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Home » Recent posts » The 5 Best Eyewear Shops in Ottawa to Elevate Your Look and Vision!

The 5 Best Eyewear Shops in Ottawa to Elevate Your Look and Vision!

best-eyewear-shops-ottawa
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Frame Selection: We checked if the store offers a diverse range of styles. A good shop should carry budget-friendly options and premium designer frames.

Prescription Services: We looked at how they handle complex lens requirements. Shops that can easily accommodate strong prescriptions and specialised progressive lenses score much higher on our list.

Customer Experience: We evaluated the level of personalised styling available during a visit. The staff should actively help you find frames matching your facial structure and personal taste.

Pricing and Value: We examined the clarity of their pricing structures. Transparent costs and included warranties give buyers confidence in their purchase.

Turnaround Time: We considered how fast you can get your finished glasses. On-site laboratories usually mean much shorter wait times for excited customers.

When you’re on the hunt for new eyeglasses, from stylish frames to prescription ones after a visit to the optometrist, you need to go to a store that carries durable products. And for people who really need to see, it shouldn’t be hard to find a reliable shop.

Good glasses can instantly upgrade your entire look, and whatever your vision needs are, you need the right optical store. 

To help you get started, we’re sharing the best eyewear shops in Ottawa, which our team handpicked based on their frame selection, customer support, and prescription services.

It’s time to choose your next favourite pair of glasses!

How much does eyewear cost in Ottawa?

The average cost for a pair of eyeglasses in an eyewear shop in Ottawa ranges from $150 to $600, depending on the brand and lens upgrades.

Retailer CategoryExpected Price Range (Frame + Basic Lenses)
Budget / Online Options$20 – $250
Traditional Boutiques / Eye Clinics$300 – $800+

How We Reviewed

Frame Selection: We checked if the store offers a diverse range of styles. A good shop should carry budget-friendly options and premium designer frames.
Prescription Services: We looked at how they handle complex lens requirements. Shops that can easily accommodate strong prescriptions and specialised progressive lenses score much higher on our list.
Customer Experience: We evaluated the level of personalised styling available during a visit. The staff should actively help you find frames matching your facial structure and personal taste.
Pricing and Value: We examined the clarity of their pricing structures. Transparent costs and included warranties give buyers confidence in their purchase.

1. Eyemaxx Optical Studio

eyemaxx-optical-studio

Website:https://www.eyemaxx.ca/

Address: 237 Elgin St

Contact: 613-216-6076 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Wednesday-Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Eyemaxx Optical Studio is a place that makes eyeglass shopping easy. This independent boutique carefully handpicks every piece of eyewear in their collection, including top brands like Ray-Ban and Tom Ford.

As a full-service shop, they manage the whole thing. They offer eye exams that are available seven days a week and lens replacement for old frames.

They also offer one-on-one styling sessions to suit your specific look. When we stopped by their downtown store to check out their selection, the staff really took the time to understand our colleague’s vision needs.

Just keep in mind that they close at 5:00 PM on weekends. This early closing time can make scheduling Saturday appointments slightly tricky for busy families.

Pros

  • Carefully handpicks their eyewear collection
  • Offers lens replacement for old frames
  • Seven-day eye exam scheduling
  • One-on-one styling sessions

Cons

  • Early weekend closing times


Customer Reviews

Stylish frames for every taste

The team at EyeMaxx is so dedicated to provide the best customer experience. They have stylish frame for all tastes ! Whether you want regular glasses, sunglasses or any other type of eyewear, they got you covered.

Compliment-worthy cheetah-print glasses

A Huge shout out thanks to Zack and The Team at Eyemaxx Optical Studio on Elgin Street. You took care of me with awesome 5 Star service. Got many compliments on my new glasses, and didn’t get any headaches, amazing! Thanks for taking such fantastic care of me. Getting many compliments on my cheetah print new glasses! Highly recommend this business! You guys Rock! I will be back for all my future eyewear needs. Kindest Regards, Domenica 🙂

2. LensCrafters

lenscrafters

Website:https://www.lenscrafters.com/

Address: 1200 St Laurent Blvd #103

Contact: 613-747-6188

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

We like LensCrafters for offering a fantastic omnichannel experience where you can buy glasses online and have them shipped straight to your house or a local store. You’ll even get complimentary in-store fittings when picking up your order.

They stock popular designer names, like Prada and Michael Kors, alongside modern AI glasses. This variety appeals to fashion-conscious professionals needing a sharp look.

As for their billing system, we appreciate that you can claim eligible vision benefits right at checkout, so there’s no need to visit the physical store.

However, getting complex prescriptions filled takes much longer here. There’s a chance you might wait up to two weeks for special lenses to arrive.

You’ll also have to pay an extra $34.99 (single vision) or $44.99 (progressive) for a protection plan to cover accidental damage or scratches.

Pros

  • Flexible online ordering system
  • Carries premium designer labels
  • Complimentary in-store fittings
  • Eligible vision benefits available at checkout

Cons

  • Slow processing for complex orders
  • Protection plans cost extra

Customer Reviews

Free and friendly sunglasses repair

I had an amazing experience at LensCrafters! I came in with a pair of sunglasses that I didn’t even buy from them, but Lamia kindly helped me repair the missing screw, and she did it for free! The service was super friendly and quick. It’s rare to find such genuine, helpful customer service these days. I’ll definitely be returning for my future eyewear needs. Highly recommend!

