could never quite get right at the last place. So check this place out - you'll be glad you did. read more

Seems like a cool place if you use SEEing eye glasses. There are no sweets inside. They don't sell chocolate at all.

This is the best service and glasses. I am low vision and Sean is outstanding in his expertise. read more

This place not only has the best selection of eyewear, but their prices are very competitive as well. The experience that you get in a very personalized, boutique experience. The prices are near some larger store prices, with less of a personal experience. I brought in a pair of vintage frames that I have had in a drawer for 20 years, because every other optometrist had told me that their lab wouldn't touch them. The guys at See came through! When I first received the glasses, I was a little disappointed to see my own heavy prescription in the frames ( this is my own genetic problem, not theirs). The guys helping me sent them back to the lab, and had the edges rolled and polished. They now shine like jewels, and I have my own unique pair of 1950 librarian-chic gems. In addition, they helped my husband find the perfect frame for his handsome face. I also purchased my first pair of prescription sunglasses ever, and I cannot tell you what an absolute joy it is to see the world through them. Everything is incredibly crisp and defined. From soup to nuts, the entire experience was magical. Thanks guys. read more

SEE - Wanted a "Talented Mr. Ripley" pair, and the lenses are green tinted. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We went to Ulla. $1000 for a pair of glasses and lenses. Nice folks. Nice frames. But we're not 1%ers. We went to SEE. Great people. Two pairs of eyeglasses for under $700 plus a 10% discount for opening a credit account with zero percent for six months. Sean knows his stuff. Chanel helped us and I tried to hire her away from SEE almost immediately. Super professional and energetic. We'll be back for sure. read more

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I ordered my glasses from an online retailer and was at a loss when the frames didn't fit and kept falling down the bridge of my nose. I called SEE and the man who helped me was very up front about what he could and could not do, but promised to help me out. I walked in and it wasn't busy at all (Friday afternoon) and he was very polite and kind. He also didn't charge me anything even though I would've paid any amount to be able to wear my glasses out of there. I would highly recommend SEE, great staff and great frames! I almost wished I had gone to him first, to support a great local establishment. read more

SEE - Yay, my glasses fit! Thanks SEE! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Once again, my entire experience at SEE was wonderful. This was my 2nd time purchasing eyewear from the store on State Street, but definitely will not be my last. The eye doctor that did my exam was very thorough and answered all of the questions that I had pertaining to my results and prescription. Brooke, Sean, and CT were all so helpful in the frame picking process. I worked with Brooke the most and she went through just about every frame with me, patiently taking the time to have me try them on and give feed back on the shape and how they looked. I would totally trust her to pick out every pair of frames that I buy in the future. She's the best! I can't SEE myself ever going anywhere else for eyeglasses! read more

I had a friend refer me here. I am so glad I came because this is not like any other eyeglass place I have been to. Shaun (hope I spelled that right) is so good at his job. He knows styles and what looks right for your face size and shape. But the best part about this place is the service when you come pick your glasses up. Shaun spent time fitting them and showing how to get used to wearing them. I am getting progressive lenses for first time. He really helped me get used to them. He is wonderful to work with and worth a apt in to check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed . read more

I recently had an eye exam and purchased new glasses from SEE. They took a lot of time on the exam and determined that I needed a different type of lens because of the strain on my eyes at work. They ordered the glasses, dealt with my crazy insurance company, and the glasses came in earlier than expected. When they came to pick them up, they invited my whole family in to chat and pet their dog while I ordered some sunglass lenses. They are wonderful, thorough, and kind and I couldn't recommend them more. read more

Great looking frames, incredibly creative variety. I am not sure how they even source them given that they come from many countries. Plus only a limited stock for each frame. Had my lenses done by them as well and they came out great, no complaints. Will come back again and again. read more

Had an eye exam and then Matt helped me pick out a perfect pair of glasses and replace lenses in my old glasses. I felt very welcome and taken care of. GREAT staff. It's very individualized. They were busy but never felt like they were rushing, and they gave me honest feedback about how the glasses looked. I will be going back! Thanks team! read more

The service was tremendous. The eye wear is excellent. It is the best optical store I have ever been to in the world. Please buy your next eyeglasses and sunglasses here. Carl Hampton read more

Damn you beautiful, blue, poor sighted eyes. I didn't want you to get any worse... Alas you did. I went in for an eye exam and I filled out a form, while filling it out 6 pairs of glasses were plopped down in front of me to try. I haven't even gotten a new prescription and you already have things you want me to purchase... Jeez. The woman insists I try each of them on and critique them. Then she says I can go check out more pairs, the optometrist pops out as soon as I look at a shelf of glasses. If you go to dean eye clinic, you'll see that the nurses wipe down all of the equipment before your face touches it and there are removal pads for each person's forehead. At see...not so much on the hygienic side. I felt grossed out that this was the case and two days ago I noticed some blemishes where my forehead rested.... Nasty. The optometrist wasn't particularly friendly, in fact he talked down to me when I saw no difference in the images and walked to the side of me and slowly explained that I should be seeing two images...yes I see them but no difference and I don't need you to show me with pens and hand gestures. I don't appreciate condescension. I come out from the exam and there were 20 different glasses for me to try. I really only wanted the exam and if things went smoothly then I would have purchased some glasses. When it's time to purchase some frames, ill be sure to go to a place less pushy and more polite. read more

