SOMA OPTICAL — Local services in Boston

While I did not receive service, SOMA Optical seems to be a hidden gem in the South End Historic District of Boston—walking in, the first thing that stands out is the welcoming owner, who managed to make each of the three customers feel like we were the only person in the store. The ambience is super cool, with bright colors, soft lighting, and unique art on the walls that give the place a modern vibe while still feeling really comfortable and warm.

Ambience in the Store The seating area feels like someone’s stylish living room, featuring a bright teal couch, cozy pillows, lush plants, and art that glows with blue neon. There’s a lot of natural light thanks to huge windows, and the space has a mix of modern furniture and vintage touches, like the exposed brick and wood floors, which definitely remind you this is an older, historic part of Boston.

Colorful and Unique Inventory The eyewear selection ranges from conservative to fun—there’s a whole wall with unique and colorful frames from well-known designers and some independent brands too. Every pair looks different from the next, so anyone could walk in and find a style that fits their personality. The unique layout makes it easy to browse and see the frames up close.

Owner’s Engagement Even without getting a fitting or making a purchase, it was obvious the owner cares about each individual. Upon entering, he locked eyes with me (while supporting another customer) and said “Hello. How are you? I’m helping someone right now, but let me know if I can help you with anything as soon as I finish.” In fact, he spoke with every person one-on-one, answering questions, offering advice, and making everyone comfortable. It felt personal and friendly, like being in a small-town shop even though you’re right in the city.

Connection to the South End Historic District Walking up to the store, it’s impossible not to notice the classic brick sidewalks that line Union Park Street—they’re a signature of the South End Historic District, adding a sense of history to the whole experience and making the visit feel truly Boston.

If unique eyewear, friendly service, and a cool atmosphere in a historic Boston neighborhood are important, SOMA Optical is definitely worth checking out.

Lastly, Price Point! You can expect a more boutique price point compared to generic chains, but craftsmanship and specialized service stand...

Where to begin… Christos and his lovely wife Alissa have a passion for their craft that isn’t as common in todays markets as you may think. The attention to the small details is unrivaled.

Our written in the stars story begins at the height of the pandemic in 2020. I wasn’t able to travel at the time for obvious and not so obvious reasons. I was in the market for new glasses as I had out grown my pair at the time. During my research, I fell in love with the Matsuda brand and proceeded to dig through their catalog until I found a pair that was right for me. I searched for the vendors that would carry said pair in stock, and among all the shops I came across, one stood out in particular. That was Soma Optical. Aside from their beautiful store front in Boston’s South End catching my eye, there’s something else that invited my business here. That was the dynamic duo of Christos and Alissa. Christos began with educating me on all of the different options and styles available in the optical world. Many of which I had no clue about.

I began explaining my goals for the look I wanted and mentioned a particular pair I saw. Christos proceeded to inform me that he had said pair in stock and would love to have me come and try them on. I then told him about my situation and my limitations with travel. Not only did he assure me of his quality of work, but he worked around the obstacles that I presented with grace. We did a virtual fitting, and next thing you know, I was ordering my very first pair from them. A few pairs later, here I have a life long relationship with one of the most talented and passionate individuals I’ve came across in recent years.

I highly recommend stopping by and checking out the beauty of their store in person and watch them work magic. It’s a tailor shop for all your...

I cannot say enough good things about Soma Optical, Christos, and Alissa. I've been to Soma 3 times with my partner Hana and have purchased a total of 5 different glasses or sunglasses. Every pair is exceptional. They have a wide selection of frames from craft producers which are nothing short of stunning. I'm talking wearable art people. These are quality glasses you simply won't find in most eyeglass stores. In addition to their quality they also have a wide variety of different styles and I can confidently say they have something for everyone. It was fascinating to listen to the stories behind the design and creation of different frames and brands.

In addition to the vast selection of glasses the customer service we've received from Christos and Alissa has always been above and beyond. Christos and Alissa are truly experts in their field and are excellent at connecting you with brands and frames that suite you. They are like encyclopedias of the eyewear industry and it's refreshing to learn more about the brands and people you're supporting. When I lost my favorite pair of glasses in an unfortunate jet ski accident they were able to source replacements for me almost immediately. I cannot express how sad I was to lose them and the joy of them being able to replace it. They will always go the extra mile for their customers.

In the end, Soma Optical is a beautiful space filled with beautiful glasses and two amazing humans who keep it all running smoothly. We tell everyone we know to shop at Soma and will continue to support this amazing small business. If you are in the market for the best glasses in the game,...