Specs Optometry was founded in 2012 by Dr. Michelle Fitzpatrick and her husband Eric Richter. While exploring South Park, they came across an established optometry practice who's owner was looking to retire after over 30 years. Having recently moved to the South Park area, Michelle and Eric knew this was a great opportunity to continue the excellent service to a great neighborhood.
With a few updates to the space, Dr. Fitzpatrick began building Specs into a full service optometry and luxury optical boutique dedicated to quality eye care and premium independent eyewear. Specs' eye wear collection is passionately curated by our talented team who work closely with our brands to bring you the most stylish and functional eyewear around.
With a few updates to the space, Dr. Fitzpatrick began building Specs into a full service optometry and luxury optical boutique dedicated to quality eye care and premium independent eyewear. Specs' eye wear collection is passionately curated by our talented team who work closely with our brands to bring you the most stylish and functional eyewear around.
Services
Carefully curated collection of glasses and sunglasses from the best independent eyewear companies. Find out more. Our experienced staff is here to assist you in selecting the best frames and lenses to fit you personal style and your visual needs. We are dedicated to giving you quality care and improving your vision, which improves your quality of life.
Our second location is nestled inside the James Coffee Co space in Little Italy amongst other well curated boutiques and the best tasting coffee in San Diego. Fitting of contact lenses for every type of vision need, including astigmatism and multifocals. Specialty scleral contact lens evaluations for patients with keratoconus, very high astigmatism, or other corneal abnormalities that make it impossible to use regular contact lenses.
Our first location has been an optometry office for over 35 years servicing generations of families in the wonderful neighborhoods of South Park, North Park, Golden Hill and beyond. This location is located in the heart of South Park and features wonderful neighbors like Piacere Mio, South Park Abbey, Left Hand Black and more.
Carefully curated collection of glasses and sunglasses from the best independent eyewear companies. We offer a curated collection of unique glasses and sunglasses from the finest independent eyewear companies. Our highly skilled opticians will ensure that you find the best glasses for your face and that they are made with the highest degree of precision.
Like master watchmakers practicing their timeless craft, DITA provides a reprieve from a mechanized world where grace, beauty, and craftsmanship are increasingly considered antiquated concepts. Inspired by generations of artisans and craftsmen who came before, they have dedicated their lives to the mastery of our art form.
Reviews (26)
Edward E.
Jan 30, 2022
Report
Awesome place!!! Sofie, the receptionist, is always welcoming and accomodating! Karen, the optometrist, does a thorough and extensive eye exam always making it a relaxing experience. Also, using the most up to date technology and explaining all facets of the exam. Plus, the eyeglasses and sunglasses are top of the line with the latest fashion trends! I bought two pairs of eyeglasses last year and ordered another pair this year. This is definitely my "go to" eyeglass & exam place! Give it a shot and you won't regret it!!
Greta J.
Jan 12, 2022
Report
OBSESSED with this place. So freaking easy to make an appointment, you just do it online! no phone call back and forth. I roll up and the new patient paperwork is on an iPad, super quick. The doctor is awesome and explains everything, they have the craziest X-ray machine thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Real 4k pics of my whole eyeball taken in 1 second it was crazy. I go to pick glasses and they have the most chic contemporary collection of frames I was beyond shook. Usually at the optometrist office there’s like 1 pair that’s halfway decent. Not to mention the VIBES. I’m talking Scandinavian
Katterinne Fleming
Jan 11, 2022
Report
Awful experience during this pandemic. The technician was wearing a cloth mask that kept falling under her nose. The front desk girl was extremely unfriendly. Doctor was alright but I would have preferred she wore a Kn95 mask. Also they didnt disclose charging us for a contacts test. Also very limited inventory of glasses. Try Vision Boutique instead!
Randall Whitfield
Sep 29, 2021
Report
Having had a bad experience with progressive lenses before, I was hesitant to get another pair, thinking I was doomed to bifocals. Diane assured me their progressive lenses would work out great for me, so I had progressive lenses put in my current frames. They worked out perfectly! Specs also has a variety of good looking frames. Diane was helpful, knowledgeable and nice to work with. Will definitely get my eyeware at Specs from now on.
