Since 1998, Eye Spy Optical has been providing unique, handmade eyewear, and expert guidance in a living-room atmosphere. We specialize in outfitting customers with specs that are a bit out-of-the-ordinary, frequently placing custom orders for the *perfect* frame. You deserve it! Even though we are located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, we see customers from all over the globe!
As a result, Eye Spy was voted "Best Eyewear Shop" by the Chicago Reader in 2019 & 2009 and NewCity Magazine in 1999, 2006 & 2011! A lover of bluegrass music, photography, travel, home-grown veggies and home-made ice cream, Alissa is raising two kids and running a small business, which doesn't leave a lot of time for much else!
As a result, Eye Spy was voted "Best Eyewear Shop" by the Chicago Reader in 2019 & 2009 and NewCity Magazine in 1999, 2006 & 2011! A lover of bluegrass music, photography, travel, home-grown veggies and home-made ice cream, Alissa is raising two kids and running a small business, which doesn't leave a lot of time for much else!
Services
When we opened in 1998, our philosophy was to feature independent handmade lines that create high-quality frames in unique shapes and fun colors. Nothing has changed over the years, except the styles and colors. All of our frames are designed by small, independent eyewear companies, most family-owned.
Eye Spy Optical offers the thinnest, newest designs, and highest quality lenses on the market. There are tons of lenses on the market, so we will recommend the lenses that are going to look the best in your frame and be the most functional for you!
Beside the fact that we have an incredible selection of frames, many customers come to us because of our wide selection of lenses and ability to choose the perfect lenses for our customers' prescription.We are proud to sell customized Hoyalux iD free-form lenses. These new personalized lenses are redesigned with all the latest technology used to increase optical performance throughout the lens.
Beside the fact that we have an incredible selection of frames, many customers come to us because of our wide selection of lenses and ability to choose the perfect lenses for our customers' prescription.We are proud to sell customized Hoyalux iD free-form lenses. These new personalized lenses are redesigned with all the latest technology used to increase optical performance throughout the lens.
Reviews (29)
Seth Thomas
Jan 24, 2022
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Eye Spy is an absolute gem of a place. I now have 5 pairs from them, I've brought frames in from France for lenses filled, and also get my prescription appointments from here too. Staff is super friendly, helpful, and informative. This is a specialty shop though, frames like this are hard to find, and Eye Spy does a fantastic job of curating a massive selection, keeping in fresh inventory, and being patient while I try on options. One day I walked in and tried on sunglasses, they were a must have which I've owned for a few years now and still adore. This place has made me look and feel more like
Daniel Macin
Jan 21, 2022
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Super covid scared. Weird hours. I spent about $700.00 on frames. After 11 months the screws came out. Tried several different screws, none fit. I called and they said that they are under warranty. They ordered new screws.
It has been 2 months. Did not realize it takes 2 months to get screws. Now one nose pad has fallen off. Garbage super expensive frames by Anne & Valentine.
It has been 2 months. Did not realize it takes 2 months to get screws. Now one nose pad has fallen off. Garbage super expensive frames by Anne & Valentine.
Chris B.
Jul 04, 2021
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Kristin M.
Oct 15, 2020
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V. J.
Aug 14, 2020
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I'm buying my second pair of glasses here... A friend of mine ended up buying a couple of pairs as well after she saw the ones I was wearing. Staff are attentive, patient, and excellent listeners. No nonsense. They were able to locate and order the frames I saw 2 years ago (back when I couldn't afford them). My request was quite a process, as the color I was interested in was different from the ones I had tried on two years prior. It required some detective work including digging through old images on social media. Frames are relatively pricey here. They are designer frames so that is
Andreas O.
May 04, 2020
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I stopped in not too long ago on a whim trying to find replacements for the plastic nose pieces on my sunglasses.
I was immediately given friendly service and they fixed my sunglasses for free!
I hadn't previously been to Eye Spy, as I don't wear glasses. But if I did, I can imagine they treat their customers very well!
I was immediately given friendly service and they fixed my sunglasses for free!
I hadn't previously been to Eye Spy, as I don't wear glasses. But if I did, I can imagine they treat their customers very well!
Kristin Riehl
Jan 13, 2020
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Charles Griggs
Nov 27, 2019
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I think the next time i Order a pair of glasses I will have them shipped to my home because every time I go to pick them up I purchase another pair of glasses before I leave the store. I have a very high prescription, This is the 1st time in my life that I've ever fell in love with my glasses, they have an unbelievable selection of frames, I would suggest to anyone who is not looking For the typical cookie cutter vision center Please give them a visit I can assure you won't Be disappointed.
Mehran F.
Sep 10, 2019
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DEBBI ROCKS.
Nice, attentive, professional, candid service without pushing at all. And got the job done right on the first try -- which is a lot more than I can say about Morgenthal Frederics.
Debbi did two frames for me, one I had bought in Nice, France, and the other in Tokyo. She did not at all push their own frames.
