How to Choose The Best Opticians For You in San Francisco

Most likely, if you're seeking out opticians or eyeglass stores, you need to replace your existing glasses, repair your eyeglass frames or fill a brand-new prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. All opticians can do these things, but some offer a wider range of services than others, including brands and styles of eyeglass frames.

Some eyeglass stores have an on-site optometrist who can examine you and write a prescription that you can then have filled by the on-site eyeglass store. If you are getting new glasses, it's important to tell your optician about your lifestyle, where you will be wearing your new glasses and what you will use your new glasses for. This information helps the opticians suggest the best type of lens material and frame style and construction to meet your needs.

If you have an existing prescription you may wish to shop around for the best price, as the cost of eyeglasses varies widely. There are many types of materials used in both the lenses and frames, from low-cost plastic glasses to high-grade glass and titanium glasses. Ideally, the optician will show a great deal of interest and ask relevant questions, perhaps pointing out things you hadn't yet considered. But you'll want to ask some questions too. Use the list of questions below as a guideline to develop your own.

• How long have the opticians been providing eye care in San Francisco?

• Have the eyeglass stores filled your type of eyeglass lens prescription before?

• What materials are available for new eyeglass lenses and eyeglass frames at each eyeglass store?

• Would contact lenses be better for you than new glasses?

• How often should you get an eye exam from a qualified eye doctor?

• Can you bring your eyeglass prescription to the opticians from your own doctor or do you need to work with the on-site opthamologist?

• What are your lens choices when it comes to new glasses?

• What warranty do the San Francisco CA opticians offer on eyeglasses?

• What if you don't like your new glasses?

• What payment methods do the San Francisco eyeglass stores accept?

• Can you use both contact lenses and eyeglasses and do the San Francisco eyeglass store provide both?

• Do the opticians and eyeglass stores hold any industry certifications?

Tips for Choosing Opticians in San Francisco

Take Time Choosing Among Opticians in San Francisco CA.
Since there are differences in the levels of experience and expertise among opticians, it's a good idea to look around and speak to a few before choosing one. You'll want eyeglass stores who are reasonably priced, easy to communicate with and who have the styles and/or brands of eyeglass frames that best suit your lifestyle and preferences. If you shop around a little, you'll have a better chance of finding the best eyeglass stores in San Francisco for your eyewear needs.

Have Your Prescription Ready for the Opticians & Eyeglass Stores of San Francisco CA
Before you go to the opticians, make sure you have your prescription handy, even if you're there to get an eye exam for a possible prescription change, since seeing your old prescription can help in gauging your new prescription and how often you should have it updated or checked again. Also, if you have any considerations you wish to discuss with the opticians, write them down beforehand so you won't forget. Writing these things down also helps you compare answers and responses from several opticians to the same consistent inquiries.

Talk to and Visit Several San Francisco Opticians & Eyeglass Stores
It's not about just finding the lowest priced eyeglass stores, or nearest-to-work location. Comparison shopping among eyeglass stores for pricing helps you get an idea of the median price for your eyeglasses or contact lenses, and it will give you a chance to sound out the personalities and policies and customer service of all the opticians. It will also give you a chance to see the eyeglass stores and get an impression of whether or not you'd be comfortable there.

Get it in Writing from the Opticians
Nothing is official until it is written and signed. So insist that the opticians you choose provide you with a detailed description of the pricing for the exams and the eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Choose Certified Opticians in San Francisco and San Francisco CA.
As with most industries, there is an upper echelon of highly regarded opticians and eyeglass stores in San Francisco that insist on delivering the best customer service possible. Seek out local opticians & eyeglass stores that have earned other industry awards or kudos, and you are much more likely to get great customer service.

Know Your Rights With Opticians & Eyeglass Stores in San Francisco CA
If you have the misfortune of arriving at a legal impasse with your optician, you are protected by certain rights. Start with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site (www.dca.ca.gov).

Opticians in San Francisco Offer Many of the Best Eyeglass Brands

A & A Optical, Abba, Adidas, Airlock Rimless, Alexis, Anne Klein, Avatar, Banana Republic, Bebe, Bette Davis, Bocci, Body Glove, Mary-Kate and Ashley, Miu Miu, Modo, Nascar, Nicole Scott, Nike, Nine West, Polo, Converse, Coach, Christie Brinkley, Pierre Cardin, Prestige, Ralph Lauren, Royce, Safety First, Eagle, Safilo Kids, Eye Logic, Sperry, Stetson, Stylewise, Flexotic, Flexure, Twister, Tuscany, U Rock, Value, Van Heusen, Hilary Duff, La Strada, Lauren Bacall, Zimco, Yves Saitn Laurent, Luxottica, Acuvue, Frequency, Focus, FreshLook, Optix, Baush & Lomb, Choice, AB, DuraSoft, Biomedics, Biofinity, Expressions, Optimedics, Precision, Proclear, UltraFlex SmartChoice, Wild Eyes, Versaflex.

Resources About Opticians & Eyeglass Stores in San Francisco CA

Associations for Opticians & Eyeglasses Stores in San Francisco CA

BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (http://www.dca.ca.gov/)
Consumer Reports on Health (http://www.consumerreports.org/oh/index.htm)
Optician's Association of America (http://www.oaa.org/index.shtml)
Contact Lens Society of America (http://www.clsa.info/)
National Association of Opticianry (https://www.nao.org/)
VisionAWARE (http://www.visionaware.org/)
California Association of Dispensing Opticians (http://www.californiaopticians.org/)

If you need an eye exam or a new pair of glasses, The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the Top Ten Opticians and Glasses Stores in San Francisco within the following zip codes:

94188, 94158, 94101, 94119, 94120, 94125, 94126, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172, 94133, 94134, 94132, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94127, 94130, 94131, 94129, 94103 and 94102

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the Top Ten Local Opticians and Eyeglass Stores in San Francisco within the following cities:

Presidio, San Francisco, Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, The Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks, Western Addition, Outer Sunset and Union Square