Market Optical

Seattle, United States

3.9

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 206-522-9323
Website:
www.marketoptical.com
Address:
2602 NE University Village St, Seattle, WA, 98105
University District
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
820 ft25th Ave NE & NE Blakeley St
0.2 miMontlake Blvd NE & NE 45th St
0.5 miNE 55th St & 35th Ave NE
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Apple Pay
No
Parking
Garage, Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
By Appointment Only
No
Accepts Insurance
No

Today

Today 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Seattle) 11:22 AM Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Voted best Optical Shop Seattle, Market Optical is the best place to buy eyeglasses in Seattle and Bellevue. Since 1982, we have been leading merchants of high end titanium, acetate, gold, wood and buffalo horn. We carry the following designer eyeglasses Chrome Hearts, Lindberg, Mikli, Oliver Peoples’ & Paul Smith, Theo, Anne et Valentin, Dita, Mykita and Face a Face to name a few. Our exclusive designs are procured directly from the eyewear designers, not from name brand copies.

Eyewear is not just about style. It is also about vision and our opticians interpret prescriptions to bring you the perfect lens materials and coatings. We also have optometrists at both of our Seattle locations and repair facilities at all three locations. We carry progressive lenses from Zeiss, Varilux and Shamir. We’ve made a sub-​specialty of high index and progressive (no-​line) bifocals to provide you with simply the thinnest lenses available anywhere.

Since 1982, Market Optical has been Seattle’s destination eyewear boutique with locations in Pike Place Market, University Village and Bellevue Square. Come in and see for yourself why we have been your MO for over 30 years!

History

Established in 1982.

Since 1982, Market Optical’s commitment to perfectly-​fitting eyewear provides the best possible vision to every client. Our commitment to style has kept us working closely with some of the industry’s top designers, even influencing the direction of the makers’ lines. We carry Chrome Hearts, Lindberg, Mikli, Oliver Peoples’ & Paul Smith, Theo, Anne et Valentin, Dita, Mykita and Face a Face to name a few.

Market Optical offers you exclusive designer eyewear that’s not just about style, it’s also about vision. When you visit our optical boutique in Seattle or the store in Bellevue, you will find that buying eyeglasses at Market Optical is different. We will explore your personality, finding the best eyeglass frames to communicate your style, personality and the message you want to send.

We invite you to come in and we will work with you to find the perfect match for your vision and style. See why we have been the destination eyewear store for over 30 years!

Meet the Business Owner

Lee H.

Business Owner

An optician since 1983 and serving Seattle’s most visible clientele, Lee has forged a reputation for impeccable skills and customer relationships.

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20 reviews of Market Optical

