Second Specs

Extremely affordable glasses and quick service.
I was surprised to see some higher brand names there. As to be expected, the brand names (like D&G) are a bit more expensive than their in house frames, but still way cheaper than any other optical shop I’ve been to.
There are two kiosks in the mall, which is convenient. They can get busy at times, but it is an extremely quick turnaround.
If you have a crazy prescription you will maybe have to wait for them to order your lenses in, but my glasses were ordered and completed in under 2 hours!
I definitely recommend this shop!

Excellent concept. Get glasses at great prices, and within a couple hours while you shop.
At first I was skeptical of their house brand frames but decided to try a pair since the price is much more affordable than the designer frames elsewhere. 9 months out and I am totally satisfied. At these lower prices I can afford 3 different frames for the price of 1 designer frame from other stores. And I can get them that same day. It’s nice having a few frames to rotate between!
They also carry designer name frames for a decent price if that is what you looking for.
The staff was attentive and well informed and I did not feel pressure to buy at any time.
I’ll be back for sure.

I was going to a movie at West Edmonton Mall only to realize I had forgotten my glasses. I made a quick stop by second specs and picked out a very stylish black cat eye frame. For 68 bucks they had them fitted with lenses in my prescription and in only 30 minutes! (Yes you read the correctly!) Just in time for my movie! At first I thought I’d just use them as a «second pair» but they are so comfy and cute they’re my new first choice! Great speedy service and extremely affordable glasses is exactly what Edmonton was missing!

I would rate Second Specs 3.5 stars. There are great advantages to get glasses here; reasonable price, direct billing to insurance companies, and quick service. But I found the quality of my product wasn’t as good as other opticals I have purchased glasses at.
I stumbled upon it as I was walking in the mall and was looking for new glasses. They are a local company with 2 locations in West Edmonton Mall and recently opened up shop in Cross Iron Mills just outside of Calgary.
The frames are around the kiosk and most available to try on unless you are looking at the brand name ones they carry. They carry Ray Ban, Nike, and others but the selection isn’t as big as at other opticals. There is a colour variety and I found a number of purple frames to try on. Most of the frames I noticed were plastic.
Once I picked out the frames I wanted, I had to wait for service. I have noticed that they can get busy and with typically 2 staff working, there could be a wait. I provided my prescription and they did they measurements and adjustments to the frames. I paid the $ 308 for my glasses which was a lot cheaper than other places where the price is at least double.
Two days later I was in the mall and decided to ask if my glasses were in and was told they would be ready in about an hour or two. I went back to pick them up about an hour later and they were adjusted and on my way!
When I got home, I noticed a few things about my glasses. There was some glue on the arm of the frame, and lenses, and some screws were dark and some light. That evening, one of the nose pads fell off! (Which has never happened with any of my glasses). I was able to find the screw after squinting looking for it on the bathroom floor and put it back in with my glasses repair kit. Since the first day, I had to tighten a screw to keep the arm in place once but hope the problem is fixed. Without these problems, this review would be 4.
They likely didn’t do a thorough check on my glasses to clean the glue off and ensure the screws were tight as they wanted to get them to me promptly. Two days for glasses, is a quick turnaround time. The opticians are friendly if you don’t mind you may have to wait for service. Price is great for those who don’t have coverage, need glasses for children, or want a few pairs. I also wear contacts so it worked out to get glasses from here.