Optical Services - Optica Gavia - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

After identifying dental and medical services, it was finally time for our eye exams and new glasses.  After checking our trusted resources of Playa.info, we were referred to Optica Gavia.  This provider has been in this location for over 8 years and has been practicing for over 30 years.  He has an excellent reputation among expats and visitors alike.

Front of office

We were not sure if we needed to make appointments, so we took our chances and walked in.  We were greeted and proceeded to look at frames.  While we were doing this, the front office staff member contacted Dr. Gavia to let him know that he had two customers.  

They have a wide selection of frames, with prices that range from $850 pesos to $1500 pesos, which includes the eye exam and basic lenses (additional features may increase the price).

Frame prices

The eye exam basically consists of the doctor having us read an illuminated E-chart and telling him which lines, if any, we could not read.  He used the phoropter optometry machine and trial lenses so that we could identify which lens gave us the clearest vision. Finally, he had us look at a lamented documented that had sentences in different font size, so that we could tell him if the document was clear or fuzzy.

phoropter optometry machine

The exam took about 10 minutes. No eye drops or puffs of air.  No fancy machines, bells or whistles. 

Trial lenses

TOTAL COST: $3,400 pesos 
1. 2 eye exams 
2. 2 pairs of new frames
3. 2 pairs of new lenses (with one pair of lenses being        progressives) 
4. Both lenses made with anti-reflective materials

Receipt

We paid-in-full at the time of our order, were given our receipt and were told to come back in two days.  Our glasses were ready for pick-up as promised.  Dr. Gavia checked to make sure the glasses were perfect, and that the fit was just right.  In addition, he also gave us two nice cases, eye glass cleaner and lint-free cleaning cloths.  

Playaweatherman's glasses

Puertodise's glasses

Hours of operation

We were impressed by the entire process and Dr. Gavia.  So, if it’s time for your eye-exam, or you find yourself in need of optical services, we highly recommend Dr. Gavia and his team!

FYI: No English was spoken, although the original poster on Playa.info indicated that the person at the front desk at the time did speak English.  We used a translation app and sign language (smile).

Business card