The Optic Zone

Purchased a 2^nd pair from them recently. I’ve read some negative reviews here on Unilocal commenting on perceived clutter among other things which struck me as utterly ridiculous. I’ve referred many friends and colleagues who were all delighted by the customer service and pricing as well as their advice. I find Joe and his staff to be extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. The best way to shop here is to have them present you with a few options as opposed to browsing yourself. They really know how to pick frames that best suit your face as well as your personal style. I ended up going for the first option they picked for me. Turnaround was extremely fast as well, 3 business days in my case. Highly recommended!

I love this place!!! Over the years I’ve purchased two regular prescription glasses plus non-​prescription sunglasses here and they’re all fantastic. Joe really is a magician at knowing what suits your face, and matching your style. I get compliments on my glasses all the time and I always send them to Joe! Many friends that I’ve gone to him have come back to tell me how pleased they are. Some glasses are a bit more expensive, but I treat it like jewelry for my face. Considering I wear these all the time, and often don’t even need to wear make up to feel put together — it’s well worth the investment.

Walked into Optic Zone this afternoon on my continued hunt for new frames. There were 3 employees standing around, but none of them said hello or acknowledged me in any way. They were talking amongst themselves about how another employee had made some sort of error and how the customers affected by the error were very dissatisfied. This is not what I want to hear when I am shopping, it’s a huge shopping turn-​off! The store is also a complete mess, with boxes and packing slips all over the floor, and piles of glasses on every surface. It was a bit like one of those clearance sales where they make you dig through a bin for a bargain? I gave no doubt that there are probably some deals to be had at Optic Zone, but I’ve come to an age and place in my life where I just refuse to dig through a bin for anything. I saw some funky colored frames on the wall, where frames should be, but overall I wasn’t impressed with the selection. Walked out, won’t be back.

Friendly. Idiosyncratic.
They replaced my lenses; now I notice my glasses creak when I clean them. (I also don’t see as clearly as I used to, but I’m not sure what that is about — can lenses have a blind spot?)
Best thing? The gift of really big cloths to clean my new lenses.

I just purchased new glasses this week with help from Bella and I could not be happier. She picked out so many great frames for me and it was a tough decision but I’m really happy with my choice. These reviews are legit, it’s a great place to go. Joe was also great. I won’t be going anywhere else for frames in the future and I’ve recommended Optic Zone to my friends and family.

I have been coming to this store for years now. I can count at least four pairs of glasses or eyeglasses that I have purchased from Joe. Prices are reasonable but I come because I know that Joe and his staff know how to help you select the proper frames for you. He is very straightforward about whether a pair fits you or flatters you. It’s not about upselling a high end luxury product in order to make a profit.
You often are given three frames to try on for both fit and style. From there, you might be going for at least 30 minutes to an hour in order to figure out what you want. The staff have grace, diplomacy, and patience! I am not decisive when it comes to frames, especially because they cost a lot. There is no hard sell either. If you aren’t convinced, they do not push you to make a decision. There have been a few times where I just needed to go away and bring a friend back for her decision.
Can’t say enough great things about Joe and Optic Zone staff. And yes, there is nothing spartan about the inventory but don’t worry. You will be happy.

I love this place.
I went in with my friend to find glasses for each of us. The lady who helped us was eager to help us find amazing frames, and presented us with many options. She had a good sense of what types of frames would suit each of us, which made the process less stressful and more fun.
My friend discovered her glasses destiny and her new glasses look stellar!
I found frames that I liked but I wanted to think about it. The OZ staff didn’t pressure me at all. They wrote down the brand and model for me so I could do research online. Ultimately, I discovered that the frames I liked were available in a different colour. Optic Zone offered to order them from the manufacturer for me, which was amazing. (This is risky for a glasses store because the new frames may not be salable.)
I returned, purchased glasses, and couldn’t be happier with the experience.

I am going to be a customer for life. The best experience I’ve ever had buying glasses (twice). Firstly, they seem to have the best selection in the entire city — for such a small place, it’s a miracle that they have such an incredible choice! They have everything from funky to high end designer frames. Every time I’m there people of every age group, from teens to seniors, seem to be leaving the store delighted with their new glasses. Secondly, they are the first place I’ve gone to in my nearly 60 years that got my prescription right the first time. I have always had to have lenses redone (I must have a tricky prescription?) but both pairs of glasses from Optic Zone had lenses that were perfect.
Their pricing ranges from competitive to less expensive than other stores, their staff are really good at selecting frames that work for your face, there is a casual fun vibe that makes the place almost festive, and Joe is terrific at adjusting glasses so that they sit comfortably. Prepare yourself — even on the snowiest, coldest days, they are busy — but no wonder. Kudos to this store!

Great service. Fantastic selection of glasses frames. The main dude is a nice guy and very helpful. The optometrist is friendly as well.
But, that place is legit messy. Fire hazard messy. How can anyone run a business like that? If you use their washroom, you’ll notice crackers above the toilet bowl. Weird.

Good for big heads like mine.
Went here based on Unilocal reviews. Went in the morning not too busy (if their busy must be good… so browse or wait). Great customer service. Showed me what I was looking for and bought something in less than 30 min. Now I can see clearly again!
Will definitely go back.

I must say, the service in every respect here exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in the door, until I picked up my glasses, everything was top notch.
I was pleasantly greeted, and was given approximately 6 different frames to try on within 5 minutes of arriving. The staff member put them into two rows, and had me try of the first four pairs, then told me the last two were her favourites for me, based on face shape and some other observations she had made. She was bang on. I loved both, and settled on a pair that she liked the most, and when she went on to explain why, talking about what drew her eye, and even asking me what I did for a living, I was totally impressed with how «on» she was.
The owner, Joe, fitted the pair, and they did everything so efficiently, I left there with such a satisfied feeling. My glasses even came in earlier than I expected which is another reason why I liked this business. It’s all about managing expectations! Joe looked after me when I came in to pick them up. I was given some free goodies, and again, left with very clear instructions regarding breaking in the transitions properly, and even a lesson on how best to clean them.
My experience was superb. I will definitely go back here for all of my eye wear requirements, and will recommend them highly, whenever I have the opportunity to do so.
Thanks Joe to you and your team. You were all awesome.

