I purchased a pair of Silhouette glasses in Tyson's Corner, VA and had them mailed to me in NC. Mistakes were made on the order (which they've agreed to correct) but it's been quite frustrating having paid nearly $900. for a pair of glasses that I'm still waiting to wear. I randomly decided to stop by Specs in Durham and had the most wonderful customer service experience provided by Christian. She spent so much time and effort trying figure out why the prescription was not allowing me to see correctly. Christian measured the old and new prescriptions, rechecked the PD, and suggested I have a refractory exam repeated before sending the glasses back to VA for prescription accuracy. She was "spot on"! The prescription was off just enough that with my severe astigmatism a small change made a "huge" difference in my ability to see clearly. It's a very special person that cares enough to make a customer happy; especially one that has yet to make a purchase at Specs! She is amazing at choosing glasses that compliment your face, fit the bridge of the nose, and assures the temple length is correct. I will be going back to see her in a couple of months to purchase a pair that she has agreed to help me choose. Frames and glasses are expensive everywhere ...no more or less here than what I found in VA and PA. If I had known Christian several months ago I could have purchased the Silhouette frames at Specs for the same price paid in VA but without the stress of trying to make corrections long distance. read more

I am really shocked to read some of the negative reviews of Specs posted here. Though I have shopped for frames elsewhere, this is the only place I have purchased glasses since I moved to Durham in 2008, and I have always received outstanding customer service. When I bought my first pair of glasses there, I was by myself and wanted to get a second opinion since the frames were a little trendier than I was used to. Specs let me take the frames out on approval for a day. I bought them, and they ended up being my favorite frames I have ever worn. When I finally had to replace them this year, I went back to Specs and they remembered me! I bought another amazing pair of glasses (which they had ready for me EARLIER than they said they would). They are even more beautiful than my last pair. I went in again today to have one lens replaced because I had scratched it badly. They had my glasses ready for me in 30 minutes! Every single person I have encountered has been friendly and knowledgable. Yes, the frames are pricey, but if you want a stylish, unique look, this is the ONLY place to go. I am a grad student, so I certainly do not fit into the category of "ultra rich," and I have only ever been treated with kindness and respect. They even seem to know my taste better than I do! Keep doing what you're doing, Specs, and I'll keep coming back for more. FYI, most of the really positive reviews are being filtered for some reason, so do check those out, as well. read more

Yes, Specs is expensive when compared to discount stores and Lenscrafters BUT Iook at it this way, I wear these 12/7, the cost of a great pair of glasses that is a constant attachment to my face warrants spending some extra bucks (and I am NOT rich, I am a teacher). Think of this - how much money did you drop on your last techy device or boots or whatever - something that you don't medically require all the time? Add that to the fact that the service is superb - I have metal frames and they have never broken (and I am rather rough on glasses, having had them since I was in 5th grade) and when I have needed adjustments or lost those nose pad thingies or whatever, excellent service with real (not fake) smile. Plus these glasses actually "fit" my face - they know how to help you select attractive glasses - and the prescription is spot on. I can't tell you how many times Lenscrafters messed up my eye glass prescription and their quality is just poor, even for the expensive glasses. So, as painful as it sometime is, cough up those extra bucks for a truly good fitting, good looking correct Rx eyeglasses. You will be glad later-I'm 5 years with these and reluctantly, I have to have my Rx changed. drats. But I'm raiding my piggy bank, telling santa, using a groupon coupon, and submitting whatever I can to my insurance company. BTY, I do not work, own stock, nor affiliated in any way/shape/form to SPECS. I'm just a satisfied customer. read more

Nice frames. I've been going there since they had a store on Ninth Street. The people working there have always been friendly, and competent. I bought a pair of new frames several years ago, and they were very careful to get them to fit just right. After wearing the frames for a few weeks, they seemed just a little tight on my ears, so I took them back and they were eager to get them fine-tuned to fit just right. This week, I accidentally bent the hinge, and took them back in. They straightened the hinge back to perfect alignment, without charge, and when they fitted them back on my face, were careful to make sure they still sat on my nose and ears just right. I was wearing a pair of prescription sunglasses while they straightened the hinge, and one of the people said, "Are your sunglasses loose?" I said, "I hadn't noticed," and she took them, tightened the hinges, cleaned them, and handed them back, and they do feel better. Every time I go there, I feel welcome. read more

Dr Byrd is a friendly optometrist who listens, and takes time with her patients. I was so pleasantly surprised by her welcoming attitude and left happy. All the staff was also very friendly and attentive, you can tell they are a good group of people who know about eyes. I was prescribed glasses but no one pressured me into a purchase, although all the frames there are one of a kind, I'll definitely be back to get glasses. Lenscrafter's and other eyeglass shops just have the run of the mill crap you can find anywhere that everyone else is wearing... Spec's has a ton of unique frames and you can tell they are quality. Don't expect to find any cheap garbage frames in this place, as the other reviewers have commented, they are quality which means they cost money, and last a long time if you take care of them. Everyone I encountered was knowledgeable and really gave me a straightforward opinion on what best suited my face and style. A+++ read more

