Old Focals

I absolutely love the frames that I purchased at Old Focals. Strangers stop me on the street to tell me how much they love them on me. Old Focals has a unique and extensive collection of frames for that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Their vintage frames are reasonably priced, great quality, trendy, and their selection is awesome. They even sell the prescription glasses/​lenses that’ll give Costco a run for their money! They also have another store in South Pasadena that I’ll have to check out. If you’re looking for a pair of nice glasses without having to pay a usurious amount, then this is definitely the place to go. I went in with my prescription, the owner helped me pick out which frames are the best, I only had a wait a week, and voila! I have the best glasses ever for a lot less than I’ve had to pay in the past! I highly recommend them.

The guys at Old Focals are PERFECTIONISTS. I’ve purchased and have repaired vintage glasses here, and I always leave thinking «Wow, they really want to do it right.» My latest visit was to get a pair of John Lennon– like glasses restored as a gift for my husband. Without going into too much detail, a lot of work was needed on every piece of the frames. The gentlemen made sure every centimeter of the spectacles were done well (they even buffed the original case gratis)! At one point, the handles were outsourced… but still, not done to Old Focals liking. They compensated without question. I appreciated their craftsmanship and that they cared about this piece as much as I did.

Great customer service, I went in only for a repair wish I had the need for some new frames because this shop is a little gem. Will be coming back when there is a need. Thanks again

The guy was very helpful. He didn’t even charge me to tighten the screws and pop one of my lenses in. There is only one guy that runs the shop, so if he steps out, you will need to wait for him to return.

I realize I’m going against the grain giving this place a bad review, but honestly I’ve never had a shop owner be so inexplicably rude to me.
I walked in and asked the owner — I recognized him from an online video — if he had any Shuron frames I could look at. He kind of sneered and said, «Yeah, but not any YOU’VE heard of.»
What. Honestly, this was his response. We went from zero to pissing contest in two seconds.
Their selection seems pretty cool and I’m sure that guy knows his stuff, but it’s just not worth it for me to deal with such an asshole. Later I visited Blackstone Optometry in Los Feliz and they helped me find exactly what I was looking for, and without making me feel like garbage.

A long overdue thank you to Rick for helping me rig my broken glasses together in a moment of despair and panic. Really lovely of you!
This place has a great selection of vintage frames at reasonable prices – would absolutely recommend!

Went here today to get a pair of sunglasses fitted with polarized lenses. Called around to a few other local stores to get a quote, most were charging $ 75−100+ for the job and had said it would take at least a day for them to finish it. I even had one place that told me I had to wait 2 weeks as they ordered a lens. So, I finally call this place and for about $ 50 they were able to do the job in 15 minutes. David was the guy who helped cut and fit the polarized lenses. He was very helpful, courteous and professional. Couldn’t be more pleased with the result! For a price that’s lower than the other shops nearby and for service that’s faster, I definitely recommend this place. In fact, this is actually my first Unilocal review because I felt compelled to make a review.

I wanted a specific type of frames, and Old Focals was the only place where I could find them.
I went to an optometrist and he put in the lenses, but he didn’t really help me figure out why I was getting bad headaches from the glasses. He lowered my prescription, but he seemed reluctant to truly help me find a real solution.
I called Old Focals and David spent a lot of time on the phone with me and gave me some tips. I was able to fix part of the problem. Then, I went back to the shop and he spent, again, a lot of time helping me adjust the frames. I’m thankful for someone who was willing to problem solve because even my optometrist didn’t invest the time to do that. If it weren’t for David’s help, I literally would not be able to wear the glasses.
If you’re looking for unique frames and personal service, Old Focals is a good choice.
Bring some coins for metered street parking.

