McDonald Optical

McDonald Optical Iowa City optical center since 1956 offering eye exams, optometry, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and

Since 1956, McDonald Optical has been the premier optical center in Iowa City. We are focused on providing only the highest quality frames, from designer glasses to sport sunglasses, paired with individualized customer care. Our store is on the corner of Gilbert St and Hwy 6, right next door to Big Grove Brewery.

We will be closed on December 24th & 25th so our team can spend time with loved ones this holiday season.Thank you for t...
12/24/2025

We will be closed on December 24th & 25th so our team can spend time with loved ones this holiday season.

Thank you for trusting us with your eye care all year long — we wish you a safe, joyful, and bright holiday! 💚👓

Our team came ready to sleigh the season in style—ugly sweater style, that is! 😎🎁
12/23/2025

Our team came ready to sleigh the season in style—ugly sweater style, that is! 😎🎁

Searching for eyewear that’s as unique as you are? Meet OGI Eyewear—durable meets daring, with handcrafted details and f...
12/22/2025

Searching for eyewear that’s as unique as you are? Meet OGI Eyewear—durable meets daring, with handcrafted details and fresh designs that won’t blend in.

Don't just correct myopia – slow the progression. Essilor® Stellest® lenses: • Slow myopia progression: Slowed myopia p...
12/18/2025

Don't just correct myopia – slow the progression. Essilor® Stellest® lenses:
• Slow myopia progression: Slowed myopia progression by 71% on average over 2 years*¹
• Correct myopia: Correct myopia with single vision zone to provide good vision
• Easy to use and proven: An easy to use and proven*¹ way to help manage your child’s nearsightedness

Book an appointment today to learn more.

*Compared to single vision lenses. Results from a prospective, randomized, double-masked, multicenter U.S. clinical trial in myopic children aged 6–12 years at initiation of treatment.
¹ Essilor International, data on file (2025).

12/17/2025

👁️ Did you know your eyes can reveal more than just vision problems?

A comprehensive eye exam can help detect signs of:
🔍 Diabetes
🔍 High blood pressure
🔍 High cholesterol
🔍 Autoimmune disorders
🔍 Even certain cancers

Your eyes are the only place in the body where blood vessels and nerves can be seen without surgery — which means regular eye exams are a powerful tool for protecting your total health. 🧠💪

✅ It’s more than a vision check. It’s a health check.
📅 Schedule your annual eye exam today — your whole body will thank you.

🎁 GIVE + SAVE this Holiday Season! 🎄Now through December 31st, bring in a donation for our local Community Food Bank and...
12/17/2025

🎁 GIVE + SAVE this Holiday Season! 🎄

Now through December 31st, bring in a donation for our local Community Food Bank and receive 30% OFF a complete pair of glasses!* 👓

We’re proud to partner with CommUnity Food Pantry to help support families in need.

Bring any of the following items:
🍼 Baby formula or diapers
🥫 Canned fruit in juice
🥜 Peanut butter
🍖 Canned meat
🍚 Rice or pasta

Let’s give back—and see clearly—together! 💛

*some restrictions apply

✨ Style. Confidence. Clarity. ✨We’re excited to welcome Kendra Scott Eyewear to our optical collection! 👓💛Known for bold...
12/16/2025

✨ Style. Confidence. Clarity. ✨
We’re excited to welcome Kendra Scott Eyewear to our optical collection! 👓💛

Known for bold colors and iconic design, Kendra Scott brings her signature style to frames that are just as beautiful as they are wearable.

👓 Lightweight & flattering
💎 Inspired by Kendra’s jewelry designs
🎨 Full of personality & perfect for every day

Come try them on and find your new favorite look—because your glasses should be as fabulous as you are.

Crafted. Iconic. Cutler & Gross.Historic British roots. Italian‑atelier precision. Frames that are as much art as optics...
12/15/2025

Crafted. Iconic. Cutler & Gross.

Historic British roots. Italian‑atelier precision. Frames that are as much art as optics.

Come see the collection today.

❄️ Winter glare is real — and Crizal® has you covered. 👓Snowy roads, icy sidewalks, and low-angle winter sun can create ...
12/10/2025

❄️ Winter glare is real — and Crizal® has you covered. 👓

Snowy roads, icy sidewalks, and low-angle winter sun can create harsh glare that makes it tough to see clearly. That’s where Crizal® Anti-Reflective Coatings come in.

✨ Benefits of Crizal® include:
✔️ Reduced glare from snow and sunlight
✔️ Clearer, sharper vision—day or night
✔️ Scratch, smudge, and water resistance
✔️ Easier screen time with less eye strain

Whether you're driving through snow or enjoying winter views, Crizal® helps protect your vision and enhance your clarity.

🧤 Make your glasses winter-ready—ask about Crizal® at your next visit!

🌟 Team Spotlight: Tera Washpun 🌟Meet Tera Washpun, our General Manager and a cornerstone of McDonald Optical since 2003!...
12/09/2025

🌟 Team Spotlight: Tera Washpun 🌟

Meet Tera Washpun, our General Manager and a cornerstone of McDonald Optical since 2003! 👓 With over two decades of experience, Tera brings unmatched dedication and heart to the field of eye care.

From helping patients experience the joy of clear vision—especially kids trying glasses for the first time—to educating our community about quality eyewear, Tera is all about making a difference.

When she’s not leading our team, she’s cheering on Iowa Hawkeye football, women’s basketball, and supporting her sons in track and field. We’re proud to have Tera as part of our family. 💚

⏳ Don’t let your vision benefits go to waste!As the year comes to a close, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself—and ...
12/08/2025

⏳ Don’t let your vision benefits go to waste!

As the year comes to a close, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself—and your eyes. Use your remaining benefits before they expire and enjoy 50% off a second pair of glasses when you purchase a complete pair.

👓 Backup pair?
🕶️ Prescription sunglasses?
🧑‍🎨 A bold new style?

Whatever your reason, now’s the time to save big!

📍 Schedule your visit today.

*Some restrictions apply.

💻 Myth Busted: Using computers won’t damage your eyes — but staring too long without breaks can lead to digital eye stra...
12/05/2025

💻 Myth Busted: Using computers won’t damage your eyes — but staring too long without breaks can lead to digital eye strain or dry eyes.

👁️ Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
💧 Blink often & use artificial tears to keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.

Take care of your screen time—your eyes will thank you! 🙌

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Address

1301 South Gilbert Street
Iowa City, IA
52240

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13193373737

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when McDonald Optical posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to McDonald Optical:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

McDonald Optical - Eyecare & Eyewear as Individual as You

McDonald Optical was founded at 16 South Clinton Street, Iowa City, Iowa in June of 1956 by Al McDonald and is still located at that address today. Al’s legacy lives on today with the 4th generation of the McDonald family, Reid McDonald (Al’s grandson) as the current owner. With 2 locations in Iowa City, Optometrists at both locations, and over 1,000 frames per store, McDonald Optical truly has something for everyone and every budget. We specialize in customized products, exclusive frame lines, and good, old fashioned customer service that never goes out of style. We have board certified Opticians at each location to assist you in finding the perfect frames and lenses that meet your lifestyle needs!

Visit our freshly renovated location at the Iowa City Marketplace (Sycamore): 1638 Sycamore St. Iowa City, Iowa Phone: (319)337-3737