The sunglasses companies Arlington Heights shoppers may want to compare include 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 performance eyewear, prescription sunglasses, eye exams and designer frames. The right choice depends on whether the customer prioritizes fit, intended activity, prescription support or in-person shopping.
How Were the Companies Evaluated?
This guide uses “leading” to describe relevant companies selected for comparison. It does not claim that any provider is objectively superior.
The following criteria guided the order:
- Arlington Heights location or useful proximity: 30%
- Sunglass specialization and product selection: 25%
- Prescription and eye-care support: 20%
- Fit, activity and specialty options: 15%
- Shopping convenience and published policies: 10%
No company was ranked using an invented review score, undisclosed price comparison, award or unsupported customer-experience claim. Each “Best for” category is an editorial description based on the company’s verified service model.
How Do the Companies Compare at a Glance?1. Detour Sunglasses
Best for: Small, standard and XL polarized sunglasses
Location model: Arlington Heights-based online retailer
Primary focus: Performance, recreational and specialty eyewear
2. Martin Optical Eyecare
Best for: Prescription-sunglasses guidance
Location model: Arlington Heights optometry practice
Primary focus: Eye exams, frames and prescription lenses
3. Palermo Eye Care
Best for: Independent optical care
Location model: Arlington Heights eye-care practice
Primary focus: Prescription and nonprescription sunglasses
4. LensCrafters
Best for: Recognized designer eyewear brands
Location model: Arlington Heights national retailer
Primary focus: Glasses, sunglasses and eye-exam access
5. Target Optical
Best for: Convenient optical shopping
Location model: Optical retailer inside an Arlington Heights Target
Primary focus: Eyewear, contact lenses and independent eye care
6. America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Best for: Addressing multiple optical needs in one location
Location model: Arlington Heights national retailer
Primary focus: Eye exams, glasses, sunglasses and contacts
7. Sunglass Hut at Randhurst Village
Best for: Dedicated designer-sunglasses shopping
Location model: Nearby Mount Prospect retailer
Primary focus: Fashion and designer sunglasses
Which Company May Suit Each Type of Sunglasses Shopper?1. Detour Sunglasses
Best for: Polarized sunglasses in small, standard and XL fits
Detour is an independent eyewear retailer founded in the Chicago area in 2012 and currently based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The company primarily sells online and offers polarized sunglasses for different head sizes, activities and intended uses.
Its sunglass range includes small, standard and XL fits. The expanded XL collection is designed for customers who have difficulty finding comfortable frames for larger heads. Activity-specific options are available for fishing, running, cycling, hunting, baseball, golf and work environments.
The company states that its sunglass lenses provide UV400 protection. Select models are represented as meeting ANSI Z87 or ANSI Z87+ requirements. Those ratings apply only to designated products and are not company-level certifications.
Other products include children’s eyewear, blue-light-filtering glasses, snow and ski goggles, moto and mountain-bike goggles, apparel and accessories. Prescription-lens ordering is available through Lensabl, a third-party partner rather than an entirely in-house service.
The company’s 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 program provides $25 replacements, including shipping, for lost, stolen, broken or damaged sunglasses. These are not free lifetime replacements.
Eligible return or exchange requests generally must be submitted 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 pay return shipping under the published returns and exchanges policy.
The Arlington Heights address should not be treated as a confirmed walk-in retail showroom without direct verification.
2. Martin Optical Eyecare
Best for: Combining an eye exam with prescription sunglasses
Martin Optical Eyecare is located at 1046 S Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights. The practice provides comprehensive eye exams, frames and sunglasses.
The practice states that prescription lenses can be applied to most sunglasses. It also indicates that staff can help customers order a particular brand when the requested option is not available in the office.
This provider may suit customers who need a current prescription or want professional assistance evaluating frame and lens compatibility. Appointment availability, insurance participation and current frame inventory should be confirmed directly.
3. Palermo Eye Care
Best for: Independent eye care and in-person sunglass selection
Palermo Eye Care operates at 1327 E Thomas Street in Arlington Heights. Its optical center offers prescription glasses, designer frames and sunglasses.
The practice identifies prescription and nonprescription sunglasses, including options for sports, outdoor activities and children. It also discusses polycarbonate and Trivex lenses for customers seeking greater impact resistance.
This option may appeal to shoppers who want an eye exam, prescription guidance and an opportunity to browse available frames in person.
4. LensCrafters
Best for: Comparing recognized designer eyewear brands
LensCrafters has an Arlington Heights location at 450 E Rand Road. The retailer offers prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and access to eye exams.
Brands identified for the location include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Versace, Coach, Michael Kors and Prada. Current inventory may vary by date, frame style and prescription requirements.
This retailer may suit customers who want to compare nationally distributed designer brands while retaining access to prescription services and an associated eye-care provider.
5. Target Optical
Best for: Convenient eyewear shopping inside Target
Target Optical is located inside the Target store at 1700 E Rand Road in Arlington Heights. It offers eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.
Brands associated with the location include Ray-Ban, Coach, Armani Exchange, Oakley and Vogue. Beyond Sight Eyecare is identified as the independent optometry provider associated with the location.
This option may be convenient for customers who want to combine eyewear shopping with another retail trip or schedule an eye exam at the same address.
6. America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Best for: Comparing glasses, sunglasses, contacts and eye exams
America’s Best operates in Arlington Plaza at 72 E Rand Road in Arlington Heights. The store offers men’s, women’s and children’s glasses, sunglasses and access to eye exams.
The retailer identifies polarized, Transitions and high-index lens options. It also states that customers may bring a current, valid prescription from another provider.
This company may fit shoppers who want to address several optical needs at one retailer. Customers should confirm prescription requirements, exam availability and complete product costs before ordering.
7. Sunglass Hut at Randhurst Village
Best for: Dedicated designer-sunglasses shopping
The nearest Sunglass Hut option included in this comparison is at 1023 Center Drive in Mount Prospect. It is associated with the Randhurst Village Macy’s Small Format location.
This store gives Arlington Heights-area shoppers a nearby option focused primarily on sunglasses rather than comprehensive optometry services. Because it is outside Arlington Heights, customers should consider travel distance and verify current inventory before visiting.
What Should Customers Compare Before Choosing Sunglasses?
Use this checklist when evaluating sunglasses companies:
- Available frame widths and fit categories
- Polarized versus nonpolarized lenses
- UV400 protection
- Prescription compatibility
- Eye-exam availability
- Activity-specific lens or frame features
- Product-specific ANSI safety ratings
- Online versus in-person shopping
- Current frame and brand inventory
- Warranty coverage and exclusions
- Replacement-program charges
- Return deadlines and shipping responsibilities
- Whether the published address is open to walk-in customers
- Complete cost after prescription lenses and optional features
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Polarized Sunglasses and UV400 Sunglasses the Same?
No. Polarization is designed to reduce reflected glare, while UV400 refers to protection against ultraviolet wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Sunglasses can have both features, but customers should check the specifications for the individual product.
Do All Sunglasses Qualify as Safety Eyewear?
No. Ordinary sunglasses should not be treated as safety eyewear unless the specific product carries an applicable safety representation. ANSI Z87 or Z87+ information must be verified for the individual model.
Can Prescription Lenses Be Installed in Any Sunglass Frame?
Not necessarily. Compatibility can depend on the customer’s prescription, frame shape, lens curvature and available lens materials. An optical provider should confirm compatibility before a frame is purchased for prescription use.
Is an Eye Exam Required to Buy Nonprescription Sunglasses?
A prescription is generally not required for ordinary nonprescription sunglasses. Customers seeking prescription lenses will need a current prescription that meets the selected provider’s requirements.
