Westlake Optical

If you are really picky about your vision, this is the only place in town to go for glasses or contacts. I have been going to Sam for twenty years, because he is the most knowledgeable optician in Austin. Several ophthalmologists have told me the same thing over the years. He is extremely careful to fit your lenses perfectly to your eyes. Most people don’t realize that proper lens fitting is as important as the proper prescription for optimal corrected vision, especially if you use multifocal lenses. Sam’s extra years of training and experience (he’s a PhD!) and the care he takes with every patient make for optical services that the cheap chain stores cannot match. I wouldn’t get lenses anywhere else.

My husband has macular degeneration and was in need of some low-​vision prism glasses. While his eye doctor agreed, they had no idea how to actually purchase a pair, but did direct us to Sam at Westlake Optical. What a wonderful experience! Both Sam and Michelle went out of their way to help us get these glasses, even opening an account with the distributor. It was a great experience.

Don’t think I could have had a better experience getting a fitting for a new prescription. The process was more thorough and detailed than any I had ever had, and the result was glasses that are a perfect fit and give me excellent vision at all ranges. The turnaround time was very speedy as well. Highly recommended.

Sam is expert, and can fine tune your prescription to suit your exact needs (computer use, close work, terrific but expensive progressive lenses, you name it). I have a higher-​than-​most priority on accurate vision and he does deliver. However, sometimes the office experience is not great if you are dealing with others. They kept my 80 year old mother in there for two hours in spite of the fact we had an appointment. In brief, Michelle was offensive, disrespectful, pushy, and simply did not listen. I’ve had subsequent unsatisfactory experiences with her. I’m not in the habit of rushing to write bad reviews, and am sorry to do this because Sam is especially worthy, personable, and skilled. I probably started seeing him 30 years ago and was always pleased with the experience and great results, with contacts and glasses. Great service, attention, and guarantees were standard, Since I can’t give separate ratings for Sam vs staff, the average came to 3 stars, but Sam is better than that. Small aside– should paint that plywood– it’s not stain grade stuff.

Absolutely the best pair of glasses I have had. My prescription is very strong and if my lenses are not perfect– I can’t wear them. Sam took the time to help me find the best frames, pick the best options for a thin lens, and ensure the prescription was perfect. I could not have come away with a better, more perfect pair of glasses. I highly recommend Westlake Optical!

Surprisingly terrible experience. My ophthalmologist, who has to be one of the best in Austin, recommended Westlake Optical and another business for contacts and glasses because they do not sell either. I chose WO because they were more convenient for me. I read the information on their website about credentials, etc. and made an appointment.
I hadn’t sat down for more than five minutes with Sam before he launched into a mini tirade because I asked him which power of lens he would start me with first for nearsightedness. His ultra condescending behavior was bizarre. To be clear, I never challenged him or contradicted him; I simply asked a question.
I am almost fifty, born and raised in Austin, have worn contacts since ninth grade and have seen many physicians over the years (father is also a physician). .. and have never experienced such behavior from a medical professional ever. I had to leave because I did not feel comfortable working with this man.
When I left, I headed straight to the other recommended office near South Austin Medical, where they were friendly, relaxed, informed and professional. Ordered my contacts from them and will be getting glasses as well.
Mr. Johnson is undoubtedly proud of his Ph. D., but evidently needs significant training in people skills.

I would not buy glasses from these people again.
I had a negative experience doing business with them.
They wanted me to make an appointment to have my glasses adjusted which I have never heard of before. And were insistent on it.
They do not back their glasses and were not easy to deal with.