Most Eye Spy frames are a bit too cute and colorful for my taste but they also carry some really good hard to find designer eyeglasses, the kinds I am into.
Highly recommended.
Nice, attentive, professional, candid service without pushing at all. And got the job done right on the first try -- which is a lot more than I can say about Morgenthal Frederics.
Debbi did two frames for me, one I had bought in Nice, France, and the other in Tokyo. She did not at all push their own frames.
Most Eye Spy frames are a bit too cute and colorful for my taste but they also carry some really good hard to find designer eyeglasses, the kinds I am into.
Highly recommended.
Charlotte Guntly
Aug 19, 2019
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The staff here is incredibly friendly and helpful! I popped in at Eye Spa with my two year old daughter. They were super welcoming towards my active and handsy toddler. They pulled out toys for her to play with and didn't mind that she roamed around the store while I shopped. They have a wide variety of fun and funky frames. There was no pressure to buy. I highly recommend Eye Spa Optical if you are looking for a unique pair of frames and for a great service experience!
Gayle Stephens
Jun 13, 2019
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Olivia G.
Apr 16, 2019
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Nancy Tomlinson
Sep 21, 2018
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I moved to a different state and still come here for frames, lenses and eye exams (they'll ship to you!). The selection is excellent, customer service is exceptional and the shop is adorable. Dr. Weil didn't try to rush me through my eye exam; her patience led to the substantial reduction in my migraines. Alissa and company are the best!
Mary W.
Apr 28, 2018
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Samantha S.
Mar 08, 2018
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Was super excited to go here and see there fabulous frames! However customer service was really poor! I would say that the two employees working there were nice and I would use the word tolerable! What they were lacking was warm, happy, energetic, bubbly.
I expected Price to be high walking in there but I also expected I could get some kind of deal like most places give!
Asked if I bought two pairs could I get a deal only if you buy a prescription with it said I could get about $75 off, but would not budge for just buying two frames!
Lenses were outrageous they wanted $375 for my prescription
I expected Price to be high walking in there but I also expected I could get some kind of deal like most places give!
Asked if I bought two pairs could I get a deal only if you buy a prescription with it said I could get about $75 off, but would not budge for just buying two frames!
Lenses were outrageous they wanted $375 for my prescription
Cindy G.
Jan 14, 2018
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I am only writing this so maybe the sales people will improve their game. I bought my glasses there several years ago- loved the glasses- raved about the service- gave the name out to countless people who asked where I had made my purchase. Now I am looking for another pair of frames and returned today only to be an annoyance to the salesperson in the store who had NO other customers. She was disinterested in helping me, aloof. Since I was wearing "their frames" it would have been nice if she offered to make sure they were adjusted correctly. Did she offer - no. There are at least
Teri Gidwitz
Aug 12, 2017
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Great place to shop for stylish frames that suit your face. The staff here does a good job of gauging your personality as well as your bone structure and coloring, and helps guide you in the right direction. I've bought several pairs of eyeglasses here over the last 10-15 years and I've always been happy. Costs more than going to a lot of other places, but the frames are unique and compelling. If you wear your glasses every day, it's worthwhile to invest in good quality, well designed eyewear.
L. M.
Aug 08, 2017
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(Review written originally several years ago) Prepaid for a special order of glasses. The frame was no longer available and there was no other frame that I really wanted for that price point. I asked for a refund and the request was denied. I had to settle for a frame that I didn't want. ...Started this review several years ago and chose not to post it. But last week, for the first time in my life, my EXPENSIVE Eye Spy Optical glasses that were not what I had wanted to order but had to pay for anyway snapped in half while they were on my head : (
David F.
Aug 14, 2016
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Sharyn F.
Jul 01, 2016
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I had been shopping for almost a month for some new eyewear that was unique and I visited this shop and the staff was amazing, especially Clara in helping me pick out my spec's. I ended up purchasing 2 pair and the day I picked them up and walked down the street to my car I received 2 compliments on my red Theo's! I will definitely be back for future purchases.
S. B.
Jul 31, 2015
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This place is expensive - the glasses I looked at plus lenses came to $840. Plus they don't take insurance so you have to mail in your receipt and get the measly $100 your insurance company will give you for going out of network.
So, their customer service should be very good, right? WRONG!
I went in a few days ago and was helped by a nice woman. I went in again with my wife at 6 pm and the first person who helped us said "we are closing" and basically have us every signal we should leave. Their website says they close at 7 but they had decided to close at 6 that day for, ironically
So, their customer service should be very good, right? WRONG!
I went in a few days ago and was helped by a nice woman. I went in again with my wife at 6 pm and the first person who helped us said "we are closing" and basically have us every signal we should leave. Their website says they close at 7 but they had decided to close at 6 that day for, ironically
Amy M.
Sep 03, 2014
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I have been a tried and true customer since Alyssa opened her doors. I have bought scores of glasses--sometimes 3-4 pairs a year in the early days.
