This was my first appointment at Village Eyecare - Hyde Park but I look forward to going back! I was able to save money on my frames and lenses (combined) which is super important because I've been wearing glasses since second grade. The staff is knowledgeable, professional and friendly! I highly recommend Village Eyecare - Hyde Park!

Update from Sept 2020: This place is still so great, and continues to impress me with the extent to which they are willing to help sort out insurance. Appointments aren't rushed, staff members are all super friendly, and they are really good at communication about appointments, how long it will take to get contacts delivered, etc. I'm moving soon, and made sure to get my yearly appointment in at the Hyde Park location before leaving the neighborhood. Wouldn't have expected to have a favorite eye doctor's office, but here we are.

Previous review from 2017: I've worn glasses since second grade and have needed a stronger prescription almost annually. This means I've been to quite a few different optometrists in different cities over the years. Village Eyecare really stands out, and has been fantastic to work with. This was my first visit to an optometrist since coming off my parents' insurance and I was debating whether I should go LensCrafters or Costco to get an exam. Someone from my department recommended Village Eyecare, and I was surprised to find out that an exam from them (glasses+contacts fitting for an astigmatism) cost roughly the same out of pocket as both LensCrafters and Costco.
I called in for an appointment and ended up getting seen the same day due to a cancellation, so I'm not sure how long it typically takes to get an appointment for an exam. Admittedly, I know very little about optometry, but their technology for pre-exam tests seems really advanced. This was my first time getting my eye pressure tested with a hand-held machine, and I found it much less jarring than the stationary one most places have. All of the tests were explained to me in detail, and I didn't feel like I was being rushed through an assembly line like I had at other places I have been.
My appointment was with Dr. Koutnik, who is extremely attentive and seems very passionate about her field. She spent over an hour with me trying various contact brands and length-of-use combinations and even stayed past closing to make sure all my questions were answered. She special ordered some trial lenses that she thought may work better with my (very strong) prescription, and I was fitted for them a week later when they arrived. They send out text notifications for upcoming appointments, which I like.
In addition to the amount of effort they put in to making sure my needs were met, this is the first place I have ever been to that actively (and voluntarily!) helped me navigate insurance. Because they serve a lot of UChicago students and employees, they are familiar with the benefits of their specific insurance, and pointed out that one option would save me a lot if I signed up for it in the next enrollment period. In short, I'm glad I took a chance as I have found my eye care center for as long as I live in Chicago.

Always so nice. Let's you know exactly what is needed and no pressure if you are feeling uncomfortable about getting something done. Very fashionable frames at great prices 👌

The customer service is double stand. When I was there to make glasses, they were extremely friendly and customer care was superb. However, when I went there back to collect my glasses it was a different atmosphere/ less welcoming. Definitely, I hope they can improve on this!
Other than that Dr. Ashley Zimmerman was pretty good and knows well with what she was doing. Thanks, and have a blessed returning after Covid19.

This was my first time visiting a Village Eyecare Center and it was the most pleasant and easiest shopping experience I have ever had getting glasses. The staff was nice, helpful and very knowledgeable. I have found my new eyecare center.