Spex- Lakeview

I have been a Spex — Lakeview customer for 8 years as I live around the corner and they have provided not only convenience but decent service. However, my most recent experience (Feb. 2016) has forever made me an ex-​customer of Spex.
An unexpected death happened in the family and that same day I damaged one of the temples of my glasses. I went in to Spex to see what my options were for either fixing the glasses, obtaining a temporary pair, or purchasing a new pair (at that point I would have spent any amount of money). I explained the situation and how I needed glasses for the next few days as my contacts were not cutting it anymore with all the emotion.
I was met with «Sorry, we cannot do anything. We can order a new pair and they’ll be here next week?» No effort was made for additional ideas. No effort was made to contact other stores. I may as well have not made the effort to walk to the store.
Goodbye Spex. I’ll be taking me and my family to another company.

Derek is just amazing. He found me a bargain, in my price range. Kind, considerate. Everything service wise I could want. I have money left over. Thank you!

One tiresome night, sleep called and took me into bed with my shoes and clothes on. I also drifted off with my glasses in place. In the morning I found my favorite purple specs broken.
I was furious.
I went to the location in Andersonville, since this is where I first purchased my specs and Vinnie was VERY helpful. He fixed my glasses and I was good to go pretty quick. I really appreciated him and his energy.
Sleep calls me on the reg, I just make sure to take my glasses off before I drift away.

I have been to this location once before my appointment this morning and was a satisfied customer. The interaction I had this morning actually left me in tears I was so frustrated.
I arrived 5 minutes early for my appointment at 10am to see that the door was locked– no big, since they open at 10– but when the man finally opened the door I was greeted with a «Do you need something?» and him blocking the door before he let me in. He started checking me in and asked for my health insurance card, which is different than my vision, and luckily I had it but I don’t always carry it on me– this should definitely be mentioned when you book the appointment. When I asked why he needed it he gave me a rude look before curtly explaining. I just didn’t know– I was just asking and he was rude.
The problem occurred when he was walking away, I asked him to «wait, please», he literally froze and turned on one heel. I reminded him that I didn’t want a contact lens fitting –as I had mentioned when I booked the appointment and was assured that it was a totally fine thing to ask for– and he said, «Yea I know that, so you don’t want contacts then?». (I don’t know how these things work. I thought I could just continue with the same contacts I use all the time because I’m happy with mine– a friend told me I could do this and I’M SORRY THAT I DON’T KNOW THE POLICIES). I mentioned that I did want contacts, that I would just buy them online with the prescription I was given today– I can’t afford an extra $ 120 for what I thought was just me trying on contacts that I already know I like. He went on to say «I don’t care if you buy them somewhere else. You won’t get a prescription from us today if you don’t get a fitting.» And his voice was raised. The conversation continued on for probably another 20 seconds before I got flustered and embarrassed at how he was speaking to me. I told him to that I cant afford it and to have a wonderful day as I left.
I went back in a few minutes later because honestly my vision has changed dramatically over the past few months and I can’t see– I need an eye exam and needed an explanation of what just happened. I walked in and asked to speak with anyone else and a very nice eye doctor took me in the back and explained their policy very calmly. She was very nice and answered my questions. I just did not know that this was a mandatory thing. If this man had just explained what the doctor did very calmly –or even if the person did when I first booked my appointment– this would have been avoided. I took a day off of work today for this, don’t have another day off through December, and am having a terrible week. I’m beyond frustrated with the service I received at this Spex and will never go back.

So helpful! I was in a major pinch and needed a new eye doctor. Derek at the front desk was so helpful and understanding. I will definitely be using them for all of my eye care needs.

I had not been to the eye doctor in 5 years because I hated dealing with the exam, picking frames, etc. The staff at this place were incredibly patient and caring with me. Dr. Salazar was kind and concise during my exam. Justin helped me pick out frames and was incredibly patient with me as I tried on pair after pair and complained about how they looked bad and I wasn’t a glasses person. I finally found a few I thought I could live with and he helped me narrow it down. Again, incredibly patient and positive even though I was being a brat. They also helped me turn the sunglasses I already own into prescription frames, which has been a game changer for me. And, they were very helpful when I lost my 1 month old prescription sunglasses and needed to replace them. The downside was how expensive it all was, even with insurance, but since I’m averaging once every five years I considered it an investment. They also do warn you upfront about the cost. Also, really glad I went with the warrantee considering one month later I was able to get my polarized prescription sunglass lenses replaced for $ 15. Next time I get the courage to get my eyes checked, I plan to return to this Spex.

