5 Best Eyewear Stores in Ottawa
People wear glasses for several reasons, but they all points to one ultimate goal: to see better.
So if you’re looking for a new pair of eyewear, you’ve come to the right place. We hope that this list of the best eyewear stores in Ottawa will help you find what you’re looking for.
However, before we move on to that, let’s first take a glance at how much glasses might cost.
How much do eyeglasses cost in Ottawa?
The price of eyeglasses depends primarily on the quality of both the frame and the lenses. Where you get one can also be a factor.
While others can cost as low as $8, others, like those with designer labels, can go as high as $1,000 or more for each pair. But on average, eyeglasses cost around $250.
For those who spend more time outdoors, prescription sunglasses are a better choice. The average price for these can run between $50 and $600.
To give you a better picture, below is a table showing the average costs based on the common types of eyewear lenses. Please take note that the costs of frames were not considered in the price ranges.
1. Optical Excellence
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Prices | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
We like Optical Excellence because it offers a wide array of fashionable eyewear. It has great selections, from prescription glasses to specialty-purpose lenses.
Currently, it houses about 24 unique brands and over 1,000 frames you can choose from. There are popular frames from brands like Adidas and exclusive names like Oliver Goldsmith and Walter Wissing.
If you’re interested in having contact lenses, the shop also has some you can check out. The only issue is that there are no price guides provided.
We like that the company has Bruce Tobin, a highly-educated optician with over 40 years of experience in the optical industry. This provides customers with better confidence when it comes to workmanship and results.
Apart from products, the store also provides related services, which include adjusting your eyeglasses for maximum comfort. There are repair services as well, so you won’t have to look for a nice place to get broken glasses fixed.
We appreciate that Optical Excellence can go the extra mile to order what you are looking for. On top of this, it can even help you craft and create the exact pair of glasses you want.
Also worth mentioning are its consultations and referrals, which can get you access to trusted professionals in the industry.
Pros
- A wide array of selections
- Offers other related services
- Repair services
- Provides consultations and referrals
Cons
- No price guides
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Customer Reviews
Incredible selection and excellent service
“Incredible selection and excellent service. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and fabulous at picking the right frames for your face shape and taste. I recently visited to buy a second set of glasses and to replace a set of broken frames. The service could not have been better. My optician of choice!” — John Helsdon, Google Reviews
Above excellence
“I have used Optical Excellence for over 18 years now. Optical Excellence has a fabulous and unique selection of eyewear frames to choose from. They uses very high quality lenses and takes time to understand my eye wear/lenses need. I have used their services for over 18 years and have always had an above excellent experience. Customer services by Wendy and Bruce and all the staff at Optical Excellence is above excellence. I feel that there needs to be a six star rating for Optical Excellence!! I am so grateful for their service and feel that my eye care is in perfect hands.” — Annelies van Oers, Google Reviews
2. iTrendy Optical
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Prices | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
When in need of eyewear, iTrendy Optical is one of the places to consider. We like this clinic because it has a vast selection of prescription eyewear and sunglasses you can choose from.
The best part is that it houses multiple brands like Baus, Rayban, Puma, and Calvin Klein. So if you’re into some designer labels, these might just be for you.
This company has a team of professional optometrists, licensed opticians, and certified technicians to help you find the best eyewear solution for you. If you’re into contact lenses, it has available options, too.
We appreciate that iTrendy Optical directly bills most insurance companies like Green Shield Canada, RBC Insurance, and Empire Life. This company initiative translates to more convenient, hassle-free transactions for its customers.
The lifetime warranty on adjustments and standard warranty on all its eyewear products are also commendable as these help customers save money.
The only downside we found is that there are no specific product listings available. That also means there are no price guides for potential customers to peruse, which doesn’t allow them to make an informed decision based on their budget.
Despite this, we still think that this store is a good place to visit when looking for eyewear and other related services.
Pros
- A vast selection of eyewear
- Team of professionals
- Direct billing to most insurances companies
- Product warranties
Cons
- No products listings and price guides
- Limited operating days
Customer Reviews
Exceptional from start to finish
“Briant and the entire iTrendy team were exceptional from start to finish. They helped me choose frames, recommended lenses, and their prices were competitive. My overall experience at iTrendy was very positive and I recommend them without hesitation.” — Don Murphy, Google Reviews
Very good experience
“Very good experience at ITrendy Optical. Friendly service at the front desk. During my eye exam Dr. Helen Nihan was knowledgeable, professional and courteous. I would definitely recommend this place for an eye exam. Also browsed through the glasses and they seem to have a good selection with decent prices.” — Scott Hooper, Google Review
3. Spinnewyn Opticians
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Prices | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
For eyewear solutions, Spinnewyn Opticians is one of the best options you could have. This is because it offers countless choices for contacts, lenses, and frames.
With its vast collection of products, it would be easy to find what you’re looking for. What’s also nice about these products is that some of them come from popular brands like Adidas, Guess, and Oakley.
One of the things that caught our attention is its collection of vintage frames. While these could be pricey, they would be great if you want to go retro and have extra cash to spare.
We also commend the store for having its onsite lab. With it, it can provide eye and repair services, along with all the eyewear products you might need — all in one place.
This ultimately adds convenience while helping customers experience faster and more efficient service.
So far, the only issue we found is that customers are not provided with price guides that could help them better anticipate costs.
