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Eyeglasses Store
updated: Sep 15, 2010, 2:01 PM

I would appreciate comments on the best place to get eyeglasses and frames. A friend just took advantage of a J.C. Penney offer of two pairs of glasses for $88. He ended up paying $487. Thanks for suggestions which will help me and others.

Places People Are Talking About:

Advanced Eyecare	Costco	Dr. Larry Nordgaarden
Dr. Poulin	Eye and Vision Care	Eyeglass Factory
EyeGlassMagic.com	Goleta Valley Optical	Hurley Optical
Joanne Gronquist	Larry Bickford	Lenscrafters
Sears	Steven Zelko, MD

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 105190	2010-09-15 02:11 PM
My wife goes to (and likes) Eye and Vision Care, next to Dominos at the NW corner of Hollister and Patterson. While their selection isn't great, I have had good (and inexpensive) service at the SB Eyeglass Factory on the corner of Milpas and Quinientos.
COMMENT 105192	2010-09-15 02:15 PM
I like Eye & Vision care, but must confess I haven't shopped around or anything. All good experiences there.
COMMENT 105196	2010-09-15 02:26 PM
Goleta Valley Optical is family owned and has quality service and is very affordable - Give them a try - !
COMMENT 105199	2010-09-15 02:37 PM
Costco if your a member!!!
COMMENT 105204	2010-09-15 02:51 PM
Hurley Optical in Carpinteria has been great for me for 10 years. I can't say enough good things about Jack the owner.
COMMENT 105207	2010-09-15 02:57 PM
Dr. Larry Nordgaarden. Excellent and thorough care. Great selection of quality eye wear. Frame styles are updated frequently.
COMMENT 105208	2010-09-15 03:02 PM
Goleta Valley Optical in Magnolia Shopping Center always gives good service. Same location for two generations of the family.
COMMENT 105209P	2010-09-15 03:04 PM
I just discovered online: EyeGlassMagic.com -- I sent them my prescription and got two pairs, frames plus single vision (computer plus reading) for $80, including shipping from Ottawa. They have a huge selection of frames and it took about 12 days. Prior to that I had used SB EyeGlassFactory - and they're very quick.
COMMENT 105213	2010-09-15 03:12 PM
I also use Eye & Vision Care, but I've only gotten contacts the last few years. When I was getting frames regularly I went to LensCrafters. After being jerked around too many times and being without my glasses for 2 months, I decided I would never go again, despite loving my doc there. I've used SB Eyeglass Factory & liked them, and plan on trying Goleta Valley Optical next time I get frames.
COMMENT 105220	2010-09-15 03:36 PM
The Eyeglass factory on Milpas next to Trader Joe's is great- often two for the price of one- and the owner gives a LOT of glasses away to those who cant afford them. Nice selection and great prices, plus one-hour service.
COMMENT 105222	2010-09-15 03:38 PM
Goleta Valley Optical is great to work with. Costco is cheaper if you want to include the anti glare coatings etc.
COMMENT 105226	2010-09-15 03:45 PM
I want to second Dr. Larry Nordgaarden. I have been seeing him for over 25 years and he is a thorough professional. He also has a good selection of frames. Generally speaking, I believe that if you like your Optometrist or Opthamologist you should support their office through getting your frames and/or lenses through them, even if it does cost more. But that's just me.
COMMENT 105228	2010-09-15 03:56 PM
I have nothing but positives to say about Dr. Bream in Costco. She may move fast but is there to help and treats people great. The price for the exam is inexpensive. For glasses, costco is OK. However, online is the way to go. Just get your prescription and do not leave without getting what is known as the PD as well.
COMMENT 105232P	2010-09-15 04:12 PM
Costco is great if you already know your prescription strength or need fast replacements. Dr. Joanne Gronquist is the best in town, tho.
CEES	2010-09-15 04:15 PM
I like Advanced Eyecare on the Mesa (Cliff Dr.) The Optometrist, Thomas Fausset, is very good at prescribing. My lenses have special requirements and they have always worked with me until they are just right.
