I've seen mostly good reviews and as A potential new patient I thought I would take a ride from South Asheville to see the office and book an appointment for a yearly eye exam. When I arrived, Asked the receptionist if they accept my vision plan which is through Manhattan Life. She said that she wasn't familiar with this plan and would ask her colleague/supervisor, who told me "This is not South Asheville you'll have to pay us and Submit on your own", in a very arrogant tone. Wow, I guess I'll research closer to home. The only reason I visited this mill of an office was that a friend used them once and had a good experience. Perhaps with the doctor who has excellent credentials, but he should think about changing some of his staff. I've been in the medical field for 35 years and never experienced such arrogance. read more

I've been seeing Doctor Teague for about four years. He's so professional. He explains everything, offers suggestions for continued care and is very pleasant to be around. I just purchased my third pair of glasses this month. Christine helped me choose the frames and when it came time to pick them up she was there again with her excellent and professional knowledge. The whole team at Tunnel Vision in Asheville, North Carolina gets an A+ from me. And I can read that from the bottom line! read more

If you don't buy their overpriced glasses they don't want you for a customer. When I say overpriced: I asked for the price of just the lenses I was interested in. It was like pulling teeth to get a price but it was $650. Plus the overpriced frames it came to around $1000. Over twice what I could get the same for at a big box store's optical. read more

I had a horrible experience with Dr. Newton. First, he told me that near-sightedness often improves as you age (I'm 38 and had made an appointment b/c I was struggling to see far distances, aka my vision was WORSE). He barely tested me with the typical "1 or 2" test and seemed to rely instead on the auto-refractor test (hot air balloon). When I told him that I saw worse with his suggested prescription, he seemed baffled. He sent me out with contacts that made my vision blurrier (I drove myself). I made a follow-up appt. Same exact situation and he sent me out with even BLURRIER vision. I literally had to switch back to my glasses in the car so I could drive home safely. After a 3rd appt. with the same outcome, I finally called the front desk and asked them to write the script I thought I needed and he signed it without seeing me again. Seemed like he had no idea how to accurately test my vision and definitely does not listen to his patients. read more

This place is great! I've been here for extended work stays right around when my exam was coming due again. I choose to come back to Tunnel Vision for: 1) continuity from my previous exams, 2) great experiences with Dr. Newton, 3) the fantastic staff here. [bonus #4) have to love the clever name.] Recently, I completely forgot that I was not only nearing the end of my work in Asheville, but also my benefit period. The lovely folks here were able to accommodate me as a walk-in with only about a 10 minute wait. (I used that time to get a head start on picking out some spectacles because it takes...me...for...e...ver....). The staff were friendly and made great recommendations, even helping whittle down my indecisions to a pair that really "fit" me. I've seen Dr. Newton twice, and I appreciate his calm approach, demeanor, and professionalism. Additionally, his pace (and that of the practice) put me at ease. Sometimes, in busy medical practices, you may feel rushed as a patient. Maybe the doctor is one foot out the door trying to take a question, or keeps saying "Uh huh...uh huh...uh huh.." as you are talking to them. Even though Tunnel Vision is a bustling practice, I never feel hurried. Dr. Newton ensures he answers every question, and gives fair, unbiased information. Rather than just saying, "Your eyes are fine," Dr. Newton shows me the images so that I can see for myself what my eyes look like (think about that for a moment...neat!) - and compares them to my previous exams. Wonderful customer service overall. Thanks, TV! read more

This is my go-to place in Asheville for eye exams and to buy glasses. I've been coming here for probably 5 years now for an annual eye exam and have purchased three pairs of frames here. The appointments always start on time, the exams are quick, yet thorough and Dr. Teague is friendly and always makes me feel comfortable. The lobby/shop area is very well-lit which really makes a huge difference when you are trying on glasses. I didn't realize this until I went to 5 other eye glass shops in Asheville this week and many of them had horrible lighting, making looking in the mirror and seeing yourself without glare pretty tough. I guess at most shops, you have to figure out the perfect time of day to visit where the sun will not be in your eyes/in the mirror, haha. I'm rambling but the point is that you can go here anytime of day and have perfect lighting for seeing how snazzy you look in their great frame selection. And they really do have a great frame selection. They carry all types of glass frames ranging from the super 'safe,' simple glasses to the colorful, funky glasses. They really have something for everything. And what's really fantastic is that they have frames ranging from $100-$500 from . They have a huge selection of women's glasses and men's as well as some co-ed (is that the right word?) glasses and a few kids styles. To top it off, the staff are super friendly and really enthusiastic about helping you pick out frames that work with your complexion and face shape. I was thrilled to have two women helping me pick out funky colorful frames and commenting on each pair of whether or not they worked for me. They were having a great time with it as was I. It was really nice to get some feedback to help me make a decision. Love this place. read more

