As a petite adult, it was totally worth the trip across the bay for this store. At best, I usually have the choice of one or zero glasses that fit me. That's ruling out the glasses that have Barbie, hearts or smiley faces on them. At Solo Bambini, I had many stylish, sophisticated options here. Elizabeth and Laura are SUCH professionals. They made sure the glasses fit me and were honest when they didn't fit well or look good. On top of that, the store is sparkling clean. If you are a petite adult, this is where you need to come for your next pair of glasses. Thank you Elizabeth and Laura for your excellent customer service. I love my new glasses! read more

I was recommended to come here by my child's ophthalmologist as he needs glasses. I actually asked her what she would recommend if price wasn't an issue because we have used Warby Parker but they are not as durable for my five year old. I think glasses in general with or without insurance is a pricey buy but honestly if it's for my son's visual comfort, I'll pay up. We called and made an appointment with Laura in advance, actually the same day! Walking into the eye ware shop it feels posh and relaxing. The lighting is great, nothing harsh and doesn't feel sterile. Laura was really sweet with my son and we picked out such cute Lookinos, she is fully aware of flat top bifocals for kids. As far as opticians go, she is one of the best I have met. They have a plethora of kids eye wear options. We live in the south bay but came up to get the glasses, I think it's worth it. Go check them out, street metered parking. Hope you find a dream pair! read more

This was round two of getting my son glasses, as you can imagine I was a stressed out mom. I was deceived the first place was great, even had a dog who was calming my son down. BUT the prescription was wrong! The lenses were tested and not what was ordered, also from the 3 pairs they had for children the pair they choose for my son didn't fit. Then we found Solo Bambini our doctor insisted we make the 30 minute drive round trip and BOY WAS IT WORTH IT! They went above and beyond to make sure my son had the perfect glasses, (they have 5,000 options for kids) at the perfect PD (which is something the other place didn't even check) they were kind, helpful, intelligent. I wouldn't recommend any other place!!!! read more

Solo Bambini - My son in his new fitting glasses - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

My 4-year-old granddaughter went to the pediatrician prior to attending transitional kindergarten this fall. As it turned out, the little darling could not see shapes at a distance. An appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist was recommended and we followed up. My granddaughter requires low prescription glasses - we'd never had any idea she had vision issues. After checking with her health insurance about coverage - there wasn't any - I looked into Solo Bambini (the company the ophthalmologist had recommended to us) and gave them a call. A wonderful representative - Nadia! - picked up the phone. Nadia patiently walked me through filling out the order form I found on their website. She professionally answered all my many questions. After we hung up, I had another question. I dialed Nadia and she immediately picked up. Gasses were ordered and paid for. Two days after school started, my granddaughter received her new soft-framed (for comfort and to prevent breakage) lavender glasses. She couldn't be cuter! read more

Solo Bambini - Ready for school! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

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WEIRD UNFRIENDLY VIBE for selling childrens' glasses Upon walking by, I was interested in browsing the styles and selections and Just wanted to see if this would be an ideal place to purchase glasses for my daughter in the future. There were not any clear signs stating by "appointment only and that they could only manage one customer at a time" so I walked in. The unmasked employee serving the unasked woman and child quickly booted me out. It might have been convenient to post that walks-ins are not welcome so no one intrudes. I agree with another reviewer- it's a weird unwelcoming vibe here. read more

Elizabeth is fantastic, as a professional at her craft, and lovely to work with. For ladies that need smaller frames, this is the place to go. This is boutique shopping as her shop is small and relaxed atmosphere. read more

My son wore his Solo Bambini glasses for more than 7 years, with only a few replacements through the years. In his mid-teens did he decide to move on from his signature pair of silicone glasses and it was strange to see him wearing something different for awhile! We loved our experience with Solo Bambini. Service and quality can't be beat! read more

I'm an adult with small frame. I love my new pair of glasses. Laura was very helpful to hear my pain points of glasses and found the right pair for me. I would recommend to petite adults as well as kids to visit the store. read more

