Classic Optical

I had a great experience here. Everyone in the office is super friendly, helpful, and doesn’t rush you at all. I wish they had some more fashion lines available, but they went out of their way to order the style and color I liked. I would recommend them to everyone.

Last year I went to a different establishment, which I shall not name here, for a pair of sunglasses and some new lenses for my regular glasses. It was more convenient at the time and the place had been recommended to me. Boy was that a mistake. More than a month and five visits later they still couldn’t get them right. They even told me the glasses on my face were «illegal.» I have light colored eyes and good night vision but really need sunglasses during the day, but they refused to sell me sunglasses that were dark enough to make me happy, out of fear of liability. It was the sort of place where you deal with a different person every time you come in. The sort of place that made me appreciate Classic Optical.
At Classic Optical, when I said I wanted super thin lenses, that’s what I got. When the order took longer than expected, Chuck made the situation right. When I explained that I wanted dark sunglasses with lots of wrap that wouldn’t interfere with my headset, he found a pair in their limited but hand-​picked selection, that worked perfectly, in about 10 minutes. When I came back and said I wanted them darker, that is exactly what I got. If what I had in mind was not realistic, Chuck explained why. He knows optics, eyewear, and the state of the industry. At no time have I felt like I needed to argue or fight with them to get a favorable outcome. Never have I felt like I was being tricked or sold anything more expensive than or inferior to what I need and want. And, surprisingly, their prices were lower than that other place I mentioned.
When you step in, you’re greeted by Chuck or Mary. When you pick up your glasses, you pay Chuck or Mary. If there’s a problem, they make it right. Just good service with no BS.
Oh yes, one more thing. The vast majority of optical places order lenses pre-​cut from a lab. Besides adding delay, it also allows the store to scapegoat «the lab» if the lenses come out wrong. Classic Optical, on the other hand, orders finished lenses in your prescription straight from the manufacturer with all coatings pre-​applied. Chuck cuts the outline to fit your frames in the store. With this approach, you get noticeably better optical fidelity than what you get from labs, and there’s no blame game.

Best eye care I’ve ever had. In 18 years, I’ve been to every single optometrist in Ithaca. The staff at Classic is professional, personal and fast. In addition to the best prescription I’ve ever had, I was treated with warm professionalism. Love these folks.

A bit pricey but service was good and feels realiable.

Extremely attentive and helpful. Good prices and a friendly neighborhood store!

Chuck is great! He really knows his stuff and is patient and excellent at explaining all the choices. I purchased lenses for a pair of frames then went back a couple months later because i wanted to upgrade to anti-​reflective coating (definitely worth it). Chuck had a no-​problem attitude, replaced the lenses and just charged me for the difference.

This is my first experience with Chuck from Classic Optical in Ithaca and he was awesome.
This morning I broke of the tiny little metal arm that holds the rubber piece that rests against your nose. $ 600 frames less than a year old, NOT HAPPY! I’ve worn glasses for 35 years and I’ve broken more than my share of frames but never this particular part. Of course in my mind I already know the response I’m gonna get, «Um yeah, your gonna need new frames, we can’t fix that.»
So I Google eyeglass repair and figure I’ll give it a try. The first item is Angies List whom I’ve never used but what the hell. Number one on her list is Classic Optical in Ithaca. So I give em a call and tell Chuck my woes. To my shock he doesn’t tell me «Um yeah, your gonna need new frames, I can’t fix that.» He not only can get the part, he gives me not one but two recommendations for local jewelers who can do the actual repair with descriptions of their work and the differences between the tools of each!
The topper… wait for it… the part is about $ 10 and he’ll have it in a few days!!! Still some honesty and integrity from a business owner in this world. Chuck just ensured my next trip to an optometrist WONT be to Lenscrafters but Classic Optical in Ithaca. Maybe I’ll shop for some new sunglasses when I go to pick up the part. Still can’t believe I found this place on the very first call, sometimes you just luck out.