Updating my rating after the store manager Derrick called and convinced me they do in fact care about their customers and sincerely believe in the their more advanced eye exam. I was unimpressed during my visit and don’t plan to return, but they might deserve better than 1 star.

My husband and I are big fans! My only problem is picking just one frame… Their selection is amazing and there are styles for everyone. Great selection of sunglasses too. Derek and Justin are pretty flipping amazing. Always helpful and we feel like we get detailed personalized service. I had an issue with my insurance and Derek gave me multiple routes to get the prescription I needed and I was in LOVE with the frames. In the end the insurance worked out, I get so many compliments AND I can see!!! I’d call that a win win. Of course we can’t leave there without finding another must have… When we picked up my glasses my husband found another pair he loved. I can’t say enough about this place. HIGHLY recommended!

Great customer service and a great selection! I’m pretty picky when it comes to design, and Justin was very helpful in walking me through the different styles and brands. Left with a pair of regular glasses and sunglasses that I’m beyond happy with. Well worth the higher price, you get what you pay for.

I went to Spex for my first eye exam in at least 20 years. All of the staff members were friendly, and quick to greet me with smiling faces. Derek was able to start some of the tests right away (I’m used to having to wait for any sort of medical exam). He was very friendly and kind. We were able to talk and joke around, it made me feel less like a patient or insurance claim and more like a person. He thoroughly explained the tests and the results, which I really appreciated as I had never gone through the procedures before.
I met with Dr. Patty for the rest of the exam, and she is by far one of the best doctors I’ve ever had an appointment with. As I had experienced with the rest of the staff, she was very friendly and made me feel comfortable with what she was doing. She went through all the results, explained everything so I would understand what she was saying, and answered all of my questions or concerns.
Dr. Patty dilated my eyes that day, a VERY bright afternoon. Before I left, Derek made sure I had sunglasses with me and even gave me a disposable pair I could slide behind the pair I brought with me so I would be comfortable even after I left the office while my eyes adjusted back to normal.
After my expierence there, I would highly recommend Spex and their staff to any of my friends and family.

This is by far the best Spex location, and maybe eye doctor, that I have been to. I live way, waaay closer to another Spex, but did not receive the same service there and am considering coming back to this one from now on, even though it is not conveniently located to me. The customer service is excellent and I never once felt like anyone was trying to sell me the most expensive glasses or services (which is exactly what was happening at another Spex). Everyone was nice and genuinely cared about what I wanted.

I had never been to Spex but it was conveniently located. Decided to take my prescription order to get sunglasses. Maui Jims were my choice, and Spex had a phenomenal selection. In fact, they have a great selection in numerous brands.
Derek assisted me and seemed genuinely interested in making sure that I was satisfied. He is very knowledgeable. I learned a lot! He explained everything there is to know about prescriptions, the features of the frames, and making sure the lenses would be properly aligned with my vision. He took his time with all aspects of the sale.
It’s pricey but you get what you pay for. With eyewear, I feel that, if you want excellent quality, you need to get the best frames and lenses.
Very personable Manager! It is a very nice showroom and a very friendly staff. They greet you and wish you a good day!
I will definitely return to this store!

I absolutely hate shopping for glasses. There, I said it. However, the staff at Spex on Broadway are phenomenal! Vinnie was very patient as I tried to figure out which frames I’d like to have adorn my face for the next few years. He was professional and kind and I’d highly recommend this location to anyone in need of new glasses or contact lenses!

When my girlfriend said she was getting her eyes checked and I needed glasses I thought it was worth a shot to check out the place she mentioned, Spex.
Upon entering, I was greeted by three smiling faces that were so willing to help. I worked with Tad and he talked to me. Not just about glasses, but like a real human. He was funny, kind, and helpful. Retail can make your head spin and just want to rush people out, but Tad took the time to find probably 15 pairs of glasses until we found ones that I liked AND looked great on me (I do look really great, too).
We found out that my eyes don’t adjust well to a certain material that I never discovered at LensCrafters or ForEyes. I saw cool glass styles otherwise unavailable. And I got to meet some really nice people (that are really good at their jobs).
I ended up paying just a little more than I wanted, but honestly it was worth it. They treated me so well and everything they’re working to build is paying off. I know my girlfriend says she had the same experience.
TL;DR — Totally worth the extra $.

