Optica Class Statia
Statia's go-to optical shop for eye exams, frames, and traveler emergencies
Why Go
Broke your sunglasses climbing the Quill? Left your reading glasses on the ferry? On an island this small, Optica Class Statia is the answer — and it's a proper licensed optometrist, not just a rack of tourist shades.
The Experience
Tucked into a small commercial strip near the airport off Airport Road in Oranjestad, Optica Class Statia is the sister branch of the well-established Optica Class Bonaire, run by licensed optometrist Jose Javier Rodriquez. The shop opened in 2021 as Statia's first dedicated optician and optometrist, filling a gap that used to force islanders to fly to Sint Maarten or Curaçao for eye care. Inside you'll find a curated wall of around 360 frames — a mix of classic, sporty, and fashion-forward styles — that gets refreshed monthly based on what Statians actually ask for. The vibe is calm, professional, and unmistakably Dutch-Caribbean: no pressure, first-name service, and the kind of unhurried consultation you'd never get in a mall chain back home.
What to Try
If you're a diver or hiker, browse the polarized sunglasses — glare off the Caribbean and the black sand at Zeelandia is no joke. Travelers with a prescription should ask about single-vision lens turnaround; simple replacements can often be handled during a longer Statia stay. For a proper eye exam, book an optometry slot with Jose Javier — the equipment is modern and the exam is thorough. Even if you're just curious, the frame selection includes European lines you rarely see in the eastern Caribbean.
Insider Tip
Call ahead — always. The optometrist runs on a rotating schedule between Bonaire and Statia, so eye exams aren't offered every day of the week. Ring +599 318-0450 before you walk over, especially if you need a full refraction rather than just a frame fix. If you've lost glasses mid-trip, bring your prescription (a phone photo of the Rx from home works) to speed things up dramatically.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Theodore A.M. Pandt Road / Airport Road area, Oranjestad — a 3-minute drive or 15-minute flat walk from the F.D. Roosevelt Airport terminal. Look for the signage on the small commercial building near the John E. Mars roundabout. Phone: +599 318-0450. Payment: cash (USD) is universally accepted on Statia; card acceptance varies, so confirm when you call. Hours are limited and can shift with the optometrist's travel schedule, so treat opening times as appointment-based rather than walk-in. No dedicated parking lot, but street parking is easy — this is Statia, not Manhattan.
Pair It With
- Baby Beach Guide — After sorting your new shades, drive 10 minutes to this quiet windward cove to actually put them to use — the glare off the sand makes polarized lenses feel essential.
- Aquarium Dive Site — If you're picking up prescription dive-mask inserts or replacement sunglasses, this reef dive is one of Statia's most photogenic — a natural next stop with your fresh eyewear.
- Alvin V. Courtar Park — A calm, shaded green space a short walk away — a nice place to sit and adjust to new frames before heading back out into the Caribbean sun.
- A Quiet Getaway - One-Bedroom Apartment Guide — Handy base if you're on Statia long enough to wait out a lens order — it's minutes from the shop and the airport.
