We highly recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure personalized care and minimal wait time. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments allow us to dedicate uninterrupted time to your needs. To schedule your eye exam in Centreville, please call, (443) 262-9415, to schedule your eye exam in Ocean City, please call, (410) 390-2924. Dr. Alex Carpenter, OD, will take great care of you in both offices. 

Losing your glasses can interrupt work, travel, and daily life. At An Optical Galleria, we provide fast, on-site eyeglass replacement, often within one hour, when a valid prescription is available.

Our Ocean City optical lab allows us to produce replacement glasses the same day, without shipping delays or long wait times.

Can you really replace glasses in one hour?

Yes. If you have a valid, unexpired prescription, we can frequently create a replacement pair on-site in as little as one hour.

Because we operate with:

• An in-house optical lab;
  
• Experienced opticians;
  
• Precision lens cutting and edging equipment.
  

We control the entire process from start to finish, ensuring speed without sacrificing accuracy or quality.

What do I need for same-day glasses replacement?

To qualify for rapid replacement, please bring:

• A valid prescription

Eyeglass prescriptions are generally valid for up to two years from the date of your last exam.

What if I don’t have my prescription?

If your prescription is expired or unavailable, Eye exams are available in our Ocean City location on Mondays.

If we do not have an appointment available, we will refer you to a eye care practice nearby to complete your exam, then you can bring your prescription back to us to make your glasses.

Once your prescription is updated, we can proceed with replacement glasses as quickly as possible.

Why choose An Optical Galleria for emergency glasses replacement?

Patients searching for “lost glasses replacement near me” choose An Optical Galleria because we offer:

• On-site lens manufacturing;
  
• Same-day eyeglass solutions;
  
• Precision-crafted lenses;
  
• A trusted, family-owned eyecare practice in Ocean City, Maryland.

Our five-star reviews are genuine and reflect the many people we have helped restore clear vision so they can enjoy the rest of their vacation without interruption.

We understand that clear vision is not optional. It is essential.

Do you accept walk-ins for lost glasses?

Always, especially for urgent replacements. Calling ahead is recommended so our lab team can prepare and minimize your wait time.

An Optical Galleria is open Monday-Friday 10 AM- 6 PM and 9 AM-1 PM on Saturdays.

Contact us at 410-390-3924. We are here to help.

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates both how well you see and how healthy your eyes are. During your visit, we may perform:

• Vision testing to measure how clearly you see at distance and near;
• Prescription testing (refraction) to determine if glasses or contacts are needed;
• Eye coordination and focusing tests to ensure your eyes work together comfortably;
• Eye pressure screening to assess glaucoma risk;
• Front-of-the-eye evaluation to check the cornea, lens, eyelids, and tear film;
• Retinal and optic nerve evaluation to monitor overall eye health.

Each test is selected based on your age, symptoms, medical history, and visual needs.

Do I need my eyes dilated every time?

No. Eye dilation is not required at every visit.

Dilation is recommended when it is medically necessary, based on factors such as:

• Your age;
• Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure;
• Family history of eye disease;
• New or changing symptoms;
• Findings during your exam.

Dilation allows your doctor to thoroughly examine the retina and optic nerve to screen for conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

What happens if my eyes are dilated?

If dilation is needed, you may experience:

• Temporary light sensitivity;
• Blurred near vision.

These effects usually last a few hours. Sunglasses help with comfort, and most patients are able to drive, though some prefer not to.

Why should I choose An Optical Galleria in Ocean City?

At An Optical Galleria, eye care is personal, precise, and never rushed.

Patients choose us because we offer:

• Thorough, comprehensive eye exams;
• Personalized care from experienced opticians;
• Precision prescriptions and fittings;
• Honest recommendations based on eye health;
• A trusted, family-owned practice rooted in the local community.

We focus on long-term eye health, not quick visits.

Why are sunglasses important for eye health?

UV exposure is cumulative and can damage your eyes over time, even on cloudy days.

Wearing quality sunglasses helps protect against:

• Cataracts;
• Macular degeneration;
• Retinal damage;
• Chronic eye strain and fatigue.

Polarized lenses further reduce glare, improving comfort, contrast, and visual clarity.

