Please call our office to set up an appointment for an eye or contact lens exam if you are due. No appointments are necessary for frame adjustment and repairs or optical purchases. We look forward to seeing you soon. Voorthuis Opticians has opened in the Barlow Building at 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 (in the location of the former Santa Maria Novella Soap store).
Because your eye health comes first, each Voorthuis location has an on-site optometrist who performs eye examinations and contact lens fittings. You'll get professional service with the human touch at Voorthuis, from helping you select the perfect frames to creating the perfect lenses to fit your life.
Because your eye health comes first, each Voorthuis location has an on-site optometrist who performs eye examinations and contact lens fittings. You'll get professional service with the human touch at Voorthuis, from helping you select the perfect frames to creating the perfect lenses to fit your life.
Services
In 1973, Albert Voorthuis opened the first Voorthuis Opticians on 1712 Eye St., NW in Washington, DC with a vision to change the way Washington sees eye care.
With a focus on customer service, emphasis on superior quality and offering a greater choice in high-end eyewear as the foundation, Voorthuis went against the conventional wisdom of offering customers a limited number of frames from which to choose, and began offering hundreds of frames representing signature brands from around the world that, in some cases, had never been offered in the United States, let alone in Washington, DC.
With a focus on customer service, emphasis on superior quality and offering a greater choice in high-end eyewear as the foundation, Voorthuis went against the conventional wisdom of offering customers a limited number of frames from which to choose, and began offering hundreds of frames representing signature brands from around the world that, in some cases, had never been offered in the United States, let alone in Washington, DC.
At Voorthuis Opticians, our goal is to provide you with much more than a one-time solution. We are committed to a long-term relationship with you, so we put your eyewear needs, comfort and eye health first. We want you to look good and feel good about your glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses. Our selection of unique frame designs and materials includes cutting-edge designers, high-tech materials and luxury fashion brands.
Eyeglass frames can change your look, making your appearance more youthful, more mature, more commanding or even more playful. Whatever your needs, we are here to find the frames that fit you perfectly. You need the right look and feel, as well as a frame suitable for your chosen lens type and prescription.
It's smart to have an eye exam at least once a year to assess your eye health and ensure you have the best possible eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. With more than 100 different ways to test your eyes are working correctly, our eye doctors select the tests most appropriate for you.
The eye exam not only provides an accurate assessment of your ability to see, but also gauges the general health of your eyes and helps with early identification of health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.If you've never had an eye exam before, the process is very simple and thorough.
The eye exam not only provides an accurate assessment of your ability to see, but also gauges the general health of your eyes and helps with early identification of health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.If you've never had an eye exam before, the process is very simple and thorough.
Reviews (29)
Shea Edwards
Dec 07, 2021
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Shel West
Aug 29, 2021
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Naomi Levy
Jun 05, 2021
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Leslie A.
Mar 05, 2021
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Tryphina Thabisile Mkonza
Jan 15, 2021
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Nancy Kidd-Weyenberg
Jan 04, 2021
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Maureen Holohan
Sep 20, 2020
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Voorthuis is where I go because they are top-notch professionals and dedicated to my vision needs and health. They will not give up until I am satisfied. Sometimes their standards have been higher than mine. Dr. Udoff in particular is excellent and I recommend him fully. They are not a discount place but I would rather pay once than deal with the poor quality I received from cheaper spots (where I wasted money and time) before I switched to Voorthuis.
Christopher Greco
Aug 21, 2020
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Carolyn Wu
Feb 25, 2020
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After lunch, I walked up Connecticut Ave. and into Voorthuis Opticians @ 1035 Connecticut Ave. NW and asked if I could buy a pair of contacts for my daughter while we waited for our order to arrive, since she only had two pairs for the safari and we were unable to return home due to the coronavirus. (We live in Shanghai) After looking around for her prescription, they could only find one lens that fit her prescription and I asked if they had one that was almost the same power for the second lens because my 7th grader really wanted contacts instead of glasses at her new school and explained our
Julie Rosen
Dec 19, 2019
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Susan Sonnesyn Brooks
Nov 01, 2019
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Dr Rebecca Voorthuis is professional and personable. She is thoroughly versed in optometric practices and I felt she was using the latest technology and sharing with me helpful knowledge about the health of my eyes and my complicated prescription. Her staff is similarly professional and capable. You are in good hands at Voorthuis (pronounced like “courthouse,” which always helps me)!
