Reviews

Aura Optical place picture
5.0
Based on 161 reviews
Jennifer Bolus profile picture
Jennifer Bolus
4 weeks ago
Top notch experience with John & Steven. They both go above & beyond any experience I’ve ever had when it comes to eye exams and investing in new glasses . Do yourself and your eyes a favor, skip the big box eye glass places! Shop
Local with these guys.
Rita Lane profile picture
Rita Lane
1 month ago
Dr. John Kaudewitz and Steven Casey were very nice, friendly and professional. Dr. Kaudewitz listened to what I wanted in my contact lenses. I felt very relaxed and comfortable. The office is very clean. I highly recommend Aura Optical.
M W profile picture
M W
1 month ago
This was probably the best experience I’ve had at an optical service company in many years. The professionalism and cordiality of the the staff is genuine and their equipment, decor and eyewear selection is top notch. I highly recommend!
Susan Koos profile picture
Susan Koos
1 month ago
Chris Crane profile picture
Chris Crane
1 month ago
Quick and easy annual visit. Done in about 15 minutes!
Amy Kanachovski profile picture
Amy Kanachovski
3 months ago
This place is amazing. It’s a gorgeous office downtown and is filled with thoughtful touches to make people feel comfortable. But the individuals who run it are the real stars! Dr. John was knowledgeable, personable, calming and overall made absolutely sure I had all the information regarding my eye health. It was a quick process without feeling rushed. In fact I feel like he took time to make sure I felt cared for and armed with all the information I needed. Steven was great! Explaining benefits, costs and had so much experience that I trusted him fully with picking out what would work best for me. Again, taking his time to make sure I was comfortable and got everything I needed. Absolutely will be back 10/10
Anthony Dasher profile picture
Anthony Dasher
3 months ago
Excellent experience from start to finish. The office is beautifully designed, modern, spotless, and welcoming. Both the doctor and the optical staff were exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely friendly. You can immediately tell this is a locally owned practice that truly takes pride in both patient care and expertise. The exam was thorough, everything was explained clearly, and the glasses specialist was patient, helpful, and clearly very skilled at what he does. It’s refreshing to find a practice that combines professionalism, warmth, and such a high level of service. Highly recommended
Linda Lanoue profile picture
Linda Lanoue
4 months ago
This was absolutely the best experience I've ever had when going to get glasses. The surroundings were beautiful. The people were professional, yet friendly and warm. There was a large selection of frames. The examination was extremely thorough. I can't say enough good things about them!
Robyn J profile picture
Robyn J
4 months ago
They are wonderful physicians! They explain everything well, medically and insurance benefits wise. They also really take the time with you. I Love that the physician himself does all the testing and examining. Unlike other places where you see multiple different exam techs each time. They offer a very thorough and personal experience. The choices in glasses are more on the pricier/high end side which is ok, I can appreciate that they care more about quality of what they offer. Although less important, the aesthetic of the place is very lovely as well, its very clean and modern with a lot of plants and nice furniture. Very good experience, would highly recommend!
Leah Berrelez profile picture
Leah Berrelez
4 months ago
Aura Optical continues to raise the bar every time I visit. Their attention to detail is unmatched — they take their time, explain everything clearly, and make you feel like your vision is genuinely important to them. It’s rare to find that level of thoughtful, patient care anywhere.

And then there’s their eyewear selection… which has officially revealed a new personal flaw of mine: I apparently have no self‑control around great frames. Their collection is incredible — a perfect mix of edgy, trendy, and classic styles. It’s the kind of selection that makes you want to reinvent yourself every time you walk in. Choosing just one pair feels like a challenge in self‑discipline.

I also really appreciate that they offer discounts for people without vision insurance. It’s a meaningful gesture that shows they care about accessibility and aren’t just focused on the bottom line.

