Optical World

Completely dishonest enterprise. Will be reported to bbb and law enforcement. A complete scam.

Avoid this place at all costs! I went in for an exam and possibly new frames, after a flurry of showing me a ton of frames (no prices on their frames), compliments, and then some mathematical manipulations on a piece of paper, crossing out exorbitant prices for overpricing, I stupidly put down over $ 1000 combined for 2 glasses and an «extra frame» thrown in for «free» though the type of coating/​lens I wanted would make it too expensive for me to get. I wasn’t offered the option of just changing the lenses in my existing glasses nor was I provided with a detailed receipt of what I was paying for (only my credit card receipts). With more people coming in vying for her attention, I just wanted to get it over with and left.
She also didn’t charge me tax as part of this discount. By the time I arrived home (less than 2 hours later), I called to cancel the order. There were too many fishy things prompting me to look up the site online and I found all these comments with similar experiences to mine.
She said there were no refunds and offered me an additional discount the next time I went to the store, when I’d pick up my glasses. So I’m still paying a ton, but not getting the third pair ‘free.“
After finding out that I have vision coverage and remembering I asked if they needed my insurance card when I made the appointment over the phone, I was really panicked and stuck. I tried calling again and the person who helped me said she was the manager, gave me the doctor’s name and told me that the refund policy is clearly stated on the receipt that I signed.
So…I am to find out about the no refund policy (and there is no policy regarding cancellations) AFTER you swipe my card?
I tried to find the license number for the optometrist I saw, or to find a license number for this business. Nope. He is not listed as having a license in New York State. So… a potentially unlicensed person took a look at my eyes, changed the lenses to see how well I could see, then I was abysmally overcharged by the receptionist/​manager for two frames. The business has my name, DOB, address and PHI, evades taxes, and refuses to provide refunds or cancellations.
I understand that the lenses were ordered or are custom made, etc. But they definitely take longer than 2 hours to be made, so when I wanted to cancel my order, it should have been canceled. It’s not like I changed my mind after I took them home to wear for a bit.
In any case, if you’ve been swindled by this place, go to
and file a complaint.

Just went in bought 3 pairs of glasses. LOVED them. The girl helped me out she did AMAZING! She knew what was right for me. They have the sweetest staff there. I just read all of the reviews on here and obviously people are going to say anything about business’s. It’s horrible. Don’t listen to these false reviews. One person does a false review so the other one does. What do they care. you can say anything on Unilocal!Come in and see for yourself. BEST EYEGLASS STORE IVE BEEN TO IN A LONG TIME!

best deal in the city, great eye exam and affordable glass’s they even have competitive deals on contacts to make it even more convenient. thanks so much optical world.

AVOID AVOID AVOID. 1. The doctor was 20 mins late for the appointment. 2. I bought a groupon for an eye exam, upon the completion of my visit I was asked to pay full price for the exam, even though i mentioned the groupon ahead of time — at the time I made the appointment. Then i was told that the groupon only pertained to the glasses exam, i read the fine print and no mention of glasses vs. contacts was mentioned. 3. They withheld my Rx because i did not buy contacts from them. I was told that they could not release the Rx because they could not guarantee the exact fit, they said i have to wear the contacts for 5 hours and come back so the doctor could verify my rx fitting. When i told her i had been wearing the brand of contacts for years — she said I cant confirm that — and did even bother to ask about a former Rx. this place is scam– and both the doctor and sales person were very rude — do NOT come here.

I had such a great experience here. The doctor gave me a thorough exam. The sales lady was very helpful and had a good idea as to what frames would look best on my face. I got an amazing deal on two pairs of glasses. The second frame was free, and the first pair I got at a huge discount, 100 bucks off. They have a great selection. I recommend checking it out!

So its been almost a month, and I am still waiting for my glasses, and their excuses sound more like «my dog ate my homework».
And yes, the reviews don’t lie, they’re just spot on!

I would not go here again. The cost of a pair of glasses are way to high. The store rips people off. Not only that the lady with the red hair who is one of the managers asked me was my credit card going to decline. She did not even swipe my card yet she asked me was my card going to decline. Maybe she asked me because I am a minority. Well before you come to this store do your research. I wish I did mines. It is just not worth it.

The reviews don’t lie, unfortunately I walked in this place prior to searching reviews online. I found out this places does some shoddy business. I purchased some frames here with an eye exam. The frames were suppose to be half off, I even looked at the sales clerk and asked if the price she was charging me was discounted and she said yes. I purchased the frames for the price of $ 170. With the discount. That means the full price of the glasses should be $ 340. WRONG. After I got home, I did a quick search and saw that the frames from the manufacturer themselves were only charging $ 112… What the hell? I just been scammed.

