Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer eye exams? 
North Optical currently does not have a Doctor on staff, but bring a current prescription from an Optometrist and we're good to go! If you need recommendations for a local eye doctor feel free to reach out. 

Do you take insurance? 
At North Optical, we believe that ‘vision insurance’ has taken the fun out of shopping for new glasses and limits you to only picking what your insurance provides. We provide fully itemized receipts for submitting and reimbursement from your vision insurance provider.

Do you take FSA/HSA? 
Absolutely! All purchases come with itemized receipts for easy submission. 

Do you fix broken eyewear?  
Yes! Most things can be fixed in shop. If it is something more complicated we are able send them out to our specialized repair lab.

What is the normal turnaround time for a pair of glasses?
Currently, 10 to 14 days. We also offer same-day service on non-prescription polarized sun lenses or simple reading powers for any in stock frame (powers are available in quarters from +0.75 to +3.00)… see our sun question below.

Do you ever have a sale? 
Rarely. We do offer multiple pair discounts… join our mailing list to stay up to date!

What forms of payment do you accept? 
Cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay… if you got it, we take it. (Diners Club… who remembers that!)

Do I need to make an appointment?
Not anymore! We are currently open 11 to 6 Tuesday though Saturday!

What is the parking situation?  (Yes… we know, parking on Washington is literally the worst)
There are two 30-minute street parking spots right in front of the shop, and lots of 2-hour parking along Washington Ave. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE BUS STOP. There is also plenty of (and overnight) street parking on the side streets, which we absolutely recommend if there is nothing readily available on the main drag. Please be aware of the posted signs for street cleaning on Tuesdays.

Also, there is paid parking in the lot with entrances either through our friends at The Cheese Shop of Portland or The Shop / Forage / Maine Craft Distilling. This is NOT an overnight lot.

Do you ever close?
We do our best to keep hours as consistent as possible! Sometimes it is just unavoidable for things like illness or snow. If there are any (planned or unplanned) hours changes or closures they will be reflected on Instagram, Google, our ‘visit’ page, or communicated directly. 

Can I bring my own frame in to have the lenses replaced? 
Of course. There is always risk in putting new lenses in a frame that has been worn, so we always check the frame before saying yes. North Optical is not responsible if something were to break during the re-lensing process. 

I have a frame I'd like to turn into non-prescription sunglasses?
Yes! We typically use polarized lenses (we are less than a mile from the ocean after all). They are available in grey, brown, and grey/green (G15). We also offer more custom options like tints, transitions, and mirrors. If you can dream it, we can do it!

Do you sell contact lenses? 
Not yet… working on it. 

Can you adjust a frame that I purchased elsewhere? 
Yes, with the understanding that North Optical is not responsible if something were to break during the adjustment process. 

What's your return/exchange policy? 
Non-prescription sunglasses may be returned or exchanged within 15 days as long as the original lenses are intact and the frame has not been altered, damaged or show signs of wear. There are no refunds on complete pair purchases. Complete pair exchanges are handled on a case to case basis within 30 days of dispense. Due to the custom nature of prescription lenses, all lens sales are final.

I see something on one of your vendor’s websites that I'd like to order. Can you order this for me? 
Usually yes. With some exceptions, most frames can be ordered with no issue. Some of the brands we work with do not have direct distribution in the U.S. which make special orders not possible. We require a small non-refundable deposit per fame which stays on hold for you as a store credit.

Do you work with eyewear for photoshoots/TV/film/video/theater?
Totally! Feel free to contact: hello@northoptical.me

More questions? Hit the email or shoot us a text or call 207-200-2304