Buyer Beware -- especially for high prescriptions. I experienced a complete breach of trust at this store. I was charged for expensive thin (high-index) lenses, but the glasses I was given appeared to have cheap, thick plastic lenses and were so poorly made they were visually disorienting and unwearable. I was billed for premium High-Index lenses, but the receipt shows charges for both CR-39 (standard plastic) and High-Index materials on the same pair of glasses, which is not possible. Because of this inconsistent billing, it is impossible to determine what lens material was actually provided. From trying them on in the store and I know have true 1.74 Index The glasses from Site for Sore Eyes not behaving like 1.74. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When I tried to address the problem, the managers behavior became unprofessional and abusive, including yelling at me in the store.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]At one point, they even attempted to keep the glasses out of my reach, preventing me from documenting the issues.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I left the store in tears. The billing did not clearly match the product delivered. I rejected the glasses and sought care elsewhere. Another store was able to make my glasses correctly within days, with clear vision and no distortion. Do not trust this business with your vision or your money. The store agreed in writing to issue a refund, but more than 20 business days later, no refund has been processed. Reporting to appropriate regulatory and consumer-protection agencies. If zero stars were possible, I would select it. read more

Site for Sore Eyes - Berkeley - Promis to refund receipt - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Berkeley, California

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Donovan K was professional, extremely helpful, friendly and efficient.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He got me a new pair of glasses that I love, and was able to transfer my old lenses into new frames, so I could walk out of the store seeing where I was going. He kept the shop running (tightened a pair of glasses for someone who walked in, answered the phone and made an appointment) all while keeping me taken care of. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My experience was absolutely fantastic![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This place rips off UC Berkeley students. DO NOT GO HERE!!! My daughter went here with VSP insurance and they failed to inform her that they were not in network, which is actually ILLEGAL. They charged her full price for the exam and the contacts. When I called and complained they reimbursed the cost of the contacts (which we never received anyway) and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I've been calling now for over a month to be reimbursed by the doctor, who never takes my call or calls me back.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This place should be ashamed of how they do business in the community. UC Berkeley students go anywhere else but here. read more

I have been going here for about 20 years BUT their pricing is now predatory and [[HIGHLIGHT]]their customer service is insulting[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Stay away! read more

Excellent customer service for a situation gone sideways. I got an eye exam and prescription here, and took the prescription to a more economical place to make the lenses. What I did not know was that the prescription was for bifocals, as I was told by the SFSE's doctor that I could still wear single vision a little longer. So, at the economical place, I asked them to update my lenses for single vision. Despite how terrible this idea sounded, the economical place did as I asked, and updated my lenses for single vision, with a bifocal prescription. The glasses were totally useless! I could only see far! Near was totally blurry. There was literally no use case that this would be appropriate for. Even for driving, I would need to see the GPS. I just flushed $250 down the drain. Though it was not their fault completely, Donovan at SFSE was gracious enough to meet me in the middle. He offered to honor the price of the other vendor for bifocal/progressive lenses. Amazing! More managers should have this type of Solomon-like wisdom and diplomatic skill. Thoroughly impressed. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great customer service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They quickly solved my problem and were professional and friendly.

This is by far a great place to go to. Tino one of the staff there is very helpful. He would go above and beyond that expectation just to make sure you are fully satisfy with their service when you walk out of the door. I appreciate his help for fixing my glasses for me. He's very friendly and willing to help you out. I have to say customer service here is beyond my expectations. I went to other places like the one inside 99 ranch in el Cerrito or Albany and that place was the worst. Whatever you need help even if you are their customer and purchased their product they still charge you for their service. I don't know if that is part of Asian scammers thing or not. Ever since then I never go there again. Anyhow, this place I am 100% satisfy with their service. Thank you Tino for your help and for willing to fix my glasses even though I didn't purchase the frame from this store but I came here to get my exam and purchase lenses here. I will come back soon. Thanks read more

Site for Sore Eyes - Berkeley - He fixed my glasses. Right on point and no more sliding down. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have been to this business several times in the last 2 years and each time it takes them 30 min just to find my records. I was there a week ago and ordered a pair of glasses for my computer use. When I got home, it was wrong glasses! I texted and called (left a message). No response! Stay away from them! read more