Joe and his team did a fantastic job picking out at least a dozen frames that I loved. Don’t expect someone to help you right away, as it’s usually frantically busy, both with walk-​ins and with phone calls. But patience is a virtue and it will pay off. I’ve gone back twice now, once to replace the nose pass and once to get additional frames. Joe remembered my face and it felt like he already had picked out new stock to fit. He’s a genius!

Been very happy in the 6+ years I’ve been coming to Joe.
The store is a bit frantic looking, and is not a polished experience by any means, but Joe really knows his fashion and the right «look». I’ve bought 4 different pairs here, plus re-​lensed another old pair that i loved but my prescription changed.
Even if the store is busy, he will take the time with you and focus on what is good for you. He’ll tell you if something doesn’t look good too, which is important.
Eye exams can be done, but i think only on Tuesdays. You’ll have to call ahead. Bit of a pain for me schedule-​wise, but the doctor is very good and thorough.
There are a lot of very cool designs… very cool stuff you won’t find in Hakim, etc

I have great things to say about Joe and his team at the Optic Zone. Service and selection are so important when buying glasses and Joe and his team spent a lot of time with me helping me make the right decision. I will definitely return when it’s time to get another pair of glasses. PS: In my search for glasses I went to about 5 other glasses shops — so I feel pretty confident making this recommendation.

The best glasses shop anywhere if you care at all about good glasses. These folks carry only good frames (stylish and durable) and Joe is a magician at helping you choose great glasses. He may try to get you to choose something a little jazzier than you feel comfortable with at first, but stretch your comfort level as far as you dare! Nice glasses make you look great. Quality is excellent, and they will adjust your glasses and clean them whenever you like, as well as ordering extra bits and repairing them (for free!) if you happen to have a three-​year-​old who happens to have sat on your glasses. For instance.
It definitely looks like a jumble-​sale inside, it’s true. But don’t be fooled, there is an organizational system, it’s just not necessarily discernible to the casual observer. They’re never ever lost anything for any of my family or friends. Just trust and you’ll be rewarded.
True story: weekends, especially weekend mornings, are very busy. You may need to wait a few minutes. However, when your turn comes, you won’t get the rush treatment either — someone will help you until you’re happy. You’ll never find this quality of service at any cheapie big-​box store, even if they get you back out the door (in your plain, indifferently fitted, semi-​okay-​quality glasses) a little faster. I recommend everyone I know here.
Protip: they only do eye exams Tuesday afternoons. But they’re totally fine if you get your exam elsewhere, so I typically do that.

Best eyeglass store with the most hip & personable service I’ve ever encountered. Had no idea I had to go to Canada for the greatest eyeglass shop I’ve ever encountered. Joe is the best!

Amazing! I was visiting Toronto from the States and, on a whim, walked into this store. Normally, when I shop for frames, I have to count on at least 30 minutes with the specialists to find a frame that is even remotely flattering. Here? She saw me walk in, heard my specs, and then walked over to a pair that was perfect! While she ultimately pulled down at least 15 pairs to consider, it was the first pair she found that was the winner.
Unfortunately, being an American, I had only dollars and an Discover card on me. And that credit card doesn’t work in Canada. I wasn’t judged, they still helped me, and even wrote down the model/​make of the frame so that I could order it later at my convenience.
Thanks, Optic Zone!

While the selection is great, I wouldn’t expect your needs to be taken care of unless you’re planning to wait (for quite a while).
OpticZone reminds me a little of H&M in that glasses-​crammed-​in-​every-​corner kind of way. Make sure you’ve had enough sleep and caffeine before you take the plunge.
I had a lady juggle me and 5 other customers at the same time invariably spending more time with a senior couple. I ended up spending $$$ somewhere else.

This store is great!
The proprietor is very good at figuring out what style of frame will suit you best and is very helpful in helping you decide on which to buy.
The store has a huge inventory but don’t think you’ll be able to find anything yourself as their «filing system» is, er, Zen-​like.
The owner’s name is «Joe»

Let’s start by saying my eyes are crappier than some, but not as crappy as others. So whenever I can afford to hit the benefits plan for a new pair of glasses, I go and get my prescription updated, try some new frames, etc.
It was suggested to me that I try Optic Zone by a friend of mine who had gone to Optic Zone and recommended this guy. A one-​man shop, the front of the store is immaculate. Racks and racks of frames are on display, each one more challenging or funkier than the one that preceded it. The stock that is carried here is very usually of the moment fashion-​wise, so you’ll find that once your glasses are selected and worn, your head will be cutting edge.
That’s the front of the store. The back is a pile-​on nightmare. Don’t be discouraged in the least, just be ready for it. Whatever the man’s system, it works. Never has there been a mad scramble to find a pair of glasses or frames, contacts, what have you.
When helped, the assistants will get a sense for what you’re looking for, and will then challenge you with some frames that may take you out of your comfort zone, but will get you thinking. Eventually, you’ll settle on a pair of frames that work for you. Once your selection is approved by the owner and optician (yes, there is a nod of agreement that must occur), you can continue with your purchase. The orders are prompt and I’ve never had any delays with my order coming in. The staff is friendly, the selection wide and challenging, and you can get sunglass clips made for most any of the glasses on display. See you there. Geddit?