My six year old recently got his first pair of glasses... and it's fair to say that this was at least as traumatic an experience for his parents as for him. When it came time to pick his first frames - and therefore his new everyday look as well as that which can have a huge impact on his comfort - we didn't know where to start. We tried several of the usual eyeglass places and two optometrist offices, but none of these was geared towards either kids or first time glass wearers (they tended to just point us towards the glass case and say "go for it"). Eventually we headed to Solo Bambini, and were relieved that we did. The store itself is a practically a temple to kids' frames - there must be several hundred options to choose from versus a couple dozen at most stores. Interestingly, while it is definitely a store for kid's glasses, I would not call it a kiddie store - it's pristine inside and there are no toys or anything - so it feels more geared to the parents than kids. Fortunately there is a cool indie candy store next door, so you do have a good bribe option for after the appointment if needed. More importantly, the woman who helped us (I'd assume the proprietress) knows what she is doing and immediately started pulling out glasses that fit our son's face well, helping him try them on -- and also listening to what both he and we were saying about each pair. In the end he came out with a really nice looking and lightweight frame-less pair, an option that was not even available at the other stores we had tried. She also helped us size the lenses to his face, again not an option I was even aware of from the other stores. The downside of Solo Bambini is that it is very expensive and they don't accept VSP. Also, you should definitely ask about frame prices are you are going along, since they are not listed and there can be vast cost differences from one pair to the next. But given that this was our first experience and the insecurities involved, I was happy to pay up for great service and selection. read more

Solo Bambini - from solo bambini website - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

We initially came to Solo Bambini to order bifocals for my 3 year old and worked with Laura to explore options and get him properly fitted. Laura was AMAZING!! Very thoughtful, patient and attentive and involved my son in the entire process. She is warm and professional and there was a large selection of options to choose from. The store is currently by appointment only, but whenever I email Laura she responds quickly and offers available times right away. We have since purchased swim goggles (thank goodness!) from Solo Bambini and Laura again helped us with selecting them and getting them fitted appropriately. I haven't had any interactions with the other employees, but we've always had a positive experience. read more

My two kids got frames + glasses from Solo Bambini. The elderly husband/wife team running the place are very nice and patient with the kids, and did a very good job making them feel like like princes and princesses. Needless to say, my kids looked way-too-cool in school and I was bit-poor. My insurance covered pennies out of dollar since they are out of network for any kind of insurance. Next time, at least I will get the glasses from a VSP participating optometrist. And take a small bite and let kids have cool frames for a few more years. Their frames alone are not too expensive - ranging from $75 to $160 on average, and some way more... read more

Solo Bambini - Store Interior (from solobambini.com) - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

Such a weird vibe in this store. I've never felt so uncomfortable looking at glasses.

They don't take returns and don't tell you that. I posted a pic of their sign hidden behind a plant of there no return policy. read more

Solo Bambini - The hidden no return policy - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

Very professional and friendly staff! So many frames to choose from, for both kids and adults with small faces. My whole family comes here for glasses now. During COVID, appointments only. read more

I live in Marin County and was told about Solo Bambini by my optometrist. I have a very narrow face and it has always been difficult for me to find glasses. It was a bit of a drive but SO Worth it! Laura was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I was impressed by the selection of children and adult frames and ordered 2 pairs! Only took a week . It's by appointment only which is great because you are the only one in the store. read more

The frames and glasses are a little expensive. The lady at the store would try to sell you multiple frames saying that what if one breaks and you will be left without glasses for a week. The problem is that these are expensive non insured frames and glasses. They should not try to be extra smart and try to sell frames to get more money. My daughter had a genuine eye problem and i was not very pleased by their salesmanship. We were ready to buy the 70$ frame and she was trying to sell us a 250$ frame in addition to it to keep as a backup :) . Another problem is that they do not accept any insurance. On hindsight i thought it would have been better to order Miraflex frames ( http://www.miraflex.info/products.htm ) online and get the lenses from our in network insurance provider without having to go through Solo Bambini. read more

Elizabeth and Laura could not have been nicer. They were very patient and very very knowledgeable. Although the focus is on kid frames, they have THE BEST selection for adults with petite faces. The only down side is they don't take insurance like VSP. I look forward to being a long time, returning customer. read more

As others have mentioned, the store has an unfriendly vibe. Once it was decided that we weren't going to purchase anything that day, they essentially "shut down" and walked away. It's difficult to trust someone who acts that way. I can't possibly recommend this store to anyone. read more

