Big City Optical - South Andersonville On Clark Street

I have been going to the Andersonville Big City Optical for several years and always have had a great experience there. They have a great selection of both sunglasses and reading glasses. I even have had an eye exam there. The staff is very friendly and professional. Stopped in today to get some glasses fixed. Great experience with both the manager Adam and Ray at the service desk. Recommend highly.
Apr 8th, 2024

I had a really strange and unpleasant experience at Big City Optical. I recently visited this location in order to get a general vision checkup and eyeglasses exam so that I could get an additional pair of frames since I wear glasses so frequently and my most recent Rx had expired. I booked online but had a little trouble figuring out how to select just the eyeglass exam, so on the day of my afternoon appt I called in the morning to let them know the reason for my visit and ensure no confusion. I spoke to Chris, who was really helpful explaining what I would copay for a general exam and prescription eyeglasses exam. I told him clearly that I was only interested in the eyeglasses exam since I had nearly a year's worth of contact lenses and wasn't looking to change. I also said I was planning to shop for new frames that day and asked about my insurance benefits for that. When I arrived the staff was very friendly and overall were very courteous and pleasant. The office was clean and nice. When I got to checkout, I was charged for the contact lens fitting as well (even though while answering questions about contact lenses with the tech I again said I had plenty, was not interested in changing, and didn't need to adjust) and said that I had told them earlier that I wasn't in need of that service today. They seemed a bit surprised but not very apologetic, and I was told, well, it's good for a year. One of the folks at the front desk, whose name I did not get, mentioned she would try to get a credit applied but I haven't heard back about that. I also found out during my 4:30pm exam that they would be closing at 5pm. I was brightly reassured that I could return Saturday or Sunday - frankly, a pretty big inconvenience. It felt really strange that when I called ahead and talked to their team about shopping for frames they wouldn't stop to mention the 5pm closing time that made it impossible for me to do that that day. We were seen out and I was pretty thrown by both the closing time and the issue with the contact lens exam. While telling my wife about the exam itself I realized that the person never introduced themself as a doctor, which was kind of strange. I've been a glasses and contacts wearer since childhood and that's never happened. I then realized when I looked at the Rx that I never saw the OD whose name is at the bottom. I was never told that I would not be seeing a doctor and I find it EXTREMELY sketchy that they would A) do this without consent B) charge the same amount and C) have a doctor's e-sig on a document regarding a patient they have not seen. I'd like to note that the tech I saw was pleasant and knowledgeable (though seemed nervous at times) and did a nice job. It's less about that and more about the feeling of being deceived. Overall, super disappointing. I won't be returning.
Apr 8th, 2024

I had a great visit today! Rae was so kind and helpful with picking out new frames and answering any questions I had about insurance/payment. The whole staff was really great and Im glad I brought my business to this location!
Apr 3rd, 2024

Had a lovely time with Adam! Everyone was super friendly and the office is comfortable and warm. Def would reccomend!
Apr 2nd, 2024

Waiting for glasses, but staff is great. Dr. Portillo is very thorough with the vision tests and patient with contact fittings! The frames are not inexpensive, but they stand behind their products and services.
Mar 17th, 2024