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Affordable Glasses
updated: Mar 11, 2013, 7:09 PM

I'm looking to find a place to buy a nice pair of glasses and a staff that knows what they are doing. Thanks for any suggestions!

Places People Are Talking About:

Costco	Dr Mietus	Dr. John Sullivan
Eyeglass Factory

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 383636	2013-03-11 07:12 PM
Costco! Best place ever.
COMMENT 383638	2013-03-11 07:20 PM
eye vision at corner of hollister and patterson. we have 15 year history together--3 glass wearers in the family including a 1o year old boy who needs weekly re-adjustments and replacements regularly. outstanding optometrists but opticians are even more remarkable in their competence and patience with our klutsy family.
DARYL	2013-03-11 09:42 PM
I've been going to Dr. Fausset at Advanced Eyecare for years and have always had great experiences. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they stand behind their services. They aren't the cheapest place in town, but I believe they're worth the extra money. http://www.advancedeyecareandlaservision.com/
COMMENT 383678P	2013-03-11 10:35 PM
Goleta Valley Optical in the Magnolia Center on Hollister Ave.
COMMENT 383681	2013-03-12 01:10 AM
Occhiali in Montecito. Voted Best of Santa Barbara in several readers polls. Knowledgable staff and modern styles. Not the cheapest but in my opinion the best in the area.
TOPCATHAT	2013-03-12 03:16 AM
Dr. John Sullivan Montecito - gone to him for 30 years; glasses you won't see anywhere else in town.
LALALALA	2013-03-12 04:54 AM
Goleta Valley Optical, great family run business, always attentive customer service.
AQUAHOLIC	2013-03-12 05:14 AM
Eyeglass Factory or Costco...for uber nice, and uber expensive Occhiali is tops. Although, the last time I got glasses at Costco they had at least one 'brand' you find at Occhiali.
COMMENT 383691	2013-03-12 06:15 AM
Dr. Thomas Burke...two locations...one in Kmart shopping area and a second one at Milpas and De la Guerra Sts. Very helpful and friendly staff.
QUEENDI	2013-03-12 06:21 AM
Occhiali has all the high end frames you could ever want. The staff is great too.
COMMENT 383697	2013-03-12 06:37 AM
I agree with Topcathat. Dr. Sullivan at Montecito Optometry is great. Don't be scared by the location. His prices are competetive. My entire family has been going there for years.
COMMENT 383707	2013-03-12 06:49 AM
Costco for value, Occhiali for a knowledgeable staff and beautiful frames I had a terrible experience with Goleta Valley Optical, and would not recommend them at all.
COMMENT 383717	2013-03-12 07:08 AM
Last time I used Occhiali,the very expensive titanium frames broke within 6 months. They repaired them for $40.00 and they broke again within 2 months. Repaired again,not replaced. I never went back. Went to Goleta Valley Optical.
COMMENT 383721	2013-03-12 07:19 AM
Eye and Vision care has great peopl and that's where I get my exam done. However, I have taken my perscription to costco twice in a row now and have gotten two great sets of glasses.
COMMENT 383723	2013-03-12 07:30 AM
Although Dr Sullivan is not my optometrist, I've been buying my glasses from Montecito Optometry (1147 Coast Village Rd) for years. They have innovative styles that get compliments. Ask for Barbara - she's great help in selecting styles and measuring/fitting the glasses. You'll probably pay more, but if you want a look that is unique to you, take a look in their shop.
STRAY	2013-03-12 07:54 AM
My vote for Eye and Vision at the HolliPat corner. A nice selection, accept my VSP insurance, guaranteed satisfaction, prompt service.
AGENTSME	2013-03-12 08:10 AM
Costco for the exam - Dr. Bream is the best! and Eyeglass Factory on Milpas for the glasses
COMMENT 383751	2013-03-12 08:20 AM
Occhialli on Coast Village Rd in Montecito. They have an "eye" for what suits your face and go above and beyond to be sure you are satisfied. I wouldn't go anywhere else! Irwin is my personal favorite, but all the staff are superb there!
COMMENT 383759	2013-03-12 08:34 AM
Goleta Valley Optical but if you want one of the nice hard cases to protect glasses you don't wear all of the time some of the assistants act like it is coming out of their paycheck.
COMMENT 383762P	2013-03-12 08:42 AM
If you like the money for your optical needs ending up to support the (illegal) occupied areas of the West Bank in Palestine, Eyeglass Factory is for you.
COMMENT 383766P	2013-03-12 08:51 AM
Let's remember that Rick Feldman of the Eyeglass Factory has contributed his time and money to local non-profits, as well. It's always good to see when businesses put back in the community. Some of our local businesses rarely if ever contribute to local causes.
COMMENT 383773	2013-03-12 09:06 AM
Urban Optics/dr. Jerry Neel, downtown SB!
COMMENT 383785	2013-03-12 09:42 AM
You say affordable AND nice in the same sentence. And we have no idea what you really want; bifocals, readers, sunglasses, etc. Is your idea of affordable $20 for glasses or $250? Someone really needs to edit these queries before they are posted. Details are essential when looking for answers.
COMMENT 383794	2013-03-12 09:58 AM
I'd suggest costco. I love Eye & Vision, but always bought contacts from 1800contacts, so I don't know how they are price-wise (but they really are fantastic people there!). And when I used to get glasses, I just got stuff from Lenscrafter and ALWAYS had issues. I stopped going there because although I loved my doc, I hated the LC staff. Totally incompetent: lost glasses/misplaced glasses & wrong glasses, incorrect orders... Stay away from Lenscrafters! And Occhialli is NOT what I'd recommend as an affordable eyeglasses place. I assume they are fantastic - but you pay for it. Costco is where I'd go now if I needed glasses. (But I don't because I had Lasik done, and FREAKIN' LOVE IT! (Seriously, if you're considering it, start saving, it's worth it!))
COMMENT 383795	2013-03-12 09:59 AM
I have worn eyeglasses for over 50 years and easily the best eyeglasses I've ever owned are my current pair of titanium frames from Costco. AR coating is baked in and doesn't wear off, high index progressive lenses are thin, the frame is very light and attractive, they've never broken on me, and the cost was $150 or more less than the in-house optical shop at my ophthalmologist's. They came with magnetic attach sunglasses that work great and look like they're simple sunglasses unless you look closely. I wouldn't necessarily use Costco for an eye exam, I prefer a good opthalmologist such as Robert Kolarczyk State Street.
COMMENT 383833	2013-03-12 11:39 AM
EYE SOCIETY Montecito, Upper Villiage 444-5182 They carry exclusive designer lines and the optician/stylist there has 20+ years experience. They manufacture their own premium line of titanium, polorized and 18K-24K gold eyeglasses and sunglasses and carry paul frank and you must see the new colors styles and the price is all ways right!!. The shop is a must see! and you can make an appointment for a custom fitting if you need to or just stop by.
COMMENT 383860	2013-03-12 12:35 PM
Dr Mietus on coast Village road. He has a very experienced Optician there who will provide you with the best service and value in Santa Barbara. DO NOT go to Advanced Eyecare, worst service ever, and Eye n Vision Care is like a factory.
COMMENT 383949P	2013-03-12 05:47 PM
Have had excellent results with Advanced Eye care with Tom providing thoroughness in making certain all was good with me. Highly recommended.