No one has a better selection of glasses for children. The customer service isn't perfect by any means, but these guys really have no competition. If anyone reading this can recommend another shop, let me know! I've been to several and can only recommend this one. The prices aren't really any higher either (assuming you don't have a vision plan). The frames here will cost you the same amount of money at any other shop. The lenses CAN be the same price, depending on your child's prescription. Where you will spend money is on the "service charges". Unlike other shops, solo bambini has a service charge to fix frames and lenses under warranty! read more

Came in for my son's first pair of glasses (he's 5!). We worked with Laura. Amazing customer service, knowledgeable staff, frame selection, options, communication ... everything was top notch. We couldn't be happier. My son loves his glasses and actually wears them! read more

It's a year and a half later, and we still adore Solo Bambini. In fact, my three-year-old daughter asks to drop by to visit with Laura just because she misses her. We bought her second pair of glasses -- which are even cuter than the first pair! (I didn't think this was possible.) They even met my daughter's criteria of having blue. This time we got the anti-glare reflective coating, and it makes a world of difference in our ability to make eye contact with her when we're speaking. Highly recommended, even though it's not cheap. Laura & team continue to assist us every ~1 month with adjustments. Although our daughter isn't growing as quickly, she now has a 1-year-old little sister who loves to pull the glasses off her face and run. We definitely didn't anticipate this! This resulted in broken glasses. :( The team was awesome at getting them fixed -- we had the option of getting a new pair for free on the spot or getting the temple fixed for $25 within a week. I was shocked at how inexpensive, easy, and fast it was to get this resolved. They're very insightful & creative on adjustments -- for instance, my daughter got in the habit of wearing the glasses lower on her face so she could look over the top of them. Laura adjusted the tilt and added nose pads, and they fit miraculously again! I don't know what we'd do without Solo Bambini! read more

Solo Bambini - First pair of glasses! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Great place, very nice lady's ready to help to choose various models frames for kids and I love them for caring titanium frames for the little ones .little bit pricey but its worth it . highly recomend this place! Quality 100%! read more

I drove by Solo Bambini and did a double take: a dazzling, luscious, color drenched blur. I made a U-turn, parked, walked up to the shop and was gobsmacked: frames in every shape and hue, stacked one on top of the other, a dance party of candied spectacles. They was closed for the day, but I couldn't drag myself away. I lingered in front of the window, gazing longingly. I felt like a kid in a candy shop . . . I might've left fingerprints on their window :-) I went back the next day. The rest is history: I've been going for years, not only for their specialty petite frames which they curate from around the world--but also for their rocking customer service, warm and welcoming, with a lab that does pristine work, e.g. for my minus 14 rx, they put in ultra thin lenses, polish, anti-glare coating, bevel edges, etc. Elizabeth oversees the place with a hawk eye, the consummate professional, and Laura is optician extraordinaire and wizard in one, e.g. she substituted temples from other frames to accommodate my hearing aids--who does that? No optician I've ever know, and God knows I've met my share. She never phones it in--she's ready to roll and meet me with whatever challenges I present. Nadia is also rock solid and I know if I show up, between this magical optician trifecta. Their prices are reasonable for the quality of frames and the level of service. I've found them to not oversell and look out for me, e.g. drunk with frame fever, I once got carried away wanted to buy two frames at a time; they gently steered me away, and encouraged me to first order one and see if I like it. I'm including a photo of my 'wardrobe' of frame purchases from them. For children and/or petite adults . . . you cannot go wrong with them. read more

Solo Bambini - Just a few of my frames from years of treasure hunting at Solo Bambini :-)! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Burlingame, California

I walked into Bambini, looking for a strap for my 6 year old daughters glasses. I didn't want her to loose them as she is very petit and these were hard to find. Instantly, the sales girl noticed they were too big on my daughters face. She was very knowledgeable. In minutes, I had walked out with $600 dollar glasses for a 6 year old. The fit was great and the frame was going to, 'grow with her." Except the part where it wouldn't if she lost them. My daughter lost her glasses. Too expensive to loose with no insurance! I wish I had went to Target. read more

I had such a great experience with Solo Bambini! I spoke with a nice gentleman on the phone concerning my 8 month old daughters prescription. I ordered the glasses on Wednesday, and I received them the following Monday. I paid for express shipping, but my goodness that was super fast! Such a great product! I will be purchasing more from Solo Bambini! read more