I have been going to Site For Sore Eyes for decades. Tino is my guy. he told me a long time ago that I needed to find strong frames because of how I treat my glasses. He was always trying to teach me to handle them with care but I needed to stuff them inside a tight motorcycle helmet. I typically use one hand to move them around and if they're not on the top of my head, they're usually hanging from my shirt collar. I hate wearing them. Anyway, I finally found a pair of sturdy frames in his shop and once they were adjusted properly, they stay put and stay in shape. read more

Great service and a very friendly staff here in berkeley. I've been a customer of the SF store in downtown for many years, and the Berkeley location also does not disappoint. Tino took care of me, helped me pick out a pair of Ray-Bans, and made the whole process very easy and fast. The pair I found was marked down, so I feel that I got a very reasonable deal for such a high-end pair of glasses. I opted for polycarbonate for the strength of the lens and scratch-proof, and he was able to work with me a bit on the price. I will definitely come back to this location when I lose/break my prescription sunglasses. read more

I'm so glad I found Site! I got great personal service, reasonable pricing, and quick turnaround. Tino went out of his way to understand what I wanted. . With their own lab in the back,they can give custom attention to the final steps in fitting the lenses to the frames. I'm back for my third time read more

Great place to buy glasses! Extraordinary service, huge frame inventory, offers traditional & new, fashion frames. Optometrist on site. Great turn-around time, & if needed, can be fast. Open, spacious space, easy to try on lots of frames. I've tried several other optical stores (including Costco-ugh) & nothing compares. Give it a try next time you are in the market for any glasses! read more

If you need glasses and you are in Berkeley and you see Site for Sore Eyes don't go in-- keep walking!! Unfortunately, I did It started with the eye exam the OD couldnt get prescription lenes correct for seeing distance so he used the old one . since i was ordering sunglasses I felt it would be ok and so ordered a pair however the next morning I decided i should cancel the order, [[HIGHLIGHT]]I called and spoke to the receptionist and told her what I wanted to do however the manager was not in and she left a message for them to call me . This same scenario went on for three days[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Finally I was informed that the order was already in the lab and could not be cancelled plus if I was unhappy I couldnt get a refund only store credit. Obviously it is all about them and not you , If you in Berkeley and need glasses and you see site for sore eyes .. do yourself a favor dont go in.....keeping walking read more

Unfortunately, a one-star rating is too good for this location. All the previous reviews from disappointed customers are right on the money. This is not a welcoming place. The sales clerk was a man who curtly answered my questions. I am not a mind reader, but his general demeanor seemed to be saying, "If you are not going to buy anything, don't waste my time." What was even more embarrassing was that there was another customer on the floor at the same time this extremely unpleasant interaction occurred. The customer was just staring at me with wide eyes from behind her face mask. I am not faulting this customer, of course. But it just added to an experience in which I already felt humiliated just for asking questions. (Eyeglasses are a significant investment. You *absolutely should* ask questions.) With an experience like this, it is no wonder that younger companies are ascending to refresh the eyeglass business. Without those competing younger companies, surely the industry in its current state would be extinct. read more

They have always had poor customer service at this location. I have bought several pairs of glasses here and have done so due to proximity, but I will be returning no more; the customer service has gotten even worse (turnover), and they are rude. Their selection of glasses has gotten worse as well. Read some of the other reviews that have been buried (purposefully?) and decide for yourself, but you are better off going to one of the many other options in Berkeley/Albany. read more

This review is specific to the Shattuck store in Berkeley; I do not mean to cast aspersions on the company as a whole. I have been a customer for decades and had many good experiences with previous managers and staff. However, as long as the current manager is there, I will no longer be giving them my business. This guy is so dour, and has all the personality of a dead fish. He sits at his desk in the back and I have never once seen him smile or get up to ask a customer if they need help. When I have approached him at his desk, he acts as if it's a huge and unpleasant inconvenience for him to help you. He was unwilling to address a recent problem I had while the lenses were still under warranty (and they were very expensive, over $1,100 with the frames). I spoke to the Piedmont store and they said they would have honored the warranty, but each store is run independently, so I would need to go through the Berkeley store. I'm always amazed by people working in service industries who clearly hate dealing with people. They should do themselves and us a big favor and find a more suitable job. read more