Robert U.
Apr 26, 2021
Report
Heather Ulz
Apr 26, 2021
Report
The team at Specs is incredible. The experience begins with the initial optician intake, who calmly walks you through the process. Our optician was Cory. Dr. Fitzpatrick then proceeds with the examination. I was very happy to find that I was not upsold or told I needed anything additional. She let me know about what I may want to look for in the future, but wasn’t pressured into anything unnecessary today. Cory then came in again to assist with choosing eyewear that personally worked for me and that I sincerely liked. Thank you, Specs!
Simon Ilko
Apr 03, 2021
Report
I called Specs because I couldn’t find the location. Dr. Fitzpatrick was kind enough to explain to me how to get there from where I was.
Once I got there I explained to Dr. Fitzpatrick that I had a broken pair of sunglasses that I wanted to get fixed. Keep in mind these were not a pair that I purchased from Specs. She took a quick glance at them and told me she’d try her best. She came back out 5 minutes later and told me that she had Cory, another associate of hers, give it a shot since he was better at fixing the given issue. 2 minutes later, Cory comes out with my sun glasses looking like
Once I got there I explained to Dr. Fitzpatrick that I had a broken pair of sunglasses that I wanted to get fixed. Keep in mind these were not a pair that I purchased from Specs. She took a quick glance at them and told me she’d try her best. She came back out 5 minutes later and told me that she had Cory, another associate of hers, give it a shot since he was better at fixing the given issue. 2 minutes later, Cory comes out with my sun glasses looking like
Shandy Pinkowski
Mar 23, 2021
Report
I walked into to specs just to poke around at the sunglasses selection. I asked the very kind man behind the counter if I could make an optometry appointment to update my glasses. Within maybe 10 minutes I had taken photo imagining, completed my vision test and had a new pair of glasses ordered. It all happened so fast I still can’t believe it! The doctor (I wish I could recall her name!) could not have been more kind, personable or informative. Absolutely excellent experience all around.
Lorraine Brogan
Feb 09, 2021
Report
Came to purchase two pairs of glasses. Salesperson was helpful and pleasant to work with. Reasonable selection and styles of frames. We felt confident about our purchase. However, inventory is limited and out of stock selections require an extra charge! How does that work, especially in the modern retail world? Lab work and delivery of glasses takes an extraordinary amount of time. You’re told up two weeks but in reality it’s more than four. They say the light is at the end of the tunnel but it’s difficult to see when you need glasses.
Henrik C.
Dec 19, 2020
Report
Went here for a check-up and a new set of glasses. Went during COVID. The eye test was great and very efficient. The selection of glasses at the outlet is limited so it took me a while to find anything sensible. The in shop assistance was minimal, as it is COVID, but it could have been more attentive.
Salema A.
Dec 16, 2020
Report
I always have an excellent experience at Specs. The staff is pleasant. I love the selection of glasses they offer and the eye doctor is great! She always makes the whole appointment fly by smoothly. I am planning to move a couple of hours away and will likely still come back for my annual check up, just because I enjoy my experience!!!
Sam Soloman
Oct 19, 2020
Report
The shop staff, John, was great getting me set up for my eye exam with Dr. Fitzpatrick. The eye doc was knowledgeable, professional and personable. Appreciated the detailed info she shared out as she was checking my eyes and the friendly conversation we exchanged. I felt like I was in the hands of roof l experts in their field and well taken care of.
Jasmine S.
Jun 11, 2020
Report
Norell M.
May 16, 2020
Report
I had an appointment today with Dr. Fitzpatrick and this was by far my best eye doctor experience. I was so happy to find a doctor who is currently taking patients under the circumstances. My eyes have been killing me and causing headaches so I was stressed about having to wait another few months to get new glasses.
