What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.93
Average wait time
4.95
Bedside manner
4.92
“I have been a patient of Dr. Chet for over 30 years, and I will not know where to go for eye care if Dr. Chet retires. Great doctor, he has an amazing selection of frames. I highly recommend Dr. Chet for eye care.
Thank you,
Frank Feliciano”
Frank F.April 17, 2026
“Advised a newcomer to chicago how helpful chet is with finding a pair of glasses that compliment your face.
It's not the cheapest place in town, but worth making an appt for the right pair of specs.”
susan D.March 19, 2026
About Dr. Chet Steinmetz
*We do not work with insurance but will provide receipts for insurance reimbursement.*
Visual Effects Optical was born out of Dr. Chet Steinmetz's desire to have his own business and to treat his patients and clients as he would want to be treated. After graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1983, Dr. Chet worked as an employed optometrist for six years. Early in 1989, the Chicago location at Clybourn and Racine was discovered in a soon-to-be-built shopping center. Within six months, the decision to open Visual Effects Optical became a reality, and in October 1989, history was made with a quiet opening. It didn't take long for the neighborhood to discover, at Visual Effects, an easygoing, fashion-knowledgeable optometrist in a convenient location with parking.
Over the next few years, as the selection of frames grew from an opening 600 to over 2,000, the reputation of Dr. Chet's ability to find great frames for faces grew as well. It wasn't long before the optical industry discovered Dr. Chet too-an optometrist with an eye for fashion and a head for business.
Today, at 1013 W Armitage, Visual Effects Optical thrives because of the commitment Dr. Chet maintains to superior service and quality products. Their loyal client base returns again and again, relying on Dr. Chet's unique ability to find perfect frames for faces, utilizing the huge selection of contemporary and progressive eyewear. New eyeglasses are the end result of the time spent with each person, matching the face and personality to a new look. Sometimes it is an unexpected result that emerges, surprising the individual. The challenge is to find the one or two new frames (out of thousands) that “click” to become your new look. That challenge is Dr. Chet's passion. Visual Effects Optical is Dr. Chet's passion.
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Illinois College of Optometry, Doctor of Optometry
Professional memberships
- American Optometric Association
- Illinois Optometric Association
Awards and publications
- Crain's Chicago Business, "Masters of Customer Service" Oct, 2012
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1801911623
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.93
Wait time
4.95
Bedside manner
4.92
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
548 reviews
Most relevant
Dr Chet is really good and picking frames that flatter you. The eye exam was top notch too.
January 26, 2026Keith S.Verified patient
Dr. Steinmetz has an amazing talent for picking the right frames for each individual. He's very knowledgeable and kind.
November 7, 2024Lina H.Verified patient
Dr Chet has su h a great feel for what glasses look good on them
April 10, 2026Mary Ginna S.Verified patient
Dr Chet , Gave me a complete eye exam and explained everything that was easy for me to understand.
April 4, 2025Peter G.Verified patient
Dr. Chet is great! He is extremely knowledgable, has great bedside manner, and is very kind and helpful.
January 3, 2025Calliope S.Verified patient
What can I say? He knows how to fit your face with glasses!
March 19, 2026Marcia K.Verified patient
Chet is the master of fitting glasses to faces. There is no one better.
December 1, 2025William T.Verified patient
I have been going to Visual Effects for my eyewear for more than twenty years. Chet has always been very helpful and kind.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Chet Steinmetz is the best optometrist in Chicago!
March 15, 2026Initials hidden
Dr. Chet is a magician. He picks out exactly the right glasses for your face. With me he got it right the first pair.
February 21, 2022Gary D.Verified patient
Great service, super efficient, and nooone has a better selection or recommendations in eye wear than Dr. Steinmetz.
August 7, 2021Parris K.Verified patient
He has been my doctor for years. Simply the best- and his gift is picking glasses off the wall that look great on you!
August 17, 2020Andrew K.Verified patient
Dr. Chet is great. He is very professional and concerned. I would recommend him to any friend.
August 2, 2024Richard S.Verified patient
I have been a patient of Dr. Chet Steinmetz for over 23+ years. Always a great experience...
Thank you
Frank F
December 18, 2020Frank F.Verified patient
Chet has the BEST selection of frames and he was very patient while I decided which pair of glasses I wanted.
April 18, 2021Initials hidden
I’ve been “seeing” Dr. Chet for quite a long time. I’ve never “looked” back to my previous ‘Doc-In-A-Box’ days.