Wonderful doctor and staff. Every encounter, from when I dropped in to ask if the frames I had would work, to the doctor's appointment, to assistance with obtaining an itemized receipt, people were incredibly nice to deal with, pleasant, even fun. A the optometrist was personable, wonderful doctor! It was just a really good experience. I'm really grateful. read more

This optical center is terrific. Tino and Ernesto, long time professional colleagues, are the most knowledgeable opticians i have encountered in over 65 years of wearing glasses. I believe they both are board certified craftspeople and they have been making, fitting and customizing lenses for about 60 years between them. Their knowledge extends far beyond what frame suits your face. I learned more from both of them about my lenses and glasses in general than I had learned in the sixty-five years prior. They are superb opticians. Their inventory is excellent and their aesthetic advice was also. This business was purchased by Ernesto and Tino four months before the pandemic began. I cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

As a regular customer here, I wanted to follow up to give a big thank you to Ernesto at the front desk for being so detail oriented and helpful with giving me all the information I asked for ordering more contact lenses; from ETA's, price, and the lenses I need as I have astigmatism in one eye. Thank you Ernesto for your help! read more

Went to the Berkeley, CA, store to get my eyes checked and get new glasses. The store associate could not pull up my insurance and told me I would have to pay out of pocket even though I pulled up my insurance on my phone. Eventually the optometrist pulled it up for him. After my visit with the optometrist the store associate Ernesto again could not pull up my insurance. Once the optometrist pulled up my insurance I asked him if he could help me find some glasses that fit petite faces. He started ranting about how his coworker is lazy and doesn't come in on time or do their work so he had to do the work for them so he couldn't help me. Ended up shopping elsewhere for my glasses due to the lack of help and poor customer service. read more

I've come here a couple times over the years and have had a great experience. I trust them with my eye exams and love their selection of lenses. I've also found the prices to be reasonable with great service. I would definitely recommend! read more

Site for Sore Eyes - Berkeley - Designer lenses - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Absolutely atrocious customer service. I gave them a try after my insurance changed and I had to leave my usual location of 10 years. First they gave me the wrong contact lenses, then they couldn't figure out the price difference. Then they came up with random numbers and there is no visibility on what they are charging and how much you're paying. Please go somewhere else where you can find some competence. read more

DR. YEN IS RUDE. NASTY ATTITUDE HORRIBLE TEMPER. She was rushing me through my eye exam & kept getting angry when I asked her if she could please slow down, I was having blurred vision & It wasn't my fault they we're busy this morning, she wasn't even paying attention when I was addressing concerns about my vision. -Tino the man working at the front desk was very nice & had excellent customer service, he helped me reschedule a new appointment with a different Optometrist, I wanted a refund because it was my first time at this location & I was not treated kindly by Dr. Yen, I was clearly upset, but Tino assured me that my next appointment would not be like today's experience. read more

I stopped in to see if they could put back in a tiny screw that was needed for one side of my eyeglass frame. The man I spoke with got out his kit and took care of it. I think he said it was $5, but when I didn't have cash, he said it wasn't worth a credit card charge and just gave it to me for free. Grateful for his service! read more

Horrible optometrist and customer service. Took in my own frames and they couldn't make lens to fit. Gave them 3 tries and $150 too. He destroyed the frames as well. Never again. Also, he only gave me 1 contact to wear while my glasses were being "fixed". Go to Harlan Wong and save yourself the headache. read more

I took my friend here to get an much needed exam and glasses. Tino (one of the owners) was extremely helpful and couldn't have been nicer. He made the experience fun and enjoyable. The gentleman who gave my friend the exam was very kind and helpful too. Thanks again for the top notch customer service, Tino! Dan and I will spread the word how wonderful you are, and we'll always remember our experience with you. read more

