For nearly 24 years, Eyewearhaus has been a cornerstone of St. Louis’ boutique optical scene. It’s known for its independent and curated frame collections, with a personalized approach to eye care.
“People don’t just come to us for glasses; they come because they trust us to help them find something that really fits who they are,” says Dr. Michelle Burghart.
In June 2021, Burghart realized a longtime dream when she took over ownership of the practice, bringing fresh energy while upholding the values that had already made Eyewearhaus a trusted name for two decades.
A Dream Realized
Burghart always envisioned owning her own boutique optometry practice. After years of moving to support her husband’s career in healthcare administration, the couple came to St. Louis in 2016. “I had the luxury of finding a job as an optometrist wherever we lived,” she says, “but I still longed for my own special practice.”
When a small boutique optical near their home went up for sale in 2021, her husband encouraged her to pursue it. After meeting with the original owner, Mike Harris, Burghart was enchanted. “It already had an established patient base and relationships with exclusive frame vendors,” she says. “The rest was history.”
Under Burghart’s ownership, Eyewearhaus continues to prioritize top-tier eye care and individualized service. The practice now offers five days of optometrist coverage, accommodating early morning and late afternoon appointments. Burghart and her colleague, Dr. Christine Broeder, maintain up-to-date certifications and continuing education, ensuring patients receive care informed by the latest research and technologies.
But it’s not just about clinical excellence—personalized service defines every step of the patient experience. At check-in, during the exam, and in the optician consultation, staff ask lifestyle-focused questions to match patients with eyewear that fits their work, recreation, and everyday life. For instance, a preschool teacher who loves pickleball might need a lightweight pair for work and an impact-resistant pair for sports.
“We even adjust frames in the privacy of a client’s car if coming in isn’t easy for them,” Burghart notes.
Curating Eyewear Collections
Eyewearhaus is renowned for its limited-edition and independent eyewear selections. Burghart and her team curate the collections by visiting national conferences, meeting vendors twice a year, and staying current with optical and fashion trends. Client preferences also guide acquisitions, ensuring that frames reflect individuality and style.
The boutique frequently refreshes its inventory each fall and spring, offering something new while avoiding duplicate styles that might appear elsewhere in the community.
Eyewearhaus stays on the cutting edge of lens technology and eye health. The practice offers blue light lenses, UV protection, transition lenses, polarized sunglasses, petite and oversize frames, and anti-fatigue digital lenses designed for screen use.
Burghart emphasizes that regular eye exams are about more than 20/20 vision; they’re critical for monitoring overall eye health, detecting early signs of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as protecting long-term wellness.
A Welcoming Experience
What truly sets Eyewearhaus apart is its community-focused culture. Burghart likens the practice to a neighborhood, where everyone knows your name. Birthdays are celebrated, personal needs are remembered, and relationships with clients extend beyond eyewear.
“Our motto is ‘heartfelt eye care with unique eyewear,’” she says. “We want every patient to feel valued and cared for, whether they’re looking for luxury frames or something more accessible.”
What’s Next
Eyewearhaus continues to expand its offerings, introducing new frame lines such as Chroma and Pellicer from Etnia Barcelona, updating technology, and creating an uplifting office culture.
The boutique’s combination of personalized care with expert optometry ensures that it remains a destination for patients seeking both health and style.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Eyewearhaus. For more information, visit eyewearhaus.com.
