Robson Optical

Terrible, stood outside this establishment for an hour because their website, twitter and Facebook say they open at 10am, no apologie at 11am just an «uh sometimes we open at 11am» emailed management and surprise surprise no response! They know nothing about customer service here!

Glasses selection was impressive but the customer service wasn’t. I was guaranteed glasses in 2 hours (exceptional timing if you ask me), I paid for them and when I went to get my eyes tested, the girl claimed their machine was not turning on today and I may get my glasses in 3 business days… it was not a comforting feeling having the person say «sometimes our machine turns on and works, sometimes it doesn’t»…I just paid you 400 dollars for glasses, not a great thing to say.

Robson Optical — I purchased the Social Shopper coupon for this and received great service to find my nice new pair of RayBans! The gentleman helping me walked through the whole store as I put each frame on, he also assisted with calculating the costs and they were super understanding about my budget.
I also received an eye exam from a female Optician there and she was very kind and answered all my quirky questions («Do fluorescent lights make your eyes worse?»).
The glasses I purchased were going to have a super thick lens and I was offered an upgrade to make the lens thinner, I was in school at the time and my budget didn’t really allow this so I declined. When I arrived to pick up my glasses they had upgraded the lens for me — free of charge!
I am so thankful for this great store and my new glasses. Cheers to Robson Optical.

This place doesn’t even deserve a 1-​star, and should remove «optician» from their name. At best this is a shop that sells frames and sunglasses. I wouldn’t trust them with putting in lenses. Here is why:
First they don’t have any trained staff, none what so ever. The sales girl had no knowledge about lens or frames, and kept on acting like a person who gets commission for the sale. Why? Because she sold a rim-​less frame and didn’t even knew it requires extreme delicacy to put high index lens in them, as they are very thin on the edges and even if someone manages to put the lenses, the eyeglasses will likely break even with minor mishandling.
Second, she told me that the glasses will be ready within a few days (3 or 4 days, I don’t recall correctly) and it took them over 2 weeks, because of the above reason as they couldn’t do it themselves and had to contact some lab.
Third, she didn’t even knew how to take pupillary distance, and got it all wrong. And finally when I got the eyeglasses, after more than 2 weeks, they were useless. I had to order new ones within a week from a different place. And now in the end, what I got from them for my CAD 800, are worthless lenses in a fancy Tag Heuer frame.
And if that’s not is enough, I’m convinced they sell counterfeit lenses. As a regular buyer of Essilor Crizal, I know they come with a warrantee card that is also a proof of authenticity. First they refused to provide that to me, but when I insisted they told me they will give it to me. But, what they gave me is a promotional discount coupon like thing, printed on paper card, with a number to enter some sort of draw, and claimed that is the warrantee card. The real warrantee is more like a B.C. Care Card or Driving license print of plastic like material, with product number and international warrantee information.

I’ve purchased three pairs of glasses from Robson Optical in as many years, and it’s been a pleasant experience each time. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, the selection is extensive, and the prices are reasonable for designer frames. Something to keep in mind is that they will perform a free, on the spot eye test if you are making a purchase. I’ve been to several other optical places in the Downtown core, but I always end up purchasing from Robson Optical.
The only criticism I have of Robson Optical comes as a result of their web site. At the risk of offending the designer, I will just say that it’s a good thing I went into the store and formed an opinion before viewing that unmitigated Flash disaster.

I bought my second pair of glasses from this store. They were very helpful in providing styles and feedback also. The staff were pleasant and knowledgeable. They had a sale for 50% off frames so I was able to get a good deal.
I have been to many optical stores in downtown Vancouver and by far Robson Optical takes the cake. Best selection, service, styles and pricing! I highly recommend this store to anybody looking to buy new glasses or sunglasses.
Also they no longer carry the Dolce & Gabbana line because of the Made in China/​Italy issue

If you are looking for new sunglasses, this is where you should come! Biggest selection of sunglasses I’ve seen. The selection is huge with all the major designers represented (Prada, Armani, Gucci, Versace, D&G, Ray Ban, & more). When I need any kind of new eyeware, I don’t look elsewhere because the service is helpful and friendly, the prices are great, and they have the lastest up-​to-​date selection! I’ve been coming here for the past five years and I will continue to do so! If you have a Prescription Vision Claim through your work benefits, they will surely help you out!