Kenisha, Dr. Traci and the entire staff were incredibly helpful when I recently went into get a new pair of glasses and contacts. I have very bad vision and Kenisha helped me get the best frames for face and prescription and I'm super happy with them! She also went above and beyond to make sure I worked within my benefits and budget to maximize my spend and get the best value. She was super helpful when I needed to come back to and get my glasses re adjusted. Dr. Traci was also super kind and helpful and I had a really great experience getting my contact lens fitting and eye exam. She took time out to answer my questions and was so pleasant to chat with. I'm super happy with my experience there and I would recommend Site For Sore Eyes to friends. read more

Mercedes booked my appointment on the phone and had excellent customer service. She also checked me in and completed my paperwork when I arrived for my eye doctor appointment. She made me a same day appointment when I explained to her what happened to my glasses, even though they were busy and that was very much appreciated. Unfortunately the actual eye exam was a not so great experience. My doctor was very nice however she concerned me with some of her comments. I did not feel as if she was accurate when it came to my prescription which made me nervous to purchase a $400-$500 pair of glasses. I took the prescription and decided to go get a second opinion. Later in the week, I went to my regular eye doctor at another location. She told me that the prescription that they gave me was not right at all and she even expressed concerns about how the doctor would of came to the conclusion to provide me with some information which we discussed. I filled the prescription with my regular doctor and picked up my new glasses today and they are perfect! I am so glad I trusted my gut. Site for Sore eyes did have great sales staff but I wouldn't recommend an eye exam. They did have plenty of frames to choose from and everyone on the front floor was providing positive customer service. read more

Site said my Rx sunglasses would be ready in 2 weeks. I called today three weeks later and as if Site was surprised by my call, person said: "it will be ready by tomorrow." So clearly they weren't prepared and it was simply because I reminded them that they are getting the job done. read more

Sheesh. Over two and a half years ago I bought glasses there. After a year, I got new glasses at another local place. (That should tell you something.) But here's the thing: the sight for sore eyes people have been bugging me for 42 months to leave them a review! Unsubscribe? Lol. (Of course I tried that.) I swear I get the feeling they send so many GD emails to continue the degradation of my eyes. Anyway, here's the review: You come in. They help you. You get a obligatory eye exam. You get pressured into upgrading. (God forbid if you opt for contact lenses, lol.) You pay. You get out. You wait three weeks. You get your glasses. You get AT LEAST 42 emails from them to review them. You go through two different sets of eye glasses from a different and better eye glass store. You finally give in. You leave a review. (Feel free to COPY AND PASTE.) They did their job. I gave them money. They didn't suck. Two ...please stop harassing me. You got your review. read more

Great customer service. Good selection of eye ware and I appreciated that they didn't pressure me for any upgrades or lead me to the "expensive" section to view frames. My husband goes here too and they have been wonderful with him particularly with all of the adjustments he needed to get comfortable with his first pair of glasses. read more

I needed an eye exam and new glasses asap and just walked in off the street. Friendly greetings and no nonsense quick service. Got an exam and new glasses in less than one day. And I love them! And super affordable - $178.50 total. Amazing and highly recommend. Thank you Tino. Also, please note they are in a new location on Shattuck, bigger space, across from Papa John's. read more

Site for Sore Eyes - Berkeley - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Berkeley, California

I decided to give Site for Sore Eyes another chance, because of Corona Virus, I didn't want to search for a new place. I am very happy I did, I came in contact with Ernesto who gave me exceptional service. This location is under new Ownership now. I initially called on phone before arriving the following day. Ernesto was so knowledgeable and professional and most of all kind.He already had my paperwork and insurance information available when I arrived. He explained my coverage and gave me several options. He went exceedingly above and beyond service for me, I'm so happy I decided to give this location another chance. If you want Outstanding Customer Service from the moment you make the call to stepping through the door this is definitely the place for you. I give 5 Stars proudly!!! THANKS ERNESTO!!! read more

Great service! Very very friendly and price is right. Hand some lenses put in glasses. Excellent. I have been getting work done on prescription glasses for 10 years. Love Tino and Ernesto. Very best team! read more