Definitely would not recommend! Every time My husband got a prescription for glasses he's had to return at least once and sometimes twice for corrections. read more

I relocated to Asheville and was looking for a new eye doctor to administer my yearly eye exam. I made a call to Tunnel Vision after viewing their TV commercial. The person I spoke to (sorry, did not get her name) was extremely friendly who set me up with an appointment within the week. I had the pleasure being examined by Dr. Teague who was very thorough, engaging, friendly, answered my questions and made me feel valued as a new patient. He took his time with me and I never felt rushed. I interacted with Amy who was very nice and outgoing and I checked out with Bryant who was friendly. Lauren was the first staff member who administered the pre exam tests. She was standoffish and impersonal and did not appear to be passionate about her job. Even though it was not a pleasant start, I am giving them a 5 star rating. Overall, it's in a good location and offered a great price for an eye exam. read more

So disappointed in this vision center. I have gone here for years and been very satisfied overall. There have been a few hiccups but nothing crazy. My eyes have definite issues that have required special care, and I realized today that respect is just as important. I definitely did not receive any of that during my call back. I had called two weeks ago regarding my trial lens being too strong. I had left a message for a callback and not received one so called again today. As soon as the girl talked to me, she immediately knew my case and told me there would be another charge for a fitting since I waited so long. She never apologized for not returning my call as she was well-aware it had not been returned. I apologized and explained it is difficult as I work in Hendersonville but just need the right one. I explained I have been a patient for many years. She repeated herself. I said I guessed the next call would be from my new provider for records and hung up almost in tears. #singlemom #givegrace #notperfect read more

I had the best experience ever at Tunnel vision. I saw Dr. Newton and he was so thorough and kind and explained everything to me. Everyone was so friendly! My optical technician was Dyana Nelson and she was incredible! She found my frames for me based on probably my hair color, eye color ,skin tone and so on She really knew her stuff!!! She picked out the perfect frame for me! I give this place a 5 star rating for sure!!! Thank you all! read more

Dr. Newton had been our eye doctor since we moved to Asheville 20 years ago, but after the last two encounters I've had with his office staff I wouldn't walk in the door of that place if I were going BLIND! what rude obnoxious people are running his business now, such a SHAME! My husband knows him personally and has had good relationship with him until recent issues with his staff as well...such a shame! read more

I would not recommend! The eye exam was okay, the Dr. was nice, but the glasses were expensive and took too long to be ready. I had to call several times to inquire, even though they said they would call me if there were any delays. They didn't, I had to keep calling and finally picked them up a month later! But what's worse is that they never did what they were supposed to. The store rep suggested progressive lenses so I could use them for work and to drive without having to switch glasses. I did, and paid $800 for them thinking they would last me a while. I was told it would take about a month for my eyes to adjust to the progressives, but after 4-5 months I still couldn't drive with them because things were blurry at a distance. I'm better off without them. I also tried to order prescription sunglasses online, but there was some information missing on my prescription. Basically, the glasses are good for reading but not much else. What a ripoff! I am definitely never coming back. read more

I finally decided to overcome covid anxiety and go for an eye exam in Feb 2021, and I was so grateful to Tunnel Vision for their thoughtful precautions. I felt very safe the entire exam, which was also great, the doctor explained everything very patiently and clearly. I was also stoked when I asked about supplements for my eyes (which a previous doctor had recommended) and the doctor said they don't like to push expensive supplements but could recommend some to look for on my own. The frames were out of my budget, but I'll definitely be back for my eye exams in the future! read more

When the eye pad came off my glasses while visiting Asheville, Tunnel Vision fixed it quickly and at no charge. The staff was friendly and professional. I highly recommend this business. read more

I definitely recommend Tunnel Vision. Heaven was great in assisting me. They got my eye prescription perfect. I can see clearly now!

