Harbor Optical

We were misled. Our 19 year old daughter went in for glasses, was told they take our vision plan, however the owner didn’t mention that Harbor Optical isn’t in network. When I called to ask if we could return, exchange or get some kind of deal on the glasses, he simply said no. Nearly $ 600 for lenses and frames– not even an exam! This is bad business, taking advantage of a potential future customer.

This place is a joke. They lost my sisters info multiple times. Told her they would follow up with calls, and she had to call them back to find out what was happening. They hang up the phone on her… I don’t understand these people’s attitude. Not good customer service. The tone is very demeaning and hurtful. Is it so hard to be nice?

I have been going to Dan and Gail since I was very wee, and now I am 36. So probably about 25 years. I had LASIK about 2 years ago and was actually disappointed because I would not have to go to them anymore. My eye dr., who is hands down one of the best drs. In the state, would always recommend I discuss with Dan and Gail my astigmatism or whatever I had going on because they would know what the best option in contacts or glasses was for me.
This morning I went to the we dr. and he suggested I might want glasses for my very slight nearsightedness for ease of driving at night, etc. My first thought was that this means I will get to go to Harbor Optical again. This probably seems cheesy and over the top. But I did grow up in Gig Harbor when it was still a small town and when you went into stores they knew you. It’s a lot different now, but I guess I still love that small town feel at heart. It’s why, even though I actually live in tacoma now, my dentist is in gig harbor (gone to him for decades too, as I met his daughters in pony club) and i get my glasses in gig harbor.

I have no qualms about giving Harbor Optical a five star review. We have been customers of this business since it was in both locations off Pt. Fosdick Dr NW. We were initially drawn to the store for the convenience and wanting to support our local merchants. We have never been disappointed. Dan and Gail have been taking care of our kids’ vision needs for all their phases. I still remember our son being fitted with glasses for the first time and looking out in awe at the tree outside and seeing the individual leaves. When he was old enough to wear contacts Gail patiently showed him how to handle them and it gave him such confidence and freedom for sports. I remember one time he developed a sensitivity to one of the solutions and they gave me their personal phone number and told me to call them at any time day or night. When he graduated from high school and moved up to Seattle to attend the UW the customer service never ended. They always made sure he received his lenses; mailing them to his residences and providing me with a sample pair in emergencies. Now he has graduated from college, on his own and we still rely on their prompt and personal care. Thank you, Dan and Gail, for all the years of service you have provided and we look forward to many more. We can’t thank you enough for all the sweet, personal care we have received and believe me, we never take it for granted but appreciate it so much!!!

Found the woman who owns the store to be very knowledgable but so condescending that it was offensive. She was just absolutely snotty to us. None of my family and friends will go there because of her.

I was referred by another optometrist who did not stock the kind of frames I needed (Silhouettes). It was close to noon on a Saturday when Harbor Optical closed and I ran over with my prescription, arriving just a few minutes late. The woman (one of the co-​owners, I think) was there and we discussed what I was looking for. She seemed totally nice, but said they had a family emergency and needed to leave right away. I came back a few days later and a man came out from the back (the other co-​owner I think) and I said I wanted to look at some Silhouette frames. As it turned out, they were not a provider for my insurance company, so he said, «You won’t be happy here, you might as well leave.» It’s a wonder how people stay in business when they basically throw customers out of the store.

This husband wife team has been absolutely stellar helping me resolve some vision issues and handing difficult to fill eyeglass prescriptions. First, they were wonderful with filling a very old vintage pair of frames I had. Delicate frames were handled with care and adjustments were made carefully on site. Another pair they warranted for me even though I didn’t purchase them there AND they were past warranty! After hearing I was having issues with contact lenses, they offered to order me complementary specialty lens samples and called me when they were ready. They have bent over backwards to be sure I am happy and can see well. Will definitely be back.