Eyes On You - Chic Optique

In a time of economic woes, Chic Optique shows you that you can still get fabulous eyewear at an affordable price. They offer eye exams at $59 with Dr. Rashid and complete eyewear starts at $69.

Owned by partners Karen Carroll and Julie Slater, Chic Optique opened in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors in February of 2003, but the couple has been in the eyewear business for many years. "Between the whole staff our experience equals at least 100 years," Julie said.

You'll always see the same faces when you come into the shop. The staff consists of Karen, Julie, Eddie and Dr. Rashid. "We're a hometown optical," Julie said. "We're not just counting hours, this is what we love to do."

Julie said that the staff all has the same philosophy, which is to help people. They have a lab on the premises, offer free repairs and adjustments and have a large selection of eyewear, which includes non-prescription glasses as well.

Dr. Rashid does the eye exams and is very thorough, Julie explained. He is at Chic Optique every day but Tuesday. Most insurances are accepted at the shop.

They offer a great selection of name brands including Armani, Oakley,

Ray-Ban, Polo, Maui Jim and Bole'. "We have eyewear for everybody," Karen said.

The staff is up on the trends. They have all kinds of frames. "We have from one extreme to another," said Julie. "We have the very bold, chunky look to light titanium." "Round retro frames are really in right now," she added.

In addition to the frame trends, the staff is very knowledgeable about lenses to help the health of the eye. Transition lenses are very popular and have been improved through the years, Karen explained. Polarized lenses are also very popular and very important. "Florida has an intense sun, which is damaging to the eye" Julie said. "Polarized glasses cut glare and can be added to prescription and non-prescription glasses."

Eyeglass accessories are also available, like customized and magnetized clips.

The staff wants you to find the glasses of your dreams. "We take the time to fit your face and really style you," Julie said. "We have 1,500 to 2,000 frames in our office. We want you to come in and try them on - two, three, four times until you are sure."

Chic Optique believes in giving back to the community. They donate money and gift certificates to fundraisers and offer special prices on eyewear for Care Resource and Broward House. They are also big supporters of the annual Smart Ride.

"The community helps us," said Julie. "We give back. It's important for us to do that."

Glasses from Chic Optique take from 24 hours to 3 to 5 working days. "Turn around is quick," said Karen. "We do our own lenses."

The staff stands behind their products and offer a warranty for a year. "We want you to be 100-percent happy when you leave," Julie said.