If I could leave no stars I would. 1) arriving 20 minutes before my appointment, I was seen 45 minutes past my appointment time. More than 5 employees milling around, talking and no one doing anything. 2) Everyone was nice, but slow beyond reason. 3) Notifying them I had another appointment, it mattered not. 4) after MD visit, I was charged over $600 for lenses. 5) after more than 3 weeks, no contact about new lenses 6) Finally, after my third call, a call back. My glasses where "broken" by the lab. No compensation was offered. 7) Lenses for my sunglasses where flat wrong. High Index requested. Got Coke bottle lenses instead. 8) Promised contacts never delivered or was I notified of delivery. 9) broken glasses. I will never, ever return. read more

Tunnel Vision went the extra mile to assist my 85 year old parents in selecting frames for their new prescriptions. My parents had previously gotten overwhelmed in the eye glass frame department following their eye exam and left without ordering anything. I called the office and explained what had happened and asked to schedule an appointment when I could accompany them back to the office. The gentleman that assisted us was very nice and it appeared he had been informed that my parents might require a little different attention given their prior experience. We succeeded in ordering frames for both parents! It seems like everything gets harder as we all get older. It's nice that Tunnel Vision understands that and helped make one task a little easier for my parents. read more

Amanda, is Freakin awesome. Was totally GRRREEEAT!!! Confirmed, insurance and found me the best deals!!!!! read more

My lens fell out of my eyeglass frame...I brought in and was helped by a women named Haley. Haley was very friendly and helpful she fixed my glasses without having an appointment and she did not charge me. Thanks again Haley! I would highly recommend Tunnel Vision. read more

After my lenscrafters rayban frame got an arm bent i went on a mission to find a new one, how hard could it be to get a little stick of metal? Well lenscrafters wouldnt sell me parts to this several hundred dollar frame, and the rest of the internet only gave unmatching arms (no thanks to the greedy company rayban), and lenscrafters said i should have got insurance, well that didnt help me at all, they wanted me to get a new frame. I went to tunnel vision and what do you know they had an identical frame for less, and insurance came with the frame, and they put the lenses in within a few minutes. This place is great, and i dont have to go back to wearing contacts. read more

It was a pretty good experience in office! But they never called me to tell me my glasses were ready! I called after week 2 because they said they'd be in touch. I was never able to reach them till 3 weeks after my initial exam and order. not to mention it is incredibly overpriced. I didn't realize the cheapest glasses they carry are $199 WITHOUT LENSES. So for a basic pair of glasses it's nearly $500. I didn't realize until after my exam was already over that all the frames were so overpriced, so that's my fault, but just a heads up to anyone else. read more

This is the place to go in Asheville...I just had the best experience..from the time I walked in until I left. The staff is very experienced and seems to have lots of expertise....the Doctor I saw was amazingly good at what he did...and pleasant. The selection of eyewear is amazing. read more

I had my initial eye exam with William Teague. He seemed like a decent optometrist. I was then shuffled over to their store to choose eyeglasses. An optometrist's apprentice, Amanda, then assisted me, seemingly aware of when to greet me (after I had reached the more expensive frame section of the store). She them sat me down and explained my various options. The progressive lenses, in particular, immediately raised a 'red flag' of concern. The option (there were 3) I would need had the widest range of vision. As expected this would be the most expensive. I was then given an invoice for $1103!!! The exam was $99 (reasonable) and the eyeglasses the remaining balance. I wanted to leave right then snd there snd eished I had! I've never come close to paying this amount, but I assumed these glasses would last me a while and be useful for both closeup and distant viewing. I received my eyeglasses in less than 2 weeks. I tried them out, and immediately noticed I was only able to see in the exact center of the lenses!!! If I look to the right or left of center, my vision becomes blurry!! This means I cannot drive or walk with these on, but merely read or do close-up-type tasks. I can actually see better without them! I'm getting ready to return these glasses, but considering my experience with Tunnel Vision so far, I fully expect to be left in the ditch, ripped off by $1103!! Bottomline ... DON'T BUY EYEGLASSES at TUNNEL VISION!!! read more

Asheville Peeps, Tired of shady eye doctors in Asheville? Go see Tunnel Vision- Highly Recommend... Let me tell you that Asheville is full of shady eye doctors and I have been the victim of two of them. Tunnel Vision actually cares and is very welcoming and you feel like family. I never got the "I'm being cheated" feeling like I did at other establishments. The Doctor was very good and I think this he got my prescription correct. The lady who helped me with my frames, We will call her "Southern Peach" as she just relocated from Georgia, was very sweet and kind. She did not blink an eye when I mentioned my "husband" (yup we are gay) and even referred to him later so the whole place seemed gay friendly. The manager was equality as awesome and was training Southern Peach very professionally with empathy. Must be a great place to work! Also honorable mention to the lady with the European accent! She was also very helpful and reminds me of a young Sofia Loren. There is zero attitude here! Just sweet people trying to help you! Avoid these two places: Eye on Merrimon ( oh they closed so you don't have to worry) but they closed two weeks after I received my glasses that were not correct and since they closed I could not get any remedy Envision Eyecare: Bad Attitudes, Overpriced and wont fix any issues that you report with the prescription not being right! Avoid them! read more