I don’t expect a vision store to compete with the internet on the price of glasses nor contacts. I use the vision store to get an accurate prescription so I can then purchase glasses and contacts on the internet.
For the exam: Dr. Salazar is great. She took the time to explain the process and how my vision had changed since the last time I was in. I was in a couple times after the initial contact fitting to try different contact materials and everyone in the office is very professional. I would not have been shocked for a vision store to rush me out of follow-​up visits after the initial exam and payment had been received. I was not charged for my subsequent visits.
Street parking is available.
The one thing that would make this a 5 star is lowering the price of contacts and glasses. I believe they are quite high.

I have been to different Spex locations before in the suburbs and those were fine so I thought I visit my local one that was pretty close to where I live. The overall vibe of the staff was very inattentive — they were more concerned with working on tasks in front of them (looking at their computers or invoices or whatever) instead of helping the customers in the store. Besides myself, there was only one other customer who was in the store that was being assisted for picking up glasses. I would figured that if the staff saw a customer that wanted to try on glasses behind a locked case that would be an indicator that they are at the point where they need assistance or more interaction from the staff.
I was originally hopping I could find a pair of glasses here but the lack of customer service is a big turn off so I’d rather go to D/​Vision optical where I got my last pair of glasses (plus they have a better selection).

This place is an absolute rip off. They are the Kings of hidden charges and piling on as much as they can. Great at sales but not great at service and putting the customer first. I’ve been fooled for long enough so it goes without saying that I will not be returning. Time for a change.

I dropped by Spex today at my grandmother’s insistence — she was visiting from South Carolina and wanted to buy me a pair of Rx sunglasses. She’d been talking about it since she arrived the previous day. («Nice sunglasses are so much better than the ones from the store!»)
I hadn’t bothered to buy any before because they’re expensive and, due to a rare eye condition, I often have trouble finding sunglasses that have the things I need. We went to Spex because it’s pretty close to my apartment, and I didn’t want to go on a huge jaunt down Halsted only to come up empty-​handed (which was what I expected would happen).
(Note: I already had my prescription, so I didn’t have an eye exam here.)
Needless to say, I walked in with a defeatist attitude. I was looking around and didn’t see one single pair of sunglasses that met my medical criteria that I also thought were attractive. Derek, the assistant manager, came over and asked me some questions about what I was looking for. I said that I needed some Rx sunglasses with oversized amber lenses. I’m not really into ultra-​feminine styles or colors and am not a huge fan of «blingy» designs. I wanted something subtle and maybe with a fun twist. But not, like, bright purple or anything.
Very patiently, Derek walked me around the room and pulled options that he thought would work well. When he handed me a pair of teal frames from the Maui Jim collection, I fell in love. They were exactly what I was looking for.
We sat down and he took down my prescription and insurance information — I don’t have vision insurance, but he told me that my BCBS health insurance made me eligible for a 20% discount. Great! He also took off a few charges for things that were out of my control — for example, he waived the extra charge to apply an Rx to oversized lenses. His attention saved me (er…my grandma) more than $ 200 on the final purchase price. I was mostly just stunned that I found something I liked that ticked all of my boxes!
I’m going to need a pair of normal glasses soon. I think I know where to look. Thanks, Derek!

Dr. Ursetta is highly knowledgable, easy to talk to and incredibly patient. I didn’t know you could be this pleased with and optometrist. She uses the latest technology and testing equipment.
The shop itself is clean and has a great selection of glasses. Their staff is very helpful and friendly.
I’ve been putting off going to the eye doctor forever and if I had known I would have such a great experience I would have gone months ago!

I have never had a better experience with eyecare. I’ve been wearing glasses since I was a kid, so I’ve been to lots of private practices and cheapo stores alike. Spex takes the cake.
Dr. Ursetta was so friendly and courteous, and the opticians are amazing. Jessica was my optician, and it was like having a personal shopper, insurance expert, and friendly professional all in one. I can’t recommend her highly enough. All the opticians and employees are amazing. Personal attention and not feeling lost in the benefits process was so nice.
The frame selection is outstanding — lots of colorful and modern styles. Dr. Ursetta truly cares about your eye health and it shows. She takes great care of contact lens wearers, especially with sensitive eyes.
Their hours are fabulous, the optical help is spectacular, and the eyecare is top notch. It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s worth it.