My Visit to the Warby Parker Classroom – Dallas, TX

I can’t see anymore.

That’s the conclusion I came to last Sunday, at least.  I’ve noticed in recent months that things seem much sharper than normal when I put my reading glasses on.

I was commenting on to my Model UN co-leader in a lament about getting older and noticing that all the parts suddenly don’t work the way they used to.  He said that he too was having trouble reading the fine-print on things, like the menu board in the Starbucks where we were sitting.  Glasses off, I glanced over – “yeah, me too… I can see where it says “Frappuccinos” but I’m having trouble reading the names under them without squinting”.

He laughed and said “I can read those… I’m talking about the fine print under that”.

Um, fine print?  What?!

Yes, I need glasses.

Warby Parker is primarily a try-at-home company for prescription glasses and sunglasses.  I had read about their company a while back and how they give all new employees a copy of Jack Kerouac’s Dharma Bums on their first day of work.  (This seems to be a company that “gets” travel/life balance!)

I had yet to try their service however where you can pick out up to five pairs of frame to try on at home (for up to five days) at no cost.  Return the frames and order if you like!

I love this concept, especially as I know how hard it is to squeeze in getting glasses when you travel all the time – unless you end up at one of those expensive “while you wait” locations.  But I was also nervous as I have not worn daily glasses all the time and have ZERO idea of what kind might look good on my face shape.

Warby Parker has opened physical locations however in four cities – New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and their newest location, Dallas.

The Warby Parker Classroom, as the Dallas location is named, has a fun schoolhouse vibe.  The Warby Parker Class Trip Bus  (which is a mobile optometry shop that formerly toured the country) is also parked outside and can be opened up when the shop gets crowded.

The shop was buzzing at 5 pm on a Sunday afternoon and several friendly associates were ready to help me try on glasses.  The lovely Makiya offered to help me.  She was never intrusive but volunteered that she could offer a second opinion on anything I was considering.  I was immediately drawn to some of the bolder black frames they carry but they were a bit too hipster for me and I ended up trying on several pairs that were more medium-bodied tortoise or two-tone frames.  My favorites were the Durand, Finch, and Fitz and I decided that the Finch were my favorites for everyday wear.

Makiya told me that those frames would be $95 including case and scratch resistant coating for single vision prescription lenses.  I couldn’t believe the value!

Next I moved over to the sunglasses where I tried on multiple pairs before deciding I loved the Raglan – $150 for single vision polarized prescription lenses with scratch resistant coating and a case.

I still need a prescription so I will be ordering these once I get around to getting an eye exam (not something presently offered in the store).  I also will take pictures after that as the lighting in the store was not ideal for good selfies!

I’m very impressed with the selection and service from Warby Parker so far – the associates informed me that the company has a 100% satisfaction policy so they offer free shipping and free returns, so you can order worry free.  If you order in-store, you can pick up in store so that they can insure proper fit (and they will also measure for lens positioning).

If you want to check out Warby Parker, you can do so in Dallas at 2008 N Henderson Avenue (about a mile east of Central Expressway and north of downtown) – and if you’ve ordered from them before, I’d love to hear your comments!

 

 

(Full Disclosure – I have decided to become a Warby Parker affiliate after my visit, so if you do click on or order via my links, I may receive affiliate compensation.)