An update is in order. Not that I would change my previous rating unless I could give negative stars. But they say the devil’s in the details, friends. And they’re right.
I was initially swindled out of $ 750 (bait-​and-​switch two-​for-​one combined with the fact that they aren’t a VSP provider as I was told by the saleswoman). I also waited almost a year (you heard right: ALMOST A YEAR) for the Oliver Peoples frames I ordered (these guys patently refuse to issue refunds, even when they totally fail to fulfill an order). The fact that the manager threw in a third pair [that I didn’t want or need] «for free» doesn’t make up for the shoddy quality of product and appalling customer service.
Of the three pairs of glasses I came away with, one broke six months in (the metal piece supporting one of the nose pads broke off — I assume, due to having been adjusted so much during my incompetent fitting); one developed wobble in the joint where the arms affix to the frame about nine months in (not broken yet, but it’s just a matter of time); the only pair holding up is the Oliver Peoples frames that I waited an eon for, which I should have just bought *from Oliver Peoples* (hindsight).
Net net, the serial single-​star reviews speak for themselves. Don’t put yourself through any of this. Get your frames somewhere else (online?) and take them to Optical 88 in Chinatown. It’s so worth the 30 minute train ride from the UES/​Spanish Harlem. Optical 88 has an efficient bevy of skilled workers who will get you in and out in an hour and make you feel like getting your frames fit is a lost art. It’s certainly lost on this place.

I agree with the majority of the previous reviews and am relieved that I am not the only one who got scammed. They do not use fair or ethical business practices and are clearly ripping off customers. I bought frames earlier this year and the saleswoman told me that she was giving me the frames for free, which didn’t make sense considering how much I paid in total. They also told me they accept VSP, but didn’t charge the glasses to my insurance. These glasses broke recently due to a faulty screw and they told me I would have to pay a lab fee for the repair. I came into the store to pick up my frames and told them I would just have them repaired elsewhere, except now they are telling me they lost my frames and that I would have to buy a new pair. I am extremely frustrated with their lack of honesty and competence.

I’d’ve preferred no stars but hadn’t the option. Great saleswoman who can close before you know what you’ve bought. When I tried to cancell an order I’d made just minutes before I couldn’t. Stupidly I used a debit card. These folks are charlatans. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM. They won’t even provide the last names of the owners. I now own 2 pair of glasses through which I cannot see and am awaiting $ 1,070.00 for 2 pair not yet ready yet which I’ve already paid for. Yes. I am stupid. I’m also 71’and on food stamps but I let these crooks take my money. I guess I deserve it.

Avoid at all cost.
The manager claims she’s been doing this for 30 years, but doesn’t know the first thing about glasses lenses or contact lenses. I’ve never heard anyone sound more unprofessional. All pricing is made up on the spot.
She will also lie and say she accepts every insurance plan, when she actually accepts none.
You’re asking to get ripped off if you go here.

This place is using Living Social as a total scam. They have this bogus deal where you are supposedly getting a deal for an eye exam and a new pair of eyeglasses, but then when you get there, they tell you that your lenses and eyeglasses aren’t fully covered by the deal, and that the cheapest pair costs $ 200.
Yeah. Not so much.
I did a similar living social deal with Macy’s last year and it was perfect. I thought I was getting a deal this year but no. They totally scammed me out of $ 30. And when I told Living Social, they wouldn’t even help me.

Very rude and unhelpful staff. Do not bother calling and asking for your prescription because they will tell you they will call you back, but will leave and close the store without returning your call.
If you go in to pick up the prescription they will be very rude and unhelpful as well. The prices are also incredibly marked up. I will not return to this store in the future and would never recommend it.

I just got my new glasses, love them. The doctor really got my prescription right on, everything is so clear I can’t believe it. The woman who helped me chose my frame was super patient and nice I think I tried on the whole store! Then she went over all the lens options (I had no idea there were so many) and you have to get the crizalle like she said. I’ve never seen so well. Oh and I got a discount woohoo! Go on a Monday to see the doctor I saw.

I recently had an eye exam at this location. I do think the exam was good, and the optometrist (a little asian girl) seemed to do a good job.
Now, for the hard sell:
I was waiting around for a sales girl to help me find frames. I tried on a lot of different things, but they all seemed a little out of style and way way overpriced. Some eddie bauer frames for $ 400? Oh but they aren’t four hundred! We can cut YOU a deal now if you buy now buy now now now.
I felt like I was on canal street buying fake perfume. Its always half off but also half urine.
Now the doctor won’t release my prescription information. Sad :(
They ran the vision exam through my insurance, so now I have to pay another doctor cash to figure out what is wrong with my damn eyes.
Oh well, sometimes you gotta get ripped a few times in order to learn your lesson.

This place used to be called Manhattan Eyeworks.
Doc was nice. However, they have an unprofessional used-​car-​salesman staff using grossly fraudulent, «creative,» calculations. I am deeply sorry I got glasses at the place. A Horrible Experience as I was literally ripped off, but one lives and learns… Eeeek !
I could not leave zero stars so I left one.