With my eyesight slipping into ever-blurrier terrain, it was time to buy a pair of glasses. I'm a perfectionist in spite of myself, so I knew this would be an arduous task spanning at least a month. If I needed to carry some expensive object on my face for years to come, I would be methodical in ensuring that I had made the absolute best choice. I cast a wide net and drew up a list of the 10 best-reviewed eyewear shops across SF, East Bay, and North Bay (plus six runners-up just in case; ok, so I'm a wee bit neurotic), bracing myself for how time-sucking the whole thing would be. Settling on a pair without visiting close to all those shops - along with hauling friends or loved ones along to give me opinions - was unthinkable. The Optician was the first on my list; mostly because of the stellar reviews, but partly out of happenstance. Karen is a delight - not only is she patient, supremely knowledgeable, honest, and kind, but has impeccable taste to boot. I have a smallish face that can make for a challenging fit, but Karen quickly honed in on several pairs that were different flavors of ideal. She walked me through the aesthetic elements of the frames, the practical ramifications of my lens options, and so on. There was zero sales pressure, just the sense that an expert was gently guiding and taking care of me. In fact, Karen could've easily charged me more for lens features I thought I needed and I would've been none the wiser. I was so pleased with the pair I chose that I knew in my gut I didn't have to go anywhere else, list be damned. I'm often beset by the prickle of "what else is out there?", but I suppose it's a little like falling in love: that bone-deep sense of certainty that you've hit on exactly what you didn't know you were looking for. This is wholly out of character for me and a testament to how grand The Optician is. I walked out pleased as punch and relieved that I didn't have to waste hours/weeks shopping around. If you had told me I was going to commit to a pair of glasses on my very first stop, I would've scoffed in disbelief. Go figure. Needless to say, I'll be getting my next pair here as well. read more

If you love yourself you should buy your next pair of glasses here. I've been wearing glasses since I was a kid, and I've never liked them. I walked into this store expecting to buy something to see with and leave. But Karen helped me find a pair of glasses that I love! I can't really express how amazing it is to feel good in glasses for the first time in my life; it's all because of Karen's patience, good taste and generosity. Honestly there's nothing I can say about her that the 50 5 star reviews before mine haven't said. Please please please never buy glasses anywhere else. read more

Karen's shop is delightfully full of stylish frames of all kinds. Karen was so helpful, immediately pulling down frames for me to try on, considering every aspect like my prescription, my eye color, the bridge for, the frames hitting my cheeks, and comfortably within my given lower price range. She took the time to make adjustments with the heating tool right then and there, and helped me figure out how best to use my insurance (she does not take insurance, but will bill as an out of network provider if you do). She even cleaned a pair of my sunglasses in the fancy super sonic cleaner machine. On the whole, can't recommend Karen enough. Great selection, great service! read more

I just want to say that Karen is the most amazing person. She is totally personable, has great taste, and is willing to spend the time to help you find the perfect pair. Her selection is both classical and trendy ready to fit anybody's style. I came in last week looking for glasses and she was able to help me find a set of vintage glasses/sunglasses combo for a steal! I will be coming back again and again for any of my vision needs. read more

I can't recommend them highly enough! They spent so much time with me to help me find the perfect frames, and they found a place for us to sit outdoors while I tried the frames on--they're definitely being as safe as possible with covid. They were also super helpful about advising me on how to submit to insurance (since they're not in network) + my flex spending account . Lastly, if you're disabled and parking is an issue, trying calling them--they might be able to help you out. (That was any barrier for a while). read more

Karen is INCREDIBLE! The shop is beautiful and has a huge selection of glasses, and you won't find a more knowledgeable person to help you. Karen really knows what will work on your face shape, and what would be best, so take advantage of how awesome she is, and listen to what she has to say. You can also work with her to figure out specific details, such as your prescription and lens color, etc. This is hands down the best place for glasses and sunglasses...from vintage frames to new trends, this place has it all, including amazing customer service. If I could give The Optician a hundred stars I would! read more

This is, by far, the best shop in the Bay. It only takes a few steps in, to notice that every pair of glasses has been meticulously selected. Karen is amazing. She not only knows everything about eyewear but is also truly passionate and committed to providing the best service and products. She spent quite some time helping me pick up the appropriate frame for me and then adjust it until it felt like made exclusively for me. I have been there a few times ever since and she keeps improving. 100% recommended! read more

This place is awesome! I took in a pair of vintage cat eye frames. Karen was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. She was able to replace the nose guards for me and answer a few questions. We went over various tents available and I didn't feel rushed like I have at other places. I was very happy with the price and the end result. It's difficult to find people who specialize in vintage frames. I am so glad I read the yelp reviews before I went elsewhere. I will be coming here from now on. Karen deserves more than 5 stars!!! P.S. She also has a nice selection of frames that won't break the bank. read more