Do you offer trusted polarized sunglasses?

Yes. We proudly created our own premium brand of Polarized sunglasses, Hook Optics.

Hook Optics lenses provide:

• 100 percent UV protection;
• True glare reduction;
• Enhanced contrast and clarity;
• Reduced eye fatigue;
• Are clearer than other brands;

They are built by opticians and designed for real-world performance you can trust.

How do I schedule an eye exam?

You can call our Ocean City location at 410-390-3924 or book an appointment directly through our website. Our team is happy to answer questions. If you already have a valid prescription you can bring it in any day, we will help you choose the right style and lenses to fit your needs.

For most adults, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended every 1–2 years. If you wear glasses, contacts, or have a specific condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits. Let’s keep those eyes healthy and sharp!

We are out-of-network on most plans.

Most insurance plans have a say in the quality of your eyewear and lenses—and unfortunately, it's usually not in your best interest. They often prioritize cost over quality, which can limit your options and compromise what you’re getting for your eyes.

At An Optical Galleria, we believe your vision deserves the very best. That’s why we don’t participate with plans that dictate what we can offer. We focus on providing top-notch eyewear and lenses tailored to you—because quality counts when it comes to your eyes!

We’re always happy to help you maximize any out-of-network benefits so you can still get the care and quality you deserve.  Contact your vision network provider, ask them if you can get reimbursed for going out-of-network. We’ll happily complete the documents for your to get reimbursed directly. Many insurances do not want to share this information, therefore you have to be persistent. 

Absolutely! We’re happy to provide new lenses into your favorite frames as long as your frame is in good condition. If you’re unsure, bring them by, and we’ll take a look together. We make all our glasses in our labs in Ocean City and Centreville.

An optometrist is a doctor who examines your eyes, diagnoses conditions, and prescribes lenses or treatments. Doctor Alex Carpenter is our Optometrist in Ocean City and Centreville. Opticians, like us, specialize in fitting and dispensing eyewear, helping you find the perfect frames and lenses for your style and vision. All glass are made on-site. 

Most progressive, trifocal, and bifocals glasses are ready within 7–10 business days. Single vision are ready 1-3 days. It often depends on your prescription. We do offer rush options depending on your prescription and lens selection. Quality is worth the wait, but we understand if you’re in a hurry!

Yes, we have a fantastic selection of durable, stylish frames for kids in Centreville. We understand that kids need glasses that can handle their active lifestyles, so we focus on comfort, durability, and fashion.

Blue light glasses reduce digital eye strain caused by prolonged screen time. If you spend hours on computers or devices, they can help minimize fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. Ask us if they’re right for you!

Absolutely! We specialize in custom prescription sunglasses, offering polarized and high-performance lens options. Protecting your eyes from the sun never looked so good. We are the creators of our own sunglass brand Hook Optics, so please compare them to others when your ready for your next pair of premium polarized sunglasses.

That’s where we shine! Our team(s) are trained to help you choose frames that complement your face shape, lifestyle, and personality.  We make it easy and you’ll leave feeling confident and looking fabulous.

Great question! Progressive lenses correct multiple vision needs—near, intermediate, and distance—in one lens without those noticeable lines from traditional bifocals. Transition lenses, on the other hand, adjust to light conditions, darkening in sunlight and clearing up indoors. You can even combine the two for seamless vision and light protection all in one pair!

Not exactly. While your glasses and contacts prescriptions are related, they’re not interchangeable. Contact lens prescriptions also consider the curvature and fit for your eyes. Contact lens exams take longer than your comprehensive eye exam, this is also the reason contact lens exams cost more. 

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and snow, making them perfect for driving, fishing, and outdoor adventures. They offer a clearer, more comfortable view by cutting through harsh light while protecting your eyes.

Watch for signs like squinting, sitting too close to screens, frequent headaches, or trouble concentrating in school. Even if your child seems fine, regular eye exams are the best way to catch issues early. Kids’ eyes can change fast, so let’s keep them on track!

For fishing, polarized sunglasses are a game-changer! They cut through glare on the water, making it easier to spot fish and navigate safely. At An Optical Galleria, we recommend Hook Optics sunglasses—designed for performance, comfort, and unbeatable clarity on the water.