Spectacle Shoppe — Local services in New Brighton

Grateful for and highly recommend the Spectacle Shoppe. I posted the following on my personal FB. Acknowledging that the post highlights David, Kristina, and our son, it must be noted that Carol was just as wonderful helping us find glasses for ourselves.

Hello Jakobe Lover's and Supporter's,

Several months ago Heidi and I observed Jakobe holding any screen very close to his face. Moreover, he seemed to be doing the majority of his fine motor skilled activities close up. Jakobe's eye surgeon referred us to a well respected pediatric optometrist skilled in craniofacial pediatric eye care. It was there and with no surprise that we learned that Jakobe needed glasses. However, considering Jakobe's craniofacial differences, that is, his atypical eyes, no ears, and bridge of nose, we assumed that finding glasses that supported his needs would be difficult. Our assumption was founded. It was very difficult. However, asserting the battle worn tenacity of networker-advocate-special needs parent, we connected with Elly McKee and she suggested we contact David and Kristina at The Spectacle Shoppe, the owner and top saleswoman respectively.

David and Kristina assured us that with David's decades of experience in the optical business and his military experience working with soldiers with no ears, along with Kristina's ability to pair the perfect glasses catered to each client, they would be able to help.

Lover's and Supporter's, please allow me to share with you that the level of service offered by David and Kristina moved beyond an upheld store standard of client-expected quality service; they moved the pendulum from quality service to loving care. That is, with gentle touches, necessary breaks for neb treatments, g-tube feedings, and 4.5 yr old movements around the store to keep the antsies under control, they designed a pair of glasses that ultimately allowed for Jakobe's unique eye placement and craniofacial structure. These specially designed and thus modified glasses required soldering work from the local jeweler. A craft and expense shared between The Spectacle Shoppe and us.

While I stood in the peripheral with suction machine and bolus feedings in hand, I could not help but feel the presence of God in the store and the love of God shared through David and Kristina. I was so deeply moved by the transformation of space, that is, their showroom went from secular to sacred that I rewrote the next days (Oct.18) sermon for my church family at St. Andrew right then and there.

I can assure you that even in the confines of acceptable business protocol, each one of us can and will most assuredly encounter Christ in our neighbor. Although it has been said that some carry a burden of special needs while others must work within the limitations of secularism, each of us carry within us an innate belovedness gifted by the grace of our mutual God.

David and Kristina lived into and shared their belovedness--the love of God within them--with a very special boy who needed glasses. And for that, on this day that the Lord has made, we will be glad, grateful, and rejoice for the loving care and enginuity of David and Kristina from The Spectacle Shoppe.

Blessings our dear Jakobe Lover's and Supporter's. May you too find the sacred and holy in the secularity of life, and Christ in our...

My husband and I were both in the market for new glasses. He had a great experience at the New Brighton Spectacle Shoppe so we decided to come back. Our experience was absolutely magical...not an exaggeration. Everyone we encountered was wonderful, but we were very fortunate to meet and with with the lovely and brilliant Rosie. Rosie was an absolute delightful to work with both personally and professionally. My husband had an idea in his mind what he wanted but was overwhelmed by the number of absolutely beautiful frames. We were initially reluctant to even ask for help but Rosie someone narrowed his search and found a handful of framesmy husband absolutely loved. He is quite picky. She steered us in a direction that made us so happy. My husband loved his glasses and decided on a separate pair. Rosie also assisted me (I was initially just browsing with no intention of purchasing at this time). However, she worked her magic and found me two pair I fell in love with. I purchased one pair and LOVE them. She also helped my husband order me a surprise pair which I am equally obsessed with. Rosie was, by far, the most professional and pleasant person we have ever worked with. She is knowledgeable, super responsive, creative, and has remarkable energy We absolutely love her and you will, too. The Spectacle Shoppe is so lucky to have her and should give her a huge raise. We've purchased some fancy glasses over the years throughout the twin cities and she is simply the best around. ALSO, Dr. Mike is amazing...so smart, explained things thoroughly and provided the most comprehensive eye exam either of us has ever had. Don't see anyone but him. Thanks to the SS for a first class experience. Wayne and...

I was disappointed with my experience here. We just wanted to get our infant son's prescription filled here. To my dismay, three different employees made me explain the reasoning behind wanting transition lens for my son who has albinism. The owner kept insisting that he has worked with many people with this condition who did not use transitions and used a pink hued tint and even went so far as to suggest I should think about color-blind issues! It was offensive to have to explain my son's situation and defend our order, even after explaining that our prescription was made by a top specialist in albinism. In the end, we got what we wanted and the glasses were great, however, they almost got paid TWICE for the service! They charged us a significant amount for the prescription- stating that our insurance would not cover that portion. It wasn't until receiving another bill from them for $20, that I followed up with my insurance and learned they had already paid Spectacle Shoppe and that we never should have paid anything besides the $20! Thankfully, my insurance was able to have a conference call with them to sort it all out. The receptionist, or whoever handled the phone, was very rude and at first insisted that we owed THEM money. It wasn't until talking to their finance person that they realized they were paid twice for one service. We got our money back, but you know what we never received? A simple apology. Because of this, I will not refill my son's prescription there. Too bad for them, because they've lost a potential...