No registration required
Place rating: 2
Bellevue, WA
I must be missing something. In the 30 years I have been getting glasses I have never been told that a $ 1,000 is common for frames and progressive lenses, not including the exam which was another $ 175. Oh and that insurance through Boeing? We don’t take that.
Place rating: 5
Renton, WA
I met Lee today after sunglass hut did a half ass job fixing a nose pad that had fallen off. I actually went into the market optical to purchase a new pair and told Lee about the nose pad and he swapped them out so that they are matching and sits correctly on my face. And he did all that free of charge wow! He had beautiful collections of glasses&sunglasses that were one of a kind. I didn’t purchase anything today but got to talk to Lee and listen to his stories and it was delightful! Very welcoming and professional, I would definitely go back and recommend to others!
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
I just want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the generous and competent staff at Market Optical at University Village! They have helped me out so many times. I’ve had some Lindberg frames that have broken, and Stewart has gone WAY above and beyond the call of duty to keep them together until I can get new frames. The entire staff has been been so kind, attentive and helpful. Lee, Ariel and everyone have been a source of security and a sense of home for me here in Seattle, since moving from Germany several years ago. They will have me as a loyal customer for the remainder of my stay in Seattle!
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
I cannot say enough good things about this business! The staff is consistently friendly and welcoming, and could teach classes on how to provide outstanding customer service. My husband and I have been customers for several years, and will be for life! Thank you Ariel and Lee!
Place rating: 2
Portland, OR
Made myself an appt to get my eyes checked at the Cannon Eyecare, mostly for the excellent reviews on Unilocal.But yikes! The staff at market optical left me sick. I guess they must have decided that I wasn’t looking fancy enough for their cool frames (sure, I looked a bit gross after a day of work — but was fully planning to purchase eyeglasses after getting my prescription). The doctor was completely nice, fine, normal. But the staff were inattentive and rude while I was waiting for my appointment.
Place rating: 5
Sheridan, WY
Metro Optical had me within 1 minute of hello. I walked in on a whim on a Sunday afternoon, having searched for just the right frames at several other places — all in vain. After awkwardly describing the kind of frames I wanted, I was amazed by the very first frames Market Optical staff pulled out of a drawer for me. They were absolutely perfect! Market Optical had my prescription ready, flexible spending account charged, and frames ready quickly, reliably, with excellent service and quality.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
A place gets 5 stars from me when their after purchase service is as good (or better) than their sales service. I have purchased three pairs of glasses from Market Optical in part because they have cool options and the people are nice. The other reason is that I continue to get great customer service when I need help after the purchase. Once, I had a pair of lenses replaced for free because I was unhappy with the transition lenses. Most recently, I had my glass frames break and brought them in thinking I needed to buy new ones. Instead, they fixed my frames for free on the spot and didn’t charge me a dime. They are always understanding and unconditional in their effort to keep me a satisfied customer. Thank you. It’s really appreciated.
PS — This review applies to both the Pike Place Market and U-​Village stores.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
The folks that work here are so incredibly nice and accommodating. I popped by with some glasses that had gotten bent and no longer fit right, they fixed them and refused to let me pay them. I’ve been in a few times previously and each time I leave with a smile on my normally surly face.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
I’ve been buying my glasses and frames from Lee and the Market Optical team for decades. Ariel is my go to guy and I’ve never been disappointed.
As a daily eyeglass wearer, I determined early on that the cost of unique frames was worth every penny. Yeah, I pause when I get the price, but oh my, the positive feedback and attention the new frames bring is always worth the expense.
It’s come to the point that I no longer shop the store. Lee and Ariel know me well enough that they pull 2 or 3 frames from the shelf for me to compare. I’ve always left with the first frame they offer.
My favorite pair had asymmetrical lenses and had the look of fine stemmed bamboo. Subtle from afar, but unique an interesting up close. They spurred more conversations than anything I’ve worn before or since.
I’m saddened to read about poor customer service. I’m sure it happens, but it’s never been my experience at Market Optical.
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
Dr. Cannon (of Cannon Eyecare) and the staff at Market Optical are awesome, and I’m really relieved to have them as my eye care team.
I have always loved this shop. The prices are really high, but the options are unique and interesting. If you have some FSA to get rid of by the end of the year, this is the place to do it! Most of the frames came in any color you could imagine. The sunglasses options are also varied and plenty. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you pull open some drawers, and there’s more!
The staff is willing to spend a lot of time with you to ensure that you are happy with your frames. And honestly? They should be for the prices they charge! The optometrists will even come out and help with the daily administrative tasks and answer frames/​lens questions when it’s busy and they are available.
I think it would take a special pair of frames to get me to shell out that kind of money, but I am definitely interested and will keep my eyes open!
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
I was very skeptical about buying what I thought was extremely expensive glasses from this place. I’ve actually been scared off twice by the prices and someone who doesn’t work there anymore who made me feel like I didn’t know anything. But being let down by ill fitting purchases elsewhere and the convenience of the location made me come back.
Ariel was the expert who helped me. He did an uncannily impressive job fitting me with the right glasses for my eye, nose, face shape, as well as my personal style (I say uncanny because I’m frightfully fastidious). I wasn’t sure at first about the choice I went with based on his advice because I never would have thought of that pair of glasses in the first place, but the more I wear my glasses (and the more people keep complimenting me), the more I know that this pair of glasses was everything I was looking for — a personalized, extremely special, well-​suited pair picked out just for me. I personally used to hate how glasses make me look and unfortunately can’t wear contacts all day long, but wearing these make me feel like I’m wearing a fashionable and functional accessory, not «glasses».
I think Ariel did such a good job, I wish he could choose not only my glasses but my clothes, shoes, and everything else for me because that’s how hard he works to get to know what is good for you. He is very detail oriented, patient, and puts extra care into finding your personal style. If a store like this keeps experts like him happy enough to work there providing quality personalized work, I think it is worthwhile shopping at.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Great Frames, Great Service and Great Team. My Wife and I have been buying our frames/​lenses from MO for the last few years and love the products they carry, service and experience they provide (we are those annoying parents who bring our kids everywhere) which they kindly extended to my mom and because of that we will keep going back… as long as we need glasses ;)
Place rating: 2
Yakima, WA