Everyone I know in Madison gets their glasses here and I always loved how they looked so I decided to check them out myself. It's a great place to get original and fun frames. The people there are very attentive, personal and helpful (they will not be afraid to tell you how you look in a pair) so don't come here if you'd prefer to look at glasses in peace. I didn't mind though - I loved the help and walked out with a pair of glasses I love and people do not stop complimenting me on them! They get new frames in very frequently, but they sell quickly so if you find a pair you like, you should buy them because they may not be there the next time you come in. The prices are a bit high, but worth it since every pair is original. I used a Groupon so keep an eye out for discounts. My pair would have cost around $400, but I ended up spending less than $200. I did pay for some extras such as some special type of lens. It is A LOT clearer than the other lenses in the glasses I already had, but they smudge very easily so I would recommend buying the cleaner, the big bottle only costs $5. Beware, SEE is addicting. I used to hate shopping for glasses and now I can't wait to get another pair. When you buy 5 pairs, you get the 6th free so I will be working my way towards that.! read more

I can't imagine going anywhere else for my glasses! Shaun/Sean and the entire staff is great! The doctor is fantastic as well. read more

SEE - Me and my new glasses! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

friendly, helpful, and kind people there. Check you eyes for glasses by 39$ but if you want a check with the contact lenses it will be 99$. Frames around 250$ and their lenses by around 100$ I feel it's kind of a little expensive store. read more

Totally bummed to drive down here to find out it would be at least two weeks to get glasses. Did the research, looked at their website, see below... Please save people time and put the two week or more correct info on your site. read more

SEE - They say a few days to ten... not two weeks. :( plus it says they can rush them, that would be less then a few days? - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See! You are amazing and wonderful and friendly and just perfect! I bought a groupon for $200 frames for $30 (um, woah) since I was in the market for new glasses. My current pair is also from See (in Ann Arbor) so I was super excited to get a discount on those beautiful but expensive specs. After looking around the store, with help from Teressa, who is amazing by the way, I basically picked out the first pair I tried on. It had been a while since my last eye exam, so I was able to get a really quick exam done with the resident eye doctor. He did a great job being thorough but quick and was so friendly. The exam ran around $39 and are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Everything about See is perfect. The frames are funky and exquisitely made, the people are beyond BEYOND outstanding, and the care you receive is pretty stellar. I wouldn't go anywhere else for eyewear! Go there, now! read more

I needed new lenses but wanted to keep my old frames. I had originally come in for an estimate, but the process was so long and tiresome that I decided it was worth it for me to just buy them here. I found the service to be good but a little bit too aggressive. The first price I got was $205, which included a $59 discount through a vision discount plan. He could tell I was uncomfortable with this price, and offered cheaper lenses for $140. I ended up just going for those, even though I was still skeptical of the price. Once I filled out all the forms, he told me it would be 7-10 days before I got the glasses back. This surprised me a lot, since I've only ever had my glasses done in the store, not shipped somewhere else. I didn't pay too much attention to the glasses in the store, but what I saw looked fashionable. I'd come back if I was in the market for new frames, but I think if I just need lenses again, I'd go somewhere else. read more

Wonderful customer service! Beautiful & unique glasses! All the staff was helpful, friendly, and really knows their designs well. Thank you for a great experience - I get tons of compliments on my glasses! read more

SEE - Love my new glasses! Thank you! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I cannot speak more highly of SEE. I started my relationship with the crew at SEE earlier this year, when I lost my only pair of glasses. Despite the fact that the store was packed on my first visit, Theresa gave me the kind of one-on-one attention I'd have expected from a family business or a boutique shop. She patiently and enthusiastically went through at least 15 different frames with me, deeply committed to finding a pair that met my needs and looked great doing it. Turnaround on the glasses was ~1 week, and I was completely satisfied with the look and quality. Fast forward eight months. I just purchased my eleventh pair of glasses from SEE - I'm completely hooked! They sell only 100 pairs of each frame before replacing the style, so they've always got fresh, classy, wacky, out-there styles coming in. The real draw is the extensive collection of tints and shadings SEE offers for lenses. Ask about them when you visit, and don't be scared to try something wild and out there! If you don't like the lenses, they'll replace them once for free. Shawn, the manager, greets me by name when I come in, asks me how my friends are (who he also knows by name), and categorically refuses to let me purchase a single pair of glasses that he thinks I'll regret even a little. Maggie's a sassy saint who's got four new frames she wants me to try every time I visit, and Matt's a stone cold champion at the minute adjustments that'll make you forget you've got glasses on. The people and the sales experience could not be better - it's warm and friendly and engaging. Not pushy at all in my experience, in contrast to a few other reviews I've seen. Quick anecdote about Maggie. Remember the limited run of each frame? Not once, but TWICE, there's been a set of frames that she's told me that she really wanted. But each time on the next visit, I watched her sell the last pair of those frames to someone else she thought they'd look great on. Holy shit, right? On one or two occasions, I've experienced issues with my glasses - either there was a defect with the lens, or I just wasn't a fan of how they turned out. This is where SEE shines. Shawn, the manager, called me personally on the two occasions when the lens experienced a defect. He explained the situation (not just waiting to see if I found it on my own), gave an estimate for when it would be fixed, and offered store credit towards my next pair. Both occasions demonstrated his and SEE's commitment to delivering high quality, fashionable glasses at a fair price. I could go on and on about the people, the selection, the discounts and sales that SEE offers, and the quality of their work for pages and pages, but instead I'd invite you to stop in yourself and ask Shawn about SEE's philosophy behind glasses, ask Maggie what frames you'll turn heads wearing, or get Matt's impressive beard to explain why your glasses just never quite sit right. GO THERE NOW. read more

