About

Located in historic downtown Northville, Mich,  Urban Optiques (formerly Urban Optiks) offers complete vision health care and one of Metro-Detroit's most extensive collections of designer eyewear and sunglasses, in a fun, relaxed setting that makes patients actually look forward to going to the eye doctor.

Independently-owned and operated by Northville optometrist Dr. Michelle Calder Cardwell, Urban Optiques provides a local, made-in-Detroit alternative for people who are looking for something more than the impersonal, cattle-call mentality of chain and big-box discount vision care clinics and optometrists.

Our goal at Urban Optiques was simple: Create a different kind of vision care experience — one that stands out from impersonal, rushed, assembly-line approach of corporate-run vision care chains and discount eyewear shops.

Inspired by mavericks and trailblazers in other industries and walks-of life outside of optometry and health care, we’re obsessed at Urban Optiques with creating a patient and client experience that focuses on complete and personalized vision care, amazing eyewear product, and a relentless obsession with the little things that matter to people.

Founded in 1995 as Shades Optical by Birmingham optometrist Dr. William J. Koppin O.D., Urban Optiques quickly established itself as one of Northville and Metro-Detroit’s premier sources for cutting edge, fashionable designer eyewear.

In 2004, Shades was purchased by Dr. Rob Diegel and underwent a eyewear upgrade and name change, becoming Urban Optiks.

Under Dr. Rob’s management, Urban Optiks quickly grew into one of the area’s most successful independently-owned optometry practices, drawing patients and clients (including many of Detroit’s professional athletes, business professionals and trend setters) from as far away as Birmingham and Troy.

In October 2009, Dr. Michelle Calder Cardwell O.D. purchased Urban Optiks and rebranded the practice “Urban Optiques.”  While the name and owner may have changed, the business’ 15 year history of offering some of the area’s most desirable eyewear in a relaxed, cool environment, remains.

The boutique practice offers a distinctive collection of designer eyewear, eyeglass frames and sunglasses hand picked for their uniqueness. While Urban Optiques carries a wide range of popular designer eyewear brands, the focus of Urban Optiques is on providing innovative, fashion-forward eyewear from designers who may not be as well known, or from brands that aren't available in chains or discount optical stores.

For example, Urban Optiques is one of only a handful of boutique eyewear retailers in Michigan authorized to sell the Chrome Hearts luxury eyewear line.