About Us

Dietz-McLean Optical is a multigenerational, family-owned, and operated optical shop that provides extraordinary eyewear for the San Antonio community.

Your Local Glasses People for Over 80 Years

Eyeglasses mean a lot to our family: they’re a precision tool you rely on every day. They’re your most-worn fashion statement. And they’ve been the keystone of our family business for over 80 years.

Simply put, we’re frames fanatics — and we have the know-how and work ethic to find you a pair that fits perfectly, looks incredible and makes you fall in love with eyewear too.

Our Mission

It’s simple: everything we do is for your satisfaction, even when you don’t see us doing it. Between our expansive range of independent and designer frames, personable opticians and eyewear shopping experience, generous Fair Value Plan, and comprehensive warranties, we can deliver outstanding glasses and unrivaled peace of mind. What others may consider “premium” is simply our standard.
Dietz-McLean Optical Lobby Area
Modern customize lens at Dietz McLean Optical

Our Roots Run Deep

The eyewear industry has evolved a lot since Dietz-McLean Optical opened its doors in 1938, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing exceptional eyeglasses for our neighbors. Our family’s history in lens manufacturing and opticianry has provided us with decades of unmatched experience — whether we’re selecting your most flattering frames or perfecting your lenses, we know how to determine what you need and execute on it.

Historically Great Service

“Mac” Starts His Optical Career

Mac, Drake and Cliff McLean’s grandfather, began his career in the optical industry as a delivery boy for the American Optical Company at the young age of 13. He was introduced to the field by his older brother, Edward, who was working in a lens lab.

Dietz-McLean Optical Founded

The practice you know today as Dietz-McLean Optical goes way back but has always been at home in San Antonio. Our customer-first focus and commitment to quality eyewear started here, with a lens lab from day one!

The McLeans Contribute to The War Effort

When the U.S. entered WWII, each soldier was assigned two pairs of glasses. “Mac” ran a large lens-production operation and was one of the first to hire women into the optical industry.

Jim McLean Starts at Dietz-McLean Optical

The son of “Mac,” Jim McLean would eventually rise to the position of Chairman.

Our Temple Location Opens

One of our earlier expansions, Temple serves clients to this day.

Refocusing on Retail

As we expanded, we were faced with a choice: continue our wholesale business to serve more people or focus on retail and our local communities. We chose the latter, recommitting to taking care of our customers first.

Convenient Referrals

Want new glasses but need an updated prescription? We connect patients with reliable, local eye doctors through our convenient referral network. Our family has worked with these doctors for years and can vouch for their expertise — bringing you that much closer to healthy vision in frames you love.

Dietz McLean Optical healthy vision in frames

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See What Our

Customers are Saying

Alba Luz
Alba Luz
2022-02-10
In 2018, I took my 90 years old father to a routine eye check up. The Doctor there found a problem with him that required urgent surgery in both eyes to don't go blind. Thanks to her my dad's vision is perfect for his age. Great service! 🌹
Robert McKinney
Robert McKinney
2021-03-17
Excellent service, very friendly and very service oriented!!
Nagendra Kumar
Nagendra Kumar
2021-01-25
Dietz-McLean Optical in San Antonio on Basse Rd... The best Optical experience I ever had. I am from California, visiting my daughter in San Antonio, and have been wearing rimless glasses for a while. No one ever did my rimless round glasses the way I wanted until I met Linda at Dietz-McLean opticals. To me, precise and accurate measurements of my round rimless glasses were of utmost importance and Linda was sharp as a whip who understood my need for precision, accuracy and elegance .She got my rimless glasses done....on time and to the exact measurements on the glasses. .I was so impressed with the quality of their work, I got 3 pairs of rimless glasses done. Linda is an asset to this company to uphold the values of Customer service, profssional atttitude and respect for the customers in listening to their needs , ontime delivery of glasses of exceptional quality and elegance. I would highly recommend Dietz-McLean Opticals for quality glasses - rim or rimless. -Mr Kumar .
erin reynolds
erin reynolds
2020-12-29
I was looking for a particular pair of glasses with no luck. I found this place via Google. I spoke with Linda and she was able to find the glasses for me! Great customer service! I will only buy glasses from here going forward! Thank you, Linda!
John Nisbet
John Nisbet
2020-09-22
Great company going back to my grandfather who was one of the first ophthalmologists in SA (actually the 2nd and they told him he wouldn't make it since there already was 1!). I go to Dietz-McLean for all my glasses needs. Thanks!
Georgia Jobes
Georgia Jobes
2020-08-31
The best optical shop bar none. Dietz-McLean goes the extra mile in customer service and producing superb quality eyewear. Linda never gave up on me and after a new prescription my glasses were perfect. I have been a loyal customer for two decades. My prescription is difficult and this is the only optical shop that can fit me.
Zack Ezer
Zack Ezer
2020-07-08
I've been wearing glasses for close to twenty years and have not had an easier shopping experience for new glasses in that time. Elke was very knowledgeable about my options and I was quickly able to pick a new frame that looks great. Thank you for the great service!
Michael Ward
Michael Ward
2020-06-16
Found this company from my friend Rodney who works here. Great guy and always professional!
GREG DEATHERAGE
GREG DEATHERAGE
2020-02-13
Great Opticians with a great selection and friendly staff!