- Can I bring a prescription from a different doctor?
While we do not offer eye exams, we are conveniently located in the same building as Kadrmas Eye Care New England. If you are looking for an exam you can call them to book an appointment at 508-746-8600. Your prescription is yours to use at any optical shop of your choosing. Outside prescriptions are always welcome.
- What kinds of frame brands to you carry?
At Spectators Eyewear, we specialize in boutique frame lines that offer superior quality and diversity. We not only have the classic styles, but a large assortment of shapes, colors and materials. If you are looking for something just a little different, chances are we have it. The bulk of our frame lines are owned by independent small business and hand crafted. By working with these designers, we are able to supply many frames in extended sizes and some frames are even customizable to your requested size and color! We also take pride in supporting small businesses such as ourselves. Frames start at $50.
- Can I use my own frame instead of buying a new one?
We understand that sometimes your current frame is one that you adore and cannot imagine replacing. As long as you are not using an insurance plan that requires a new frame, we are happy to use your own frame. Please know that frames age just like anything else so we will examine your frame and let you know if we have any concerns about its condition. Although it very rarely happens, we cannot be held responsible if your frame breaks during manufacturing and lab processing. We are very gentle and take all of the precautions we can, but sometimes breakage happens. If we are using your own frame for glasses processed through insurance, we cannot be held responsible if the frame is lost or broken through the insurance provider.
- What are your COVID-19 protocols?
We comply with all CDC recommendations for the pandemic. We require masks in the building and while trying on frames. We monitor the amount of clients shopping eyewear and have a waiting area if we need to limit the amount of clients in order to maintain social distance. Staff is also masked and uses hand sanitizer frequently. We have implemented a UV sanitizer for sterilizing frames in between patients. We also have shields for up close measurements where social distance cannot be maintained. During the weekends, we do offer private appointments for those who are compromised or feel more comfortable. These appointments must be booked in advance and are reserved by the half hour. Saturdays appointments are available from 1pm-3pm and throughout the day on Sunday. Please call to reserve an appointment. We are open for walk-ins during normal business hours.
- Do I have to pay for my glasses in full when I order them?
We require a minimum of a 50% deposit at the time of order if you prefer not to pay in full that day. We understand that glasses are expensive and that sometimes life does not work hand in hand with extra expenses. We are happy to break up the payment in two parts if you prefer. Glasses are a custom made product so we require the deposit to begin the process of production. The remainder of the balance would be due at pickup.
There are many different types of lenses varying by prescription and lifestyle usage. We are happy to go through all of your options and discuss what you are looking for. We have a variety of lens designs and materials. As a point of reference, our starting cost for single vision lenses is $79 and our starting cost for progressive lenses is $189. We also carry bifocals and trifocals starting at $179.
We are approached with this question frequently in this industry. We understand sometimes we do not have the frame style you are looking for or would like to order your glasses elsewhere. There are many options and we respect that. If you have purchased glasses from us before, we will provide you your pupillary distance as part of your medical file with us. We will request you to fill out a disclosure form. Although we are giving you your measurement, we cannot be responsible for how the glasses are made outside of our facility. It is to protect our optician licenses we have worked so hard for. If you have not purchased glasses with us before and would like your PD, we have our PD package you can purchase for $30. This package provides your pupillary distance, adjustments and repairs to the glasses you purchase elsewhere and the prescription verification once you receive them. It also compensates us for our time and equipment costs.
- Will you fix or adjust my glasses I purchased elsewhere?
We are always happy to help if we can. We will repair within reason anything we can. We can provide nose pads, temple tips, screws and some other services. Sometimes repairs are not simple fixes and make take some time. In this case, we may ask you to leave the glasses and we will call you when they are ready. In most instances, repairs are no-charge. However if special parts are needed or it is something that takes extended time, there may be a fee which we would discuss with you beforehand. As always, we cannot be responsible for breakage or damage to frames that are not from our store and have extended age, but we are happy to take a look and help out however we can.
- Do you take insurance or run specials?
We are providers for Davis Vision and EyeMed. Many Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts and Humana plans work with these vision insurances. We are not a VSP provider as a requirement to be a VSP provider is that you are doctor owned. We are happy to supply you with a receipt for out-of-network reimbursement or, if you want, you can purchase a frame with us and bring it to your provider for lenses if they are willing. We will go through your individual insurance plan and explain your options. Each plan is different.
We also accept Flex and HSA cards.
We do not run specials but we do consider ourselves price competitive. We do not mark things up to mark them down, we just give you our best price from the start. If you purchase two complete pairs (frame and lenses) during the same transaction, we are happy to give you 30% off your second pair (equal or lesser value). Our kids packages are included in this discount. We also have a clearance selection of frames in which the frame is free with the purchase of lenses.
All frames purchased from us are warrantied for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. This warranty is for manufacturer defect or pre-mature breakage. We strongly believe in the quality of the products we a carry and because of that, we extend the manufacturers warranty to you at no cost. It varies by the manufacturer. We cannot warranty loss or accidental damage such as glasses put through a wood chipper. We have seen it! Any warrantied frame will be replaced with the same frame or if the frame is no longer made, you may choose a new frame for the same original purchase amount.
All lenses with anti-glare coating are also warrantied at no cost. The warranty ranges from one year to two years depending on the anti-reflective package chosen. This warranty covers any scratching, chipping or aesthetic damage to the lenses. Lenses will be replaced either once or twice within the specified time frame given by the manufacturer. The replaced lenses will be the original prescription purchased. We are happy to go over any questions you may have when you come in.
KIDS WARRANTY: We have fabulous manufacturers for our children's product. Kids frames are warrantied for two years for damage and there is a one-time free replacement for loss!!! Woo hoo!!! Lenses for children are also warrantied for two years for scratching and damage. The lenses will be replaced with the original prescription. They can receive two lens replacements at no charge for damage and once for loss.
- How long does it take to get my glasses?
This a broadly answered question during the times of COVID-19. In the industry we have experienced many shipping delays and supply and demand issues. If the glasses are being purchased directly from the store, glasses can be complete anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. It depends on the features of the lenses and stock. The more elaborate the lens features and Rx are, the longer the job may take to complete, but we will do our best to get you your new specs in a timely manner. We will never dispense anything that has not passed out quality control. We are happy to go over your purchase and give you a realistic time frame when you come in to see us.
If your glasses are through an insurance provider, we are at the providers will. Most times, on average, glasses through insurance companies average 10-14 business days from start to finish. Sometimes we are lucky and it is sooner. Holidays and busy seasons, such as the end of the year, can delay these time frames. Also, we have learned throughout COVID that depending on the state the insurance lab is located in and the staffing restrictions in place, timing can vary by a couple of days. We will do our best to get everything to you in a timely fashion while insuring the best quality product upon completion.
What is your return policy?
Please inquire within regarding exchanges and returns. Depending on if your purchase was made through private pay or insurance, the policy varies. If you are looking to return or exchange a pair of frames that you purchased without prescription, you may return them within ten days as long as they are not damaged and in resale condition.
If you have additional questions or would like clarification on something, please visit, email or call us. We are happy to assist.