Iris Optical

I walked in. I browsed the shop. I tried on a few different pairs of frames. I asked the man in the shop a few questions. He didn’t look up often, but when he did, it was only to throw me a look of casual indifference in-​between one word answers.
I left the shop and I bought a pair I’d seen elsewhere, online.
It was then, and is now, about the worst experience I’ve ever had in a shop.

I’m putting one star because I cannot go down to zero… Here is my story:
I went there because my glasses, that I had bought more than a year ago in the US, were broken (one arm was broken to be precise). This shop was one of the few in London supplying frames from that designer (ProDesign, Denmark).
When I got in and asked about possible repairs the guy did not even made the effort to look at my glasses and just said «Oh yes we have that designer but they don’t make that model anymore so we cannot help you. You can buy a new frame with fitted lenses.» I left as the guy was clearly only trying to sell me more stuff.
I went down the road to another optician hoping they could repair my glasses with spare parts or something and there «Surprise!!!»: they were able to order a replacement arm from the designer whose frame was STILL being sold. In the end it only cost me £29.50 when I would have paid £200+ if I had stayed at Iris Optical.
Not only the guy was trying to up-​sale me some new frame + expensive fitted lenses but he blatantly LIED TO ME in order to do so. I find this type of practice extremely dishonest and I will never even enter this shop.

I liked the store for 2 reasons: great selections of stylish and quality frames and that they accepted my Unilocal check-​in voucher. Other than that its ok. I went here with my husband and we had a browse for my frames. We went around on our own without any help from the attendant on duty. He seemed to be too busy with other things that he did not even ask if we need help or something. The only interaction we had with him was when I placed and paid my order. After my order was placed, i was emailed right away of its progress. It is kind of neat but it not really work for my situation. I still had communication issues despite all the fact.
Overall, its a-​ok.

I’ve used Iris optical several times, and I’ll most likely go back again. What I like about iris the most is the fact that they provide quality, and quality at a better price than I can find anywhere else. (Yes, Specsavers is cheaper, but only if you want the most basic of lenses.)
I’ve bought glasses online from them twice, and had my lenses replaced once by the Spitalfields store. I saved heaps on my frames (Alain Mikli)(online) through Iris, paying less than half for frames+lenses than for the frames alone at any other Mikli reseller in London. (At least in 2008)
I’ve always received good service, indeed I’d even say that they have gone out of their way for me. Most recently, I got my lenses returned in 2 days, in time for a holiday, when everywhere else I tried wanted a minimum of 7 – 10 days. (Boots wouldn’t even replace my lenses at all).
I would whole-​heartedly recommend Iris.
****
Why only 4 stars, you might therefore ask? I’d say that 5 stars was more deserved from my experiences, but I did receive an unsolicited email from Iris (encouraging me to review them). I don’t appreciate that sort of stuff, and hopefully they will stop when they see this review. After all, why ruin an otherwise unblemished experience?

Per recommendation – and an attempt to become a member of the Ray Ban Brigade, I found myself at Iris Optical.
My first visit was ok. Yes, there were two visits. The employee walked me through my options and when he discovered that they didn’t have what I wanted; offered to order on my behalf. I wasn’t sure, but I called back that afternoon to tell him I wanted to purchase. I asked if he would please be in touch when new stock arrived and left my contact information expecting a timely response… *crickets*
A month and (forgiveable) lapse of customer service later. I decided to give them a second chance. MISTAKE.
The second employee was abrupt and unhelpful. He also stared me down while I was perusing (anyone with any social graces knows that is so rude). When I walked out, the door got stuck and he looked at me like he expected me to close it. As if, fella.
I walked out empty-​handed: by choice. Can’t do bare minimum and expect someone to patronize your establishment. An upscale eyewear boutique with the attitude to match? There’s too much variety in London to make this «niche» store miss-​able. No wonder they’re always empty.