Three To Try: New Independent Glasses Stores Redefining the Eyewear Experience

I’ve worn glasses since I hit my teenage years. I desperately wanted to avoid them, and delayed the process for a year by convincing myself and everyone around me that my eyesight was fine, thank you very much. (Alas, it was not.) 

While my eyesight deteriorated, my tolerance – and eventual love – of glasses grew. Like many other wearers of glasses, I see optical frames as an extension of my style. Purchasing glasses is extremely personal; you’ll most likely be wearing the frames every day, and they’re usually the first thing someone notices about you.

Thankfully, there are so many options when it comes to eyewear now. In Melbourne, we’ve welcomed a few new independent optometry practices in the last year. Walk in and walk out with 20/20 vision and some spanking new frames.

Six Six, CBD

If you didn’t think optometry could be sexy, think again. The newly opened Six Six is a far cry from your neighbourhood chain optometrist. “We approached Six Six more like a considered retail and design experience than a traditional optical store. Everything is intended to feel calm, thoughtful and tailored to the individual,” co-founder Emma Buckley says. Designed by Melbourne architecture studio Kennedy Nolan, the space is drenched in a bold gold and yellow palette. You’re greeted at the door by decadent floor-to-ceiling curtains and plush carpet, and visitors can browse a considered selection of international, independent labels down the sides of the store, such as Jacquemus, Akoni, Ahlem, Mykita and Balmain.

Don’t think this attention to aesthetics lessens its optometrical prowess, though. “We’ve combined advanced diagnostic technology with a slower, more personal approach to consultations. It allows us to look after long-term eye health while making the whole experience feel approachable rather than overly clinical,” co-founder and optometrist Dr Natalie Boffa says. 112 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

Seasons Optical, CBD

Having opened at the end of 2025, Seasons Optical is a new eyewear destination in the heart of the city – but the name and the idea have been a long time coming for founder Dr Luke Yong. His grandfather ran a shoe store in Singapore, called Season Trading Co, and now Yong is carrying the entrepreneurial spirit to Melbourne. “Like eyewear, shoes sit at the intersection of function and self-expression. Both are deeply personal, both need to fit just right, and both have a way of completing who you are,” he says.

Having spent a decade working in independent optometry, this is Yong’s first foray into owning his own practice. Designed by Collingwood studio Olaver Architecture, the boutique eyewear store boasts six-metre-high ceilings and industrial finishes. Its brand offerings are diverse, including names like Lindberg, Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford and Masunaga 1905, and eye tests can be bulk-billed. 3/130 Russell Street, Melbourne.

Moscot, South Yarra

Walking into Moscot is how I imagine it must feel walking into the wand shop Ollivanders, from Harry Potter. This is the New York City heritage eyewear label’s first Australian outpost, but its 34th worldwide. The leafy corner store in South Yarra has brought Lower East Side charm to Melbourne: exposed brick walls, patterned mannequin heads and vintage knick-knacks complement the hundreds of frames in the space. The five-generation, family-owned brand has had a presence in Australia through local stockists, but now has a place it can officially call its own. 

“South Yarra’s mix of history, creativity and style aligns perfectly with our brand, and we’re excited to welcome both long-time fans and new customers into the Moscot family,” Moscot’s CEO Dr Harvey Moscot says. 566 Chapel Street, South Yarra.

For more shopping inspiration, check out our Where Stylists Shop series.