Jamie M.
Jun 23, 2019
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I have purchased frames here on two occasions. This place is not cheap, but they have very attractive luxury brands that you will not find at places like For Eyes. How expensive is this place? Well, the frames alone were about $700. Total cost was $1400. I have received many compliments about these frames (made by Lunor), which reinforces my opinion that it was money well spent. Employees here are very knowledgeable and helpful. They will assist you in selecting frames and will not hesitate to tell you which one looks best on you.
Everly B.
May 31, 2019
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Beth P.
Dec 22, 2017
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Gwen Andersen
Dec 02, 2017
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Carole W.
Jul 05, 2017
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Elizabeth E.
Mar 04, 2017
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Emma E.
Nov 30, 2016
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I was very happy with my experience with Voorthuis at Mazza Gallerie. I found Mr. A.G. Wood to be professional, pleasant, and experienced. He understood and addressed my problem with progressive lenses and kept at it until he got them just right. Some have commented about Voorthuis's prices, however, taking into account quality I believe the prices are competitive with other outlets.
Debbie M.
Apr 30, 2015
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We have been to Voorthuis many times over the past 5 years even though they do not take our insurance - largely because they have a nice selection of frames. Last time, we were promised our glasses would be ready on a specific date and it turned out to be a week later. People make mistakes. This time, we went on a Sunday. My sunglasses (which they made just 8 months ago) needed new screws in one of the arms. They didn't have any that would fit and Waheed said he would order screws from Bulgari and have them fixed by Thursday. My husband also ordered a new pair of glasses. He selected a
Mare P.
Dec 15, 2014
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I had an optical emergency one morning. I was in dc on business and my frames broke on the way to the office. I used yelp to find some place close to see if my frames could be fixed. I called amd was told to come right in. I couldn't be happier with the prompt and professional service i received. I already recommended thia place to my colleague.
M. L.
Sep 20, 2014
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Even though they don't take my insurance, I decided to go with Voorthuis because I heard it was the best, and I didn't want to cheap out on my eyes. It was easy enough to make a glasses/contacts appointment and the staff was fine. However, the doctor was way off and gave me a contact lens prescription that way too weak (off by a full point), despite the fact that I went in wearing glasses and he should have been able to gauge the level of correction needed. He was also unable to answer my straightforward questions/concerns about my eye health. I charged the full $170 exam fee to my credit
Wendy L.
Mar 19, 2013
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Not a fan. My first time coming to Voorthuis last year was fine. The optometrist, who I assume is always the optmetrist there, was a little cold in attitude but got my prescription right and switched me to contacts that were much better for my dry eyes. Staff was friendly enough and they took my insurance, no questions or problems.
Sounds all good and dandy right? Problems came up on my next annual visit:
First, there was no notice of the prior optometrist quitting on the fly and me having to meet with an entirely new optometrist who was also not the new permanent optometrist at this location
Sounds all good and dandy right? Problems came up on my next annual visit:
First, there was no notice of the prior optometrist quitting on the fly and me having to meet with an entirely new optometrist who was also not the new permanent optometrist at this location
Christine R.
Oct 10, 2012
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Actually, this company receives NO stars from me. They provided the worst and most humiliating shopping experience of my life, and charged me a fortune at the same time. I told them I was looking for frames that would last me a very long time. They urged me to buy a pair made of titanium. The package, exam, lens and frame cost me over $1000. The frame broke at the nose junction very soon after purchase. I returned them for repair. Then, they broke again at the same place a few days later. I was frustrated by this time. The frame was most clearly defective and the company would not stand by their
Jeff S.
Jun 08, 2011
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I live in San Francisco and was out here for work. One of my contacts tore and I needed new ones. I didn't want to buy a whole box since I'm still trying to find the right ones for my eyes.
I tried Sears Optical - optometrist too busy. Lenscrafters - they would give me a trial pair if I paid for a supply ($79).
Voorthuis gave me a trial pair, no questions asked. In addition they tightened and adjusted my glasses that I had stepped on a while back.
Super friendly. While waiting, I browsed through their frame selection and was rather impressed. If I lived here, I would definitely be
I tried Sears Optical - optometrist too busy. Lenscrafters - they would give me a trial pair if I paid for a supply ($79).
