Our new hours will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Thursday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. We will remain closed on Tuesday and Sunday. In compliance with the CDC and state guidelines, all visits must be scheduled for the foreseeable future. You can call us at 773-281-0200 or you can book through our website, visualeffectsoptical.com.
I can be reached by phone or text at 312-504-1040 on off hours as well. All exams and frame selections must have an appointment. For quick visits (pickups, repairs and adjustments) please call ahead for an opening. All visitors must have a mask or face covering to enter. Please, if you are not feeling well, put off your visit.
I can be reached by phone or text at 312-504-1040 on off hours as well. All exams and frame selections must have an appointment. For quick visits (pickups, repairs and adjustments) please call ahead for an opening. All visitors must have a mask or face covering to enter. Please, if you are not feeling well, put off your visit.
Services
Visual Effects Optical was born out of Dr. Chet Steinmetz's desire to have his own business, and to treat his patients and clients as he would want to be treated. After graduating from optometry school in 1983, Dr. Chet worked as an employed optometrist for six years. Early in 1989 the Chicago location at Clybourn and Racine was discovered in a soon to be built shopping center.
With a lightweight frame that is incredibly strong, Blac is the world's first adjustable carbon fiber frame, with the patent to prove it. Designed and handmade exclusively by a production team in the Bellinger House in Risskov, Denmark. Blac is a Bellinger designed brand. Carbon fiber is an exceptionally lightweight and strong material used in the aerospace, sports, military and automotive industries.
Originally an optician, Jacques Durand evolved in eyewear production and distribution and crossed paths with Alain Mikli in 1978, since it's beginning, when they were only 4 people. Jacques Durand emphasizes the products' authenticity: most companies can easily manufacture glasses anywhere in the world, and most of them are keeping the country of manufacture secret.
Our creations result from a constant will to blend traditional crafting with innovative industrial processes while using unexpected materials. It is thanks to the close collaboration between Lucas and his team, composed of fellow designers, jewelers and artists that they are able to develop their own tools and methods in order to put out elegant and delicate frames.
The eyeglass frame appears as a bold black frame from afar, and upon closer inspection individual tracks shimmer and shine. Built to last and suitable for fitting with optical lenses or ready to wear as sunglasses, these exclusive designs combine premium elegance with a genuine piece of music history.
Reviews (25)
George H.
Apr 13, 2021
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Dr Chet does a great job picking frames for you. He is very detailed and I think that rubs people the wrong way. Some of the other reviews you can see that. We Visit here because he can pick great glasses for you which most people find difficult. He has strong opinions but that is the best reason to come here. Today my sister in law and mother in law were visiting and we got them glasses here too.
Mike H.
Dec 12, 2019
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Nicholas L.
Sep 11, 2019
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I first went to Visual Effects Optical roughly 6 months after I first moved to Chicago. The style of glasses that I was familiar with (and comfortable with!) were no longer really in style, and I was a little unsure of what style of glasses I would buy. Visual Effects provided me a safe space to try on new styles of frames that were both of extremely high quality and distinctive in style. The frames I picked were a new style I had never considered before and which really complimented my features in a way my old frames never did. After I bought the frames, Dr. Chet and his team were both extremely
Laura Meagher
Aug 16, 2019
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Dr. Chet has a real talent for selecting the right frames for one's face. But I have never had to spend so much time cleaning the lenses as I do with these glasses. I wrote that to Dr. Chet and he told me to stop by so he could see them. He gave me a lesson in cleaning my glasses. Seriously. I've worn glasses made in Chicago, New York and Paris for over 30 years. so I probably didn't need a lesson in how to clean them. What I would have appreciated was having the coatings checked which was not proposed. I spent $700 for the glasses. I think they are beautiful and look great on me. I'm annoyed every
Charlie Bossman
Aug 10, 2019
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Horrible experience. Owner, Dr. Chet - 1. He told me that he, as an optometrist knew better than my ophthalmologist (who trained at Harvard) and 2. He told my father in law that they didn't have styles for men of his age. The sheer arrogance and lack of class was unsettling. He is selling eyeglasses not working for NASA. Sales is all about making your customers comfortable and helping them even if you disagree. The condescending tone was laughable.
B. R.
Aug 08, 2019
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Purchase multiple pairs of glasses over the years.