Between the precision of their exams, the warmth of their team, the dangerously tempting frame options, and their commitment to helping patients with or without insurance, Aura Optical has become my go‑to spot. It’s not just an eye appointment — it’s an experience you actually look forward to.
Jessica Swanson profile picture
Jessica Swanson
1 year ago
Wow! Amazing experience all around. Dr. Kaudewitz was so thorough, knowledgeable, and kind. Steven, the optician, was great at working with our insurance and getting us a great deal. Made us a delicious cup of locally roasted coffee to sip on during our visit. Most pleasant eye doctor experience I’ve ever had!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Wow, thank you so much for the kind words! It was truly a pleasure having you all in yesterday. Dr. Kaudewitz takes great pride in providing thoughtful, thorough care, and I’m glad I could help make the rest of the experience smooth (and caffeinated ☕). We’re so grateful you chose us, and we’re already looking forward to seeing you again!
Dr. K and Steven are an “AWESOME” Team!!! This is boutique eye care at its finest. They were both personable, professional, and just good people. If you need eye health, this is the place to go!!!!!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Wow, thank you so much for the incredible review, Tinna! You absolutely made our day. Dr. K and I truly love what we do, and it means a lot to hear that it came through in your experience. Boutique eye care is all about getting it just right for you, and we’re so grateful you chose us. We can’t wait for you to try your new glasses and sunglasses! 🤩😎
Jim Comerford profile picture
Jim Comerford
1 year ago
Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Had an eye test and was fitted for contacts as a walk-in. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner
1 year ago
We really appreciate the review, Jim. It’s been a pleasure working with you. Thank you for trusting us with the eye care of you and your family. We look forward to seeing you again!
Great service from providers and staff
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you so much Gabby for the kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We work hard to make every visit smooth and comfortable, and it means a lot to hear that it showed. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Michelle Harris profile picture
Michelle Harris
1 year ago
Best eye care experience ever! These guys deserve 10 stars! Comfortable relaxed non rushed atmosphere. Top notch professional exam. Great selection of quality frames to choose from and affordable prices.
Highly recommend these guys. I will not go anywhere else!!!!!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you so much Michelle for the incredible review! We're beyond honored to be your go-to for eye care, it means the world to us. Creating a relaxed, welcoming space with top-tier care and standout frames is exactly what we’re all about, and we’re so glad that came through in your experience. Can’t wait to see you next time!
Excellent exam! I've never had an exam where the doctor explained everything so clearly and in simple terms that I understood. Even with a healthcare background, I don't know eyes. The office is exceptional, clean, and the service professional. Both Dr. K and Steven are down to earth and willing to help you in any way. HIGHLY recommend this office.
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Laurie, this is such an awesome review, thank you for taking the time to write it! We totally get that even with a healthcare background, the world of eyes can still feel like a different language. Dr. K is amazing at breaking things down in a way that makes sense, we’re so glad that stood out to you. It means a lot to hear you felt the space and the service matched the experience. We really do try to keep things approachable, thoughtful, and dialed-in across the board. We’re lucky to have patients like you, and we can’t wait to have you back!
Danielle Wray profile picture
Danielle Wray
1 year ago
I am so happy with the care I received at Aura. It is so nice to have such a wonderful business right in the heart of downtown JC. Dr. K took plenty of time to explain and help me understand each part of the eye exam. He was approachable and easy to work with. Steven helped me with picking out my glasses and made sure all my coverage was correct with my insurance. If you are in need of an eye doctor I cannot recommend this Veteran-owned business enough.
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Danielle, this is everything we hope someone walks away feeling after a visit to Aura, thank you so much for sharing this.We’re so lucky to be part of this downtown JC community, and even luckier to have people like you walk through our doors. Dr. K will be thrilled to hear how much you appreciated his care. He really does love taking the time to walk through it all. And I’m so glad Steven could find you the right pair and make sure everything was squared away with your coverage.Thanks again for your kind words and for supporting a Veteran-owned small business, it means more than you know. Can’t wait to see you next time!
Nathaniel Trott profile picture
Nathaniel Trott
1 year ago
Have you ever HATED going to the eye doctor? Or the entire hassle of dealing with the exam and the whole process? Then this place will change your mind. Fabulous, friendly, genuine people. It’s also a gorgeous space that is a joy to just spend time in. Great selection of frames- brands you won’t find ANYWHERE else in our region. And very competitive prices. Just book the appointment already- they’ll get you in quickly. I’ve had glasses for years that I never felt were correct or helpful. This is truly the first time I don’t want to take them off- they’re just right. I cannot say enough positive things about Aura Optical.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Nathaniel, you are the real-life best! Looking beyond fabulous in those Shwood frames, by the way. We honestly can’t tell who’s wearing who here 😉.Your review means the world to us. We strive every day to offer the kind of care and experience that would earn words like yours. Elevating and personalizing every part of the optometry and eyewear journey is exactly what we’re here to do, and it means so much to have that seen and felt. Thank you for being one of our biggest fans, the feeling is definitely mutual 😄
Everett Ogden profile picture
Everett Ogden
1 year ago
Top notch service from beginning to end. I highly recommend them!
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you so much, Everett! We’re honored by your recommendation and so glad you felt the care we put into every step of the experience. We’re looking forward to seeing you and the family again soon!
Katie Jarrett profile picture
Katie Jarrett
1 year ago
Hands down the best practice I’ve ever been to. Detailed, high tech, caring, and knowledgeable. John discovered things about eyes that other doctors have missed, and presented solutions that I’d always been told didn’t exist. Steven helped me find frames and lenses that were the best fit for me. Pricing is excellent; my exam cost less than other local practices, and they charge MSRP value for their frames.
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Katie! We’re truly honored to hear this was your best experience yet. Dr. Kaudewitz takes great pride in digging deep and providing thorough, personalized care, and Steven has a real gift for helping people find frames that feel like them. We're also glad you noticed our commitment to transparent pricing and fair value. We appreciate you trusting us with your eyes. Can’t wait to see you again! 👓💚
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