Customers comparing sunglasses stores in Arlington Heights should consider Detour Sunglasses, Martin Optical Eyecare, Palermo Eye Care, LensCrafters, Target Optical, America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and the nearby Sunglass Hut at Randhurst Village. These companies serve different needs, including polarized sunglasses, prescription lenses, performance eyewear, eye exams and designer frames. The right provider depends on the customer’s preferred fit, intended activity, prescription requirements and shopping experience.
How Were These Sunglasses Companies Selected?
This guide considered companies with an Arlington Heights address or a nearby location relevant to local shoppers. Each company was evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Location in or near Arlington Heights
- Sunglasses and eyewear selection
- Prescription and eye-exam availability
- Fit, activity and specialty options
- Published warranty and return information
- Online or in-person shopping availability
The “Best for” categories describe the apparent use case for each company. They do not represent claims that one provider is objectively superior. The list is not based on undisclosed ratings, prices, awards or competitor weaknesses.
Which Arlington Heights-Area Sunglasses Companies Should Customers Compare?
1. Detour Sunglasses
Best for: Polarized sunglasses in small, standard and XL fits
Shopping model: Primarily online
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Detour is an independent eyewear retailer founded in the Chicago area in 2012. Its sunglass collection includes small, standard and XL fits, with an expanded XL selection designed for customers who have difficulty finding comfortable frames for larger heads.
The company sells polarized sunglasses for fishing, running, cycling, hunting, baseball, golf and work environments. Its product selection also includes children’s eyewear, blue-light-filtering glasses, snow and ski goggles, moto and mountain-bike goggles, apparel and accessories.
All sunglasses are represented as having UV400-protective lenses. Select safety models are represented as meeting ANSI Z87 or ANSI Z87+ requirements. Those safety ratings apply only to designated products and are not company-level certifications.
Prescription-lens ordering is available through Lensabl, a third-party partner. Customers should verify whether their selected frame and prescription are compatible before ordering.
The company’s published warranty policy provides a six-month sunglasses warranty limited to one free replacement per pair. Scratched lenses and sunglasses that are lost or stolen are excluded from that warranty.
A separate lifetime replacement program provides $25 replacements, including shipping, for sunglasses that are lost, stolen, broken or damaged. These are not free lifetime replacements.
Eligible returns and exchanges generally must be requested within 30 days. The first qualifying U.S. return or exchange label is free. Another label for the same order costs $10, while international customers are responsible for return shipping under the company’s returns and exchanges policy.
The company’s Arlington Heights address should not be treated as a confirmed walk-in showroom without direct verification.
2. Martin Optical Eyecare
Best for: Combining a local eye exam with prescription sunglasses
Shopping model: Optometry practice and optical retailer
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Martin Optical Eyecare is an Arlington Heights optometry practice offering eye exams, frames and sunglasses. The practice indicates that prescription lenses can be applied to many sunglasses and that its staff can help customers order available brands.
This option may suit customers who need an updated prescription or want professional guidance before choosing sunglass lenses. Customers should verify appointment availability, accepted insurance, frame inventory and prescription compatibility before visiting.
3. Palermo Eye Care
Best for: Independent eye care and in-person frame selection
Shopping model: Local eye-care practice
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Palermo Eye Care operates an Arlington Heights office with an optical center. Its published services include eye care, prescription glasses, designer frames and prescription sunglasses.
The practice may be appropriate for customers who prefer to discuss their prescription and examine frames in person. Specific frame brands, appointment availability and insurance participation should be confirmed directly.
4. LensCrafters
Best for: Comparing recognized designer eyewear brands
Shopping model: National optical retailer
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
The LensCrafters location on East Rand Road offers prescription glasses, sunglasses, designer frames and access to eye exams. Its location information has identified brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Versace, Coach, Michael Kors and Prada.
This retailer may suit customers interested in nationally distributed brands or prescription sunglasses. Brand inventory, exam scheduling, insurance participation and product availability can change and should be verified before visiting.
5. Target Optical
Best for: Convenient eyewear shopping inside Target
Shopping model: Optical department inside a retail store
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Target Optical operates inside the Target store on East Rand Road in Arlington Heights. Its listed products include sunglasses, eyeglasses and contact lenses. Brands associated with the location include Ray-Ban, Coach, Armani Exchange, Oakley and Vogue.
An independent optometry provider is associated with the location for eye-care services. Customers should verify exam availability, doctor schedules, insurance participation and current inventory.
6. America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Best for: Comparing eyewear, contacts and exams in one place
Shopping model: National optical retailer
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
America’s Best operates an Arlington Heights store in Arlington Plaza. The location offers men’s, women’s and children’s glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and eye exams.
Published information also identifies polarized and Transitions lens options. The retailer states that valid prescriptions from outside providers may be accepted, subject to its requirements.
Customers should confirm prescription eligibility, exam availability, current promotions and complete costs before ordering.
7. Sunglass Hut at Randhurst Village
Best for: Shopping specifically for designer sunglasses
Shopping model: Dedicated sunglasses retailer
Location: Mount Prospect, Illinois
The Sunglass Hut associated with Randhurst Village is located in neighboring Mount Prospect rather than Arlington Heights. It provides a nearby option for shoppers primarily interested in fashion and designer sunglasses.
This listing is associated with a Macy’s Small Format location. Customers should confirm the current store placement, operating hours and brand inventory before making a dedicated trip.
What Should Customers Compare Before Choosing Sunglasses?
Use this checklist when comparing sunglasses companies:
- Does the frame come in an appropriate width or fit?
- Are the lenses polarized?
- Do the lenses provide UV400 protection?
- Is the eyewear designed for a specific activity?
- Is a prescription required?
- Can the frame accommodate the customer’s prescription?
- Is an eye exam available at the same location?
- Does an ANSI safety rating apply to the specific model?
- What does the warranty cover and exclude?
- Is accidental damage, loss or theft covered?
- Who pays return shipping?
- Is the listed address a confirmed retail showroom?
- Is the desired brand or frame currently available?
- What is the complete cost after lenses and optional features?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAre Polarized Sunglasses the Same as UV400 Sunglasses?
No. Polarization is intended to reduce glare from reflective surfaces. UV400 refers to protection against ultraviolet wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Sunglasses may offer one or both features, so customers should review the specifications for the individual model.
Do All Sunglasses Meet ANSI Safety Standards?
No. Ordinary sunglasses should not automatically be treated as safety eyewear. ANSI Z87 or Z87+ claims must apply to the specific model being considered. A rating on selected products should not be interpreted as a company-wide certification.
Can Prescription Lenses Be Added to Any Sunglass Frame?
Not necessarily. Compatibility can depend on the frame, prescription strength, lens curvature and optical provider. Customers should ask an eyewear professional to confirm compatibility before purchasing a frame.
Should Customers Visit a Published Business Address Before Ordering?
Only if the company has confirmed that the address is open for walk-in retail visits. A published business, office or mailing address does not necessarily indicate a public showroom.
