About Us

Whylies is a family owned optical business that, since 1951, is committed to serving the eye care needs of Central Iowa.

Each and every employee is dedicated to your satisfaction.
Whylie Eye Care Des Moines
Leadership

Who We Are

Vince Copple

President

Kenton Copple

Vice-President

Lois Copple

Founder
1924-2016

Our History

Whylie Eye Care Centers is Iowa’s largest independently owned provider of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, contact, lenses, and eyewear accessories.  With over 60 years of experience caring for Iowa’s eyes – we’re committed to your eye care and eye health.

It all started back in 1951 when Joe Whylie established Whylie Eye Care.  Having grown up with her father and uncle in the optical industry, Lois Copple purchased the business from Joe Whylie in 1970, and over the years, grew the optical business from two to its current nine locations.  We’ve helped several thousand customers take good care of their eyes over the years, and we’re proud to continue doing so today.

Lois was the company spokesperson for over three decades, urging her Des Moines neighbors to get regular eye exams and to build a strong relationship with their eye doctor so that they could be assured of healthy eyes, strong vision and of course, stylish eyeglasses!

She became a local celebrity, appearing in many memorable TV commercials, which always ended with her signature line "Come see us!” In 2013, Lois retired and turned the business over to her sons, Vincent and Kenton.

Over the years, Whylie Eye Care Centers has been proud to be Central Iowa’s #1 provider of prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses.  Our highly trained specialists offer every customer personalized service to select the perfect eyeglass frames so they can not only enhance their vision but also their look!

An independent doctor of optometry is located in each Whylie location.  We know that affordable and regular eye exams are the first step in ensuring you always see your best. Each doctor offers friendly, professional and thorough eye exams.  You’ll walk out of your appointment with a prescription for better sight.  With multiple locations throughout the Des Moines metro, there’s always an eye doctor near you that is open Monday through Saturday.

To find an eye doctor and schedule an eye exam, choose one of our locations that is most convenient for you and your family.

You’ll love our designer eyeglasses frames, the wide selection of sunglasses and all of the major contact lens brands.  We’re here and ready to help you care for your eyesight while looking your best.  Come see us!