COMMENT 105251	2010-09-15 05:46 PM
I like ophthalmologist Steven Zelko, MD at 309 W Quinto St in SB Phone: (805) 682-2618 I've been to him three times and each time he takes time to explain everything. He has such a pleasant and relaxed manner while very professional. My husband is wary of doctors but he really liked him too. He has a glasses shop right next door, though I honestly went to Costco and was pleased. But I like Dr. Zelco enough to have looked up his contact info for this Edhat response.
COMMENT 105256P	2010-09-15 06:28 PM
The owner of the Eyeglass Factory was the animal zealot that sued the Nature Conservancy and National Park Service over removal of non-native pigs from the Island. I can't support that, so I won't be using them. YMMV.
COMMENT 105260	2010-09-15 07:04 PM
I won't be using eyeglasses factory again. They did a bait and switch on me. Did a good job selling me an expensive alternative coating, did not finish before I left on a trip and then sent me lenses without the coating they sold me on. When I returned home to Santa Barbara I found a message on my machine asking for an extra $100 for the coating. Either unprofessional or tricky ... not sure which.
COMMENT 105268	2010-09-15 07:52 PM
I have seen Dr. Joanne Gronquist and Dr. Stephanie Burris, and both are fantastic. Very personable, thorough, warm, and patient with any concerns or problems.
ROGER DODGER	2010-09-15 09:19 PM
I saw Larry Bickford many years ago he did me a right turn, has an advertisement on Edhat check him out.
PETER	2010-09-16 06:49 AM
I recommend Goleta Optical.
COMMENT 105338	2010-09-16 07:18 AM
Goleta Valley Optical for sure
COMMENT 105346P	2010-09-16 07:38 AM
Joanne Gronquist is an outstanding optometrist and individual! She has a good selection of frames right in her office, too. As for eyeglass factory - the owner has contributed a lot to children in need, but can be a practiced jerk when it comes to stringing out creditors for months and months.
COMMENT 105352	2010-09-16 07:42 AM
In the Goleta area, Goleta Valley Optical in Magnolia center - friendly, cheap, knowlegable, fast. Eye and Vision Care - great medical and exam service, play nice with most insurance, decent selection of cheap frames of the best quality, specialized stuff like prescription goggles and safety wear and taylored prescriptions for special tasks. I'll put in a plug for Tiffany Corby and my wife has had good service from her husband also. Costco - cheap & efficient for fancy lenses (lenses may cost less there than the co-pay for my insurance plan). I miss seeing the same people there from year to year as with other local shops, but the ones I see treat me very well even if I never see them again. I usually get exams and frames from Eye & Vision and lenses from Costco, and go to Goleta Valley Optical as a standby (my insurance plan doesn't "prefer" them or I would probably buy frames there often).
COMMENT 105353P	2010-09-16 07:43 AM
Gotta give a shout-out to SB's Sears Optical and NATE! he knows everything and is a great salesman - but also honest and very interesting. Dr Smith is a real character too. They are both an endearing team and I almost missed them once my glasses arrived and I no longer had a reason to go in! I have never had so much FUN with eye tests and glasses choosing. The price is right, too. Did you know that Sears Optical and Lenscrafters are owned by the same company?
EDONE	2010-09-16 07:43 AM
All of these other places are probably pretty good, but there is only one eye place that advertises on Edhat. We urge you to support the businesses that support Edhat. Dr Larry Bickford has been a big supporter of Edhat and the Santa Barbara community for a long time. He is located on State Street by Las Positas. 682-8011.
COMMENT 105357	2010-09-16 07:46 AM
I found Lenscrafters at La Cumbre Plaza to have stylish, modest-priced glasses, with excellent customer service.
COMMENT 105365	2010-09-16 08:01 AM
The owner of the Eyeglass Factory also has made numerous posts on Indy against Palestinians. Another reason to consider Goleta Optical.
ANDY	2010-09-16 08:13 AM
COSTCO COSTCO COSTCO.. Good selection of frames and very good prices. Service is usually very good.
COMMENT 105399	2010-09-16 08:49 AM
Eye Exam? Dr. Poulin, Assoc Eye Specialists near Goleta Valley Hospital. Eyeglasses? Doctor's office is getting more and more expensive. Maybe it's time to try Costco or Goleta Valley Optical again. (GVO, his Dad was great, but he was still learning the craft when I last visited, long ago. He's probably gotten good by now.)
