Looking for an eye doctor in Philadelphia? You’ve probably come across Trend Eye Care in your search. Whether you’re a Temple University student squinting at textbooks, a Northern Liberties resident dealing with screen fatigue, or a parent whose kid just failed the school vision test, this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about Trend Eye Care.
Quick Overview: What Makes Trend Eye Care Different?
Trend Eye Care isn’t your typical eye doctor’s office. Since opening in 2014, they’ve built their reputation on three key things: convenience, selection, and speed. With two Philadelphia locations and the promise of glasses in one hour, they’re targeting busy urban dwellers who don’t have time for multiple appointments.
The Bottom Line: If you value convenience, extensive frame selection, and quick service, Trend Eye Care might be worth your time. But like any business, they have their pros and cons.
Two Locations: Which One Should You Choose?
Trend Eye Care Girard Ave – The Main Location
180 W Girard Ave #5, Philadelphia, PA 19123 | 215-554-6222
Why Choose Girard Ave Location: This flagship location offers the full Trend Eye Care experience with their largest frame selection and most experienced staff.
The Girard Avenue Advantage: Located in the heart of Northern Liberties, the Girard Ave location benefits from the area’s transformation into a trendy hub. You’ll find the office nestled among artisanal coffee shops, craft breweries, and modern condos – reflecting the area’s blend of urban sophistication and accessibility.
Parking at Girard Ave: The holy grail of Philadelphia medical appointments – actual onsite parking! No more circling blocks or feeding meters. This alone makes the Girard Ave location worth considering.
What Makes Girard Ave Special: Customers consistently describe this location as having a “chic” atmosphere with the most extensive designer frame selection. The staff here is particularly noted for their expertise with high-end eyewear.
Temple University Location
1501 N. Broad St #7, Philadelphia, PA 19122 | 215-866-1742
Best For: Temple students, faculty, staff, and North Philadelphia residents.
The Campus Connection: Strategically located near Temple University, this spot caters heavily to the student population. Expect to see more budget-friendly frame options and flexible payment plans here.
Student-Friendly Perks: Many reviews from students mention staff understanding of tight budgets and academic schedules.
What to Expect: Your Visit Experience
Scheduling Your Appointment
Online Booking: Their website offers online scheduling, which most customers find convenient. You can usually get same-day appointments if you’re flexible with timing.
Phone Calls: Both locations are responsive to phone calls. Staff typically answers within a few rings and can accommodate urgent requests.
Walk-ins: While not guaranteed, they often accept walk-ins, especially for simple adjustments or repairs.
What to Bring
- Current glasses or contacts (even if they’re old)
- Insurance card
- List of current medications
- Driver’s license or ID
- Payment method (they accept CareCredit)
The Exam Process
Duration: Plan for 45-60 minutes for a comprehensive exam, 30 minutes for routine checkups.
Technology: They use modern digital equipment, which means less of those uncomfortable puff-of-air tests and more precise measurements.
Doctor Interaction: Customers consistently praise the thoroughness of eye exams. The optometrists take time to explain findings and don’t rush through appointments.
Services Breakdown: What They Actually Do Well
Eye Examinations
What’s Included:
- Complete vision testing
- Eye health screening
- Digital retinal imaging
- Pressure testing for glaucoma
- Discussion of findings in plain English
Customer Experience: Most reviews highlight that doctors actually explain what they’re doing and why, rather than just going through motions.
Contact Lens Services
Same-Day Fittings: This is where they excel. Many competitors make you wait weeks for contact lenses, but Trend Eye Care often provides same-day service.
Trial Options: They let you try different brands to find what works best, which is especially helpful for first-time contact wearers.
Teaching: Staff takes time to teach proper insertion, removal, and care – crucial for new contact users.
The Frame Selection: What Everyone Talks About
The Numbers: Over 700 designer frames plus 200+ kids’ options sounds impressive, but what does this actually mean for you?
High-End Options: Expect to find brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, and other designer names. Prices range from $200-$800+ for designer frames.
Budget-Friendly Choices: They also stock more affordable options starting around $100-150 for complete glasses.
Kids’ Section: Parents rave about the children’s selection. Finding stylish, durable frames for kids is notoriously difficult, but they seem to have cracked this code.
What Customers Actually Say: “Terrific selection of frames, including high-end designer options” is a common theme in reviews.