July 10, 2019Terri R.Verified patient
Chet has a very personable and professional demeanor. He really knows his profession and is very efficient.
April 8, 2021Paul M.Verified patient
Dr Chet was very attentive and helped me pick a nice pair of glasses
May 24, 2025Roxanne O.Verified patient
I’ve been seeing Dr Chet for 10+ years. Very confident in his abilities. Great “eye” for picking glasses!
More than 1 year agoRoxana R.Verified patient
Dr Chet knows his stuff. He picks the perfect frames for your face. He's like the glasses whisperer!
June 27, 2017Initials hidden
Dr. Steinmetz was fast and friendly. He even referred me to a specialist if I needed to follow up.
July 24, 2021Salwa S.Verified patient
Dr. Steinmetz is the best. Fantastic selection of frames. He knows exactily what looks good on you.
August 22, 2017Kenneth H.Verified patient
Grateful that Dr Chet was willing to repair my broken glasses. Unusual and appreciative
October 16, 2023Thomas R.Verified patient
Dr Chet is very knowledgeable & patient focused. He is very helpful. That is why I keep coming back
February 12, 2021Initials hidden
The doctor was so nice and friendly. Made me feel very welcome and comfortable and is funny
March 11, 2023Jada S.Verified patient
Second visit within five years. Perfect both times.
August 13, 2025Alan D.Verified patient
Very knowledgeable, professional & great style conscious personnel. I highly recommend them.
January 4, 2022Loendri R.Verified patient
He is very professional and is great at picking out frames that are interesting and look good.
May 17, 2020Susan P.Verified patient
Dr. Chet is a great doctor and Visual Effects always has a fantastic collection of frames.
April 28, 2022Kevin P.Verified patient
Excellent, knowledgeable, great eye for selecting frames.
April 5, 2025Irv F.Verified patient
Excellent. Straight and to the point. Beutiful store and selection of frames also
March 13, 2023Fabio G.Verified patient
Love coming in for visit. It's always fun & they know what they are doing. Always happy.
More than 1 year agoMA
Doctor Chet is the best he has a impeccable eye for what style works best for you!!!
June 4, 2021Peter G.Verified patient
Dr Chet is incredible matching your face to a perfect frame. Love working with him!
April 2, 2021Katherine J.Verified patient
Seen him for years, we keep coming back and recommending him to all of our friends
June 29, 2020Michael L.Verified patient
Excellent doctor! Very helpful and explained everything I needed to know.
December 20, 2021Jovile S.Verified patient
Dr Chet is the best:). I’ve been coming to him for years and he’s wonderful
December 14, 2020Kathryn B.Verified patient
Chet was helpful and professional. I appreciated his advice and assistance!
More than 1 year agoJeff S.Verified patient
Been a patient of Chet’s for almost 30 years. Cannot recommenced him more
More than 1 year agoStephen L.Verified patient
Fantastic Serice and selection of glasses. Very highly recommended.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I've been seeing Dr Chet for over 20 yrs and would not go anywhere else.
More than 1 year agoDW
Dr Chet is the best. He is not cheap however but your eyes are worth it
June 3, 2017Joseph S.Verified patient
Excellent optometrist and great selection of eyewear products.
January 5, 2023Initials hidden
A great experience with a great eye doctor. Highly recommend!
November 9, 2022Cynthia S.Verified patient
Have been > 10 years client. Would return. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2021Initials hidden
Effective, pointed, no time wasted, felt taken care of.
July 1, 2023Adam C.Verified patient
EXCELLENT! Dr. Chet is a very special talented specialist.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
We travel from Charlotte NC to see Dr. Chet - best of the best
More than 1 year agoJeff E.Verified patient
I recommended this Dr to my husband. I had a good experience.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Great experience! I would highly recommend and I will return.
January 27, 2021Claire O.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Chet Steinmetz?
Generally, Dr. Chet Steinmetz has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Steinmetz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Chet Steinmetz accepting new patients?
Dr. Chet Steinmetz generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Steinmetz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Chet Steinmetz accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Steinmetz is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Chet Steinmetz online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Steinmetz using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Chet Steinmetz work with?
Dr. Chet Steinmetz works with Visual Effects Optical.
Where is Dr. Chet Steinmetz's office located?
Dr. Chet Steinmetz's office is located at 1013 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614.
What languages does Dr. Chet Steinmetz speak?
Dr. Chet Steinmetz speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Chet Steinmetz in reviews?
548 patients have reviewed Dr. Chet Steinmetz. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.93/5. They have a 4.92/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.95/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.