Reviews of Look Optical (Optics Shop)

Jennifer Bunce-Stone

Around four and a half years ago, my son came home from school with a note saying a screening indicated that he has vision issues. My son was _not_ thrilled with the prospect of having to wear glasses. I didn’t have the first idea of where to take him. My best friend pointed me towards Look Optical and I am so glad she did. Dr. Catalano was great with my son during his eye exam; and with Alex’s help, my son found a set of frames he loved. Better yet, they came from the display of frames that only cost $150 complete with lenses! Before we left, Alex had my son put the frames back on, made some measurements, and put a dot on each lens. By the time we left, both of us were feeling a lot better about him having to wear glasses. When they arrived and my son put them on, his face lit up! Everything was crystal clear for the first time and he loved the way he looked. I was so relieved. Four years, three pairs of glasses, and several visits for tune ups and repairs later… During a play date, his glasses fell off and friend stepped on them, bending the frame a bit and snapping the filament holding the lens to the frames. I wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of having to buy a new pair of glasses, but was really concerned about what we were going to do for how ever long it would take to make a new pair. My son’s prescription is quite strong: my son really needs his glasses to see anything clearly. I shot Alex an email that night and put the broken frame and lens in a baggie. The next morning breezed into the store, put the baggie on the counter, and ran out. (I was already going to be late for my class.) When I got out of class, I saw a missed call and had a voicemail from Alex saying that the glasses were ready to be picked up. My son inherited my energy, short attention span, and unfortunate lack of coordination. Consequently, there have been numerous occasions in which his glasses were damaged/required some adjustments so they fit properly again. Every time he broke them or needed an adjustment, I brought them to Alex and he has taken care of them without complaint and or charge. I do not believe that we would have received so much care in repairing his glasses had we bought them at a place in the mall…or any assistance had we bought them online. I suspect they would be eager to help me to buy a replacement pair…or that whomever I reach in customer service would be a licensed dispensing optician. I highly recommend Look Optical to anyone tempted to "save money" by buying glasses elsewhere. *The frames are well built and sturdy…my son is just really good at breaking things.

Joe Mute

Dishonest

Jennifer Brown

Alex Thayer runs a great local business. My teenage son and I both have glasses from Look Optical and we are very pleased. Great selection, great service, and Alex cares about delivering a quality product. I've been wearing glasses since I was about 7, and this was the most positive experience I've ever had with an optician. I'll be going back to get some sunglasses. Also check out the reviews on Yelp, where this business garners some wonderful reviews.

John Kohler

Alex does a great job. He is always helpful and accessible. It is great to have him so handy right in Maynard, MA I highly recommend him

Paul Tucker

the absolute coolest frames around and service that makes you feel like family. I get compliments and questions about my frames regularly and they are 3 years old. just opened the page to make an appointment and could not help but comment! thanks Alex and staff.

Geoffrey Piper

Alex figures out what I most need and want--with a natural, easy-going, professional concern--and then makes it happen. This is the epitome of hometown service with top-flight expertise.

Anthony Akl

Alex made me feel like I wasn't just a customer. He did an excellent job explaining everything to better my vision. The prices are unbeatable. Perfect location!

Kristen Jensen

Alex Thayer and his team are phenominal. I moved from Chicago to Boston about two years ago and spent a lot of time avoiding getting my eye exam even though I knew it was due to be soon enough needed. I had a friend who referred me to this shop. When I walked in I saw how nice the place was, how groovy the music playing was and the collection of guitars that were on the wall. I felt at home immediately. Alex took the time to explain all the options I could have, and even told me that if I liked my frames to keep them. I told him that the last time I got frames I got ones that I would "like for a long time" and had zero pressure to buy something new (which I generally got from anywhere else I went.) Not only that, but Alex helped me order (and was ENTHUSED) theatrical contacts for cosplay that I do. While they were above my wanted price range, Alex told me that I could make payments to make the financial burden so much easier. How amazing is that? When was the last time you went ANYWHERE (Dentist, Doctor) and they said "You know, let me make that $25 bucks a month." ....how about nowhere? And then the level of service Alex provided is phenomenal. To make sure I was comfortable with wearing contacts, Alex stayed late one night to help teach me how to put them in (I have never, ever worn them and stated millions of times in my life that I did not want to be an "eye-poker"). I can not speak highly enough about Look Optical. If I ever leave Mass, I'm going to be hard up to find another place just like this.

Nancy Whiting

Always fast and friendly service. I refuse to go anywhere else for my eye wear needs.

Amy Collins

Fantastic service. Alex is highly competent and more important than that, he is incredibly kind and well-respected in the community.

Tracy Torres

Amazing in this day & age to find an honest optician that will tell you if you don’t even need new glasses or not! He does not want to sell you anything if you don’t need it! Even if you have insurance And go elsewhere,you will have to pay the deductible, etc., so you’ll be out of pocket regardless, and they will be happy to take your money. Alex will tell you what you need straight up, or what you don’t need straight up. Amazing good old fashioned service which is why he is so highly regarded in the area. Thank you Look Optical for being a non corporate boutique shop that provides client centered services & your own custom designed frames too. Way cool...great experience!

Peter Zeigler

Quite possibly the worst customer service experience of my life and a real testament to how backwards insular business attitudes hamstring local businesses. I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon to inquire about getting a pair of frames adjusted. The owner (I presume), was friendly and inviting and took a look at the frames. Upon noting that they were Warby Parker frames (that I had to purchase as I previously lacked insurance) he refused to adjust them and launched into a vicious diatribe against online businesses. I totally understand the threat that cheap online glasses such as Warby's pose to the local optometrist/eye glasses shop, but they do fill a void where many, especially the creative class, lack vision coverage, or as stop gaps when coverage is not yet applied. I am also sure that the shop does great work, work I would gladly pay for now that I am covered by insurance. But alas, I explained this to deaf ears, he refused to even take my money. The anger was thinly veiled as he did not blame Warby, he blamed ME, for purchasing there, when it was all I was able to afford at the time. I am currently insured now though, and my business will be taken elsewhere and I would advise all of you to do the same. Small businesses that punish the customer for simply utilizing the free market at a time of need set up a model that prevents walkable downtowns from thriving, as it drives away the potentially loyal customer such as myself. The stinging insult that "No, you will never shop at a place like this" from the insecure and rude owner will stick with me, as I bring my business to another locally owned eye glass provider. Please, let's prove these assumptions wrong - Only buy at places online like Warby if you must, and then support local businesses that are understanding and do not punish potential customers. Likewise, stay away from places like this that punish the customer.

John Dorman

Alex is professional and quite knowledgeable. He also has created his own line of frames. Amazing. I drive to Maynard for my glasses, that's how good he is!

Bonnie Watson

Excellent service. Beautiful styles. Fantastically reasonable prices. I'm going back for my third pair!

Annika Haylah

Alex was very kind and explained everything i need to know about the glasses i was getting. Thank you!

John Ryder

Outstanding customer service! Frames are name brand as well as in house designs which range from classic to contemporary. Alex does whatever is needed to have happy customers. Highly recommended.

Nick Conte

Since first visiting Look several years ago, I've gone nowhere else for my optical needs. Alex has the care and attention to detail that I look for, as well as a wide variety of frame styles and price points. He's friendly and inviting without being artificial - truly an example of why you should shop local for precision and service.