Okay, we are living in an age of unique glasses. Some may say it’s the worst time with all the 18 year olds wearing fake ones from H&M but I like it because clunky is in and clunky is a bit sturdier and society wants something more daring on your face. For those who have to wear glasses for truly functional reasons but tend to walk out of 7 of 10 glasses stores because finding the right pair of glasses is almost like dating – it’s hard to find the right one – then take a jaunt over to this great but easy to miss place on Green Street
The store stock here is basically what they call «new old stock» or NOS, taking old frames from other stores, old stock or stock just considered too daring.
Old Focals advertises as a supplier of hip eyeware for TV, Film & Stage and you’ll see why with the impressive collection of vintage frames — specializing in new old stock (NOS). It also also offers its own line of exclusive designs by the founder Russ Campbell
Most frames are between $ 100 and $ 200 with some rare frames in the $ 500-​$ 600 range (those are locked and encased).
This is the place to go to if you saw a pair of frames in a movie that you really liked. More than likely, it was provided by Old Focals (Russ Campbell) and you can walk in and say the name of the movie – and they’ll know which frames you’re talking about.
You might have to be a bit more specific if you’re mentioning Mad Men. They provide a lot to that show.
RETURN POLICY: 30 day return policy with no questions asked. That includes exchanges.
INSURANCE: They don’t take insurance. But purchases there may qualify as «out of network» with your insurance company and you may be eligible for reimbursement with their receipt.
DO THEY SELL THOSE GLASSES THAT JOHNNY DEPP WEARS? They will matter-​of-​factly reply yes and ask you to be specific and name the movie. If you reference The Astronaut, however, you’ll be hung, drawn and quartered in the center of Paseo Mall like the days of old.
PARKING: It’s on Green street and Green street is a parking nightmare. Street parking is rare and parking garages are like those scenes in Tokyo Drift (The Fast and Furious Film That Never Happened). It’s right by Dog Haus and Copa Vida.
AMBIENCE: Well, this isn’t a restaurant or cute café but I liked the small, cluttered feel of this place. It had the type of vintage clutter of a garage sale in Eagle Rock or your hip hoarder friend’s closet. It’s an exciting scattering of all kinds of frame all over the place – with a comfortable vibe that encourages people to try them on. So many lense places have that pretense and the ornate display cases that make you feel guilty for even asking to try on a frame.
I don’t know how it happened but lenses shops became as snobby and delicate as stores selling fine china or jewelry. And then optometrists simply became moody and berated you for damaging your frames even though you’re happily paying them to repair it.
This place will sometimes not even charge you for quick fixes on your frames. It’s real, it’s small, it’s stylish, it’s genuine – and the frames are downright Kool Kat Kool.

Very overrated, small and cluttered shop. Went there on a weekday afternoon and got the ignore treatment by the young guy running the place. There were 2 other people browsing at that moment. I spent 15 minutes checking out frames and walked passed the guy a couple of times in point blank range. He never said «hello» or acknowledged my presence. I eventually gave up and reached for the door. Then he finally said «thanks». Thanks but no thanks.
BTW, the frame selection is nothing special. The frames they carry are either old, beat up vintage frames (hardly NOS) or cheap looking, plastic «house brand» frames from China. Parking in the area sucks too.

I had been looking for an inexpensive place to replace two pairs of Ralph Lauren sunglasses lenses. My regular optometrist was charging me $ 70 while a second optometrist wanted $ 95 and $ 179 for polarized lenses! And pick-​up time would have been 1 – 2 weeks.
I came across Old Focals on Green Street and what a GREAT place! Vast selection of vintage frames. David charged me ONLY $ 25 for each pair and he was done replacing the lenses in 15 minutes! Later that Friday afternoon, I brought my husband in with 2 pairs of Ray-​Ban Baloramas frames. Done in minutes! And Saturday morning, my husband brought David another 5 vintage frames that needed lenses. Thank you David for taking care of us! Awesome customer service!