Great experience! I had the pleasure of being helped by Doctors, Newton and Teague. They both have a great personality and took their time presenting information and explaining everything. On the sales end, Susan is a rockstar! There are soo many frames to choose from and Susan always has patience and the expertise to find what's best to complement my face and style. She even went above and beyond recently to make sure my glasses were ready in time for my vacation. read more

I've been going to Tunnel Vision for 6+ years for exams, contact lens and frames. The doctors and pre-exam eye technicians are consistently professional, thorough and friendly. It's generally easy to get in for appointments that aren't deemed an emergency. The longest I've had to wait to get in for my yearly exam was a few weeks, which also falls during the summer, so it's a busy time of year. I'm self-pay, so my experience in getting services and product paid for doesn't apply. I cannot imagine having to deal with insurance here because, well, read on... There's a serious issue regarding the person who appears to be the office manager at Tunnel Vision. It's downright uncomfortable and disturbing to hear how this person talks to other employees. This person doesn't tactfully do it out of sight of patients or in a low voice. No, this person berates employees for all to see and hear. I've witnessed the person speaking condescendingly to patients as well. The first of a handful of times I experienced this person acting like this, I had to do a double take, as I seriously thought it was a joking, playful situation. After subsequent visits it became clear it wasn't a joke, but normal behavior. In general, I will stop supporting a business, especially a locally owned one, when I experience this sort of behavior by staff, but I truly enjoy the services I receive from the doctors as well as the technicians in the frames department. It's just an unfortunate circumstance that a seemingly miserable person holds this position there. read more

I have used Tunnel Vision for 6 years, specifically Dr. Teague. I recommend this practice for their professionalism, prompt responses to questions, and genuine concern for their patients. read more

A year ago, I would have said they were great, got me a last minute appointment, and we're pretty nice. Said that my eye sight had slightly changed and I now had an astigmatism so I needed to wear those torric lenses. Tried me out with a brand of contacts I'd never heard of before, and I ended up hating them. I went back a few days later and they switched me to the brand I liked, just the torric version. There was a mixup where they had let me leave the building with someone else's prescription, which should have put up a red flag for me. Fast forward to this year and I go to a different doctor because I couldn't get an appointment with Tunnel Vision but it ended up the best thing to happen to me! The doctor there was so much nicer and even had Saturday hours! He tells me that my glasses and contacts were too strong and my eye vision hadn't changed since the last time he had seen me (about 4 years before I went to TunnelVision). He gives me a trial pair of the contacts I love and he recommends to most patients and I notice they aren't the torric ones. I asked him why they weren't torric and he tells me that I don't have any astigmatism! WTF?! Thanks to Tunnel Vision, I spent the past year with painful eyes and horrible headaches because they were in too much of a hurry to get me in and out of there that my prescription was so wrong. I will never go back and will tell everyone about my experience. read more

Worst experience at an eye doctor ever. This review is for the optometrist office attached to Tunnel Vision. The eye doctor was nice and thorough, but the assistant / administration person was just awful. She looked up my insurance, took all my info and said that my insurance would work there, only for me to find out later when I went to pick up my prescription that it would not work there and I had to pay $68 for my exam/prescription which would have been free on my ins. I only went there b/c she stated my insurance was good there. I was totally disappointed in the experience, mainly because of her incompetence across the boards, just very scattered. I would not recommend them. read more

I have been going to Tunnel Vision since college in the 1990's...which is to say, for a long time. And I will be honest and say: I am an eyeglasses snob, and do not buy glasses there; I only go for my eye exams. But I think the eye doctors are exceptional: patient, thorough, friendly, attentive to detail. I highly recommend both of the doctors; plus, the staff is friendly and efficient. And the price they charge for an exam is actually fair. I believe optometry is as much an art as it is a science, which is to say you can't expect to have a perfect prescription every time, because there are so many factors to consider; however, I have gotten exactly that -- which I cannot say for any other eye doctor I have actually been to. Like I said, I don't buy glasses from this place (nor would I), but I think this is one of the best places in Asheville to get an exceptionally competent eye exam. read more

These folks are the best at what they do in this area that I've been fortunate enough to deal with, and I've seen many different optometrists for over twenty years now...They're customer service is excellent and they have a great warranty program; they are flexible in all areas and always willing to work with you to meet your needs. Thank you; hindsight not a factor...tunnel vision 2020! read more