Voorthuis gave me a trial pair, no questions asked. In addition they tightened and adjusted my glasses that I had stepped on a while back.
Super friendly. While waiting, I browsed through their frame selection and was rather impressed. If I lived here, I would definitely be
Jessica S.
Mar 21, 2011
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Wow, I'm kind of shocked by the reviews that are so negative, because Voorthuis has been nothing but nice as pie to me every time I have come in.
I work upstairs at the mall, and occasionally needed to have my frames readjusted because I do things like fall asleep with them on, and so they go out of whack. The people at Voorthuis have always sweetly and quickly adjusted my frames - despite the fact that I have never purchased a single thing there. Every time I come in, they have been prompt and friendly, without a judgeful eye.
Granted, I wear some nice frames, (coach, paul smith), but
I work upstairs at the mall, and occasionally needed to have my frames readjusted because I do things like fall asleep with them on, and so they go out of whack. The people at Voorthuis have always sweetly and quickly adjusted my frames - despite the fact that I have never purchased a single thing there. Every time I come in, they have been prompt and friendly, without a judgeful eye.
Granted, I wear some nice frames, (coach, paul smith), but
Paul M.
Dec 29, 2010
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I am not a big fan of this place.
They have a decent selection of uber -trendy frames, but the prices are ridiculous and the service is OK.
Neither will they work with insurance plans.
If there is some sort of expensive designer frame that you absolutely must have then this is probably the place for you - but if you are looking for something decent and well priced See in Georgetown is your spot.
Yes, I am sending you from Friendship Heights to Georgetown for a a deal- that's today's Friendship Heights for you.
They have a decent selection of uber -trendy frames, but the prices are ridiculous and the service is OK.
Neither will they work with insurance plans.
If there is some sort of expensive designer frame that you absolutely must have then this is probably the place for you - but if you are looking for something decent and well priced See in Georgetown is your spot.
Yes, I am sending you from Friendship Heights to Georgetown for a a deal- that's today's Friendship Heights for you.
Janeen D.
Sep 12, 2010
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Being new to the area, I was excited to find Voorthuis and to try on some new frames.
I have been wearing glasses and contacts for 30 years, so I have a lot of experience in searching for a new pair of frames.
Most of the frames are behind locked glass cabinets. There are some that are open on a wall behind where the workers stand. My salesperson helped me amass a large selection to try on, which she threw uncaringly into a plastic container. She was very opinionated, and we had to sit at a table to try on each frame, while she did a little narrative about each one. The lighting was horrible
I have been wearing glasses and contacts for 30 years, so I have a lot of experience in searching for a new pair of frames.
Most of the frames are behind locked glass cabinets. There are some that are open on a wall behind where the workers stand. My salesperson helped me amass a large selection to try on, which she threw uncaringly into a plastic container. She was very opinionated, and we had to sit at a table to try on each frame, while she did a little narrative about each one. The lighting was horrible
Maria M.
Aug 09, 2010
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We have been going to Voorthuis in Montgomery Mall and liked the service, so we decided to order glasses from this location.
Very disappointing! We were rushed and had the impression of being seen as a dollar sign, or a commission, instead of as a customer. We barely had time to try on the glasses, and we were constantly and rudely reminded of the time we had left until the store closed. Considering we were going to spend over $500, we would have appreciated a little more care.
So we ended up no getting the glasses there. They should really rethink their sales strategy, if this is their
Very disappointing! We were rushed and had the impression of being seen as a dollar sign, or a commission, instead of as a customer. We barely had time to try on the glasses, and we were constantly and rudely reminded of the time we had left until the store closed. Considering we were going to spend over $500, we would have appreciated a little more care.
So we ended up no getting the glasses there. They should really rethink their sales strategy, if this is their
Martin B.
Feb 06, 2010
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I like Voorthuis a lot! I've come here for my glasses for around 9 years now, and I've never had a bad experience with them. They have a pretty big selection of various brands and styles. Horn-rims, thick glasses, frameless glasses, hipster glasses, geek glasses... chances are you'll find something you like. They also have some non-brand (or obscure-brand) frames which look great and are cheaper than brand ones. And they've got sunglasses.
Turnaround time is also pretty good for lenses here... I think it takes one or two days. I think they also offer vision tests here, seeing
Turnaround time is also pretty good for lenses here... I think it takes one or two days. I think they also offer vision tests here, seeing