The Optician - So happy I found a place who specializes in vintage frames. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Berkeley, California

Karen has a unique gift of finding that perfect pair of frames that fit person's face and personality. I purchased my first frames from Karen over ten years ago in San Francisco and I had been following her since then. I completely trust her expertise and her sense of style. Although that very first time I took some convincing but since then I let her pick the all the frames for me. She may recommend a frame that I would not have considered for myself but inevitably those are the frames that I get complimented on the most. Every friend who I introduced to Karen agrees, she is a real pro. In addition to vintage frames, Karen also carries a great selection of unique frames that are not as pricey as one might think. I like frames that above all fit me well and that are somewhat stylish but I do not want them to be the latest fad so that after a year they are out of style. If you are buying glasses for first time or if you already have a pair, you owe it to yourself to stop by and try on a pair. read more

A truly delightful, 6/5 experience. Picking out glasses has always been stressful. My prescription is very strong, I do not wear contacts, and I have a low nose bridge - all of which has made hunting for glasses quite difficult in the past. By contrast, Karen - the store owner - is exceptional! She was patient, kind, and attentive. Karenenergetically tried over 30 pairs on me and really knew what kind of shape would best compliment face - turning this into a one of a kind experience. I was astounded by her expertise - as well as her exceptional collection of glasses. Overall, I am in love with my new pair of glasses. I highly encourage others to go here! You will not be disappointed!!!! read more

As an optician, I'm always searching for new optical shops. I love discovering new brands & seeing what each optical shop has to offer. I happened to stumble upon The Optician during a trip to Berkeley & I'm so glad I found Karen. The first time I went into Karen's shop I was impressed by the selection of frames she had. Her collection of reconditoned vintage frames caught my eye. I ended up purchasing a vintage pair of Revo sunglasses. I'd also like to add that Karen's attention to adjustments is impeccable. As an optician, I can appreciate the time & effort she put into adjusting my frames. After adjusting my frames, I told Karen that I had wanted a pair of frames similar to the Rayban Clubmaster and she pulled out a pair of vintage Rayban Clubmaster II. Karen told me she would recondition the frame and sell me the frame. Fast forward to a couple weeks later, I returned to The Optician & purchased the frame. All in all, check out The Optician. Karen is extremely personable, knowledgeable & passionate about what she does. Also, if you're looking for a specific vintage frame, she's the woman to go see. read more

Amazing customer service. Wide selection of frames. Karen and Aimee were really helpful in helping me find glasses that I liked and fit the profile of my face. I recommend that you go in with a general idea of what kind of frame you are looking for so that they can best help you. read more

Karen is the best optician I've have experienced in my 35 years of wearing prescription glasses. I met Karen after I had a very unpleasant service at The Focal Point. I was cautious and nervous when entering Karen's store. But ALL of it was swept away by Karen's deep commitment to her clients. She is patient, funny, caring, knowledgable, and invests a lot of herself in each client, regardless of whether the transaction results in a sale or not. Between Karen and Jupiter, the cat who has adopted Karen, my husband and I came out of the store knowing we have found our life-long optician. I would WHOLE heartedly recommend Karen. read more

One of those rare experiences where good heartedness and a deep sense of aesthetics are combined, far outstripping late-stage capitalistic values that are ravaging our society and our beloved planet. The shop is in a recessed brick building downtown but opens up into a space that feels like an oasis. Then this exquisitely refined woman who is actually the shopkeeper comes and helps you. She starts sifting through hundreds of unusual frames, and seems to know in advance what might fit one's face, and the limitations determined by one's prescription. For example, I shopped in other stores, but none of the other opticians informed me that I needed to minimize the size of my frame due to the strength of my prescription. (I had merely assumed I should get a large frame to accomodate my progressive lenses). I visited Karen's shop 3 times, and because I was from out of town, she had encouraged me to set up an appointment with her. But this was more than I could manage, but again I was struck by her intentionality. So even though my eyesight is poor and I can no longer tolerate contacts, I am pleased to know that I have a lovely place to retreat to. What a kind and exceptionally gifted person Karen is! read more