My partner and I visited this place just this past week... we've been meaning to review this wonderful business for a while now since we had visited last year. Everything from the customer service to the frame options is Grade A+. We were incredibly pleased with our purchase. Also, a sidenote is that this place is not just for children as there are adult options as well.. you will not be let down! Strongly recommending and will return! read more

I love Solo Bambini! I tried to go other places to save money and I ended up spending more b/c the sales people didn't know how to fit glasses for my kiddos (ages 4 & 6). It is a one stop shop with every style you can possibly imagine. I'm talking thousands of great frames just for kids (and adults with petite faces). Elizabeth and Laura found the perfect frames that make both mom and kids happy! The sales staff are patient and caring, what a wonderful experience! Go here first! You will not regret it! read more

My mother in law took my 3 year old in to shop for glasses after being ill-advised on a pair too big for her elsewhere. I was out of town and she said she would take her in for the trying-on process and get all the info on the ones that fit best so when I go in the process could be expedited. While she said the woman helping her was nice enough at first, the manager or owner was instructing her and they wouldn't let her take photos, write down names of glasses brands, or give her any other information. They said repeatedly "The mother can come back and WE will give her the info." What a BIZARRE attitude towards trying to get a THREE YEAR OLD glasses that work well for her. They were FAR more concerned with making sure we were buying the glasses at THEIR store and no where else. I had plans to go back and buy them there, but now I would rather fashion them myself out of wire cleaners than purchase them there. read more

In our first visit here, the owner made us life long customers. Our daughter just turned four and needs her first pair of glasses. We made the trip down from SF and were lucky enough to find the owner in the shop. It was off hours and she was HAPPY to accommodate us. She treated my daughter with so much respect and kindness. We were thoroughly impressed. If your little one needs glasses this is the place to go. They have a great selection of frames but the customer service us what makes it extra special. read more

I bought glasses for my 16 month old after attempting to buy them at Lens Crafters. The glasses at Lens Crafters were broken with in 4 days. The employees of Solo Bambini know full well the needs of children and I left with two frames and a pair of lenses that cooly enough can be switched to fit different colors of frames. He has had them both for six months. They are wonderful and I would highly recommend this place to anyone with small children. read more

First, the glasses: My son got his glasses prescription at 15mo old, so my only biggest concern was that he wouldn't keep them on. We picked up a pair at the ophthalmologist's office after his appointment, but I was disappointed with their selection. I went several places before ultimately landing at Solo Bambini in search of his second pair, what I thought would be his "back ups". We decided on the Solo Bambini Toddler frames in root beer color. He tolerated having them on his face while we were testing them out, and I loved that they were so light weight and basically indestructible. We were excited to get them, and they actually arrived in the store a few days before the ophthalmologist store pair despite ordering them a couple days after. My little guy LOVES these glasses. Right off the bat, he would wear these for several hours at a time while the other pair he would instantly take off. I ended up exchanging the first pair from the ophthalmologist, and while the new ones are slightly better, they still don't hold a candle to the Solo Bambinis. They are comfortable, durable, and ADORABLE (I can't tell you how many times we've been stopped and complimented). They are everything you could want out of a pair of children's glasses. He's just over two years old now, and we're still beyond happy with our purchase. He wears them all day, everyday without a problem. Next, the customer experience: We've been in the store a total of 3 times and have always found the employees and owners to be very friendly and helpful. My husband called last week to get a lens replacement (due to a scratch). I went in to get the new lens this morning. The employee who helped me said they she had been the one who spoke to my husband, and that he seemed unsure of which lens it was that was scratched. She had ordered both to be sure that she would get the correct one. Essentially, she had over ordered and they were prepared to eat the cost for our convenience. Excellent customer service from my experience. We will definitely be back when it's time for new frames. read more

I was picking up my 14 year old son's glasses today and there was a little girl in there trying on her first pair of glasses. I realized I have been coming to Solo Bambini for close to 10+ years for my oldest as well as my 11 year old son. Elizabeth and her team have always been amazing. They are so helpful with finding frames for the boys each time they outrgrow their glasses. They go out of their way to find frames if they are a special order. As someone who started wearing glasses at 2, I wish there had been a place like this when I was growing up. The selection for children is amazing. A wonderful establishment!! read more

