girls wearing sunglasses on the beach

Sunglasses in Washington

Protect your eyes and look your very best

(202) 659-6555

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.


Buy One, Get One 50% Off Complete Eyeglasses

Refresh your look and your vision! Buy one complete pair of eyeglasses and get the second pair 50% off—perfect for a backup, sunglasses, or a new style.

*Must present offer at time of purchase. Must purchase a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses, including frame and lenses. Discount applied to complete pair of equal or lesser value. Does not include Alain Mikli, Barton Perreira, Burberry, Cartier, Cazal, Chanel, Cutler and Gross, Dita Lancier, Gucci, ic!Berlin, l.a. Eyeworks, Maui Jim, Mykita, Nifties, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban, Salt, Salvatore Ferragamo, Skaga, Silhouette, Tom Ford, WOOW, YSL, sunglass frames, accessories, contact lenses, or medical procedures. Cannot be used with any other promotion, discount, or offer. Not redeemable for cash. Not valid on previous orders. Other restrictions may apply. Offer valid 9/28/2025-12/31/2025. 25AEG-1129700.

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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 Metropolitan Optical – Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington today!

(202) 659-6555

Patient Reviews
4.6
196 Reviews
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- Oct. 14, 2025
Incredibly nice people! They quickly helped me straight my glasses after I sat on them, free of char... ge. Thank you!
- Oct. 11, 2025
Amazing staff! Highly recommended
- Oct. 06, 2025
Everyone here is so kind and took the time to explain everything to me and talk through various opti... ons. Dee was so wonderful helping me pick out a stylish, affordable pair of frames!
- Aug. 01, 2025
Best service I recommend dr. Saba 👍👍
- Jun. 20, 2025
Wonderful experience and Great staff
- Jun. 05, 2025
I received a late bill for an exam and June was so gracious in making sure I did not have to incur t... he cost. She took care of the issue immediately and provided great customer service! Thanks June
- Jun. 03, 2025
Visiting from out of town and bent my frames. Dropped by to ask for help and they fixed me right up.... Thank you!
- May. 13, 2025
Everyone was friendly & professional.The office was clean and the equipment was sanitized before it ... was used for my visit.
- Apr. 15, 2025
The atmosphere is pleasant and the staff is very helpful.
- Mar. 28, 2025
I've been coming to Metropolitan Optical for many, many years and always received excellent service ... and advice. Dr. Ayalu is terrific!
- Mar. 24, 2025
Metropolitan Optical has been handling my eye care needs for almost 20 years. The best eye specialis... ts in the Washington, DC , Maryland and Virginia area. Please make appointment and you will understand why. Very prompt, courteous and knowledgeable staff.
- Mar. 08, 2025
Highly recommend Metropolitan Optical for anyone looking for an eye-doctor or new frames! It is evid... ent how Dr. Ayalew cares for her patients -- always making sure to squeeze us in because she prioritizes our health. She takes time to explain what's going on and makes sure to develop a care plan that is realistic. The rest of the team are just awesome -- from spending time to make sure that your frames fit and look perfect to making sure that you are scheduled for your next appoint
- Feb. 27, 2025
Have been coming here for over 3 years and it’s great! Wonderful and knowledgeable staff.
- Jan. 14, 2025
Dr Salsa Ayalew is great. She is very patient and clearly communicates what is going on during the ... exam and the appropriate next steps. Dee is also great with helping to select great frames and is responsive to style and pricing concerns.
- Jan. 03, 2025
High professionalism and courtesy.
- Oct. 20, 2024
Excellent care from Dr Saba and excellent customer service
- Oct. 18, 2024
Great place for my eye care! Very satisfied.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Top Tier service is always received at every level when I visit Metropolitan Optical!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Doctor and every staff are very friendly and good customers service, also they explain every step un... til you get discharge. Excellent
- Sep. 13, 2024
Dr. Ayalew and every staff member give the highest quality customer service.

View All 196 Reviews

Sunglasses in Washington

Our optometry practice in Washington

Photograph of Saba Ayalew
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Care First
  • Aetna
  • Davis Vision
  • VSP
  • EyeMed

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.

(202) 659-6555