Your Best Source for Eye Exams, Fashion Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses - Located in Durham, NC. SPECS Eye Care of Durham offers an array of vision services in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. We are located in a plaza just behind Southpoint Mall, and are dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the best possible vision.
Our skilled optometrists and friendly staff provide the highest quality eye care using the most sophisticated technology available in order to fit you with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Our Optometrist, along with their professional eye care team feel that your vision needs are as individual as you are.
Our skilled optometrists and friendly staff provide the highest quality eye care using the most sophisticated technology available in order to fit you with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Our Optometrist, along with their professional eye care team feel that your vision needs are as individual as you are.
Services
At SPECS, we offer comprehensive eye care services for the whole family, including both routine and preventative eye exams. Both are very important to maintaining good eye health, as many vision problems do not present with obvious symptoms but can still be diagnosed by an experienced, licensed optometrist.
Many people find that contact lenses offer greater freedom, convenience and a change to go "glasses-free"! SPECS, is happy to offer contact lense exams and a variety of different contact lenses to our patients. Our expert staff provides education and training on the use and care of contact lenses, so if you are a first-time user and you are nervous about 'sticking your finger in your eye' - fear not!
Reviews (24)
Dixie Swanson
Oct 26, 2021
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I have complicated eyes. Specs is the place I go for eye prescriptions and eyeglasses. Why? These people know what they are doing and they do it seamlessly and easily, like the true professionals they are. Yes, they're pricey, but they stand behind their work. With eyes like mine, that's important. Quality shows.
Joan R.
Sep 15, 2021
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All three people I came in contact with, Christian, Ruth and a gentleman were extremely helpful and professional! Christian was really patient with me and knowledgeable as I tried on several styles and colors. I love my new glasses and Ruth was great when I brought in old Silhouette frames and suggested different shapes lenses. I highly recommend them.
Erin McCauley
Jun 05, 2021
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Though this business is very busy currently, they take extra time and attention with each person to make sure they feel comfortable with the frame choices and options of lens available. This is what I love most about small businesses! If you need something done for dirt cheap, fast food quick, and be treated like another number this is not your shop, but they definitely took time to make me feel cared for!
Mark Delenger
Mar 21, 2021
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Specs Eye Care will ruin your eyes! I purchased a pair of eye glasses from them in 2019 for close to $1000. This review is about what I've learned about the glasses almost 2 years after purchase. I found that these glasses have actually hurt my eye health. First, I purchased the anti-scratch coating. The left eye side has tons of scratches were the right eye side has almost none. I take extremely good care of my glasses and each side gets the same cleaning. So, one side obviously did not get the scratch resistant coating. Even worse, the grading done to the lenses from far sight prescription at
Marydale A.
Feb 03, 2021
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Thanks to amazing customer service from Ruth at SPECS, She helped identify why my existing progressives were not working, helped fit new frames exactly to my face, and got me a replacement pair in days (during covid!) I am thrilled, and the high quality lens put the ones I was getting from popular online services to shame. Thank you, thank you!!
Baj Baj
Jun 24, 2020
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John W.
Jun 18, 2020
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Matthew Thermann
Oct 10, 2019
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We have now had multiple positive experiences at this store. On both occasions we were greeted right away as we entered the door, with bright smiles and the staff helped us to locate the right frame despite it being a difficult size to find. They were patient and kind throughout the process, providing useful feedback along the way and encouraging us to keep looking to find the perfect size and shape. They answered all of our questions regardless of how strange some of them were. It would be great if all stores had customer service like this. I’ll continue Dreaming...
Paula Gee Davis
Aug 09, 2019
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I started going to Specs last spring. A friend of mine had gotten her glasses and frames there and was very happy with the selection of frames and their service. I thought that I wanted some frames that were lighter weight. While I was there, one of the doctors looked at my wire frames and spent a long time adjusting them. Then, he didn't even charge me! I was comfortable with my glasses until I lost them. I was so impressed with the staff at Specs that I decided to go to them because of their selections and, more importantly, because of their great customer service. Once more, they helped me select
Carla Gene R.
Jul 20, 2019
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I found Specs through the recommendation of my doctor at Duke Eye Center, and I am SO happy to have found them. I have severe myopia, different prescriptions in each eye, and my eyes wander without correction (apparently making it difficult to correctly identify the transition point for my progressives). This has caused problems for other optical stores, but not at Specs. I get fabulous quality high index progressive lenses at super competitive prices. There are SO many beautiful frames to choose from, including amazing colours and styles. And the customer service is stellar. Ruth has worked with
Ellen Martin
Jun 17, 2019
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Why did I go anywhere else? I didn't love my last pair of glasses. I didn't get them at Specs. So, when I got my latest prescription I went straight to Specs and they did not disappoint. Their selection is amazing and their service is outstanding. Imagine someone who knows the stock going through the store pulling out one amazing pair after another! Now I have glasses that I really love. Why go anywhere else?
L. F.
Jun 05, 2019
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I have been wearing and purchasing prescribed lenses for more than 45 years. Specs Eye Care was absolutely the worst experience of my 45 years purchasing history. I cannot see when trying on frames, and so I depend upon the assistance of the sales person/owner. Specs does a pushy hard sale. I should have walked out. I was utterly displeased with the frames and could not see well out of the lenses and returned Specs to say that I did not like them and wanted an exchange or refund. I have never been told by a vendor to do what specs told me to do. They said to keep the glasses for another 30 days
Donna Belt
Jun 05, 2019
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I cannot over express how grateful I was at Specs, walking in the door with a prescription that had changed dramatically. Ruth asked me what kind of style I was going for, and keeping my prescription in mind, offered me a range of frames that were all equally creative and fun. But beyond that, she also advised me about what kinds of lenses would work best for me, minimizing thickness. Within minutes, we made a decision that was ideal. I’m thrilled.