For more than 30 years, my spouse and I have obtained our eyeglasses from Specs! The staff, especially George, Joe, Ruth, and Christian, whom we know the best, are outstanding! They provide unlimited personal service, as needed, to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the prescription, frames, and fit of your glasses. (On a couple of occasions, George and Joe spotted and corrected errors in the ophthalmologist's prescription that saved time and money.) Unfortunately I am now in my 70s and must shuffle four pairs of glasses (regular and polarized trifocals for driving and routine work, reading glasses, and computer glasses) and require new lenses every few years. The wonderful Specs team members always suggest economical ways to upgrade, such as re-using old frames for new lenses. read more

I love this place! It has the best/most interesting frames and the staff and owner are especially knowledgeable in helping select the best one(s) for you. It is a very personal experience and they absolutely know what they're doing. I was experiencing some difficulty with my new Rx after cataract surgery and George explained what the distortion was and told me it was "real" and would go away in a matter of a few days or one week. My own ophthalmologist and another 1-hour glasses store couldn't explain why or what I was experiencing. But, at Specs, they knew right away and could reassure me. I left feeling very relieved and loyal to them. read more

I have been wearing glasses for 40plus years . My last 3 pairs have been from Specs and the best ever. I love the way the staff is so knowledgeable. They are able to find the perfect frame for you! I do not even really try to pick frames out now I just relay on their expertise. They carry the latest styles. I have not had any problems with my progressives from there. In the past people did not measure correctly and it caused headaches and nausea. I always get compliments on my glasses! At least several times a week. Even my son was happy when they made his first pair. No need to go anywhere else. read more

Absolutely superb opticians and facility! I have been a client for many years. Their services are excellent. I recently had an issue that Christian and Joe were able to resolve. Having been diagnosed with a cataract in my right eye, I was not quite ready for surgery. They were able to work with my ophthalmologist to design a lens that works perfectly! While I will eventually have to have this surgery, this solution is a wonderful bridge, giving me 20/30 vision in the affected eye. Thank you. Allen M. read more

Specs definitely has the most interesting and beautiful selection of frames around! My vision is corrected perfectly every time - they make sure that the lenses are just right. They also provide great assistance to help me find a frame that fits both my face and my prescription. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. It's a fun place to go, too! I highly recommend Specs! They've been in business a long time and have won the INDY award for 7 years in a row for good reason! read more

Specs definitely has the most interesting and beautiful selection of frames around! My vision is corrected perfectly every time - they make sure that the lenses are just right. They also provide great assistance to help me find a frame that fits both my face and my prescription. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. It's a fun place to go, too! I highly recommend Specs! They've been in business a long time and have won the INDY award for 7 years in a row for good reason! read more

I love this place..... I have gotta glasses here for years since they were on club blvd... So it's been a while... Seen changes over the years as far as locations but one thing that hasn't changed is the customer service... Always greeted by someone when I come in and I LOVE the help that they give me picking out frames that I always love... So I got a new prescription from Dr Byrd this time that works with Specs so everything is at one place now....... read more

STAY AWAY! I think the manager/owner has some anger management issues and I left the place in tears. I have experienced rude people, but nothing compared to him. I wont go into details because I'm a little afraid of this guy and don't want him to remember me. I think there are many other places to go get glasses. Lenscrafters is in the Mall and the Target down the road sells glasses also. I'd buy glasses online before I'd set foot in that store again. read more

We have a new store to buy eyeglasses! Having just moved here, my wife and I were looking for a place that had something a little unique and cooler than the run of the mill places. We came to Specs and found what we were looking for. Really funky cool stuff I have only seen in NY and Italy. And the opticians there seem to really know their trade, they knew just what we needed. Fixed my old glasses too, at no charge. Awesome. We will be back. read more

I think that Specs is the best eye glass store and best place to get an eye exam. I've worn glasses for the last 33 years, so I know what I'm talking about. The staff is wonderfully friendly and willing to take extra time in finding the perfect frame to compliment your facial structure and style. Their contact lens service is tops, too. I've been a patron of Specs since '98 and I continue to place my eye sight in their professional care. read more

I have been a customer of Specs for over 10 years. I love their selection of frames, and the staff are extremely knowledgeable. When I need new glasses I know that Ruth will find just the right frames for me. I live in Europe but come to Durham at least once a year. I always need to have my glasses adjusted, so I go to Specs where, invariably, I will be tempted! Bottom line - great selection of frames and great customer service. read more

Love Specs. Have always received good service. Everyone is so knowledgeable and are eager to assist with just the right look and fit. I have 3 pairs of glasses from Specs. I get compliments every day. I love the selection of frames - since I wear glasses every day, I want cool, fashionable and unique glasses and Specs has never let me down. My problem is choosing! Great store - great staff! read more

George and his staff are knowledgable, professional, and very helpful. I have worn SPECS eyeware for many years and would not consider going anywhere else. They care about my taste in eyeware and always have the styles that you will not find at most other stores. We are blessed to have a store and staff of your caliber in this area...thank-you for what you do. read more

I don't even try to go anywhere else anymore. I wear my glasses everyday, so it's important that I love them and that they look good on me. Finding frames that are unique and match perfectly to my face and personality is a high order, but everyone I've ever worked with at Specs has been incredibly patient in helping me find just the right pair. read more