I am confused. I am paying someone 600 dollars for frames… But it took 3 – 4 months to get my glasses. I never got a call from them that my frames have arrived. I also had to deal with a bunch of attitude. Exactly how others have described. they are snobby. Bellevue was bad and that’s why I decided to go to the Seattle store. It wasn’t much better. The guy at the Bellevue store told me the frame I was looking at was something he didn’t like and that I should try other things because the frame was outdated and too large. I am pretty sure Oliver Peoples Sir editions are classics… Also they carry them currently in the store… so why tell me that what I want is not «what I think I want?» I bought the sir Oliver Peoples glasses anyway at the Seattle store. I get a call at 8:30 pm from an unknown number with a guy on the other line breaking up really badly. I couldn’t hear him very well and he actually got upset at me when I asked who was speaking. He was pretty frustrated after I kept asking details because it’s pretty confusing getting a call at 8:30pm from an unknown number that is cutting out and really not explaining why they are calling. I can’t deal with their attitudes. Seriously, I am paying you money just to get glasses, you’re not better than me. I’m not better than you. I am simply getting glasses… so what exactly is your deal?
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
My husband and I have both bought our eyeglasses from Market Optical for several years now. We are always impressed by the stylish frame selection but what we value even more is the really expert advice on the best frame look and shape for our face and business image. Even more than all that, we value the service and relationship we have with Market Optical. If a problem arises — they take care of it.
This winter, my husband and I are in Palm Desert, not Seattle. I knocked my glasses off the end table unknowingly, and stepped on them when I got up. They were badly bent and earpiece was dangling badly. I took them to three top eyewear shops here in the Desert and all 3 declined to work on the high fashion rimless one hole connection that I had. They said they would break the lens. I mailed them back to Lee at Market Optical and asked if he could do anything. He didn’t call me — he just quietly fixed them perfectly and mailed them back to me — no charge, not even for the postage. They appeared are my front door just a few days later. This is an example of how they treat their customers. I can’t say enough great things about them.
Place rating: 1
Seattle, WA
I just experienced the worst service I’ve had in years. I put a refundable deposit down so they would bring in a pair of frames to *try*. The sales rep also asked for my optometrist to ‘save time later’, so I provided the details. When I came back they had ordered the frames *and* lenses. They had phoned the optometrist and ordered the lenses without my consent. When I tried the frames, they didn’t work out, and the owner of the store told he’d ‘let me off’ the price of the lenses (which I didn’t order), but he would not return the deposit. The attitude and insulting demeanor he portrayed was pretty awful. In the end I had to leave the store without a refund and challenge the charge on my visa statement.
Reading more on here on Unilocal,I’ve seen other posts about the poor service, but this was particularly bad. Definitely avoid this store unless you have to.
Place rating: 3
Austin, TX
Pros–
I bought two (2) amazing pairs of glasses here. Both were Alain Mikli and both were very different and unique. The first pair has been described as a mermaid frame, the second pair are large and round and make me look like a mad scientist in a way. I have super bad vision (almost –8.0 in each eye) so getting unique frames has always been tricky for me because of how thick the lenses can be. This was not a problem for them at all. They did a beautiful job. The lenses are very thick in the Mermaid glasses but its not as noticeable as it could be. They did a great job centering the lens perfecting. I have had NOTHING but complements on these glasses in every city I have lived in. The mermaid glasses are a great conversation piece and people always smile just as soon as they see them, which is what I love.
Cons–
The people in the shop are a bit snotty until they realize you are willing to spend $ 3,000 plus on glasses. I knew what I wanted when I walked in and at first they were reluctant to let me try them, but then when i made it clear I wanted two pairs they brightened up quickly. That was a bit frustrating for me. Each pair of glasses, with lenses and all, cost between $ 1500 and $ 1800 (this is not the con for me), what did frustrate me is that once the glasses were finished and it was time to give me the final product, it was like I was an annoying pest. I was told by the woman that sold me the Mermaid glasses that they would come in a special case because of the size of the frames. I never got that special case, in fact, i had to go back because the case they did give me (from a different designer) kept crushing the frame when i closed the box. They treated me like i was annoying and found a different case with another designers name on it. I didn’t understand why i couldn’t get the case they had promised.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Over the years I have purchased about 6 pairs of glasses from Market Optical. Each time I gaged a little when I found out the price, as they are a little pricey. Each time I then remember just how good these folks are with some of the best customer service that I have encountered.
I last pair of glasses was purchased about a month ago. After a few weeks I felt some strain with my eyes so I went back to them. They checked the prescription and the prescription was dead on. They suggested that I go back to my optometrist and have my eyes checked again. I did just that and the Dr made a previous mistake and issued me a new prescription. Market Optical offered to replace the lenses at no charge, even though it was not their mistake. It was very much appreciated.
With another past pair of glasses I ended up sitting on them which made them impossible to wear. Again, they replaced the bent parts for free and made my glasses wearable as new.
They have a fantastic assortment of frames along with the impeccable service. In the future, I will hold the gag to myself. They are well worth the extra dollars for a quality pair of glasses.
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
I have three complaints:
1. Buyer beware — They do not have prices on all of their frames, only a few.
2. The staff are snobby and flip.
3. Check your invoice before you leave because they added a feature that I did not request (in fairness they deducted that charge from the final bill but only after the sticker shock caused my blood pressure to sore).
If I go here again it will be with these lessons in mind, as they do have some very nice frames.
Place rating: 5
San Rafael, CA
Market Optical has some of the most stylish frames in town, and a fairly large selection.
Their frames are beautiful, and not trying too hard. Here you’ll get helped into a pair of glasses that are gorgeous, simple and that you’ll enjoy for years. My service experience was positive. After having an issue with my lenses within a year of purchase, I was happily given another set of lenses, no questions asked. That is impressive by any standard, not to mention honest and forthright.
For a functional item that you wear frequently, if you have a sense of style, this is one of just a handful of shops in town where you will find fashion-​forward frames.
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
Possibly the snobbiest store in Seattle. I’ve been in here twice and in no way felt welcome either time. I am a 30 something professional — I can’t imagine they treat college students any better at this University Village store. Why pay to be treated this poorly?
Also no prices on frames. I can only imagine this is to make you feel terrible for caring about how much of your money your glasses are going to cost you. If you’re in the market for very expensive glasses you probably also want stellar customer service. I don’t see that happening here.