One-Hour Glasses: Does It Really Work?
The Reality: Yes, but with conditions. Simple prescriptions with in-stock lenses can be ready in about an hour. Complex prescriptions, progressive lenses, or special coatings might take longer.
Who Benefits Most: People who broke their only pair of glasses, students facing deadlines, or professionals who can’t function without vision correction.
Quality Concerns: Some customers worry about rushed work, but reviews suggest quality remains consistent even with quick turnaround.
The Money Talk: What Will It Cost?
Insurance Coverage
Accepted Plans: Most major insurance plans are accepted, including many that provide full coverage for annual exams.
No-Cost Options: Many customers report paying nothing out-of-pocket for exams and basic frames with their insurance.
Verification: They verify insurance benefits before your appointment, so no surprises.
Payment Options
- Most insurance plans
- CareCredit financing
- Cash/credit cards
- Payment plans for larger purchases
Typical Costs (Without Insurance)
- Eye exam: $150-200
- Basic frames with lenses: $200-400
- Designer frames with lenses: $400-800+
- Contact lens exam: $100-150
Customer Experience: The Good, Bad, and Honest
What Customers Love
Customer Service: “Customer service is a 10/10. They work with you so much to make sure you leave happy” – this sentiment appears repeatedly in reviews.
Selection Quality: The frame variety genuinely impresses people, especially those coming from chain stores.
Convenience: Parking, location, and hours consistently get praise.
Professional Staff: Multiple reviews mention “friendly, pleasant and professional” staff.
Common Complaints
Based on review analysis, here are the most frequent issues:
Pricing: Some find designer frames expensive (though this is typical for designer eyewear anywhere).
Wait Times: During busy periods, even with appointments, waits can stretch beyond scheduled times.
Pressure to Upgrade: A few customers mention feeling pushed toward more expensive options.
Review Statistics Reality Check
- 241 Yelp reviews
- 753 total reviews across platforms
- Better Business Bureau shows only 2 complaints in recent years (very good for a retail business)
Comparing to Competitors
vs. LensCrafters/Pearle Vision
Trend Eye Care Wins: Better selection, more personalized service, actual parking Chains Win: More locations, sometimes lower prices, established warranty programs
vs. Independent Optometrists
Trend Eye Care Wins: Extended hours, same-day glasses, larger frame selection Independents Win: Often more personal relationships, sometimes more thorough care
vs. Online Retailers (Warby Parker, etc.)
Trend Eye Care Wins: Try before you buy, professional fitting, immediate adjustments Online Wins: Lower prices, home try-on options, convenience
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings for shortest waits
- Avoid back-to-school season (August-September) for quickest service
- End of year if using insurance benefits that reset annually
Questions to Ask
- “What’s included in my insurance coverage?”
- “How long will my prescription glasses take?”
- “Do you offer any warranties on frames?”
- “What’s your return/exchange policy?”
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to buy expensive add-ons you don’t need
- Rushing through the eye exam
- Not explaining findings clearly
- Refusing to provide your prescription
The Verdict: Should You Choose Trend Eye Care?
Choose Trend Eye Care If:
- You value convenience and parking
- You want extensive frame selection
- You need glasses quickly
- You prefer modern, stylish office environments
- You’re a Temple student or Northern Liberties resident
Look Elsewhere If:
- You’re primarily price-shopping
- You prefer long-term relationships with the same doctor
- You don’t care about designer frames
- You live far from both locations
Final Thoughts: Real Talk
Trend Eye Care has carved out a solid niche in Philadelphia’s competitive eye care market. They’re not the cheapest option, nor are they trying to be. Instead, they focus on convenience, selection, and modern service that appeals to urban professionals and students.
The consistently positive reviews about customer service and the fact that they’ve maintained two locations since 2014 suggest they’re doing something right. The onsite parking alone makes them worth considering if you’re tired of circling blocks for medical appointments.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for quality eye care with modern conveniences and don’t mind paying a bit more for the experience, Trend Eye Care delivers on their promises. Just be prepared for designer-level pricing if you fall in love with their high-end frames.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to verify your insurance coverage and ask about current promotions. Many customers report getting better deals than initially expected.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information, customer reviews, and research conducted in 2025. Services, prices, and policies may change. Always verify current information directly with Trend Eye Care.
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