Established in 1983, Carytown Optical in Richmond, Virginia, has been transformed in 2018! Its look and feel combine to welcome you to a unique local eye care boutique for cool and stylish eyewear. Cynthia Allen, a Virginia State Licensed Optician, has been the sole owner of Carytown Optical for over 25 years in historical Carytown. Cynthia guarantees affordable high-quality options for eyewear enthusiasts at the boutique and online. This jewel of an optical shoppe, conveniently located in the heart of distinguished Carytown, is the best place for all your eyewear needs.
From prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses to the latest non-prescription sunglasses, Carytown Optical Shoppe has over 900 frames on display from leading luxury eyewear designers located all over the world; such as: Anne et Valentin (France), Bevel (Japan), Blackfin (Italy), Blake Kuwahara (USA), BluTech Lenses, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses (USA), Dita (Japan), Eyebobs Reading Glasses (USA), Face a Face (Paris), Giorgio Nannini (Italy), iGreen (Italy), Kame ManNen (Japan), Kawasaki (Japan), Kirk & Kirk (France), Lunor (Germany), Maui Jim (Hawaii), Matsuda (Japan), Onirico (Italy), Rudy Project Sports Sunglasses (Italy), Sabine Be (France), SALT. (Japan), Shamir Lenses (USA), Silhouette (Austria), Swiss Flex (Switzerland), Theo (Belgium), Thierry Lasry (France), Tom Ford (USA), Vinylize (Hungary), Varilux Lenses by Essilor, and Vuarnet Sunglasses (France).
We carefully select the eyeglasses that we offer online based on retail sales at our physical shop, to provide you with the most popular choices. The top priority of the Carytown Optical secure online store is to make sure that you get high-quality durable luxury eyewear frames at competitive prices. The eyewear we offer online is only a fraction of what is available to you. If there is a product/model that you need and it is not available online, please call our store directly during normal business hours at (804) 353-7665.
The 15 good reasons you should choose Carytown Optical for all your eyewear needs are:
- Carytown Optical Shoppe has been in business since 1983. Our store is in Richmond’s historic museum district in the heart of Carytown.
- Carytown Optical is independently owned and operated, providing you with a unique, professional, comprehensive, and convenient specialty eyewear shopping experience.
- Carytown Optical is rated 5 stars by Google reviewers!
- A board-certified and experienced optometrist, conveniently located on the 1st Floor, provides clients with the latest optometry technologies and visual diagnoses.
- Carytown Optical is a trusted and authorized dealer representing only the best luxury eyewear lines on the market today. Exclusive Anne et Valentin, Bevel, Face a Face and Matsuda dealer in Richmond, Virginia.
- Each frame we sell is authentic, made of high-quality durable material, and includes the full manufacturer’s warranty.
- Your lenses can be thinner and lighter than you thought possible and still be unbreakable and safe.
- Your needs are based on your lifestyle and wellbeing; and we make recommendations on eyewear in conversation with you.
- We specialize in cutting-edge prescription sports eyewear: Rudy Project Sports Sunglasses and Costa Del Mar Sunglasses dealer!
- Complementary one-year warranty on your frame and lenses for damage during normal use.
- Whenever you visit, we will adjust your glasses, as a complementary courtesy, for the life of your glasses.
- The physical store in Richmond, Virginia handles the administration and distribution for our online store.
- Carytown Optical charges no sales tax outside of the State of Virginia and on all eyewear with prescription lenses (including Virginia).
- We offer friendly and personal attention with a live person standing by that can be contacted during normal business hours (standard eastern time).
- Our focus is on your complete satisfaction, and we strive to build lasting relationships, with service to each individual client.
You will be satisfied – that is our commitment to you!
We are real people wanting you to have a great experience.
President & Owner of Carytown Optical Shoppe
- Optician of Carytown Optical since 1983.
- Associates Degree, Optical and Applied Science, 1983.
- Virginia State license in Opticianry, 1983.
- National license: Contact Lens fitting.
- Member, Contact Lens Society of America, and the National Opticians Association of Virginia.
- Member of the Opticians Association of Virginia.
- Contact & Pediatric Contact Lens specialist.
- Certified in fitting Shamir Autograph Intelligence, Varilux Progressive lenses.
- Richmond Native.
- Awarded “Best Eyewear Store” in Richmond in 2019, 2021 and in 2022 by Richmond Magazine.
I am asked, often, if I like owning my own business. I am asked for advice by some, usually younger, hopeful entrepreneurs and my answer is this: “If you are counting your hours, then don’t open your own business – but if you have a love of people and a true passion for what you are building and presenting, then you will be successful. People want authenticity. They seek it out or they may stumble upon it but when found, recognize its vibe. When you and what you are giving are the source of that authenticity they will keep coming back. Customers will desire what you have to give when you stay true, honest, authentic and fair (always) seemingly against all odds in the business world of mediocrity“
Do I like owning my own business? “Yessss – It is creative and fun. It is ‘You’ my customers. It provides spice to my city and I love it !! I was in my twenties when I began here and I still enjoy each day I am here with all of the ups and downs, with a fire and a rebuild. With a changing world around me I’ve managed to change with it and still stay true to my vision.“
We love you Richmond, Thank you!