Photography by Zhong Ling, sourced from Etnia Barcelona
Our services
We provide the eye exam and fitting, you provide your vision.
Looking for new glasses or a fresh pair of contacts? Our team of licensed opticians is ready to help you find the perfect fit. You'll find plenty of stylish frame options at our Hamden and New Haven shops, so you're sure to fall in love with your next pair. Share your vision—we'll work our magic!
Eyewear
Brands we carry.
We proudly carry brands that share our same principle- quality. We have curated our frames to allow for a variety of styles and colors. Visit us in store to check out our full frame selection.
ABOUT FRITZ & HAWLEY
An optical shop with history.
Fritz & Hawley Guild Opticians has been serving New Haven County for over 100 years. As one of the first optical shops in Connecticut, Gustave Fritz and George Hawley opened The Fritz & Hawley Company in 1900. Fast-forward to 2018, our very own Manny Colón stepped in to carry the torch—bringing fresh energy while keeping the legacy alive. The story’s still unfolding, and we’re just getting started! Come be a part of our journey.
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1855
Optician Paul Roessler opens what is believed to be the first optical shop in Connecticut—and the first of its kind between New York City and Boston—at 816 Chapel Street in New Haven, inside the historic Phoenix Building.
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1900
At 816 Chapel Street in New Haven, CT, Gustave G. Fritz and George S. Hawley acquire the optical shop from Paul Roessler and go on to establish The Fritz & Hawley Company.
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1900
816 Chapel Street, New Haven — home to an in-house lab where glass lenses were manufactured on-site.
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1935
816 Chapel Street, New Haven — ground floor retail space where optical equipment, cameras, greeting cards, and pocket watches were sold.
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1955
Fritz & Hawley celebrates 100 years!
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1960
Chapel Street, New Haven
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1960
Chapel Street, New Haven
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1960
Fritz & Hawley operated on Whitney Avenue in Hamden prior to the reopening of the Vision Center in 1966.
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1966
Fritz & Hawley open what is believed to be New England’s first ‘Vision Center,’ located in Hamden.
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1966
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Vision Center on Whitney Avenue in Hamden.
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1969
A third location opens at 113 River Street in Milford, Connecticut.
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2018-Present
Located at 2313 Whitney Avenue, Emmanuel "Manny" Colón took over the practice in 2018 and, with his dedicated staff, keeps the shop thriving and looking forward to the future!
Repair & Maintenance
Continued care & warranties.
Eyewear purchased at our location is covered (excluding parts required, if any), though we happily service frames purchased outside of Fritz & Hawley Guild Opticians. Also, if your frame happens to have a defect (rare, but possible) we will help facilitate your 1-year manufacturer’s warranty if provided by the brand.
Has your doctor changed your prescription? If we received your previous script within the last 60 days, we will do a one-time remake of your lenses at no charge (excludes upgrades).
Testimonials
What our patients say.
I love F&H - you're my go-to optical shop and I'll be recommending you to everyone - you have an outstanding selection of quality frames and the customer service by Manny & associates is second-to-none. Manny's passion for his work is obvious and his willingness to work through a rare problem I had (not due to anything F&H did, but rather was caused by my optometrist's exam ) to quick complete resolution. I have been wearing glasses for 58 out of my 60 years, and I've never experienced an optician like F&H - OUTSTANDING!
James S.
Great experience! Tried their new tele-health system and it was spot on. Better experience than my previous in-person doctor at another local place. My prescription for glasses and contacts was perfect. They had both ready 2days later! The staff took their time to teach me about my eyes- definitely referring my friends and family here!
Jayden S.
Love this place! I have been and will continue to be a loyal customer! Excellent service, ethical sources for glasses, and the staff comes from a place of education, they take the time to explain the process, the artisans who make their glasses, everything. Really a wonderful place. I send everyone I can here.
Amanda W.
Fritz & Hawley is the most amazing place to buy eyewear! The staff are smart, alert, and sensitive; the range and styles are so unique and expressive. The frame I bought draws compliments every day and everywhere! And I joyfully credit the store and the staff, who recommended it. Two more kudos: the eye test process and turnaround time for the lens manufacture--thorough, excellent, and prompt. I received my glasses in less than 10 days! From here on out, I'm shopping for my eyewear at Fritz & Hawley. Thanks, Manny and Minerva!
Jacqueline G.
Enjoy open access to all insurance plans!