What a great store. Zero pretense, quick service and great selection. I found what I wanted and was out of there with new frames and lenses in 20 minutes and the price point was fantastic. Love it. It’s just a great little store. As I understand they are headed to South Pasadena and that’s awesome too, b/​c I love mission street.
Good store, great prices. Get something unique.

I always love going into here, at first it can be intimidating, it’s not Lens Crafters haha. They have a wonderful selection of new and used frames from vintage to modern or whatever t is nowadays. I have had nothing but the best of luck with all of their staff. The older, owner?, has on two separate occasions instantaneously as I walked in the door recommended the most amazing glasses!
They have a wonderful selection busting at the seams in a quaint and homey shop. All of the staff is very knolwedgeable and helpful. DOnt’ be intimidated you’re in good hands. They provide glasses for Hollywood costume departments and have their own line of spectacles that are simply amazing!
Always worth a look and SO affordable for AMAZING frames for gals and guys!

Love Love Love this place!!!
A few years ago I bought some vintage glasses at Hotel de Ville in Hollywood and I loved them. However, the frames were bargained down to $ 500, so I was super bummed when they were stolen.
To the rescue of Old Focals in Pasadena. I found this place when looking for parking in Old Town Pasadena. I am sure glad that I stopped in before heading to dinner. WHAT A SELECTION of vintage frames that will keep you in the store for hours. Staff is very friendly and give you honest opinions on frames and your style.
I was torn between two frames and couldnt decide, so… bought both frames!
The cost on both frames was well under the $ 500 from my previous purchase at Hotel de Ville. I will definitely be back when it is time for my next purchase!

My favorite store for cool vintage style frames. Went in recently for a repair job (arm snapped off). No questions asked, the quiet gentleman replaced and polished my frame within 5 minutes. Need I say more.

Great atmosphere, great selection. You won’t find a collection of frames like this anywhere else, especially not at reasonable prices like this. Tons of awesome vintage frames ranging from conservative to geek chic. Whatever you need, you can find here.
If you want to use your insurance for frames AND lenses, go elsewhere. The frames here are well worth the money out-​of-​pocket, and you can use your insurance to get lenses on your own time.
Love this place!

I’ve been getting frames from Old Focals for years. They’re the only place I go when I’m in the mood for something «new». When you walk in, you just know you’re going to find something interesting that will fit your personality, as long as you’re in the market for something vintage (pre-​1980, for the most part). They also have style reissues and make a lot of their own stuff.
The staff is amazing. My personal favorite is David. He suggests frames for you based not only on the look and fit, but also on personality. He’s also a great person to talk to about sci-​fi movies and relevant TV shows (we had some great chats about LOST a few years back).
When you buy frames from Old Focals, not only will you leave with rad frames, but possibly with a fun story. And there’s also a good chance you’ll be itching to return soon.

amazing. these guys are awesome… they’ve got all kinds of cool finds for glasses…
I took a pair there for repair. and even though they didn’t have the part… they found a way to place a new part and fix them.
really great customer service too… they’ll tell you amazing stories of working along with the movie biz if you are willing to chill and chat

I went to my eye doctor’s frame shop looking for a new pair of glasses. Every time I go into their store I ask to see the «reject bin» of glasses — you know, the old frames that are out of style and marked down in price. I have had luck finding funky vintage frames like that before. This time their selection was lame. The guy behind the counter said, «Tell you what… I know what you want and you’re not going to find it here. Trust me, you need to go see Russ at Old Focals in Pasadena.»
Based on his enthusiastic recommendation, I braved the traffic from Beverly Hills to Pasadena and I’m so glad I did. I LOVE this store! I found a great pair of vintage frames for $ 99 — I happily paid a hundred dollars LESS than I was planning on paying for unique frames, and I can’t wait to keep going back and seeing what’s in store for me next time.
My ONLY complaint was that there were just TOO many good choices that it I got frustrated at one point. ;) Oh, and I got a parking ticket while I was being indecisive. So head my warning: bring enough coins to feed the meter!