Dr. Fitzpatrick and the gentleman assisting her (I'm so sorry I can't remember your name) were awesome. They are taking plenty of precautions to keep the space clean and safe; I felt completely comfortable while there. Whenever I was finished trying on a pair of glasses
Dr. Fitzpatrick and the gentleman assisting her (I'm so sorry I can't remember your name) were awesome. They are taking plenty of precautions to keep the space clean and safe; I felt completely comfortable while there. Whenever I was finished trying on a pair of glasses
Cecile A.
Feb 08, 2020
Report
Mateo M.
Jan 20, 2020
Report
I had a pretty terrible experience here from start to finish. If I could give zero stars I would. This will be quite a rant, but the gist is simply the scheduling and diagnostic experience I had here was about the worst I have ever had in 22 years of wearing glasses/ contacts and visiting optometrists. If you like hipster style glasses this might be the place for you, but otherwise I would steer clear, especially if you have any questions about the health of your eyes.
I initially came here for an eye exam/contact lense fitting. I usually go to Costco, but specs is closer to my house so I thought
I initially came here for an eye exam/contact lense fitting. I usually go to Costco, but specs is closer to my house so I thought
Miranda R.
Dec 30, 2019
Report
I have been wearing glasses my whole life. I always got those cheapo pairs and never really liked them. I went into Specs and spent over an hour in there looking and trying on all the beautiful frames. I was so in love with a few pairs. Kayla was amazing, she helped pick out which ones would frame my face best and what colors worked with me. I was so happy with them, I got TWO pairs! Kayla knows how to find what you're looking for, she was so knowledgable and ordered my glasses so quick. Measured them to my face and explained the lense options. If you're looking for some frames. Look
Amanda P.
Sep 25, 2019
Report
Eric S.
Sep 10, 2019
Report
Andy V.
Jul 02, 2019
Report
Don't let your dreams be dreams. I'm so glad that my search for eyeglass frames is over! They may not have the biggest collection of frames but they have a wide selection. I've been to a ton of different shops and searched online just to find a lot of the same type of glasses. Specs carries a wide variety of quality frames. I had to go back a few times to make 100% sure I picked out the right pair and the never felt pressured by either of the guys that worked there to make a decision. No hard sell...just there to help. Both of the guys who helped me went above and beyond.
Lindsey L.
Jun 05, 2019
Report
Highly recommend this efficient and great business.
The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable, and upfront about insurance and cost (which is lower than every other office I have been to). Dr. Ashley Tang is thorough, kind, and explains everything at a level you can understand.
I felt very comfortable receiving my eye care here and ordering products. I will be a repeat patient and happily recommend this, and the other Specs locations, in the future for their superior service and patient care.
The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable, and upfront about insurance and cost (which is lower than every other office I have been to). Dr. Ashley Tang is thorough, kind, and explains everything at a level you can understand.
I felt very comfortable receiving my eye care here and ordering products. I will be a repeat patient and happily recommend this, and the other Specs locations, in the future for their superior service and patient care.
Gabriel A.
Jan 07, 2019
Report
Jack M.
Sep 18, 2018
Report
Christine A.
Jul 24, 2018
Report
Stephanie V.
Feb 01, 2016
Report
Located in the James Coffee Co. building, Specs Optometry is the perfect place to get your eyes checked and pick up some new stylish glasses. For those with perfect vision, you can get some sunglasses here too. Specs carries some local brands like SALT, and made in America brands like Brooklyn. Also, Specs takes insurance, making some of the frames more affordable. The optician will definitely help you pick out great glasses that fit your face. The store is small and cute and usually visited by the owner of James Coffee Co's pitbull. Bandit likes to lay on the rug under the display case and
Giusseppe G.
Jan 24, 2015
Report
Awesome optometry spot.
They are located in a warehouse type building with multiple businesses in it.
The selection is great, and they do eye exams on the spot.
They also take insurance which is great.
The staff is super nice and really helpful, if you have a question about glasses they have an answer.
They are located in a warehouse type building with multiple businesses in it.
The selection is great, and they do eye exams on the spot.
They also take insurance which is great.
The staff is super nice and really helpful, if you have a question about glasses they have an answer.
