Chicago's Gold Coast has always been the city's most considered neighborhood — the place where people choose carefully. Glimpse Vision Gold Coast sits at 1205 N Dearborn Street, half a block from State and a short walk from the Magnificent Mile, and it's where Chicagoans go when they want independent designer eyewear and an eye exam that takes more than 12 minutes.
Where is the best optical shop in the Gold Coast?
Glimpse Vision Gold Coast at 1205 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Our flagship boutique carries 14 independent designer eyewear houses, the full curated collection, plus the integrative eye exam practice run by Dr. Carrie Roitstein and our team of senior optometrists.
What Chicago neighborhoods do you serve from the Gold Coast location?
While we're in the Gold Coast, our Chicago clients come from across the Near North Side and beyond:
- Gold Coast (60610, 60611)
- Old Town (60610, 60614)
- Streeterville (60611)
- River North (60654)
- Lincoln Park (60614)
- Lakeview & Wrigleyville (60657)
- Near North Side & the Magnificent Mile
- Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, West Loop (60622, 60642, 60647, 60607)
- Lakeshore East & The Loop (60601, 60611)
If you're searching for a Gold Coast optician, an optometrist near the Magnificent Mile, designer glasses in Lincoln Park, or an eye exam in Streeterville — this is the practice.
Where can I buy Chanel eyewear in Chicago?
Chanel optical and sunglasses are one of our most-requested collections, and we keep the current season at the Gold Coast store. The CC temple monogram, the quilted acetate, the pearl temple sub-collection — all stocked, all fittable in-store.
Read about Chanel at Glimpse →
Who fits Lindberg in Chicago?
We are a certified Lindberg optician in Chicago. The Lindberg experience — measuring your face, selecting from the modular components (front, temple, bridge, tips all separately customizable), choosing your color combination — happens in our Gold Coast store. Delivery from the Aarhus, Denmark atelier takes 3-4 weeks.
What other designer brands do you carry in the Gold Coast?
- Tom Ford — made in Italy, the frame for someone who already owns the suit
- Dita — California design, Japanese execution, jewelry-grade detail
- Barton Perreira — vintage Hollywood polish, hand-made in Japan
- Anne & Valentin — French color theory in eyewear form
- Thierry Lasry — Parisian futurism, hand-finished acetate
- l.a. Eyeworks — LA's original independent house since 1979
- Oliver Goldsmith — British heritage, since 1926
- Lafont, Theo, Sospiri, Orgreen, FHone — the rest of our curated collection
Is there a good optometrist near the Magnificent Mile?
Yes — our Gold Coast practice is a 6-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile, and our optometrists provide the full range of services: comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye care, dry eye evaluations, specialty contact lens fittings, and advanced lens technology including Stellest myopia control and Neurolens for digital eye strain.
Can I walk in for an eye exam in the Gold Coast?
We strongly prefer appointments — comprehensive exams take 45-60 minutes and we don't want anyone waiting. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available; book online or call (312) 943-2020.
Do you fit contact lenses for downtown Chicago professionals?
Yes — daily disposables are perfect for downtown professionals who travel, hit the gym before work, and don't want a nightly cleaning routine. We fit MyDay, Clariti, Dailies Total 1, Biofinity (monthlies for consistent wearers), Acuvue Oasys, plus specialty lenses for irregular corneas, presbyopia, and severe dry eye.
Do you treat chronic dry eye in the Gold Coast?
Yes — we have one of the most comprehensive dry eye practices in downtown Chicago, including the in-office Low Light Therapy (photobiomodulation) device, a full clinical workup (tear breakup time, meibography, osmolarity), and the dry eye product line you can't find at the drugstore (EyePromise, OPTASE, Heyedrate, We Love Eyes).
Read about Dry Eye Evaluations →
Where exactly is the Gold Coast location?
1205 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Half a block north of Division on Dearborn. Close to the Clark/Division Red Line stop. Valet parking next door. Convenient for Gold Coast, Old Town, Streeterville, River North, and Lincoln Park residents.
Frequently asked questions.
Who carries designer eyeglasses in Chicago's Gold Coast?
Glimpse Vision Gold Coast at 1205 N Dearborn carries 14 independent designer eyewear houses including Lindberg, Chanel, Tom Ford, Dita, Barton Perreira, and more — the most curated independent collection in downtown Chicago.
Where can I get an eye exam near the Magnificent Mile?
Glimpse Vision Gold Coast is a 6-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile and provides comprehensive eye exams, dry eye evaluations, pediatric care, and specialty fittings. Call (312) 943-2020 to book.
Is there a Lindberg dealer in downtown Chicago?
Yes — Glimpse Vision Gold Coast is a certified Lindberg optician. We do the complete custom Lindberg fitting in-store, with 3-4 week delivery from the Aarhus, Denmark atelier.
Do you accept VSP, EyeMed, BCBS in the Gold Coast?
Yes — we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans. Call ahead so we can verify your benefits.
How much is a designer frame at Glimpse Gold Coast?
Independent designer eyewear at our Gold Coast store typically ranges from $350 (entry independent acetate) to $1,500+ (Lindberg titanium and high-end Italian acetate). Lens add-ons are quoted separately.
Do you do same-day eye exams in the Gold Coast?
Often, yes — we hold same-day appointments for established and urgent patients. Call us first thing in the morning for best availability.