I’m so excited to finally tell you all about my collaboration with Lumen Optical! Before you read about my experience, I need to tell you all that if you mention my blog, you get a FREE eye exam! How awesome is that?! If you’re like me and don’t have vision insurance because it never really covers anything, this is a great deal!

I was first introduced to Lumen Optical at an event featuring Chicago-based artist, Jim Bachor. He created an original piece of art for Lumen and has a limited edition gift set with proceeds benefiting the charity, Second Sense, which helps those with vision loss. I love finding ways to give back and this is a great way to do so.

I visited the Evanston location (one of the very few stores hand-picked in the country to carry Chanel) and right when I stepped in the door, the staff was so welcoming and very helpful. It was hard to choose just one frame because every location has about 1,500 frames! Then it was time for my exam. What makes Lumen different than other eye places is that their comprehensive exam ($79) includes retinal imaging (a 200 degree picture of the back of your eye) which reduces the need for dilatation and helps check for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. The exam also includes contact lens fitting, which costs up to $80 elsewhere. They also price-match contact lenses and can ship to the store next day or 3-5 days to your doorstep. WOW!!! They also have stores in Bucktown, Mt. Prospect and Kildeer.

I felt at ease when Dr. Susanna Fostiak, O.D, examined my eyes. She explained every step of the exam to me thoroughly and took the time to actually tell me about my eyes. I’ve been wearing glasses since undergrad and never have I had a doctor explain to me exactly what has been “wrong” with my eyes. Other doctors had also told me to get contacts, but she explained that contacts wouldn’t be beneficial to me because the way my eye is shaped.

Everybody at Lumen really cares that you get the best service for your eyes because after all, they are very important!!! After trying on almost all of the 1,500 frames in store, I picked out these beta titanium (men’s) Buckeye Dita frames. I have never worn a frame like this before and I’m really loving them. These frames are also unique because a single pair of Dita frames can take about 320 separate production steps and up to 8 months to create. 2 days later, my frames were ready and I was able to pick them up at the Mt. Prospect location (a convenient service they provide charge free). The lenses themselves are very clear and I’m wearing them as I type this post 🙂 I’m going to go back to choose my first pair of prescription sunglasses, so stay tuned in the next few months to see what I pick out, but in the meantime, book your eye exam and don’t forget to mention Hallways Are My Runways!

Photography: Eleni of Limani Designs

OUTFIT: Dita c/o Lumen Optical: Glasses // GAP: Sherpa Mockneck Pullover // Levi’s: Mile High Jeans // Kate Spade: Loafers (option) // COACH: Sequin Clutch (option) // Les Neiredes: Ring (option)

MAKEUP: Bare Minerals: Eyeshadow, Hydrating Gel Cream, Concealer // Clinique: Primer, Mascara, Chubby Stick and Blush// Maybelline: Eye Liner // Urban Decay: Bronzer // Anastasia: Brow Gel // Sally Hansen: Gunmetal

LOCATION: The Breakfast Club & Grill

*Thank you Lumen Optical for collaborating with me on this post. All opinions are my own.