Gainesville Opticians

Category:	Eye Care Center
Address:	4220 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA
Phone:	+1 352-271-3338
Site:	gnvopticians.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 13

Reviews 7

Michele LeSure

Im giving Gainesville opticians 3 stars because of the wise choice to have Dr. Brad Bangstad as the in-house optician. I like the salepeople, as well, because they have always been super great at customer service. The owner, not so much. Ive thought long and hard about whether to review this business and so I submit this with regret because we are talking about the precarious nature of local commerce in a city of Gainesvilles size. I am the last person to talk smack about independent business owners. Like others here, I went to Gainesville Opticians to support a local business but my last interaction with the owner has caused me to look for alternatives. I went to Dr. Bangstad to assess my eyesight and prescribe lenses. I purchased two pairs from an American company that Gainesville Optitians refused to deal with on my behalf, yet the frames are more economical and more authentic if you want real brow line glasses and not the designer versions. In the past, I had Gainesville Opticians put new lenses in a vintage pair of frames, even after their assertion that they would not be responsible if the frames are damaged, which is a perfectly reasonable thing to state up front. They did a great job and I was thankful I went to a skilled lab who made my first pair of bifocals a pleasure to use during grad school. I bought another two pairs of frames from this company Gainesville Opticians wont deal with, using Dr. Bangstads prescription (one with green lenses and one clear), and needed to have them adjusted. The first place I thought of was Gainesville Opticians to help me with this; the clerks were so helpful in finding frames that look good on me, and the fitting with the vintage frames went smoothly. However, the manager and the owner informed me that it would be 30 dollars per fitting - 60 dollars for maybe 15 minutes of effort by a skilled tech. I protested, stating that I was a good customer. I was then informed, publicly on the sales floor, mind you, that I had only used Gainesville Opticians once for lenses; the rest of my visits were with the optician. I couldnt believe I was being dismissed based on how much of my money Ive given them in the past; the fact that I went there to see the optometrist AT Gainesville Opticians made no difference, apparently, as the owner considers him a separate business. I couldnt help it, and laughed at her and the manager before gathering my new frames and leaving. I said, "this is about money," but the owner denied it. I left and went straight to the Walmart opticians near my house. The head clerk saw me immediately and within minutes had adjusted the frames to fit my face. For nothing. Because THAT is good customer service. And the sales clerk was gracious and polite the entire time, even knowing that I wasnt buying anything. I need computer glasses in addition to the reading frames - Im going to this Walmart when I get them, and will end up paying a lot less because big box store, etc. No, going to Walmart is not my first choice when I need glasses, but compared to the treatment I received at Gainesville Opticians, Ill take my chances with Walmart because free market capitalism. Sorry, local business, you lose because you you were dismissive and rude to me. Democracy!

Rachel Yates

Extensive, thorough, and individualized. Received separate Glasses and Contact Lenses prescriptions and found a pair of Bevel frames that were then tailored to my face for optimum comfort and performance. Short story: I needed an eye exam and new glasses and only a Thursday morning to complete it in. There just happened to be an appointment open that morning to see their resident optometrist, Dr. Bangstad. I walked in and was immediately greeted by a dapper man named Cameron. Refreshments were offered in the waiting area and I proceeded to sip on a green tea while I curled up on one of their spacious arm chairs. I arrived early but in less than 10 minutes I was seen by Dr. Bangstad and proceeded to have one of the most thorough and pleasant eye exams Ive had since starting them (~10 years ago). Cameron, and later a vivacious woman by the name of Kimberly, then accompanied me on my journey to find a new pair of frames that complimented my face and I joyfully found a pair of metallic purple Bevels. Measurements were taken, the frame was snugly adjusted, and I was told I would receive a call in 7-10 days when they were ready. I received a call the following Tuesday. I asked numerous general and technical questions about both the exam and their selection of frames and all were answered thoroughly. I walked out content, relieved, and with a couple of less things to worry about.

Lydia Ragone

In November of 2016, I purchased two pairs of glasses, one of which was a really funky pair of sunglasses. I have received compliments galore from total strangers about how really attractive both pairs are, and I have the management at this optical store - Lauren, Courtney, and Tim - to thank for that. They were patient about my endless questions and concerns, gave me an honest appraisal about each pair, and were always totally courteous. Because I had to go back there several times for adjustments on the fit as well as for a scratch on my sunglasses, I expected a chilly reception, but they handled each visit with the utmost professionalism and made it clear that customer satisfaction was one of the most important aspects of their business. I would recommend this optical store to any of my friends, feeling confident that they would receive the same quality care and professionalism that I received. I will definitely be returning there for all my eye care needs.

BRAD BUCHHOLZ

Dont usually write reviews however I must tell of my experience. I purchased two pairs of glasses. One pair was great, the other pair they had some problems getting right. After I sent the second pair back 3 times for rework, they delivered my glassed to my place of work. I missed the delivery person who dropped them off by about 5 min. After I inspected them, one of the lenses were loose. Disappointed I returned them to the store (1 hour after they were droped off) where the owner accused me of intentionally damaging them. Shocked, I stated all I want is what I purchased, a functional pair if glasses. I would like an apology for how I was treated.

Destini Dimare

Previously Ive had good experiences with this office, however recently I went in for a frame adjustment and was greeted with a very rude and assumed attitude by the clerk. In addition to being treated SO poory, the frames were worse after I left. To experience such a rude and crass conversation for such a small request, and then leave in a worse situation than when I walked in, needless to say, I will not be going back. Maybe the woman was just having a bad day, but they certainly lost a loyal customer.

jeff Womble

Exceptional customer service. Professionalism and knowledge beyond reproach. Totally stands behind their products without question. I came in on Monday having problems with my eye glasses and leaving for Europe Saturday. Kim with no hesitation came up with multiple solutions to get me back in glasses by Wednesday. Never an issue or question on warranty.

Danny Ives

The service I received was top notch. The staff was very caring and understanding. They helped me pick out some glasses and just made the whole process very easy. I was in and out in 20 minutes flat. If you live in the Gainesville area or anywhere near there then I highly recommend getting new glasses from this business. 2 thumbs up!