A couple years ago, I researched the retail market for glasses throughout the Willamette Valley, and though I live in Eugene, I decided it’d be worth it to commute to the Salem office of Glance for professional assistance with the choice and maintenance of frames and lenses. That has proven to be an excellent decision.
They carry high-end frames you won’t typically find in most retail stores. More importantly, unlike most sales associates in retail stores, they understand all aspects of the business: the fashion side, the science of vision, the technical aspects of frames and lenses construction, etc.
I have always been immensely pleased with the service they have provided. Lisa’s guidance has fundamentally altered my aesthetic preferences in frames and lenses for the better. She’s also knowledgeable enough to explain what my prescription means and how it should inform my choices of eyewear and supporting practices of eyecare (while driving, working on computer screens, etc). The consequence is that I wound up with glasses that I actually love and that work well for me, and for that I’m immensely appreciative.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Teresa’s help with the maintenance of my glasses. Since I live in Eugene and I wasn’t able to make a trip up to Salem across a time period of several months, it took a lot of effort and communication to coordinate repairs to my current frames. Teresa was always timely and precise in answering my questions by text and phone and in obtaining the repair materials I needed. That level of service isn’t common with small businesses these days, but it sure makes a big difference in terms of time and money saved.
Bottom line: Don’t buy your glasses at a shopping mall from someone who’s barely invested in your needs. Your eyes deserve better than that. If you want professional advice on the aesthetics and technical details of your glasses plus the reassurance that comes with knowing they’ll have your back if you need support later, then Glance is the place to go.