On a different note, we appreciate that Spinnewyn Opticians offers promotions. Unfortunately, these are only limited to contact lenses.
It is nice that the company accommodates orders placed through voicemail or emails. The best part is that these orders can be sent directly to you.
Pros
- Huge product selections
- Offers countless brands
- Contact lenses are available
- Onsite lab
- Vintage frame collection
- Provides repair services
Cons
- Limited promotions
- No price guides
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Would give more stars if I could
“I’ve been wearing glasses since I was eight and I’ve never been to a better optical place in my life. The service is incredibly warm, without pressure and the follow up is great. I would give more stars if I could for the staff and owner Marc. Fabulous place and highly recommended.” — Jasmine Aziz, Google Reviews
Always a pleasure to deal with
“Fantastic Service! Amazing People! Great Prices! Unique Products! I have been a customer for years and wouldn’t dream of going back to a big box franchise store. Marc Spinnewyn and his staff are always a pleasure to deal with. Very Highly Recommended!” — Mark xx, Google Reviews
4. Albert Opticians
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Prices | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Variety of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Albert Opticians has been in the business for decades. Having professional optometrists and opticians in one place, it has a combination that provides optimal convenience for customers.
We like this store because it offers a wide array of eyewear products that range from handmade glasses to designer sunglasses. These great products are matched with services like contact lens fittings and frame maintenance services.
One of the things that caught our attention is its comprehensive eye examinations. This is because its advanced, comprehensive eye examinations use state-of-the-art technology during assessments and eyesight diagnosis.
Some of these modern equipment tools are digital phoropters, which can detect the slightest changes between your previous and current prescriptions. The keratometer, which measures the curvature of the cornea, is another.
Also worth noting is its Zeiss progressive INDIVIDUAL2/SMART LIFE, which is currently the most advanced lens design available.
With all of its products and services, it was just unfortunate that there were no price guides provided. Further, since the store is closed on weekends, you might need to book earlier to ensure the availability of slots.
In general, however, we think that Albert Opticians is a good place to start when searching for eyewear and related services.
Pros
- Full-service eye dispensary
- A wide array of products
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Repair and maintenance services
- State-of-the-art technology
Cons
- No available price guides
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
I could not be happier
“I was recently into the store for an eye exam and purchase of some glasses (Gold & Wood), and new lenses for an older frame (also Gold & Wood), and I could not be happier! The lenses are incredibly well cut, my vision is improved beyond expectations, and you can count me as a VERY satisfied, REPEAT customer. 4 pairs from Albert, and counting. Albert – thank you, and a big thank you to his Guillaume who was very helpful throughout the purchasing process.” — Doug Welsby, Google Reviews
Offers the very best
“When it comes to eyewear (and care) in Ottawa, Albert Opticians offers the very best! Their staff are knowledgeable, professional and stylish. Guillaume is so wonderful to work with, and for years has helped me chose the perfect pair of frames to suit my face and preferences. Shopping for glasses is a relaxing, fun, and luxurious experience. I highly recommend visiting Albert Opticians. They are also local and family owned!” — Christine P., Google Reviews
5. Eyemaxx Optical Studio
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Prices | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Related Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Eyemaxx Optical Studio operates with a pool of professionals. With registered opticians taking on the job, customers will have more confidence in the services the store provides.
There is also a large selection of frames, lenses, and contact lenses you can choose from. Some of these come from popular brands like Dior, Zeiss, and Acuvue.
Aside from providing quality products from trusted brands, it also offers various related services that extend from eye exams to contact lenses and fittings. One of the most interesting things here is its Diabetic Eye Exam, which is perfect for diabetic people.
The best part is that these exams are annually covered with a valid Ontario Health Card. But since there isn’t much information about this on its website, you might want to inquire about it with the company first.
If you’re into contacts, the store also has a variety of options for you. On top of this, we appreciate that the shop provides teaching sessions or refreshers to help all contact lens users stay aware of everything they need to know about wearing and maintaining them.
You also don’t have to be physically present to get the specs you like as Eyemaxx Optical Studio has home and office delivery services as well.
Pros
- A team of registered professionals
- A large selection of products
- Eye exams and vision tests
- Diabetic eye exams
- Adjustment and repair services
- Delivery services
- Open daily
Cons
- No product listings and price guides
- Inconsistent operating hours
Customer Reviews
A wonderful experience
“I had a wonderful experience at Eyemaxx! From the moment I walked in I felt comfortable and was very well looked after. All the people working there were knowledgeable, helpful, and patient. They really listened to what I was looking for and brought me many frame choices to try. I love my new sunglasses and readers! The eye doctor was professional and provided a thorough examination. I will definitely return to Eyemaxx in the future.” — Joanne Bruce, Google Reviews
Love this place
“I love this place – it has been my chosen eye care provider for a long time. They have the most stylish frames and always seem to stay ahead of the trends. The service is fantastic. The owners and all the staff are so patient and accommodating – and creative! – they’re always keen to help select a pair of glasses for you and suggest the perfect style. Of course it isn’t all about style, their products are also excellent, and I’ve never had a problem with any of my lenses or frames.” — Ainsley Wing, Google Reviews
FAQs about Eyewear in Ottawa
There you have it! We hope that your search for the best eyewear provider leads you to the perfect eyesight you deserve!
Thinking of getting a more permanent fix for your eyesight? This article on the best clinics with Lasik surgery might interest you.