Fast help finding the right glasses

This is the difference quality of service makes. I feel that the opticians working at Lenscrafters are some of the best in their field. Issam and his colleagues at St Laurent shopping centre were so professional and helpful; I was able to find the right glasses for me in considerably less time than I had anticipated. I’m very pleased with my choice and will likely return to Lenscrafters for my future eyewear needs.

3. Bella Vista Optical Store

bella-vista-optical-store

Website:http://www.bellavistaopticalstore.com/

Address: 1224 Wellington Street West, Unit 1B

Contact: 613-422-3900 | [email protected] 

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

One of our team’s go-tos is Bella Vista Optical Store. They blend optical precision with artistic flair, thanks to the creative vision of their founder. 

We appreciate how they carefully source distinctive, handmade frames from independent international designers. Shopping here feels like curating a personal art collection, honestly. 

Their customer service is impeccable, as the founder will personally style the customer based on their unique facial architecture and personality.

The downside is that this highly curated aesthetic isn’t for everyone. Shoppers looking for basic or traditional designs will struggle to find suitable options.

Moreover, their two-year warranty strictly covers manufacturing defects, leaving you unprotected against accidental damage.

Pros

  • Stocks distinctive artistic frames
  • Handmade international eyewear collection
  • Personalised one-on-one frame styling
  • Personal guidance from the founder

Cons

  • Lacks traditional mass-market styles
  • Warranty excludes accidental damage

Customer Reviews

Statement frames matched to face and personality

I was looking for glasses that can make a statement and this store delivered! Owner Max helped me find a perfect fit for my face and personality. In the process he also taught me about all the cool brands and how he started the business. I am excited to wear my new pair – definitely recommending this store for spectacular eyewear and great service!

Unique eyewear with standout service

I just don’t understand why anyone would go anywhere else!!!! I’ve never seen such a beautiful and inspiring collection of eyewear! This is the place to go if you’re looking for something unique to really represent who you are. Listen, their customer service alone blows everyone out of the water!!!!

4. Optical Excellence

optical-excellence

Website:http://www.opticalexcellence.ca/

Address: 779 Bank St

Contact: 613-232-8586 | [email protected] 

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Optical Excellence lets you personalise the actual colour of your frames through select specialty brands, which adds an extra layer of flexibility.

They’re all about efficiency too, as they cut prescription lenses right on the premises. This way, you might even get same-day service!

The lead optician, Bruce Tobin, even specialises in shaping custom progressive lenses for maximum comfort.

Our experience has been incredible here. When we recently brought in an old, damaged pair bought somewhere else, the staff fixed them right up without needing an appointment.

It’s just unfortunate that their operating hours are quite restrictive. Their shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays, limiting their availability for some professionals.

Pros

  • Colour-customisable frame options
  • Repairs glasses bought elsewhere
  • Cuts lenses on the premises
  • Professional progressive lens fitting

Cons

  • Closed Sundays and Mondays

Customer Reviews

Trendy and eclectic frames with personal service

I’ve gotten my glasses here for the last 6 years. They have an amazing selection of frames, some trendy and some really eclectic, extra neat styles. The service is great and it’s a small, fun, personal staff.  It’s fun to get to them involved and they’re happy to help make decisions if you need a hand. The quality of their frames and lenses is excellent. I’ll be back again!

Highly unique frames and knowledgeable care

On the recommendation of a friend, I went to Optical Excellence in the Glebe to peruse their selection. I was impressed not only by the impressive range of frames available, but by the very knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough service that I received! Both Bruce and Vicky provided excellent care/service; not only would I return for future purchases, but would recommend without hesitation this shop for anyone interested in highly unique frames, and the top-shelf service provided. Support local! 🙂

5. Ollie Quinn

ollie-quinn

Website:http://www.olliequinn.ca/

Address: 354B Richmond Rd

Contact: 613-722-4560

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Ollie Quinn is all about high-quality eyeglasses. They design their own frames in-house using premium components, like Japanese titanium and German-engineered hinges. 

Apart from fashion choices, their standard prescription lenses also stand out. See, these already include anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings at no extra cost.

Plus, all lenses even get cut and fitted by technicians at their Toronto laboratory. You can even walk into their boutique for free lifetime frame adjustments. 

One major drawback applies to people with complex vision needs. Stronger prescriptions require an in-store fit assessment before you can purchase.

You also can’t order new progressive lenses through their online store, which forces you to visit the physical shop.

Pros

  • Premium in-house frame designs
  • Anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings included for prescription lenses
  • Lenses cut at their Toronto laboratory
  • Free lifetime frame adjustments

Cons

  • Complex prescriptions require in-store visits
  • No online ordering of new progressive lenses

Customer Reviews

Stylish, affordable glasses and thorough eye exams

Absolutely one of the best shopping experiences ever! Ciara and her staff are really fun to work with and very professional. We’ve ended up with good quality inexpensive (!!) glasses that fit well and look great. Dr. Catherine Michon gave us thorough eye exams and the prescriptions were perfect. I’d give this place 10 stars if I could. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Helpful prescription-lens fitting and stylish frames

found a great pair of glasses in person and was immediately impressed with the quality and style of the frames. The staff ( Dhyani ) were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process of getting prescription lenses fitted, making sure everything was accurate and suited to my needs. I’m very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for stylish, high-quality prescription glasses.