Peninsula Optical

About Peninsula Optical

Peninsula Optical is an independent optical shop at 415 University Avenue, on the main street of downtown Palo Alto. Its website calls it "Palo Alto Peninsula Optical, est. 1953." That makes it one of the older retail names on the avenue. The business is registered as Peninsula Optical, Inc.

The shop's own pages focus on eyewear rather than clinical care. They list designer frame and sunglass brands, a store gallery, a short events page and the shop's hours and contact details. The website does not list eye exams. Plan to bring a current prescription from your optometrist or ophthalmologist when you shop for new glasses.

The shop's website is simple and does not carry a recent date, so it is a good idea to call ahead at 650-326-8415 before a special trip.

Frames and brands

Peninsula Optical's brands page leans toward designer and independent eyewear labels. It names these brands:

• Cartier
• DITA
• Barton Perreira
• FACE A FACE
• Lunor
• Maui Jim
• Mykita
• Oakley
• Oliver Peoples
• Persol
• Ray-Ban
• Retro Specs and Co.
• Robert Marc
• Salt
• Tom Ford

The mix runs from sport and everyday names such as Oakley and Ray-Ban to luxury frames such as Cartier. Collections change. A brand on the website may not have every model in stock. If you are after a particular frame, call or email the shop first.

What to expect

An optical shop like this one fills the prescription your eye doctor writes. Staff help you choose frames, take the measurements that lenses need and order the lenses. When the glasses come back, you return for a fitting. The shop's website does not spell out lens options, turnaround times or prices, so ask about those when you visit.

Before you go, check a few things:

• Bring a written copy of your current prescription. Most eye doctors will give you one on request.
• If you have vision insurance, call ahead to ask whether the shop can bill your plan or whether you should pay and file the claim yourself. The website does not list insurance.
• Bring your current glasses if you want to compare fit or reuse a frame.

This listing does not give medical advice. If you notice a sudden change in your vision, see an eye doctor rather than an optical shop. For an eye injury, call 911.

Who it suits

Peninsula Optical makes the most sense for shoppers who already have a prescription and want to try on designer frames in person. The brand list suits people who care about style and materials as much as price. If you still need an eye exam, book that first with an optometrist. Downtown options in this directory include Palo Alto Eyes Optometry on University Avenue and Lee Optometrics on Hamilton Avenue, both of which also sell eyewear. You can then bring the written prescription to whichever shop you prefer.

Contact and hours

The location page lists the shop as open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. The phone number is 650-326-8415 and the fax is 650-326-8417. The website also lists an email address, malina@peninsulaoptical.com, which is handy if you want to ask whether a frame is in stock.

Tips for visiting

• The shop is closed Sunday and Monday, so plan a weekday or Saturday visit.
• If you are hunting for a frame you saw online, note the brand and model number before you call or email. That makes it easier for staff to check stock.
• The website does not list repairs or adjustments. Call first if that is what you need.
• Street parking downtown has time limits. The city's public garages are a few blocks away. Our parking guide explains the zones.
• The Palo Alto Caltrain station sits at the west end of University Avenue, within walking distance of the shop.
• Make a stop part of a longer outing with our guide to shopping University Avenue.
• Hungry after? Our downtown guide lists cafes and lunch spots within a few blocks.

Location and getting there

Peninsula Optical is at 415 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area of Palo Alto. Our Downtown guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.4 miles away. That is roughly a 9 minute walk.

Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).

Hours

Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.

What is nearby

• Cafe Venetia, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
• Yayoi, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
• Taste, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
• Olivia & Lash, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
• Marugame Udon, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
• Cogswell Plaza, 0.2 mi
• University Avenue, 0.2 mi
• Johnson Park, 0.2 mi

Other health and medical nearby: Site for Sore Eyes (under 0.1 mi); CVS Pharmacy University Avenue (under 0.1 mi); Palo Alto Eyes Optometry (0.1 mi); LensCrafters (0.1 mi). Browse the full health and medical list.

Before you go

• Call ahead to confirm the practice accepts your insurance and is taking new patients.
• Bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of current medications to a first visit.
• For emergencies call 911. Stanford Hospital's emergency department is the closest major emergency room for most of Palo Alto.

About this listing

Checked October 30, 2026 against Peninsula Optical home page; Peninsula Optical location page; Peninsula Optical brands page. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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