girls wearing sunglasses on the beach

Sunglasses in Durham

Protect your eyes and look your very best

(860) 349-2323

Sunglasses FAQs

What are the benefits of photochromic sunglasses?

Photochromic lenses (with or without prescription) adjust to brightness. They darken as you step outside on a sunny day and get lighter when you go indoors. This means that you can wear the same glasses everywhere without having to switch from regular glasses to sunglasses.

Are sunglass lens coatings worth it?

While sunglasses provide plenty of protection for your eyes, lens coatings add even more benefits. You can choose anti-reflective coatings to cut down on glare and make driving safer. Tinted sunglasses can help you see colors and detail more distinctly. Scratch-resistant coatings help prevent damage so you can enjoy your shades for longer.

Is it OK to wear sunglasses with contacts?

Unless your contact lenses provide 100% UV protection — most don’t — always remember to don your sunglasses before heading outdoors. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection screen out harmful rays and winds that tend to dry out your eyes more quickly. This is good news for contact lens wearers who run the risk of developing dry eye symptoms.

How to tell if sunglasses have UV protection?

To make sure that your sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, make sure to purchase your shades from a licensed optometrist.


Find Your Perfect Sunglasses

Whether you’re lounging by the beach or driving through town, our designer sunglasses will bring the perfect fit and quality feel to whatever you have planned for the day.

Want to customize your shades? Ask us about tinted lenses, polarized, photochromic lenses, and so much more!

Know your options! Tinted lenses, polarized lenses, photochromic lenses that turn dark in the sun, and more!

athlete wearing sunglasses


How Do I Choose the Right Sunglasses?

To select your perfect sunglasses, consider the following:

  • Frames

    You want your sunglasses to last, so choose durable, high-quality frames. Whether you choose plastic, acetate, aluminum, stainless steel or even wooden frames, make sure that the frames fit well, look good, and are comfortable to wear.

  • Lenses

    Lenses correct your vision, protect your eyes and enhance your style. Always choose lenses that screen out 100% of UV rays. You can also choose special features like anti-glare, polarized shades or tints. To prevent damage, select durable lenses.

  • Shape

    Sunglass shapes not only express your unique style; they provide a protective barrier against the elements. Wrap-around sunglasses shield your eyes from wind and flying debris. The right frames also complement your face and help you bring your best features forward.

  • Prescription

    Once you’ve undergone an eye exam, you can purchase sunglasses with the same prescription as your regular glasses. Wearing prescription sunglasses allows you to enjoy the outdoors while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.


Some popular brands we carry

coach guc kate-spade maui-j oakley ray-ban tiffany-and-co

*Brands may vary. See store for full details.


End of Year Savings: Sept 30-Dec 31

Have you taken full advantage of your insurance benefits and flexible spending account (FSA) this year? We are offering Buy One, Get One 50% Off Complete Eyeglasses in addition to any unused benefits you may have. 

If you’re enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), remember that most plans expire on December 31st.

You can apply your benefits towards vision-related services, including:

  • Comprehensive Eye Exams
  • Eyeglasses (Frames + Lenses)
  • Specialized Computer Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Prescription Sunglasses

*Requires purchase of complete prescription pairs, including frame and lenses. Discount applied to complete pair of equal or lesser value. Does not include sunglass frames,Barton Perreira, Cartier, Cazal, Chanel, Cutler and Gross, Dior, Dita Lancier, Fendi, Gucci, ic!Berlin, l.a. Eyeworks, Maui Jim, Mykita, Nifties, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Persol, Ray-Ban, Robert Marc, Salt, Salvatore Ferragamo, Skaga, Silhouette, Tom Ford, WOOW, accessories, contact lenses, or medical procedures. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, or insurance plans. Not valid on previous orders. Other restrictions may apply. See practice for full details. Offer valid 9/30/2024-12/31/2024. 24AEG-836847.

Schedule Eye Exam View More Promotions


Enjoy the best in fashion and eye care with our selection of high-quality sunglasses.

woman wearing large sunglasses

Need prescription glasses? We provide:

  • A comprehensive eye exam
  • Consultation and selection
  • Prescription sunglasses fitting

Contact us or come by Durham Family Eye Care in Durham today!

(860) 349-2323

Patient Reviews
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21 Reviews
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- Nov. 11, 2024
Very happy with the whole office. Very sensitive to people with severe eye phobias. I absolutely lov... e my glasses, if I'd known it would be this easy and pleasant I would have gotten them almost 30 years ago when I was first told I needed them, I can see so clearly now. If you're looking for an eye doctor or need glasses, I can't recommend them enough
- Oct. 18, 2024
My first time. Great experience with eye exam with Dr. Arnista. Kalli in the "eye-glass shop" area w... as also excellent. Overall, excellent experience.
- Sep. 18, 2024
The office is easy to work with and the staff is always polite and professional.
- Apr. 19, 2024
I have been a patient here since 2009 and I have nothing but excellent things to say about them. Th... e staff are all very nice, knowledgeable, professional and do everything they can to get you the care you need with the least amount of cost to the patient. I have 3 different eye insurance plans and they have always consulted them to see where I can get the best "deal". Dr. Sites is amazing and always explains everything in a way that I can understand. I highly recommend them! Thank you Durham Family Eye Care!!
- Dec. 08, 2022
I've been going here for quite a few years. I've never had a negative experience. The staff are wond... erful. They are so accommodating if you need to run in to have your glasses fixed or even to order another pair WITHOUT an appointment. The exams are quick and thorough. If you need or want an earlier appointment that the one given you're put on a 'stanby' list and you get a call or text as soon as someone cancels and are offered that appointment if you can take it. All insurance is excepted, included State of CT. I hope this review helps you to decide if this practice is the right one for you. I definitely reccomend going here.
- Apr. 14, 2021
Best eye exam and glasses purchase experience in many years. Entire staff was very professional, at... tentive to details and was never felt rushed. Will definitely be coming back here for future eye care.
- Apr. 09, 2021
Everyone at this office is super friendly, knowledgeable, willing and able to explain everything in ... a way patients can understand. They are up to date with tech and getting digital imaging of the back of the eye. I recommended them to one of my Neuro diverse clients and they also had a good experience there.
- Jun. 29, 2019
Love this place. Stopped in to make an appointment (haven't had my eyes checked in my entire adult l... ife), was able to get an appointment the same week. Was told 1.5 weeks to receive my glasses and they were in, in only 4 days! They worked with both my medical and eye insurance to get me the best price. They doctor was amazing, most soft spoken doctor I've ever met, very nice. She walked me through the entire exam and made sure i was comfortable the entire time. I have never had this great of an experience in any other doctors office! 5 stars. Would definitely recommend using them!
- Aug. 17, 2018
Dr Sites is absolutely amazing. She diagnosed an eye issue in my son at age 5 and worked extremely h... ard to improve his eye sight. Initial diagnose was by middle school even with glasses he wouldn't be able to see 20/20. And with years of hard work, he sees 20/20 with his prescription. The staff is so courteous and kind and helpful. Everyone is great here. I can't think of any negative thing about this office.

View All 21 Reviews

Sunglasses in Durham

Our optometry practice in Durham

Photograph of Frances  Sites
Hours
  • Monday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Anthem
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue View Vision
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • FEP Blue Vision
  • Guardian
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Humana
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Meritain Health
  • MetLife
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Optum
  • Oxford
  • Premier Eye Care
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • WellCare

woman wearing sunglasses looking at the sun

Love What You See

Enjoy the best in fashion and eye care with our selection of high-quality sunglasses.

(860) 349-2323