This place is a rip off! I went there for a couple of years for my son's eyeglasses. It was pretty expensive and doesnot receive VSP. Later I checked some optometries in the palo alto download, I got the same quality of eyeglasses and services around one hundred out of packet rather than six hundred. Will not go to this place anymore! read more

I have been buying my daughter's glasses here for years now and dont ever want to go anywhere else. Elizabeth is just terrific. She makes my daughter feel very special and she loves coming to see her. Elizabeth has helped us pick wonderful glasses that have held up to test of time for us. She has selection not available anywhere else and her personal touch means so much. read more

Laura is fantastic - she talked to my child directly and connected with him to pick and choose his glasses. I'm trying to raise my 5 yo son to be a functioning member of society instead of this coddled entitled kid. She made the process for me very simple and only asked me for my payment info. Even though this place does not take insurance - it is well worth it for kids glasses recommended by dr. Cooper. Insurance is the downfall of the American society - we need to remove ourselves from its grasps read more

While they are on the less affordable side, this is the only place I can go for my daughter's glasses. She started wearing glasses at 3 years old and when they are that young, you have to consider quality, durability, and comfort. Parents: THESE ARE THE ONLY GLASSES THAT WILL STAY ON YOUR KIDS' FACES. No, really, they have these frames that wrap around their tiny ears so they are not constantly sliding down their noses. My girl is so much happier and can just play and learn without having to think about glasses at all. Thank you Solo Bambini! read more

This is THE place to go for children's glasses!!!!!! It is so hard to find cute glasses for babies and kids, and this is the place to go! They have so many colors, shapes and sizes, specifically for kids. It is like being a child in a candy shop! You'd think this could be overwhelming, but because the staff knows the inventory so well, it is easy to narrow down the choices and make a final selection. When the frames are chosen, they custom fit them so they stay in place. On a child, this is imperative. read more

Elizabeth and Laura have been exceptionally helpful to my son, who wears glasses post dual eye surgery to correct strabismus. They are so friendly, patient and accommodating. My children enjoy rearranging the furniture literally and it's never a problem. Inevitably we need to use the restroom when we're there, no problem. Extra Tootsie Pop? Sure thing. They have even adjusted my glasses when we're there. The frames selection for children is unparalleled and their lens replacement program is invaluable. read more

My daughter needed glasses at 20 months as she was extremely farsighted and diagnosed with Strabismus (eye turning inward). I was informed of Solo Bambini and was told it was pricey, doesn't work with VSP, etc. I tried several eyeglass places/optometrist offices and was so discouraged by the lack of selection and experience with children this young. I ended up purchasing a pair of glasses for my daughter at an Optometrist office but they seemed huge on her face so I went to Solo Bambini just to check them out. Well, 5 years later we are still happy customers and I have referred numerous friends their way. Their selection of frames is from all over the world and prices vary. If you go in with a budget they can steer you towards lower priced frames. The thing is that once you get in there and see the difference in quality and aesthetics between frames you end up wanting the higher quality and more expensive product but they definitely have a lower priced selection to choose from. I would keep in mind that the price of the glasses includes the services of professionals that understand how important fit is for a child. Elizabeth and Laurie do not mess around. If the glasses are not perfect they send them back to the manf/lense maker until they are. I'm not sure who they work with to make the lenses but know they do an excellent job of getting the prescription close to perfect. On several occasions my daughter's doctor has asked where I got the prescription filled because of how accurate the lenses are (something that I did not even know was an issue for other eye outlets). Solo Bambini also carries sunglasses and swim goggles, both of which I have purchased and my daughter has loved. What I love about Solo Bambini is that they get it and they care. In general glasses for children doesn't sound like a big deal...until your child is the one that needs them. Laura and Elizabeth have spent hours with me discussing my daughter's condition as it has changed throughout the years, agonizing over the perfect pair of glasses, dealing with my very shy and introverted daughter and my crazy son that tries to rip the place apart every time we are there. They know me by name and have always been extremely helpful. Another poster mentioned the feel of their shop. While it is a children's store it is lovely and pleasant to be in. The energy of their store is so calm that it is a treat to just go there. I would never go anywhere else. read more

After going to 5 places to find glasses for my daugher I was finally referred here. This place is THE BEST! I can't imagine going any other place for children's glasses. They had doznes of pairs of glasses that were perfect for my child. The service was excellent and they really knew what they were doing. I would highly recommend this place. read more