Prior to going to Tunnel Vision I would of said I'd rather have a 24 hour teeth cleaning at my local dentist than going to the eye doctor. I've had glasses since my youth, and prior eye doctor's have made me feel like it's my fault, or that I'm disabled because I have glasses. Not at Tunnel Vision. I drove over an hour after hearing about them and had a fantastic pre-test with a very patient and competent Susan who was the first person in my life who was able to dilate my eyes and use the dread "puff machine" on me without throwing their hands up the air and giving up on me. Dr. Lear was also very patient, took her time with me and explained everything in great detail and really made me feel like my vision was important to her. Also with these new lenses - I can see better now than I probably have in my entire life. I'm a firm believer in using yelp for yummy food, but i've never had service this good, so I had to brag. read more

Here's something I rarely think about at the eye doctor- technology. The equipment is high tech and easy to use and helps with a full diagnosis of my eyes. As a bit of a techie, I think its cool. That being said, the staff is professional and courteous. Dr. Newton has only seen me a few times with a year or more separating my visits. He remembers me! He easily explains what is happening in my eyes and is very engaging and friendly. Please focus in on this optometrist! read more

Wonderful customer service. Was vacationing in Asheville a few weeks ago when I accidentally bent my glass frame quite badly out of shape. I looked in Yelp and found Tunnel Vision which had good reviews. I went into their very busy store but didn't have to wait long. Grace served me and was very gracious. She took my glasses, worked on them for about ten minutes, and returned them to me in perfect condition. When I asked how much, she told me that there was no charge! This in spite of the fact that i didn't purchase the glasses there nor was I a regular customer. Wow! Thank you very much Grace and Tunnel Vision. Wishing you lots of success. The Guy from Australia. read more

Tunnel Vision is the perfect example of why you go to a local business. The personal attention by all the knowledgable staff is tremendous. I had one less than desirable experience and it was quickly remedied above and beyond my wishes. AfterI had ordered my contacts, they didn't feel right. I stopped by the office, the doctor (and owner) took the time to re-examine my eyes right there with very little wait. Great service, great selection and they take care of you even after you have paid. read more

Obviously not comfortable taking business from a transgender person. Guy seemed to be personally offended by me browsing glasses in the "wrong" section. Welcome to North Carolina, I suppose. read more

I hate writing a critical review. Usually, I would just move on. I much rather let people know how great a company is to work with. Tunnel vision is the exception, pushing me to say 'do not use Tunnel Vision if you like good customer service'. I made an appointment with them 6 days ago for an eye exam. It was an emergency. I had lost my glasses and needed to get an exam and a new pair. I spoke with one of their representatives, who seemed accommodating in being able to make an appointment for me the following week. But when I mentioned that I had Medicare, I sensed a change in the way she began to talk to me. Never the less she confirmed the appointment for the following week. When I arrived, ahead of my 9:30 appointment time, I got the feeling that I had just walked into a law firm, not an optometrist office. It did not feel warm or cozy at the least. Large office type of space, big front reception desk with numerous employees busily moving about the area. I went to the front desk where there were two receptionists seated and checked in. Immediately I was informed that they had not scheduled an appointment for me. Later that day I thought that there was a possibility that they had accidentally booked me on the following Tuesday but she never bothered to check. She told me that they could take me in as a walk-in but I might have to wait many hours to be seen. She said this in a cold, officious bureaucratic manner with sort of a take or leave it attitude. I walked out of course, disappointed and upset about wasting my time and having to deal with another cold bean counter that had no clue how to treat a customer. I guess that in a bustling and growing, boomtown like Asheville, people are so busy counting their money and then worrying that the boom might be over, that they have forgotten how they became successful in the beginning They probably had forgotten that customer service might have had something to do with their growth in the first place. All good things must come to an end, and forgetting about customer service is just the way to end it quicker. Don't use Tunnel Vision folks, there are many Momma and Poppa stores around that know how to take care of their customers. read more

Tunnel Vision was recommended to me by a friend at work. Really spectacular service. Everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable. At first I had an issue with my insurance, and the woman at the front desk was nice enough to sort it out with the insurance company for me. Comfortable place and great service, I highly recommend it to anyone. Also it is one of the cheaper places for eye exams, starting at only $75. The only thing I did not really like is having to wait two weeks for the glasses I purchased to arrive. Not a huge problem though! read more

Dr. Lear is incredible... Super personable and easy to understand. My only complaint is the frame selection... No designer frames. However, their lenses are really cheap ($90 for basic) compared to other places. I can't attest to their quality, because I decided to go somewhere else for my purchase. Over all, a great experience. read more

My wife and I have both gone here (both to Dr. Lear) to get our eyes checked, and I couldn't be more in love with the place. All of the staff and unbelievably friendly, and the doctors and assistants are great at their jobs. They have a great selection of frames to choose from, and a quick turnaround on glasses. read more