1. Service: In just a few minutes, the owner will help you find a range of 2-4 distinct frames that work perfectly for your shape. No need to try on a million frames!! Just choose the one that works best for your personality, lifestyle, etc.
2. Value: The quality of the glasses is unsurpassed and the style is just distinct enough that people notice the specialness of each design. That said, you get what you pay for....be prepared to spend over $500.
1. Service: In just a few minutes, the owner will help you find a range of 2-4 distinct frames that work perfectly for your shape. No need to try on a million frames!! Just choose the one that works best for your personality, lifestyle, etc.
2. Value: The quality of the glasses is unsurpassed and the style is just distinct enough that people notice the specialness of each design. That said, you get what you pay for....be prepared to spend over $500.
Laura M.
Aug 02, 2019
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Destiny G.
Apr 30, 2019
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I'm usually not a "Yelper," no shade. I'm more of a lurker-- relying on the sometimes harsh but honest reviews of strangers on this platform. That said, I wanted to chime in with the Yelp chorus to sing the praises of Dr. Chet. If you're in Chicago and looking for unique to you (your face, personality, hopes/dreams, etc) frames, look no further. As others have said, Dr. Chet has a real talent for finding the right frames to suit your needs and then some.
Cassie Mayer
Oct 04, 2018
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Diane Sherman
Sep 16, 2018
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Dr Steinmetz suggested the PERFECT glasses for me! I love my new glasses. He has a knack for finding the right shape and color that is perfect for your face. His assortment of frames is second to none, I had so many options to choose from. He definitely had frames I have never seen elsewhere. Dr Steinmetz took time at my eye exam explaining everything. My new glasses came in quick and the ladies at the front desk were friendly, helpful and efficient. What a great experience!
Suzy F.
Aug 30, 2018
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I've been going to Visual Effects for 10 years and will not go anywhere else. Dr. Chet has by far the best selection of unique and bold glasses. He's fantastic at choosing glasses that look best on your face and he'll steer you away from bad choices.
He's the best and everyone I send to him becomes a repeat customer. I have friends who relocated to North Carolina and they plan trips back to Chicago to see him. I highly recommend Dr. Chet!
He's the best and everyone I send to him becomes a repeat customer. I have friends who relocated to North Carolina and they plan trips back to Chicago to see him. I highly recommend Dr. Chet!
Susan P.
Aug 30, 2018
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Nathan J.
Jul 24, 2018
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I'll start by saying I knew nothing, absolutely nothing, about glasses. Being 24, I really only had eye exams in school or for sports. I have always had good enough vision to not need glasses. After starting a desk job I found myself getting headaches at work. I went in to Visual Effects Optical to look into something to help the strain on my eyes from the computers. After talking with Dr. Chet, we set up an appointment for an exam.
I was running late to the exam and the staff was very accommodating. I had my exam with Dr. Chet and he was very informative and explained the process and procedure
I was running late to the exam and the staff was very accommodating. I had my exam with Dr. Chet and he was very informative and explained the process and procedure
Max E.
Jul 11, 2018
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Visual Effects Optical should be your go-to place for anything vision related. Dr. Chet is a great optometrist and has a cutting-edge sense of style. My parents have purchased their glasses here for many years and they are always amazing. Dr. Chet and his staff always suggest styles that you wouldn't normally think of and they always look good.
L. A.
Jan 06, 2018
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Quick and easy appointment for contacts. No waiting for the doctor and Dr. Chet explained everything he was doing even showing me the pictures of the inside of my eye when I asked. I also appreciate how he didn't pressure me to buy another pair of glasses that day.
Much better than chain or big eye care companies :)
Much better than chain or big eye care companies :)
Lilly L.
Oct 28, 2017
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Chet was extremely rude and the selection was small and few glasses that were truly interesting. I buy 2-3 pairs of glasses each year because I like glasses. I went there because my girlfriend asked me to help her find glasses while I was visiting her in Chicago. Chet would rudely cut me off each time I said something. I told my friend that we need to look at Tom Ford and that there are better looking glasses out in the market so we are going to look somewhere else tomorrow. He needs to see each person walking in as a potential customer. I would have bought the leather glasses from him
A. W.
Sep 20, 2017
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Go here. Go here for your glasses. That all I can say. I moved further away from the north side and thought I could go to Rosin because it was close by. And thought I could get a pair of glasses at Costco for $39.99 and it would be ok.
