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Counterstory: I went to my local optician for a check-up. He's fourth or fifth generation: Shop's been there, same address, since the eighteen hundreds (and so
by interfixus 9y ago
Counterstory: I went to my local optician for a check-up. He's fourth or fifth generation: Shop's been there, same address, since the eighteen hundreds (and so far, they haven't seen the need to join a chain, or to start one, for that matter). I got the works. Very thorough test of my ocular abilities. Yes, I needed new reading glasses. But no, he didn't really think he would sell me any. "Listen, you'll be fine with some cheap over-the-counter stuff. I haven't really got any in your particular strength - try the bookstore across the street".
Me: "Well, in that case, I should pay you for the test".
"Nah, don't think about it. Come back when you need real glasses".
And you know, I do believe I shall.
- walterbell 9y agoWish there was a list of local gems like that one, it’s worth fitting them into your travel schedule. Not many left in big cities and they often price themselves for high-end customers, in order to differentiate from retail chain stores. If you want to go old-school, see http://shuron.com http://shuron.com, the last major US frame manufacturer, since 1865. They still make frames in many different sizes for each style, instead of modern one-size-per-style manufacturing. They offer lenses (including glass!).