Now where do I begin... It started as a search for the right pair of Moscot Lemtosh's for my boyfriends birthday. I had taken him here on a whim (also with help from great reviews online) since The Optician is one of the very few carriers of the Moscot brand. When we arrived, we entered a cozy little brick building with an array of unique frames on display. We headed directly straight to the Moscot display and were a bit overwhelmed by the variety of styles on display, but most certain that they had what we needed. Karen came up with the most charming smile and greeted us with a "hello", and that's where the true glasses buying experience began... From start to finish, Karen has been nothing short of amazing! She was incredibly kind, helpful, knowledgeable, etc. Somebody who truly understands and has a true passion for her craft. Taking meticulous care into forming and fitting the frames as precisely as can be. I can't express enough how pleasant this whole experience was, and I could possibly say that she truly made our day! Thank you again Karen for all your help! I will definitely be returning when I decide to buy a new pair of frames myself. read more

After having a shitty experience with the on-campus Cal eye center, I took my shades here and was helped me right away, no charge. Karen even explained parts of my bill from them. It's extremely refreshing to meet someone like her; she understands the practice well and doesn't try to profit off of someone's lack of understanding. If you're considering getting eyeglasses or shades (with or without prescription), stop by and see what I mean. read more

This is SO OVERDUE. I have been wearing glasses for 20 years and have lived in several states and I have never had a more satisfying experience anywhere. I was lucky enough to be Karen's very first customer (over two years ago) and since then I have purchased two more pairs from her. She has an incredible knack for not only understanding what it is that you're looking for but also what will look good on you aesthetically while ALSO highlighting your personality just like your favorite t-shirt can. She will almost certainly offer suggestions that you thought might never work for you (after reading one too many articles on face shape lol) and leave you stunned. Karen knows everything there is to know and is always willing to delve into any questions I might have and she makes sure that you get your glasses as fast as possible. Her stock is impeccable and she has an excellent eye for detail. She is extremely skilled at fitting and repairing your frames and offers extremely valuable advice on how to care for them. Another reviewer mentioned that her programs have granted access to free exams and glasses, a point I can also attest to. After telling Karen about a classmate of mine she gave me all the resources I needed to help my friend get a free exam and glasses! Karen is magical and I will be traveling back to Berkeley whenever I need a new pair of glasses! read more

A little pricey but they have a great variety of trendy options if you're looking for frames.

I recently purchased a pair of Moscot glasses from the Optician with the help of owner Karen. She patiently helped me decide on a pair and made the necessary adjustments to make them fit perfectly. They are the best looking and quality glasses I've owned for years. I've received tons of complements on them. No more Warby Parker for me, I'm sticking with The Optician. Karen is very knowledgeable, a true professional at her craft and filled with positive energy. I will be coming to Karen and The Optician for years to come. Thank you! read more

I came in 10 minutes before closing on a Saturday because I needed a quick fix for my sunglasses. My left lens had popped out of its socket and I lost the screw earlier that day. Karen was more than happy to chat with me while she fixed my glasses, and when I asked for the charge she said that it wasn't a problem, and also to come back later when she found the right tool to cut the over-long screw she used to replace the one I lost. While I can't say anything about buying glasses or more complicated repairs, I can definitely say that the customer service here is top notch and I'm recommending the Optician to all my friends who might need glasses! read more

I feel very lucky to have found this shop and gotten Karen's expert opinion and friendly assistance. We're in Berkeley for a few days on a visit, about to embark on a long trip to a sunny place, and I felt the good-quality sunglasses I've had for a long time were giving me headaches. Based on reviews here we went to this shop and Karen was so helpful. She did a lot of checks, warmed and reshaped the frames, and solved my problem--without charging us at all. Wow. Thank you Karen. read more

Karen is awesome! She really knows what she's doing, from choosing glasses to compliment your face shape to adjusting them to ensure that they fit well. The entire process is so fun, and I always walk out with glasses that I love and that I know fit me well. I absolutely recommend Karen for anyone looking to buy glasses or sunglasses! read more

Follow up: I'm all old and blind now. Karen recommended some computer/reader progressives, and I just clocked an 11 hour day in front of the computer entirely by mistake. Apparently I was gauging the end of my day by my eye fatigue level, and that just... vanished. Amazing. read more

This place is a gem. By far the best store I've been to for buying/fixing my glasses. Their service has been nothing but outstanding, and it's just difficult for me to imagine a better eyeglass store out there... read more

Karen has beautiful frames and really knows her stuff. And she's super patient with you.