It wasn't. Visual effects is worth the effort to get there. They know faces, they know glasses, and they know how to put them on your face so you look great and you can see great out of them. Chet is a rare person that loves his work and it shows.
It wasn't. Visual effects is worth the effort to get there. They know faces, they know glasses, and they know how to put them on your face so you look great and you can see great out of them. Chet is a rare person that loves his work and it shows.
Cat Warren
Aug 19, 2017
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Knowledgeable and honestly helpful. The doctor joined us on the floor to help us find the right combination of features for our upcoming long-term trip through cold high mountainous regions and low hot jungles. He gave us a lot of valuable information about maintenance that neither of us had heard before, and took the time to explain certain measurements. They even helped us with a rush order when previous plans fell through. We hope to make all future orders through VEO. Why bother with other companies that just don't care enough to personalize your experience?
Joel R. Meyer Md
Aug 04, 2017
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Lorenzo L.
Nov 16, 2016
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When the realization hit that I had reading glasses every 20 feet in my condo, and the Target brand "4 frame packages" no longer offered the "style" or "cool" that I wanted, I did an extensive search for optical shops . There wasn't a "Best Of Chicago Eyewear" list that escaped me.
No matter how many satisfied customers shopped at Pearle Vision and LensCrafters , I knew these outlets wouldn't offer the selection of frames I was seeking. I hit up multiple outlet places like "See" and "Warby Parker" and smaller operations like
No matter how many satisfied customers shopped at Pearle Vision and LensCrafters , I knew these outlets wouldn't offer the selection of frames I was seeking. I hit up multiple outlet places like "See" and "Warby Parker" and smaller operations like
Velma Jenkins
May 25, 2016
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As an ex-New Yorker, I love that Kathy can dish it if you dish it, but she's also the loveliest person where you can expect great and personable service. I was referred here by a friend before I even looked at their reviews, and I do not regret coming in one bit. Their prices are fair, but the service is anything but fair!
I've come back for a few adjustments, and Kathy & Veronica have always welcomed me with open arms.
I would definitely come back for my future needs!
I've come back for a few adjustments, and Kathy & Veronica have always welcomed me with open arms.
I would definitely come back for my future needs!
Sharyn F.
May 12, 2016
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Soo...I went to this establishment last week hoping to purchase Theo frames that I've been wanting. I entered the door and I was greeted, THAT'S ALL!. Two ladies were sitting at their desks while I tried to find the Theo frames and NO ONE asked me if I needed help or anything. I purposely hung around a few more minutes to see if anyone would assist me so I just walked out! I will NEVER go back there after the poor or lack of customer service I received.
Lele W.
Mar 14, 2016
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A friend recommended Dr. Chet a few years ago when my husband and I were in the market for some new glasses. We can't speak highly enough of him and his staff. As others have noted, he is *very* good at helping you select the right frames - even if you don't realize it until, as has been the case with me, about a *million* people compliment you. The hip young guy at the organic grocery ("Those are *killer!"), the middle-aged woman who works for our new ophthalmologist here in OR ("Where did you get those??") and on and on.
Dr. Chet is also very nice in how he corrects
Dr. Chet is also very nice in how he corrects
Rebecca S.
Jan 17, 2016
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I've only been a customer of Chet Steinmetz's for a few years but I have been nothing but impressed by his skill and the service at Visual Effects Optical. He has a fantastic sense of style and a gift for helping you pick out frames that flatter your face.
I get compliments on my glasses all the time. Thanks Chet!
I get compliments on my glasses all the time. Thanks Chet!
Thos M.
Jan 12, 2014
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I've been buying my frames from Visual Effects for ten years at least. I'm hard on my frames, over 40 years of wearing glasses I've busted many. I know what to look for-a quality, sturdy, well made product. I can find many to choose from here.
Recently I had a pair of frames fall apart after 18 months-I brought them in, said nothing except give the receptionist my name. No crabbing at me "what did you do" or "do you realize how old these are". One week later a new set of replacement frames are on my head. $15 bucks for shipping. You get what you pay for, people
Recently I had a pair of frames fall apart after 18 months-I brought them in, said nothing except give the receptionist my name. No crabbing at me "what did you do" or "do you realize how old these are". One week later a new set of replacement frames are on my head. $15 bucks for shipping. You get what you pay for, people
