Arlene Schwartz, OD

I was just here yesterday afternoon for a routine eye exam. Last year I went to Malik eye care a couple of blocks away from here and they were horrible. They didn’t do a full eye exam. I was referred to Dr. Schwartz by a co worker of mine. Once I walked in the vibe was very positive. The receptionist was very polite and professional. I also didn’t wait long.
Once I saw Dr. Schwartz I was nervous thinking she would be rude like the other eye doctors I’ve been to. But no. She was full of smiles and laughter. I can also see that she is very caring for her patients. Dr. Schwartz did a full on eye exam.
I have never felt so comfortable with a optometrist. I would not go anywhere else but here. Great job guys!

I and my family have been patients of Dr. Schwartz for many years. She is extremely thorough and takes her time with the exam. She answers any and all questions. She is a consummate professional. The office is run very well with pleasant and very competent staff.

You can tell when somebody is a true expert, just as you can tell when they really care about you. Both are true in Dr. Schwartz’s case. That’s why I continue to go to her even though she’s not in my current insurance plan. As someone who has taught at the SUNY College of Optometry, she’s at the top of her profession. She’s also one of the nicest professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. You can’t do better than Arlene.

I’ve been going to Dr. Schwartz on Metropolitan Ave ever since she opened a couple of years ago. It was the most thorough eye exam I’ve ever had. She was the first to ever dilate my eyes. I must have been going to the wrong places in the past because the exam would be a quick 15 minutes and I would leave with a prescription for glasses and that’s it. Dr. Schwartz checked the health of my eyes and checked for eye related diseases. Since it was my first thorough eye exam I was curious and asked a lot of questions. She was very patient and explained everything to me. Turns out she was a teacher at Suny Optometry. So by looking at my dilated eyes she can check for indications of glaucoma, brain tumors, diabetes, etc. All things I didn’t know about! Now I get my eyes checked by Dr. Schwartz once a year. I also go to her office for issues other than glasses like weird eye bumps, puffiness, redness. Her office gets quite busy at times and it can be a long wait but it’s worth it because her exams are very thorough and she takes her time with each patient. The girls who work there really know their frames. Trust them, they can pick the perfect pair of glasses to fit your face. They have a great selection of frames from high end designer to very very inexpensive and everything in between. There was a time when I went there unemployed and they were able to pick out a very inexpensive pair for me which still looked great. They do not push you to spend more money than you wish to and prices are very reasonable.
Last year my mom suddenly started seeing floaters so the office was able to squeeze her in for a last minute emergency visit. Dr. Schwartz detected a retinal tear and referred us to a retinal specialist. We went the next day and my mom had to have laser surgery for the tear that day. Dr. Schwartz also detected the beginning of cataracts in one of her eyes. She also detected a macular hole in my mom’s eye. These all happened at different times during different exams. And sure enough when I take her to the ophthalmologist they always agree with Dr. Schwartz’s findings. Even though my mom now has regular check ups with the retinal specialist and ophthalmologist I still have her checked by Dr. Schwartz for glasses and for her other medical eye issues because she is very knowledgeable and takes the time to patiently explain to me what is going on, different options for treatment, and possible outcomes. These are things that the retinal specialist and ophthalmologist don’t take the time to explain to me.
In short: Dr. Schwartz cares about her patients. She is more than just an optometrist who prescribes glasses. Her exams are very thorough. Her office is clean, modern, bright, spacious. The girls who work the front desk have a great eye for frames. There is a big selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses at all price ranges. I highly recommend.

I had an amazing experience at Dr. Schwartz’s office. The office itself is beautiful and spacious. The staff were so friendly and helpful. They were patient, helping find the glasses that fit my face the best. The eye exam was wonderful. Dr. Schwartz was very personable, answering all my questions. I’m so glad I came here!

wow — found a gem!
finding a good doctor is worse than trying to find a husband, so what a relief to find this place. never had an eye exam quite like this one… usually you are in the exam chair for like 5 minutes… it’s like a motor vehicle eye test… not here — this a real eye exam! very impressed. — and walked out feeling truly examined.
they took my insurance which was great. I called ahead — I had to leave a message, but I was called right back by a friendly staff person and not rushed off the phone — which explains why I left a message — they don’t rush you to answer a ringing phone. I appreciate that. don’t you just hate when sales people and secretaries keep saying «hold on» or ‘just a minute’ to go answer a phone? I’d rather wait and be paid attention to properly — full focus if you will.
for a small space the selection was outstanding for frames — lots of designers and options. pretty good pricing too…’cause glasses can get pretty expensive! I felt they cared that I was comfortable with what was being shown to me and made sure I was happy and looked good. much easier to park and less hectic than Austin St.
the staff was fun and friendly — engaging. the doctor… as I said — acts like a doctor! very clean and organized. much easier to park and less hectic than Austin St. very happy over all and I can see!
I also found a nice at&t phone place next door and even a tasty brand spankin’ new cup cake place too… glad I tried going to Metro Ave.