We Speak English
Why Choose Ópticas Visual?
Traveling in Mexico and need eye care? Ópticas Visual is Oaxaca's trusted optical center with over a decade of experience serving both locals and international visitors. We combine professional-grade equipment, certified optometrists, and our own optical laboratory to deliver quality eye care at a fraction of what you'd pay in the United States or Canada.
Here's what sets us apart:
- Free eye exams — professional, computerized vision tests at no cost and no purchase obligation
- Own optical laboratory — we cut and finish lenses in-house, which means faster delivery and lower prices
- Certified ophthalmologist — Dr. Kalid Barush, trained internationally with subspecialty in Retina and Vitreous, available in the same building
- Transparent pricing — prescription glasses starting at ~$87 USD ($1,750 MXN), with no hidden fees
- English-speaking staff — we'll walk you through every step in your language
- Two downtown locations — both within walking distance of Oaxaca's Zocalo
Our Services
Free Eye Exams
Walk in any time, Monday through Saturday. Our certified optometrists use professional equipment including an autorefractometer, phoropter, and slit lamp to evaluate your vision accurately. The exam takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you'll receive your prescription on the spot. Learn more about our eye exams.
Prescription Glasses
Choose from hundreds of frames by brands like Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Nike, Lacoste, and Guess. Because we have our own lab, most orders are ready within 24 hours. Single-vision lenses start at ~$87 USD, and progressive lenses start at ~$235 USD — a fraction of US prices. See our glasses options and pricing.
Contact Lenses
Forgot your contacts at home? We carry daily, biweekly, and monthly options from leading brands. Our optometrist can fit you on the spot. Explore contact lens options.
Sunglasses
Oaxaca sits at 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level — UV exposure here is significantly stronger than at sea level. Protect your eyes with polarized or photochromic lenses, available with or without prescription. Browse sunglasses.
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Kalid Barush is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in Retina and Vitreous. He practices in the same building as our Principes location and can address medical eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome.
Two Convenient Locations
Both of our branches are located in Oaxaca's historic downtown, within easy walking distance of the Zocalo, Santo Domingo, and most hotels and Airbnbs in the centro area.
Principes Branch
Address: González Ortega #408a, Centro, Oaxaca, CP 68000
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 951 229 6844
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Map: Open in Google Maps
Independencia Branch
Address: Av. Independencia #1101, Centro, Oaxaca, CP 68000
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 951 232 8047
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Parking: Available nearby on Av. Juarez
Map: Open in Google Maps
Getting Here
Save Big on Eye Care
Due to our own optical laboratory and direct relationships with lens suppliers, we can offer prescription glasses at a fraction of US or Canadian prices. A pair of single-vision glasses that would cost $300–500 USD in the States starts at just ~$87 USD here. Progressive lenses that run $500–1,000 USD back home start at ~$235 USD.
Many visitors tell us they save enough on a single pair of glasses to cover their flight to Oaxaca. See our complete price list.
What Our Visitors Say
We're proud to have a strong reputation among both locals and international visitors. Our Google reviews consistently highlight our friendly service, fast turnaround, and affordable pricing. Many tourists return year after year to update their prescriptions while enjoying Oaxaca's incredible food, culture, and mezcal scene.