SEE

SEE is an eyewear shop in Harvard Square selling eclectic prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and readers. Its frames are proprietary designs made in very small quantities, often just one or two of a particular frame and color per city or store, which makes the collection feel close to custom. The concept aims to offer distinctive, high-quality frames at an accessible price, and the brand also sells contact lenses and offers eye exams at its locations.

The brand was created by optical industry veteran Richard Golden, whose father ran a chain of optical stores, together with his brother Randal. Frustrated by the cost of licensing existing brands, they developed their own line, and the first SEE store opened in Birmingham, Michigan, in 1998. Shops followed in neighborhoods such as South Beach, Chicago, Georgetown, Columbus and Ann Arbor. Boston was one of the first cities where SEE won a best eyewear award, in 2001.

What to Know

• SEE has earned 86 best eyewear and best optical shop wins in readers’ polls across the country.
• The store offers its own SEE HD 2.0 lenses, including a newer progressive option.
• A loyalty program can earn customers free glasses, and a referral program offers bonuses.
• A SEE Preferred credit card is available.