7 Unbeatable Reasons CustomEyes Southport Is Chicago's Premier Eyewear Destination
Step into the world of elevated vision care at CustomEyes Southport, a true gem in Chicago’s vibrant Lakeview neighborhood. As of late 2025, this boutique optometry practice continues its two-decade legacy of combining expert, comprehensive eye care with an unparalleled selection of premium, handcrafted eyewear. Located right in the heart of the bustling Southport Corridor, CustomEyes has become the go-to destination for discerning Chicagoans who refuse to compromise on either their vision health or their personal style.
Founded by two visionary doctors, CustomEyes Southport is more than just an eye doctor’s office; it’s a destination where clinical excellence meets high-end fashion. The practice is celebrated for its personalized service, a stark contrast to the impersonal experience of big-box optical chains, ensuring every patient receives tailored care and finds a frame that truly reflects their unique personality.
The Visionaries: CustomEyes Southport Founding Doctors
The foundation of CustomEyes Southport's success lies with its principal founders, Dr. Casey Crumbliss and Dr. Michael Sculley, who brought their joint vision to life in the early 2000s. Their commitment was simple: to help the Chicago community see better while providing an environment where patients feel comfortable expressing themselves through their eyewear.
- Dr. Casey Crumbliss, O.D.: Dr. Crumbliss, a co-founder, earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry (I.C.O.) in 2003. She is a core part of the practice's patient-first philosophy and has been instrumental in curating the store's unique and fashionable frame collections.
- Dr. Michael Sculley, O.D.: Dr. Sculley, also an I.C.O. graduate from 2003, co-founded the practice. His expertise lies in comprehensive eye exams and contact lens services, ensuring the clinical side of the practice maintains the highest standards of care. Together with Dr. Crumbliss, he has fostered the boutique's reputation for exceptional, personalized service.
- The Team and History: The doctors moved to the Southport neighborhood around 2000 and opened their practice in the corridor, quickly becoming a trusted local business. They are often supported by other experienced optometrists, such as Dr. Kevin Pfeiffer, O.D., ensuring the practice is always staffed with top-tier professionals. The entire team at the 3539 N. Southport Ave location is dedicated to combining medical expertise with a premium retail experience.
1. Beyond the Basic Exam: Comprehensive & Advanced Eye Care
Unlike quick, in-and-out appointments, a visit to CustomEyes Southport is a thorough health check for your eyes. The practice emphasizes comprehensive eye exams that go beyond simply checking your prescription. The experienced optometrists focus on detecting and managing complex eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
This commitment to in-depth care is a cornerstone of their service. They utilize modern diagnostic techniques to ensure the most accurate prescriptions and early detection of potential health issues. For patients needing contact lenses, CustomEyes offers expert fittings for all major brands, including specialized fittings for astigmatism and multifocal lenses, ensuring optimal comfort and vision clarity.
2. Chicago's Curated Collection of Handcrafted Eyewear Brands
The most distinctive feature of CustomEyes Southport is its stunning, carefully curated selection of high-end and designer eyewear. This is where the "boutique experience" truly comes to life. The practice is known for carrying brands that are difficult to find at typical optical stores, focusing on quality, craftsmanship, and unique design. Their selection includes a wide range of glasses and sunglasses from around the world.
Patients are treated to a personalized styling consultation, where the staff helps match frames to face shape, skin tone, and, most importantly, personal style. This focus on fashion-forward, yet timeless, pieces is what sets CustomEyes apart as a premier eyewear destination in Chicago.
3. A Showcase of Premium Designer and Independent Labels
To establish true topical authority, it's essential to recognize the caliber of the optical brands CustomEyes Southport features. Their inventory is a fashion enthusiast's dream, filled with independent and luxury labels that prioritize artisanal craftsmanship over mass production. This extensive collection ensures that your eyewear is not just a medical necessity, but a powerful fashion statement.
Some of the notable and often exclusive eyewear brands you can find at the Southport location include:
- High-End Independent Brands: AHLEM, Anne & Valentin, Kuboraum, Theo, Thierry Lasry, and Veronika Wildgruber. These brands are revered for their unique designs and use of premium materials.
- Luxury and Contemporary Labels: Salt Optics, known for its clean lines and timeless aesthetic, is a featured brand.
- Global Powerhouses: They also carry popular, high-quality brands like Versace, Guess, RayBan, and Oakley, ensuring a wide range of styles and price points are available.
4. The Heart of the Southport Corridor: A Community Fixture
Having been a fixture in the Lakeview neighborhood's Southport Corridor for over 20 years, CustomEyes has deeply integrated itself into the local community. The location at 3539 N. Southport Ave places it in one of Chicago's most walkable and desirable areas, surrounded by boutique shops, popular restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The practice’s longevity is a testament to its consistent quality of care and strong patient relationships. Many patients have been coming to CustomEyes for years, highlighting the friendly staff and the doctors' personal touch. This community focus fosters a welcoming environment where patients feel like valued friends, not just another number.
5. Personalized Service: The CustomEyes Difference
The name "CustomEyes" is a nod to the highly personalized experience they offer. The staff’s mission is to provide an environment where patients can truly express themselves. This means taking the time to understand each patient's lifestyle, occupational needs, and fashion preferences before recommending a specific frame or lens solution.
From the moment you book your appointment to the final fitting of your new glasses, the focus is on a seamless and enjoyable process. This commitment to exceptional customer service is frequently highlighted in patient reviews, distinguishing CustomEyes from larger, more commercial optical retailers.
6. Focus on Premium Lens Materials
A beautiful frame is only as good as the lens it holds. CustomEyes Southport pairs its high-end frames with premium lens materials and coatings. This includes advanced options like anti-reflective treatments, blue light filters, and high-index lenses for thinner, lighter prescriptions. They understand that superior vision requires superior optics, and they invest in the best lens technology available to complement their designer frames.
7. Convenience and Accessibility in Lakeview
As part of a larger network of CustomEyes locations across Chicago, including Evanston, River North, and Roscoe Village, the Southport practice offers a trusted, consistent brand experience. The ability to book appointments online and the convenient location make accessing top-tier optometric care hassle-free for residents across Lakeview and the surrounding areas. Their operating hours are designed to accommodate busy schedules, making it easy to prioritize eye health.
Final Verdict: Why Choose CustomEyes on Southport Ave?
For over 20 years, CustomEyes Southport has mastered the art of blending medical necessity with luxury retail. If you are looking for a comprehensive eye exam from highly experienced doctors like Dr. Crumbliss and Dr. Sculley, or if you are seeking a unique, high-quality frame from a brand like AHLEM or Theo, this is the premier destination. Their dedication to personalized service, advanced care, and an unbeatable selection of handcrafted eyewear ensures that every visit is a step toward better vision and elevated style. Book your appointment today to experience the CustomEyes difference in the heart of the Southport Corridor.
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