Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Optometrist in Des Moines, IA
Founded in 1951, Whylie Eye Care Centers has been a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care services in Central Iowa for over seven decades. Our family-owned business began with Joe Whylie's vision of accessible, high-quality optical care and expanded under Lois Copple's leadership, growing from two to nine locations. Each of our centers is staffed with independent doctors of optometry who deliver thorough eye exams, personalized eyewear consultations, and expert vision care tailored to individual needs.We prioritize patient education, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams to maintain long-term eye health and vision clarity. With a commitment to both clinical excellence and customer service, we offer a wide selection of designer eyewear, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses to complement our medical services. Our team's dedication to community well-being is reflected in our decades-long presence and the trust earned from thousands of satisfied patients across Central Iowa.
Services
Eye Exams
Prescription Glasses
Contact Lenses
Designer Frames
Vision Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in eye care.
- Our team includes independent optometrists at each location.
- We offer personalized service to select the perfect eyewear.
- We provide convenient locations across Central Iowa.
- Our optometrists offer thorough and professional eye exams.
What people say
Amazing staff
High level of care
Excellent customer service
Stylish frames
Comprehensive eye exam
Services
Eye Exams
Our comprehensive eye exams assess vision clarity, eye health, and potential vision-related health risks. Each exam includes tests for refractive errors, glaucoma screening, and retinal evaluations. Patients receive personalized recommendations for corrective lenses or further care.
Prescription Glasses
We offer a wide selection of prescription eyeglasses tailored to individual vision needs and style preferences. Our optical specialists help patients choose frames that complement facial features while ensuring proper lens fitting for optimal vision correction.
Contact Lenses
Our contact lens fittings include evaluations for comfort, vision clarity, and eye health. We provide various lens types, including daily disposables, toric lenses, and multifocal options, with follow-up care to ensure long-term eye health.
Designer Frames
We carry premium designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Michael Kors, and Burberry. Our staff assists in selecting frames that balance fashion, durability, and prescription requirements for both adults and children.
Vision Assessments
These assessments evaluate overall eye health, detecting conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetes-related eye issues. Early detection allows for timely interventions to preserve vision and prevent complications.
People
Sheri Matthaidess
Optometrist
Dr. Matthaidess provides comprehensive eye care with a focus on patient education and preventive care. She has served the Altoona community for over a decade, emphasizing personalized attention and modern vision solutions.
Daniel Draayer
Optometrist
Dr. Draayer specializes in contact lens fittings and vision correction for active lifestyles. He brings over 15 years of experience to Pleasant Hill, prioritizing thorough exams and tailored eyewear recommendations.
Drew Ingram
Optometrist
Dr. Ingram focuses on family eye care, serving patients of all ages in Des Moines. His approach combines advanced diagnostics with clear communication to help patients understand their vision health.
Sam Whitmore
Optometrist
Dr. Whitmore has practiced in Johnston for over 20 years, known for his expertise in progressive lens technology and commitment to community eye health initiatives.
Christopher Huston
Optometrist
Dr. Huston provides comprehensive eye exams in Pella, emphasizing early detection of eye diseases and customized vision correction solutions for both casual and occupational needs.
Questions
What services does Whylie Eye Care Centers offer?
We provide eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, designer frames, and vision health assessments. Each location includes an independent optometrist for comprehensive care.
Do you accept insurance for eye exams?
Yes, we accept major vision insurance plans and assist with insurance claims processing during your visit.
How can I schedule an eye exam?
Call any of our six Central Iowa locations to book an appointment. Allow 30+ minutes for comprehensive exams, including contact lens evaluations if needed.
What eyewear brands do you carry?
We feature designer brands like Ray-Ban, Michael Kors, Burberry, and Oakley, along with youth-focused options from Nike and My Little Pony.
Are your optometrists licensed professionals?
Each location employs independent doctors of optometry with current licenses and specialized training in vision correction and eye health management.
Reviews (6)
Alan Hyatt
Aug 11, 2021
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I recently purchased a golf progressive sunglass lens from a young man (Vince). It is a WOW in all ways. Vince shared with me that Whylie was the first company in the US to use this special technology from Shamir Lens. The depth, and breadth of everything outside is crystal clear. I choose the amber lens and it works perfectly. Vince, all the best to you in your career I am confident it will work out for you as your attention to detail and professionalism were ever present when helping me. I highly recommend this store and special lens for outdoor sports use.
Mr. Taylor
Dec 07, 2020
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Don't go here, i got what was supposed to be top of the line glasses from here. All 8 screws on it where loose. Some way more the others. You could move the frame. I took then back to get tightened up. The ladie scratched my lense then made me pay for a fee for fixing them. Told me they would be done ther next day. Then called and said Monday. This started on Wednesday. Today is Tuesday. I recieved no call Monday. I had to call today to ask why they didn't call me Monday to find out there was a delay and they hope they show up tomorrow. That would be a week without seeing well and having to have
Amber Winn
Jun 03, 2020
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I have gone here off and on for a long time. They have a good variety of glasses and are professional. They also do a great job with customer service. They are slightly pricey than some of the other eye care places but i find it worth the money.
Teressa Edwards
Dec 12, 2019
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I highly recommend Dr. Draayer at the Pleasant Hill location. His exam was very thorough, and he took his time. I have not gotten my glasses yet, but I have had occasion to get glasses for my kids there. The opticians are very knowlegeable and helpful. Overall, we always have good experiences there.
Terry Adams Realtor
Jan 06, 2019
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Wow! This place is awesome! The entire staff is amazing and they took great care of me. Whitney knows her stuff. The eye doctor impressed me with his high level of care. I am your newest lifetime client. Would highly recommend Whylie Eye Care to all my friends!!!
Cathleen Blome
Sep 25, 2018
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Johnston Whylie is the worst eyecare exam and experience Ive had in all the years since Ive worn glasses. Thats over 50 years. The staff there is rude and condescending. After receiving my glasses and giving me a couple weeks to adjust, I went back. My left lens was not good and I could not see to drive or read correctly. They basically told me everything was fine and sent me out the door. A week later I took these same glasses to an independent eye doctor and had them looked at again. Under the scope he could clearly see that my left lens was compromised. His diagnoses was the lens