Of all the times I came across opticians and eyeglass stores alike, the Optician gave the most time and effort into suiting a customer's needs. I had a delicate eyepiece bought overseas that required special handling, which other places weren't able to do. Karen took care of everything with prompt updates - she takes upon tasks that other shops turn away and makes sure everything is in line - a very fine shop. read more

I purchased two pairs of glasses from The OPTICIAN in Berkeley recently. Both Karen and Aimee were instrumental in helping me select beautiful frames that enhance my face and Aimee adjusted them to a perfect fit. Never before had I worn glasses that have so dramatically improved upon my face. I cannot thank Karen and Aimee enough and they deserve more than five stars. read more

Karen is one of the most thorough opticians I have ever worked with. I have a challenging optical prescription. It takes expertise, knowledge, and patience to have a successful outcome. I have never been disappointed. She will not let you leave with a bad pair of frames, if you're going there to buy a pair, or lenses. She takes the time to do things right! read more

I had a screw fall out from my foldable Persol sunglasses and was told by 3 other eyewear/ optician stores that it wasn't possible to replace and I'd have to go into warranty discussions with Persol. I then went to Karen's store, where they fixed my shades in 5 minutes, free of charge. I can't recommend this place highly enough for their wonderful service and range of eyewear. Best in Berkeley, by far! read more

My new glasses were pretty poorly fitted and kept sliding down my face. Karen did a major adjustment on them for free, while the Tang Center tried to charge me and ended up not fixing them. She's also tightened my sunglasses screws, and I didn't even buy them from here either. read more

Came in with a broken pair of designer sunglasses (a screw was stripped and fell out). The woman at the counter fixed it for me, no charge. Will be back the next time I want new frames - their selection looks great. read more

Just wanted to add another good word for the professionals here -- I've been dealing with two pairs of very crooked sunglasses for too long, and finally had to do something about them. I stopped by and they carefully fixed both, making sure both were perfect and fit my face, and then, kindest of all, didn't charge me! there was a large collection of frames throughout the store -- def check them out! read more

I can't say enough about Karen!!! I am a clinical social worker from Bay Area Community Services. I had a client, from an underserved population, mentally ill, that I could not find anybody to fix her glasses. Nobody wants to take medi-cal and you get turned away immediately. I found Karen online and emailed her about my client. She hadn't had her glasses in almost a year. Karen agreed to see her, out of the kindness of her heart, and worked so well with her. She was compassionate and empathic to my clients situation. She also gave us resources for my client to get her prescription renewed. My clients life has been changed by this one kind and selfless act!! I know I'm taking k business to Karen and you should feel good about it too! read more

Just got new glasses at The Optician - and love them, and really appreciate the service I get there. Extremely helpful, honest, knowledgeable, customer service oriented. Karen and Aimee are VERY good at helping find just the right frames. I get compliments on my new glasses all the time! They have a great selection of frames and sunglasses, and are wonderful to work with. Totally recommend them. read more

Karen, The Optician in question, has an unblemished 5 star rating after 54 reviews. Then what can this 55th 5-star review possibly add to these many true and accurate anecdotes? Just this: This Optician is one of those rare people with inner sparkle. Go get you some with your next pair of glasses (and vintage frames). read more

I came in with no appointment and 2 broken pairs of glasses the day before a cross country road trip. Karen fixed them both right on the spot for the super reasonable price of $20 per pair. Thanks for saving our glasses and our road trip Karen!! Driving blind would have been very unpleasant. read more

This place is full of hidden treasures. It's difficult to park as it's Allston almost to the University, but so worth the effort. Karen is a gem. She is patient, incredibly knowledgable, and an expert in how the products she carries will look on you. She is a master at getting the right fit, and won't stop until you look, and feel fabulous! I've never worn glasses before. When I first received my prescription for reading glasses, I visited other places that accepted my insurance to save money. Those trips ended in disappointment because either the selection wasn't what I was looking for, or the service was completely underwhelming. You won't find any of that at The Optician. Karen simply goes above and beyond to make you feel like you're home. Her shop kitty will even greet you at the door. Be prepared to be wowed. I left with an order for a new pair of glasses that may or may not be covered by my insurance - and I really don't care. While Karen offered to run my insurance to see if they'll reimburse me, I had such a neat experience that it was well worth both my time, and money. Having access to a resource like Karen is worth every dime. read more

The service I received was truly exceptional. The shop is charming and the section of stylish frames is wonderful. Aimee is highly knowledgeable and provided me with very friendly and helpful service. I had a superlative customer experience at The Optician. read more

Hands down the best place to get quality glasses. Amazing selection of vintage frames and superbly curated assortment of new ones. Best of all, Karen is super knowledgeable, honest and helpful. Looking forward to being back for my future optical needs, once stores can open again. read more

Karen (the owner) is so helpful, knowledgable, and nice! She has such an amazing collection of rare and vintage frames, and they are not prohibitively expensive. I had no idea really what I wanted or what to look for in sunglasses, so she walked me through it all. I'll definitely be back to get another pair in the future! read more