Academy Optical

Terribly overpriced. They charge more for the same frames every other place sells, plus standard Rx lenses cost double. Save yourself money and shop elsewhere.

Hello Unilocal,have you ever bought something of value like say $ 350 eyeglass frames from a super nice boutique store next to Nordstroms? I did, it was Academy Optical in Thousand Oaks. Well I got home, tried the frames on again and decided they were a little flimsy and not exactly right for me… I told my wife I was gonna return them and look for something different, she said my raybans are fine and I have to agree.
I went there at opening and told the gal (whom I know… her, her sister and mom) who’s helped me with persols in the past, I’m a repeat customer… anyway I had buyers remorse and she said there are no returns only store credit. I said oh? There wasn’t any custom work done on them, they still had the silkscreened logo on the factory lens in them. I am sick about it and since the return policy isn’t posted or printed, I have to go through the credit card stop payment BS. Oy vey. I wish there was another way but for now, I have to give 1 star. Sorry.
If you see this AO, get ahold of me so we can resolve or otherwise rescind this post.
Randy (jack)

So disappointed! This place is OK to check out frames, but prices are double the normal asking price online or other stores in the area. Make sure you price check and let them know, they will come down in price if you ask. But beware of their misleading warranty if you do purchase here. After purchasing a pair of glasses, they convinced me to pay for their high quality lenses so I could get a free replacement if they ever got scratched. The lenses got scratched and when I asked to replace, they denied my new prescription. It was not made clear that it had to be the original prescription only, and when I confronted them, they made me feel like I was rude for asking. Bad Ethics, BEWARE!
Follow-​up: the owner called to follow up with me. She was very condescending and rude. Do not purchase here. Take your business elsewhere.

Just returned from from purchasing new lenses at a different establishment. I wish I had never entered Academy Optical. I paid 1500.00 for 2 pair of glasses. When I returned one pair because of scratches on the lenses all I received was acknowledgement, «yes they are». They were still under warranty non scratch lenses! Returned on another occasion and was greeted with such indifference. Total cost will be 1100.00 for this pair! Disappointed to say the least. It wouldn’t have cost her a thing but time. Stay clear of this place.

I had a very pleasant experience at this location. When I couldn’t find the frames I wanted at Nordstrom, I took a look in here. It was between some Chanel frames or Tom Ford frames. I felt the woman helping me was honest with me because she told me the Tom Ford frames looked better on me even though they were cheaper than the Chanel. And that right there made me feel like they weren’t just after my money. They suggested I get the process done to where my glasses won’t have a glare but I declined since I was already spending so much money. I will however have to get it done eventually because the glare is kind of lame. Very happy with the staff. Thanks

Academy Optical provides exceptional customer service with very competitive prices. We just bought our 7^th pair of glasses from Nancy and we have never had any issues or regrets. It’s always a pleasure to buy glasses there.

I went back into the shop a couple of days ago just to look at some of the merchandise I saw in the window and WHAM! As soon as I entered, I got yelled at and scolded like a child for writing my «bad» review. I asked the employee why hadn’t someone tried to contact me to ask about it. No answer.
A «Negative» review is an opportunity for a vendor to improve their customer service. And he should thank me for taking the time to let him know he has a problem.
Btw-​There is no reason for a shop employee to berate a customer. Especially one who recommends the shop. When strangers complimented me on the frames that I’m getting reprimanded for, as a courtesy, I would tell them the name of the frame manufacturer and/​or the name of the shop. I guess I won’t be doing this anymore for this shop. I always do this for my Alain Miklis. They’re high end French hand made frames.

Just wanted to correct the information on the EXCELLENT other Optical Lab I went to. The company name is EyeLab (not EyeMed, as I stated in my earlier review) and they have been around for about 40 years, I think. They are located on Lankershim, in North Hollywood.

Prices may be higher than average, but it is a mall and the selection and customer service are exceptional.

I am sorry but it is sad that the staff has to write fake reviews to make themselves look better.
Though I have to say the second girl that was helping me was trying very hard. She was being polite and I almost bought the pair of glasses. Then i found out that it takes forever to get your glasses done.

People need to go and read their filtered reviews before they make a purchase here!
This is the worst place. I wrote a review a few weeks back after a AWFUL experience and of course these criminals are trying to hide it. But it’s under filtered reviews. BTW, there’s A LOT of bad reviews there.
I wanted to follow up however…
American Express gave me a FULL REFUND after I disputed my sale with these horrible people. I pray these people go out of business. Like I said they are THE WORST!

After a long search I finally found my Persol here. Not a huge selection, but a really nice one. Good price too.

save yourselves time and money… DO NOT USE this company for any eye/​sunglasses repairs, or for that matter, purchase. they are ill-​mannered, non-​responsive, and over priced. there are plenty of alternatives out there so avoid academy optical, in the Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks, CA. Their service cannot be called service on any level. i tried to get a pair of sunglasses repaired and got the run-​around for 8 weeks, at which point i sought my money back (paid in advance for the repair-​$ 87) and the return of my broken sunglasses. they declared they were the ONLY place that would repair Ray-​Bans. When the refund (credit back) never made it to my account after a month, and their claim that there was nothing they could do, i made a claim against them through my own bank. now it’s between the two banks to resolve. i have my money back. oh and by the way, i sent the glasses back to Luxottica in GA and in 2 weeks they were returned and repaired for $ 35. so do yourselves a favor… go elsewhere!

The sales staff became, very snobby, lazy, didn’t listen to my needs and alway forgot to call when my glasses were done. (Good example of bad hiring decisions) I had to follow up all the time. Disappointed is an understatement. They used to be a great place for unique one of a kind frames, great service, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Not any longer.
Things went down hill when they moved next to Nordstrom’s a few years ago. Since then, their service level got worse and worse, prices got higher, and selection became more «common». They must be hurting for business because they began to charge for every little adjustment, service, anything to make a buck. I had just spent $ 1,000+ a few month prior on a pair of Chrome Hearts glasses and wanted to get a second pair of Prada. I saw the pair I like for $ 50.00 cheaper in San Diego. So, wanting to give them some business in these hard times, I asked, being a long time customer if they would price patch and I even showed them the price listing. They flat out refused stating they don’t accommodate requests and the price is what it is. WOW… could they be any ruder to someone that has been with them for a very long time! I was stunned.
That was the last time I will ever buy from them. Sad really, to loose a long time customer over $ 50.00, but I should have seen it coming months prior.
Save time, money, and frustration and go someplace else.

Love Ilona, Nancy, Diane and the rest of the staff. This family owned business does not disappoint when it comes to quality, selection and service. They have the hippest eyeglasses and sunglasses in town from Chanel, Oliver Peoples, Oakley, Chrome Hearts and SO many more. I guarantee you will love the ladies there. Very entertaining! I’ve purchased over 6 pair myself and keep on going back.
PS — They accept FSA dollars, so if you need glasses or sunglasses cash out at year end for sure!