I've been wearing glasses now for about 25 years, and can't function without them on account of a strong prescription. Every time I find a pair that looks decent, I'm absolutely reluctant to make any change, because as us long-time glasses wearers know, it's a permanent fixture on our faces and a major part of our identity, and for some of us, absolutely necessary.
The reason I know about Spex is that I started graduate school directly across the street from the store. This was almost 2 years ago. In that time, I had two experiences with Mario the owner at the store I want to mention. First, about a year ago it was the weekend before my biggest final exam ever. Stress was high, and I fell asleep in my bed and bent my glasses frame. Disaster! Horror images of a forced visit to some random eyeglass place came into my head - it'd been years I've managed to avoid this. Then I remembered about Spex, so I drove down with fingers crossed. Mario greeted me, heard my story, and was fantastic, totally relaxed and supportive, and as several people have stated in their own reviews, just went ahead and fixed my old pair on the house right then and there, and sent me on my way with a smile. Amazing and completely unexpected.
Months later, I had another glasses incident where my lens came out before I was headed out to see a show. I called down to the store, remembering Mario's help before, and though it was actually closing time, he STAYED AT THE STORE AFTER 6 (when they close) while I drove down from Shoreline, and repaired them again for me. (Great show too, which I got to see!!)
I think it's important to find places with good people. The world is full of people who are crooks, ambivalent, unskilled, and/or just plain dumb. Go here and you'll find people - like Mario and Dr Mark Hamilton - who are compassionate, smart, helpful, fair, and genuine great people.
As many here have said, Dr Mark is really good. He's arguably the best I've seen, of many, over the years. As for the glasses, I did just get a pair. I feel that I got a great set of glasses at a reasonable price. We were there quite a while looking through and Mario helped us out with great pacing, no rush, no hovering, no pushing, just helpfulness.
I read most of these reviews, and saw a handful of bad reviews. To comment on those, it sounded like several people had problems with different staff there over the years... but this is a small store, not like some chain, and pretty much it's mostly Mario and Mark Hamilton taking care of you. I haven't had direct experience with other staff, but Mario knows what he's doing so I'd vouch for anyone he's got working there.
I saw some questions about prices and fees - but I feel like saying, buying glasses isn't like getting a haircut at Best Cuts or going on a trip to the thrift store. I think the prices are completely fair.
For review readers, I'd like to add a reminder that there's no telling who is writing these reviews. Maybe some kid who doesn't know any better, or a whacko. People are more likely to vent and complain in general, than take the time to write kudos. The vast majority of reviews are high for this place, which tells me that a lot of people got excited enough to go home and post it on Yelp, which says a lot to me. I'm 37 and worn glasses just about my whole life. This is one of the best places I've been for my eyes. read more