Optix On Downer

I came across this lovely optical store when looking at my trusting Unilocal app for reviews/​suggestions! I sadly misplaced my old glasses and needed to replace them. I had only been to my eye doctor in my hometown and haven’t ventured out in Milwaukee yet for my eye needs since moving. I considered ordering online, and looked at a lot of discount websites, but at the end of the day, I would rather pay more money to go in and pick out a perfect frame then just guessing based on pictures online, and possibly being disappointed with the look or the quality just to save some $…
To start, heck yes, I’m a sucker for ambience. This store has a nice location on Downer Ave, which I am familiar with thanks to Hollander and BelAir on Downer as well as the Original Pancake House. Parking is just fine because there’s some free, non-​meter two-​hour parking just around the corner. The inside of the store has a cute, crisp white interior with walls lined of glasses. Very chic! Which of course gets me excited right as I walk in :-)
Optix on Downer offers a complete optical experience, with eye exams, custom made lenses with a decent-​sized frame selection, and contacts. (I did not venture to the back area of the shop for an eye exam because I had recently previously had my prescription established at my hometown eye doctor… Optix called them to obtain my prescription info, which they had faxed over instantly). I discovered Optix does all their work on site, so you can expect to get your glasses in a timely fashion! That was important to me because I’ve had glasses take over a month before at other stores, which was frustrating.
Now for the good part, the FRAMES… As their website advertises, Optix offers «Fashion frames from around the world.» Forewarning, there are some pretty pricey brands here! And at first I was confused why they did not carry your typical chain/​retailer eyewear store designer brands, like Coach, Dior, Oakley, Ray Ban… I could go on and on, get my drift?
Optix carries European collections which is probably why I had not heard of a lot of the labels. But just because I had not heard of them isn’t a negative thing, I very well have just not been exposed to these brands before. They were all of excellent quality and very stylish! They advertise on their website that «The Optix Team travels extensively to hand-​select from the finest collections and designers on the market today.»
No appointment needed, I just walked in to start trying on frames. There were three girls working when I went in. All were super helpful! Even the ones who were not «assigned» to me stopped over as I was trying on glasses and gave me their knowledgable opinions… One even said «no, that’s basic» LOL! It was great! I ended up being happiest with SALT and Oliver Peoples brands, and went with the OP.
The workers were so helpful! They were also very patient and let me try on frames over and over… and OVER haha, I can be indecisive at times… they assisted me in finding the perfect pair and I am so happy with my purchase! It only took a week for my glasses to come in. If you need a second frame, they do offer 20% off too, which is cool. You definitely get what you pay for here!!! Would definitely recommend

Thank you! In town visiting family and lost my glasses. The team at Optix fitted me for a pair and did it all in one day. Everybody was so helpful and courteous. The selection of frames were also great and current. Hope to not lose these!

My exam went well, making an appointment was a breeze, and the staff is very polite.
The frames are very expensive. When the doctor commented on how good my insurance was and that it’d «really put a dent in the price of the frames» I knew that the sales pitch was next. My insurance covers new frames up to $ 200. $ 200 is a dent? So I figure I’ll just find basic frames. Unfortunately the sub-​$ 200 selection didn’t have any frames I liked. They provided me with my prescription and gave me no guff about pulling the ripcord. I headed elsewhere for the frames.
I’ll certainly continue to have my examinations here as I did get great service and liked the optometrist.

With a warm heart I gladly change my stance with optix on downer! I had an interesting misunderstanding that took place during a visit to the establishment (which is my comment further down) but since then I have exchanged messages back and forth with the owner, Brian. We are both aware that there was just a misunderstanding that took place. He was amazingly understanding and truly brought joy to my day! He honestly reinforced my faith in human compassion! THANK YOU!
I visited their establishment to look into buying a pair of reading glasses. It seemed like a nice place at first, friendly, helpful and curtious. I asked to see some «reader» spectacles which they gladly supplied me with a selection of «eye-​bobs» i found a frame i really liked. However, there were no lenses they said they would gladly install any magnification I’d like. They said it would be $ 200 for the glasses with the magnification lenses. So, i decided to think it over. After thinking about the fact that I would be using them quite a bit i should just pony up and buy them. Thats when things got a little strange. The girl that was helping me said one price wile the «manager» said aother. This seemed odd to me and made me skeptical. So, i decided to go out to the car and look the glasses up on line. Thats when I found out the price gap was huge! Normally the glasses cost $ 79 with a magnification of your choice. So, i am not quite sure why the upcharge? The spectacles are supposed to come with magnification lenses in them so to charge me to put lenses back in a pair that had none is a little outrageous. Not to mention the other price i was told was $ 99 wich is still $ 20 over what they should normally be changing. I decided not to do buisness with them. I found the glasses at another store near by with the lenses for $ 79.

Optix on Downer has the best selection of frames in the SE Wisconsin, hands down.
They also have the best lenses I’ve ever had. I’ve purchased three pairs of glasses from them and the prescription is spot on each time. The frame selection is incomparable and the staff is helpful and not pushy, They understand that spending $ 700 isn’t an everyday purchase, so they are patient and either help, or stay out of the way.
I love their products, service and especially Cathy, who is extremely helpful.

This is the only place I shop for glasses. The staff is very helpful and isn’t pushy. I love the trendy styles and good brands such as Oliver Peoples, Lafont, LA Eyeworks and Salt. I’m on my second pair and love them even more than the first. The prices are high but these styles are so trendy that the glasses will last for years.

I love this place! Optix On Downer is an awesome place with a great selection for different kind of frames. It was my first time having to purchase glasses and I honestly don’t think I will go anywhere else. Their customer service is impeccable. One of the ladies helped me for 45 minutes try on different types of glasses till I finally found the right pair. I have a great experience for my first time purchasing glasses. They found my insurance for me, contacted them and found out what I could receive and called me when my glasses were ready.

I was wearing a trial pair of contacts, and lost one. Needed a new one ASAP. Unfortunately, my optometrist is in Madison. I called Optix and they were very helpful! She even offered to call my optometrist to get my prescription and called me back when everything was ready. No wonder they were voted best in Milwaukee… customer service pays off every time.

Huge selection of current label, hard to find frames. New owners are great. Brian McGinley is personable, calm, professional — just the kind of person you want to check your eyes. Staff is also very professional and relaxed and not intimidating. They know their business. Excellent location. Eye exam is almost half the price of one of their competitors I checked with. They have the equipment to cut lenses on site, so you can have your new glasses in a couple days instead of a couple weeks.

I owe Optix an update for sure! So instead of trying to find another place that accepted my insurance, I went back for my annual check up and to get a new pair of glasses. Excellent excellent experience this time around. I love my new glasses! Yes, they were hella expensive, but no regrets.

The staff was friendly and courteous. However, they didnt have any designer frames that were recognizable such as Prada, Gucci… which when i called and asked, they stated they did. Yet, they charge the prices of those designers for the generic frames. In addition to that they charge for contact lens training which is a bit ridiculous

Hurriedly, we walked into the store, knowing we didn’t have much time.
Happily, we walked out with new glasses on the way.
Optix on Downer has both style and selection plus a great staff that is willing to go the extra mile– doesn’t get much better than that.