I love this place!! Staff is awesome, Brooke helped me pick out the best sunglasses i've ever owned :D they even adjust the glasses so they don't slide down ur face when you purchase!! Thank you I love you!! read more

Sean and Matt were extremely helpful and nice throughout my glassware choosing ceremony that took almost an hour lol. Sean was exceptionally amazing and i like how they kept their distance so I could choose my pair of glasses without feeling that i'm interpreting their perfectly organized shelves. Afterwards, Sean sat with me and we talked through the trouble of calling my previous eye examiner to pull out my eye prescription. I loved how nice he was and Matt was so sweet as well. Overall, this is a great place to get your pair of glasses. String service and amazing selection of eyewear in the entire Dane county area! read more

I have a strong prescription and my optometrist was very impressed with how thin my lenses are. She wanted to know exactly where I got them--SEE on State St!! read more

As a business manager in the downtown area the interaction that I have experienced with Sean over at See Madison Is incredible. Down to earth, going the extra mile with every guest and being a great genuine person! Go SEE Sean! read more

I've never walked into a store and picked out more than two pairs of frames. I walked in and picked out twenty at See. Shawn was unbelievably helpful and quickly helped me narrow my choices for frames that were both flattering and would work with my prescription. Once frames were selected they were quick to turn around my order. I'm super pleased with all aspects of my experience at See and would absolutely recommend them. read more

SEE is an amazing eyewear boutique that just opened up on State Street. My boyfriend and I stopped to look at some frames because the other optometrists on State Street were closed. The staff was super helpful in suggesting frames and letting you know if they thought it worked for your face shape or not. They really encourage you to try on all the frames you want. The sticker price also includes the lenses, so what you see is the total cost (not including tax, I think). If you do not have a prescription, they have a doctor there on Tues and Thurs who can do an eye exam for $39. There are so many cool frames in all sorts of colors and shapes, if you wear glasses or sunglasses you should definitely check it out. read more

This place is pretty cool. The staff is super-helpful in picking out glasses. I've been picking out my own frames since I was 6 years old, so I feel like I know what I am doing. I think I would have picked out the same frames for myself, but I understand why they don't want people just walking around the store touching everything. The price is a little steep, but I think the quality is better than what you'd get at a discount store. Bottom line: Check this place out if you want something unique and high-quality and are willing to spend a little bit of money on it. read more

I was immediately greeted by Shawn upon walking into the store accompanied by my three year old son. Shawn brought out some crayons and a coloring book to entertain my son so I could concentrate on looking at frames. Not only did I find an affordable _ perfect_ pair of glasses after having searched stores on the West side but my bifocals came back PERFECT. Shawn helped to make sure I knew what to expect while my eyes adjusted to my new prescription. I had a great experience at See and would highly recommend them. read more

As soon as we walked in, the store manager greeted us. Excellent service and an awesome assortment of glasses to choose from. As my husband tried on a few pairs, they asked others what they thought. Very fun and customer focused! My next pair will be from See and I'll recommend to friends. :) read more

I recently bought a new pair of glasses at SEE! Go check out a full review on www.youreverydaygirl.com/lifestyle.html

I recently jumped on a Groupon deal being offered here ($200 for $45!) . Even though I wasn't spending as much money as someone else, I feel like I wasn't treated any differently for it. I tried on a bunch of glasses on my own, without being pestered, then got help from the friendly male employee in narrowing it down. I didn't find him, or the female employee also there, pushy at all. At $189, the chunky tortoiseshell pair I chose was among the least expensive; the priciest I recall was about $349. (all the sunglasses are $99, though.) Although I chose one of the cheaper options there was no attempt to upsell me. I agree with the reviewer below that the frames are more hip than subtle-- lots of plastic/resin and colorful options alongside more conservative metal options. As a previous reviewer noted, lenses are supposedly included, but this may not be the case if you have very bad vision. I have an extremely strong prescription and astigmatism, so had to get fancier lenses than the basic free ones. (This has always been the case for me, though.) I appreciated that I could pay in two installments. My glasses got there in about a week. I came back twice for small adjustments and was treated very hospitably both times, not rushed. Once they had cupcakes, always a plus. I definitely recommend See. read more