This was my second pair of glasses purchased at Specs, and both times, I left amazed at how easy and streamlined the process was because of such
This was my second pair of glasses purchased at Specs, and both times, I left amazed at how easy and streamlined the process was because of such
Gem Grant
May 25, 2019
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This is the best experience i have ever had when buying glasses. I am always unsure about what style fits my face shape and when i came in, someone immediately helped me choose out some pairs and after trying on five, i found a pair that i loved! this made the process so much easier and i am really happy with the outcome. i did not even have my prescription but they were able to call my optometrist making it even easier. i would highly recommend
Chris C.
May 07, 2019
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The lens popped off my glasses. Glasses I did not buy there. After finding the lens, I realized I couldn't put it back on because the tiny screw that holds it in place was also missing.
I called to ask if they could help, spoke with Ruth, who told me of course they could.
When I asked how much it would cost, she said ... "Nothing."
So, lens reattached, new screw, and no charge.
And all with a very positive attitude.
Next time I need glasses, that's where I am going.
Thanks, Ruth and Joe!
I called to ask if they could help, spoke with Ruth, who told me of course they could.
When I asked how much it would cost, she said ... "Nothing."
So, lens reattached, new screw, and no charge.
And all with a very positive attitude.
Next time I need glasses, that's where I am going.
Thanks, Ruth and Joe!
Christina H.
Aug 20, 2018
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Coco R.
May 21, 2018
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I moved to Durham, NC in 1994 and Specs (then on 9th Street) immediately became my go to place for glasses, contact lenses, readers, and sunglasses -and still is! I love their selection of quality, fashionable eyewear, the fact that my prescription is always completed accurately & in a timely manner, and the warmth and friendliness of the staff as they help me select the glasses that best fit my look & lifestyle. Recently, when my daughter & husband needed glasses, we headed to Specs, where superb service & good looking frames made them both big fans, too! Thank you, Specs! You
Instarx
Mar 29, 2018
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[Edited review] I wrote two bad reviews of this business after being physically threatened by someone I thought was the owner. After recently talking to the real owner on the phone I have learned that the person who threatened me was an employee who no longer works there. A problem employee who represented himself as the owner.
I believe the real owner. As I told him, I am not going to change my rating to positive because I was threatened in this store, but I understand now that it was an aberration and very unlikely to happen again. Therefore I change my rating to 3-stars. The owner sounded
I believe the real owner. As I told him, I am not going to change my rating to positive because I was threatened in this store, but I understand now that it was an aberration and very unlikely to happen again. Therefore I change my rating to 3-stars. The owner sounded
Kate M.
Mar 22, 2018
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Ariana B.
Feb 24, 2018
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First time there, I walked in and I was asked if I could wait 15 mins while they finish with another client. I specifically said I just needed to discuss if they took my eye insurance and schedule an appointment for an exam. They suggested to walk around the mall for 15 mins, but I decided to stay. After 40 mins of waiting patiently I asked how much longer, and the man said 5 more minutes. After 10 minutes he comes to me and said , sorry I have to solve this issue of this other client, I will not be able to assist you...wow.... of course I'm never coming back
Jerry B.
Nov 03, 2017
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I am thankful to find such a professional group to take of my vision needs. They do eye exams and lens grinding right on the premises! They had a good selection of frames to pick from and worked with me to find the perfect fit. You will not find a more caring and patient team. I would highly recommend them!
Gary G.
Sep 17, 2015
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It's disheartening to read the nasty comments (& what sound like legitimately awful experiences) from others.
In (honestly!) 20+ years, I've had nothing but flawless, over-the-top, innovative service from Specs for both sales & service.
In last 5 years:
- Graciously allowed me to reuse old frames for new 'script/lenses
- Alerted me to warrantee coverage to replace a chipped lens from tapping it on porcelain
- Replace both lenses in a pair where tiny cracks formed around mounting screws
- Gave me the Groupon discount explicitly for just 1st time customers
- Repaired (replaced
In (honestly!) 20+ years, I've had nothing but flawless, over-the-top, innovative service from Specs for both sales & service.
In last 5 years:
- Graciously allowed me to reuse old frames for new 'script/lenses
- Alerted me to warrantee coverage to replace a chipped lens from tapping it on porcelain
- Replace both lenses in a pair where tiny cracks formed around mounting screws
- Gave me the Groupon discount explicitly for just 1st time customers
- Repaired (replaced
Gregory G.
Apr 02, 2015
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Most excellent selection of quality frames including unusually "high design" styles that will cost more. I walked in with three pairs of glasses; two of which I did not buy from Specs. The person behind the counter refit all three pairs and replaced the pads on one pair. When I asked how much--he says nothing. It turns out it was George--the owner.
The frames I purchased are the nicest frames I've had in more than 50 years. I've branded myself with these frames.
I think that sometimes there are firestorms on social media and they just grow when they should not. It appears
The frames I purchased are the nicest frames I've had in more than 50 years. I've branded myself with these frames.
I think that sometimes there are firestorms on social media and they just grow when they should not. It appears
Liana L.
Mar 09, 2012
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I only came here because I had a LivingSocial, and I'm so glad that LivingSocial allowed me to refund it. Yikes - ultra high-end. Frames range from $250-$500, and lens cost $100-229, depending on astigmatism & thin lenses. The frames are definitely quite nice, but I realized that my taste doesn't veer to the stand-out, unique kind. If you want quality glasses, I'm sure that Specs would be very appropriate. I just couldn't afford to get such pricey glasses when I actually have a fully functional pair. :x
Service is good; they're nice, but not pushy, and they're
Service is good; they're nice, but not pushy, and they're