I know I've already reviewed them before, but I truly am ' Overwhelmed ' by their ' First Class After Sales Service ' even though I bought my Bi-Focal /Transition Prescription Glasses from Mr. ERNESTO & Mr. TINO - like 4 years or more ago. I have had a few ' Complimentary Walk-In Adjustments ' to my Malleable Metal Frame, New Nosepads and Lens Cleaning from them !!! My favorite frame ' kinda broke recently ' , & the Only Replacement I could findvm was online. Mr. Ernesto had worked on it last week - helping to ' straighten it out '. However the screw on the Right post had ' kinda sunk in w/no proper access to adjust it any further'. They had already replaced the same screw previously @ no charge. I was also ' just told ' by Mr. Ernesto that when my New Frame arrives they would gladly move my Bi-Focal - Transition Lenses to the New Frame without Charge. Too ' Remarkable ' to be True !!! Parking on Shattuck seems easier these days - plus they are within ' A stone's throw ' from the Allston Street Garage & one other besides side street parking. Bang across from ' Starbucks ' too !!! read more

I had thee most positive experience transitioning to progressive lenses! Tino is a pro. He is the ultimate in customer service! I highly recommend. He's very thorough, kind and professional. I appreciate the help I received very much and I'll return in the future. Thank you for your wonderful help! read more

The absolute rudest people that you will ever deal with work here. The owner or manager is extremely extremely rude and disrespectful. I do not recommend shopping here for glasses. You will be disappointed with the cost, the service AND if you have issues with your glasses do not expect them to honor replacement. There are many other places that will be helpful and deserve your business, this place does not. read more

I was sold a pair of gold frames that rusted within a month. Cheap quality frames that they try to pass as good deals

This review is long overdue. I bought my latest pair of rimless glasses at Site for Sore Eyes 2 years ago, and they've held up well. Tino was so knowledgeable, patient, helpful and kind with the initial purchase, and again when I came back periodically to get the glasses adjusted (after accidentally doing things that made them sit less comfortably on my very sensitive nose and ears.) This week, I needed to decide whether to pay for vision insurance for 2023. So I called and spoke with Tino, who answered all my questions in such a good-hearted way. Now more than ever, I am so grateful to be able to do business with people like Tino. read more

My prescription ran out in January and I just moved to Berkeley around the same time. I get lazy about renewing my prescription for contacts when I know I have backup glasses. It's been about 2 months and I just haven't had the money. I went to lens crafters a couple days before and they wanted to charge me almost $200.00 for an exam and couldn't get me in for awhile. I said never mind, I'll go another time. I woke up the next morning and found this place on google / yelp. It's only a few blocks away. I called (and though the man who answered the phone wasn't the friendliest) I asked if they took same day appointments and he assured me they did. I booked an appointment for about an hour later. When I came in I had 2 people asking me the same questions while I was trying to fill out the same answers on my paper work which was kind of annoying.. but never less they got me in QUICK. My copay was the cheapest thing I've ever paid and for my prescription! The dr was QUICK! She was so friendly and answered all my questions! She hooked me up with a months worth of contacts (maybe less but something nice) and when I asked about colored contacts she gave me so many colors to play with! Of course she let me pick them out! She assured me it wasn't an extra charge for the contacts or the colored contacts prescription. She also has a free 3 month follow up! Everything was so easy and lovely up until it was time to walk out. The woman who sits closest to the door sure did put a sour taste in my mouth. As I was told I was all good to leave, she stopped me to sit at her desk. She told me so much information I started zoning out. No eye contact either. Anyways, she kept typing on her calculator and telling me things I didn't understand. She then said "a yearly supply of contacts out of pocket would be $425" I said sorry, I will have to pass today. That's outrageous. (I usually just order from 1-800-contacts). She was SO mad that I didn't want to order them. She said "ok. Thanks." And just stared at me and my husband as we were dismissed. It was so awkward I couldn't stand it.. even he said when we walked out she was upset because that was her commission.. sorry but that's the same price as my rent. Other than THAT, my experience so far has been great. Thank you! read more