Optical Illusions

I just had to write an update because I got another yet another (maybe my forth or fifth??) pair of glasses from Optical Illusions. As my ‘wonderful’ (sarcasm) vision continues to go downhill, I needed another pair of glasses after just updating my glasses only a year ago. My philosophy r.e. wearing glasses, esp. as a woman, is — if you have to wear them — they might as well look damn good. Thankfully, 20 years ago I bought my first pair of glasses hear after computers started ruining my eyes in graduate school, and although I moved out-​of-​state for 17 years, I kept coming back. Why? Because of the excellent, extensive selection of high quality designer frames that last forever., and are simply gorgeous Also, their employees are very friendly and extremely helpful. It’s just such a pleasurable experience choosing frames here — it is not a chore. I cannot praise this place enough as I wholeheartedly believe in the power of human connection (NOT technology, although I loooovvvvveee Unilocal!!) and the people who work there I’ve know for years (even when I lived out of state). They carry high quality frames like Alain Mikli (very rare, unique, works of art, and hard to find — simply… exquisite) and Lafont. I’d say Optical Illusions downtown is hands down the best optical store in Seattle — and BTW I have shopped at almost all optical shops in Seattle that carry high quality frames — just to check them out — but Optical Illusions cannot be beat, hands down, no contest, period. Love, love, love…

Great selection of frames, amazing service that goes far beyond expectations. My only quibble is the lenses. They arrived from Japan which took 4 weeks and I thought I just was having trouble adjusting to multifocal power — 2 years later I keep the frames and get lenses elsewhere, this time Varilux — a world of difference no longer need to keep computer glasses handy, the Varilux lens means I can see to read, to drive and far distances with total clarity.
They have a great selection of frames and I think I’ll continue to buy frames from them, and get the lenses elsewhere.

My husband and I have been buying glasses from Optical Illusions for at least 20 years. The personal customer service you get from Avis is incomparable! Optical Illusions has a wonderful selection of frames, reasonable prices and a quick turn-​around. Best of all, Avis has excellent design taste and is very patient in helping you find the right pair of glasses to suit your face and your look.

I was in town for a few days and my sunglasses broke. Went by this store and they fixed them on the spot and didn’t charge me-​just a screw out-​but still great customer service!

This place saved my life. I had frames with lenses I could put in from another business. I just called and asked if they could help me out. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you!

I’m in the market for Chanel Ophthalmic frames and I found that Optical Illusions was one of the few frame stores in Washington that carried them. This store only sells frames and lenses (but not an actual optometry clinic, no eye exams here) so I went in understanding that I would either have to bring in a prescription or purchase the frame to take to my optometrist.
Stopping in on a lunch break, I tried on the many Chanel frames they had available and the customer service gentlemen accompanied me (everything is locked up and you literally have to pair up to a rep). Undecided on two different style but out of time, I asked for the model names so that I may review back at home. Then, the customer service fellow said he couldn’t give it to me. Without explanation, he nodded, said he «understands» but just couldn’t.
Now, I’ve worked in a Optometry clinic before and have sold Chanel frames but I’ve never declined to hand over a model name. Was he under the impression I would purchase it elsewhere? There’s literally only 2 – 3 stores total in WA that carry it! Even if it was policy, he could’ve nicely explained the reason why. Instead I thanked him and just left on an awkward note as he watched me leave without so much as a greeting. I wanted to come back after having decided but now I won’t. I would rather purchase at a place interested in helping me decide the right frame for my face than deal with passive-​aggressive niceties for the preservation of their sale.

Walked in with broken Prada and walked out in five minutes with fixed Prada. Now that’s what I call service:)

The other day, I finally found my reading glasses that have been missing for over a year. Unfortunately, I was missing a screw on one of the hinges so I walked around downtown to see if I can find a place to get it fixed. Luckily, I was referred here by another optical store. The sales rep that helped me was very nice and did it free of charge.
I’ll definitely be back not only because of the service, but they also have a nice selection of designer frames.

I will have to say that this store had one of the most extensive selections of frames and sunglasses. Every brand you can think of with a few exceptions.
The sales representative was very patient and listened to what I was looking for. He also took note of any dislikes I mentioned after trying on a pair. However, almost every single pair of glasses he offered was in the $ 300 – 500 range. I had to specifically ask for less expensive options.
If you feel like spending $ 700 on a pair of hand made sunglasses, this is the store for you, they do have tons of beautiful styles.
Overall this is a positive shopping experience, and again, service is top notch. Although I think a lot of the same frames will cost less at a Department store.

I had an entirely pleasant experience during my two visits to this place while I was on business.
Alan Nishiguchi, L.D.O., was extremely patient as I tried on a countless number of pairs of eyeglasses. He really took the time and provided his opinion. I finally settled on the Tom Davies and picked them up more than a month later when I was back in Seattle on business.
I will definitely return to this place for my next pair of glasses. The glasses were a bit pricey, but worth EVERY penny in my opinion. They were also able to work with me despite simply being there on business; if I didn’t return for business to pick them up, they were going to ship them.

If you want to wait for someone to pick out the worst possible frames for you while she unlocks them all from their little prisons, feel free to go here and waste your time and leave with nothing. Locking up the glasses just makes it less likely the customer will find what they are looking for. And if your staff can’t find it, it pretty much means you’re out of luck. I went to Ottica after this and their sales team picked out a handful of glasses that would look great on my face and when I tried to pick up anything I was interested in, John knew it wouldn’t work before I put it on my face and he was always right. So I guess he could’ve locked everything up and I would’ve been fine. Go to Ottica instead.

I bought my first pair of frames from Optical Illusions around 7 years ago. A year ago, someone whom I can not describe on Unilocal due to censorship restrictions stole them out of my car. So I went back to buy a new pair. There are quite a few stores that sell mid to high-​end frames but I really like these folks because they were great at picking out a frame that looks good on me. Their service really sets them apart. And they’re down to earth, honest people. They’ll tell someone if a frame doesn’t look good on them rather than just make a quick sale (if the person is open to it). I like the Alan Mikli collection and they have one of the largest if not the largest in the area. After buying frames and lenses I went back a couple weeks later to look for sunglasses. As I said, they can really pick out a frame to complement a face and they picked out a killer pair of Maui Jims for me. The downside is that neither of these brands are inexpensive. They also carry frames at sale prices but unfortunately, we couldn’t find a pair that really worked for me. So I figure that if I’m going to spend the money on quality eyewear, at least I’m buying it from good people who are customer service oriented and will be around to make any necessary adjustments and repairs in the future.
Pros: Great customer service and help in selecting frames and sunglasses.
Cons: I spent way more money than I initially intended to.