Well, I ran into a BIG snag. I was there approx. 9 months ago and bought some glasses. I pout other frames on hold--they were on the sale table as a special ordered that the customer didn't want. Alyssa gave me a special price and I made a small deposit. I told her that ir may take me awhile, but I want the glasses. Of course, I had no idea it would be so long--and, by the way, I never heard a peep form her. Not a word about the restocking
Well, I ran into a BIG snag. I was there approx. 9 months ago and bought some glasses. I pout other frames on hold--they were on the sale table as a special ordered that the customer didn't want. Alyssa gave me a special price and I made a small deposit. I told her that ir may take me awhile, but I want the glasses. Of course, I had no idea it would be so long--and, by the way, I never heard a peep form her. Not a word about the restocking
Maya Z.
Aug 17, 2014
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Martha X.
Jan 16, 2014
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Eye Spy makes being myopic fashionable and chic! I am a far away fan indeed!
I was thrilled to learn that Eye Spy carries some of my favorite brands: Francis Klein, Anne et Valentin, Carol Abram.
I've purchased a pair of beautiful Francis Kleins from California without ever visiting the store. The talented team took the time to answer my email query - pictures and excellent counsel brought my beautiful specs home to me safe and sound. Needless to say, they are beautiful.
If you seek ordinary, boring, run-of-the-mill glasses, Eye Spy is not for you. Do yourself a favor and get into the
I was thrilled to learn that Eye Spy carries some of my favorite brands: Francis Klein, Anne et Valentin, Carol Abram.
I've purchased a pair of beautiful Francis Kleins from California without ever visiting the store. The talented team took the time to answer my email query - pictures and excellent counsel brought my beautiful specs home to me safe and sound. Needless to say, they are beautiful.
If you seek ordinary, boring, run-of-the-mill glasses, Eye Spy is not for you. Do yourself a favor and get into the
Michael Mullen
Jul 13, 2013
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John K.
Apr 01, 2013
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My last three pairs of glasses were boring. Something at the time made me like them, but they were boring. I picked out a pair about two years ago at a location downtown that will remain nameless. I liked them. Between picking them out and my exam, however, I happened to walk past Eye Spy. And I realized something. The frames I had picked out were boring as well. I found a fun, unique pair from Theo and they were certainly not boring! I never saw myself as someone that would ever purchase designer frames from Belgium, but here I am!
Late last year I decided to look at another pair. There was a
Late last year I decided to look at another pair. There was a
Sarah L.
Jun 14, 2011
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I was hoping for a fabulous experience, based on most of the previous reviews. The service was perfectly fine, although I do question the exam equipment. I haven't seen such old eye exam tools, really ever. So that does make me question my exam.
However, my problem with Eye Spy is the availability and pricing. I know they don't take insurance, but I was also told that they were better than chains like LensCrafters because they specialized in indie designers and didn't screw you on the price. Yeah...about that. My husband's glasses were quoted at over $1,000-- and they were
However, my problem with Eye Spy is the availability and pricing. I know they don't take insurance, but I was also told that they were better than chains like LensCrafters because they specialized in indie designers and didn't screw you on the price. Yeah...about that. My husband's glasses were quoted at over $1,000-- and they were
Kimberly L.
Jul 15, 2010
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Dear Eye Spy,
There is this new invention called the Internet. Say it with me "In..ter..net." That's right. This little invention is great for retail purchasing. It means that no matter how cool and funky an optical retail establishment's eyewear is, I can actually buy it online. So what this means for optical retail establishments is...if I'm coming into your store I'm not looking for the lowest priced goods. It means I am coming to you for SERVICE. Which brings me to my next point.
I don't want to be as obnoxious as your staff but I'm forced to say this
There is this new invention called the Internet. Say it with me "In..ter..net." That's right. This little invention is great for retail purchasing. It means that no matter how cool and funky an optical retail establishment's eyewear is, I can actually buy it online. So what this means for optical retail establishments is...if I'm coming into your store I'm not looking for the lowest priced goods. It means I am coming to you for SERVICE. Which brings me to my next point.
I don't want to be as obnoxious as your staff but I'm forced to say this
Erin J.
May 30, 2007
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My friend and I stopped in when my glasses broke and I wanted some funky new frames. I had heard Eye Spy's ads on NPR, so I assumed they would be progressive and informative. This was so not the case.
When we walked in there we were greeted by a woman who was so saccharine that I would image that all animals she would come in contact with developed tumors on the spot. I told her that I needed new frames and she kept saying "fair, fair. It was the most annoying buzz word I have ever heard.
My friend and I had a contest while we were there to find the ugliest frames for our face since
When we walked in there we were greeted by a woman who was so saccharine that I would image that all animals she would come in contact with developed tumors on the spot. I told her that I needed new frames and she kept saying "fair, fair. It was the most annoying buzz word I have ever heard.
My friend and I had a contest while we were there to find the ugliest frames for our face since