GREG	2010-09-16 08:56 AM
Here's another recommendation for Advanced Eye Care on Cliff Drive - Dr. Fausette and entire staff are conscientious and professional. Ordinarily, I'd choose an office closer to home, but Dr. Fausette's well worth the drive for good service, selection of frames, and personalized attentiveness. There's little turn over of staff and Dr. Fausette did the design of the office, which is more aesthetic than most MD offices. Laser vision is available there also.
COMMENT 105427P	2010-09-16 09:32 AM
Costco is indeed the best deal for a cheap, no-frills exam and glasses. I currently go to Advanced Eyecare on the Mesa (which is decently-priced if you have vision coverage) for my yearly eye exam and then buy my glasses elsewhere. Goleta Valley Optical was fine, and their frames are cheap, but after I added anti-glare and name-brand (unbeknownst to me) anti-scratch coating, the glasses I got were some of the more expensive I've ever had. P.S. I do comparison shop, for health services and everything else, because I have an HSA, which encourages wise spending.
COMMENT 105436	2010-09-16 09:51 AM
For exams, I can also recommend Advanced Eye Care on Cliff Drive. Dr. Fausette is personable and very thorough. Their optician is too expensive though. He quoted me $240 to replace 2 high correction lenses in my own frames. I paid $85 at Costco 5 years ago and the price is the same today. I understand the idea of supporting the doctor by purchasing glasses at their facility, but if the extra cost is that much, I don't think it's unreasonable to shop around. I have also used Goleta Vally optical and would go back again.
BIZMOM	2010-09-16 10:53 AM
Eye & Vision Care, hands-down. Dr. Taka Nomura is the best! He is so thorough, patient, and really cares. Always get most precise prescription every year from his exams. And they carry a large selection of frames, including some that are very fashion-forward. Smart, esp for this gal who doesn't want to trade aesthetics for utility. Can get them both there.
COMMENT 105494	2010-09-16 10:58 AM
Costco has received the best recommendation as a national chain from consumer reports - however, locally Goleta Valley Optical can't be beat for price and service! Seriously!!!! 2 pairs of lovely single vision glasses with clip on sun glasses thingies - $70!!!! In a couple days. Lab on site. Magnolia shopping center on Hollister between Patterson and Turnpike.
AGENTSME	2010-09-16 11:13 AM
Eyeglass factory does a great job and has great customer service. Costco is good too.
COMMENT 105538	2010-09-16 12:25 PM
Had a very bad experience at Advanced Eye Care on the Mesa and will never return.
DOUGBUCK	2010-09-16 03:18 PM
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Edhat subscribers, readers, are amazing.
COMMENT 105682	2010-09-16 07:14 PM
The person that originally posted said he was looking for a place to get eye glasses and frames. So many posted names of Eye Doctors. I vote for Goleta Optical in the Magnolia Center. Very reasonable and like any other place, the extras you want will cost "extra". Be sure and find out the total cost before ordering, no matter where you go.
COMMENT 106038	2010-09-18 10:53 AM
You pay for what you get - and that's especially true with vision wear. I second those who recommended Joanne Gronquist. You are assured that the lenses you get are what you paid for and if there is any issue at all you can count on her to have it corrected.
COMMENT 109411P	2010-09-30 06:08 AM
A week or so ago, someone was looking for inexpensive, yet quality prescription eyeglass referrals. I found a great pair of glasses online through Coastal Contacts.com. I bought the frame on sale for 6.99 and with shipping the total came out to $15. They are single vision lenses, are great for computer use and reading and am very happy with service received. Was so easy, just input the measurements needed from my presciption and took about 2 weeks to receive. Highly recommend.
COMMENT 181744	2011-06-10 09:34 AM
Amen, 385! Goleta Optical over Eyeglass Factory every day of the week!
COMMENT 200496	2011-08-05 09:38 AM
We always have very proffesional service by the staff at Advanced Eyecare. Dr. Fausset is a very knowledgable O.D. as is his Optician. They also have an amazing selection of eyewear.