Studio Optix

This place was great! It’s ALWAYS hard to find a doctor in NYC that seems to genuinely care and not rush you out of their office. Dr. Butler was patient and thorough. They have high-​tech equipment and the latest lenses… and they took my insurance. Win win win. :-D

I’m fairly new to NYC & searching for all the necessities of life, Doctor, dentist, optician, etc… I was out shopping in Rockefeller center when I stumbled across Studio Optix. Yearning for a new pair of fun frames I walked in was greeted by a very warm smile from Adam the store manager. He amazingly picked 2 pairs of glasses that he thought would suit me considering my style & requests in searching for a frame. I’m particular and a bit picky with the detail in my eyewear. Adam nailed it, he set me up with an eye exam with Dr. Butler who was not only friendly but educated & informative to the needs of my prescription and easing into slightly stronger progressive lenses. All in all the experience was AMAZINGLY friendly, informative, helpful and I walked out with not one but two of the frames Adam picked and new contact lenses. There was no hard core sales pitch just friendly helpful service which is hard to come by these days! Thank you Dr. Butler, Adam & the staff at Studio Optix for helping me and making the experience worthwhile! I will be back again and highly recommend this place to anyone needing an eye exam with exceptional customer service!

My wife and I have been coming here for years. Dr. Cassel always gets our prescription right the first time. And they have the most amazing and eclectic selection of frames anywhere. I can’t tell you how many times over the years my wife and I have been stopped by friends and strangers alike, complimenting our glasses. Dawn and the rest of their talented team do a great job at finding something special. Always happy with my purchase here.

First of,
This is a busy clinic. I felt horrible canceling my appointment last minute! General Life tip — its never good to cancel appointments last minute. However, the staff at Studio Optix are professional yet understanding and had me reschedule my appointment.
However, this review isn’t because of that (even though it helps!) — I’m writing this review because of the exceptional customer service. The negative reviews are just a bunch of annoying overly-​privileged whiners. Seriously. People need to be more grateful nowadays!
So. Why did I come in? I wanted colored contacts. Im addicted to my Freshlook Toric green lens — but they discontinued these!!! (Damn you Alcon!). After doing some research I called Studio Optix to make an appointment about the colored contacts they offer. I spoke to Sandy on the phone — she is so knowledgable — I felt very comfortable walking in the Studio Optix because the entire staff really knows what they are talking about! You’ll be in great hands I promise you that!
Day of appointment (drum roll…)
— I walk in (on time) and I am greeted by the sweet receptionist. I sat down waiting for my appointment. This place is really busy so please be on time! Shortly after, I was instructed to get my eyes checked by all this fancy technology. I meet Dr Butler and he starts the thorough eye examination. I see pictures of George Clooney, Conan, Kanye and many other famous actors/​musicians that have trusted them with their eyes on the wall — more reassurance! (even though I don’t really need it — just thought to add that tidbit). Dr Butler is a very caring and knowledgable eye doctor (he also dresses so well!) After the thorough examination — he told me that my eyes were in good shape! Great! :)
— Next was the custom colored lens fitting. Now this part is actually pretty fun. You get to play around with the colored lens until you pick the color thats perfect for you. Sandy (bless her heart) stayed with me until I was satisfied with the color (I hate to admit this but it took almost 2 hours — Trust me, I know I was being annoying haha) I can’t settle for anything less then perfect when it comes to my colored contacts! (I probably should see a therapist at some point about this. haha)
— Sandy also explained to me that I am cleaning my contacts wrong — there is a step by step process that they’ll teach you. She is very humble, knowledgable, and just an overall genuine person.
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars but one the biggest reasons why I love this clinic is because of what they do for people that need prosthetic colored contacts. Its making a difference in peoples lives! Sandy was explaining to me that this is the reason she comes into work everyday. I teared up coming home reading about this. Check out the links below!
Prosthetic Contact Lenses
–For people who have congenital or traumatic injury (color change — or two different colored eyes)
«Custom Color Contacts has been the leading prosthetic lens provider in the U.S. for more than 20 years. Our hand-​painted lenses, made with a unique color bonded lens process, to ensure that the color does not fade. In addition we can replicate the color, depth and detail of a real eye to create a completely natural look.
We can closely match any disfigured or scarred eye from a congenital or traumatic injury. Our lenses have been fit on over 3,000 prosthetic patients over the years and have dramatically changed many lives!
Eyecare Professionals
Please review our order form prior to calling us in New York City at 800−598−2020. We will gladly provide any information to help you with your prosthetic lens order. Click here for fitting information.»
–
General Custom colored lens
I am looking forward to seeing them on later this week!
— J

I’ve been going to Studio Optix for years and have always had great experiences. This past visit I saw Dr. Butler for the first time, and he is so super nice. The staff is great at helping you choose glasses that look great on you, too. Morgan usually helps me and he is fantastic.

Really pleasant and knowledgeable staff. Office is in Rockefeller Center so it can be a bit busy at times, but it’s worth it. They do a very thorough eye exam and take the time to explain the results in a way that you can understand. They also accept most insurances so this place is a win-​win.

Just went for my first pair of glasses ever (I’m in my mid-​40s) because they’re super-​convenient to my office. Everyone on the staff was lovely, and patiently explained what they were doing b/​c I’d never had an eye exam. I saw Dr. Butler, who was charming and patient, and worked with Morgan to pick out frames – he didn’t bat an eye when I went through basically every frame in the store before choosing one.
If you’re a fashionista, you can find some fun, quirky looks here, but they also have more sedate and classic frames. My understanding from longer-​time glasses-​wearers is that they’re fairly expensive here, but you’re certainly getting your money’s worth in customer service.

Great place to get glasses! The whole environment (while being super chic) is super friendly, the whole staff is happy to answer questions, and they have a super cool selection of frames!
The doctors are great too! Had my exam with Dr. Butler — very friendly and helpful when walking me through the different parts of the eye exam! Very professional, also fun and chill!

ALL and each of the staff are friendly. it’s relaxed considering it’s location. the interior design feels customer-​focused and its a generally understated, very ‘hip’ space overall. modern exam equipment, thorough, quick, comfortable, comforting exams and convo’s with friendly dr. taking time to b sure you understand… couple of immediate urgent situations — they made room for a quick appointment! i’ve referred 3 co-​workers, they’re happy too! the selection of frames, the knowledge of the staff assisting with all details (ur insurance coverage, payment, advice…) is like all else w/​this facility: 5-​star. been a client/​patient for at least 8 yrs I intend never to go anywhere else for my eye care needs and I haven’t had to.

I once again had a great experience here, which is why I’ve been a loyal customer for over 15 years. Dr. Cassel is absolutely amazing. During my annual exam I told him some problems I’ve been experiencing and he immediately started asking the right questions and figured out the issue. I think he’s super friendly and extremely knowledgeable… and generally speaking I get super nervous around doctors! Dr. Cassel took the time to explain things to me and was extremely thorough… my eyes feel better already. Adam is AWESOME (note the caps)…he needs to be cloned immediately! He’s super helpful and charming… he thoroughly explained my insurance to me. I just don’t understand the negative reviews… I would never go to a different eye dr. The ladies at the front desk might not have been the friendliest, but they weren’t exactly unfriendly… it must be hard for them living in the shadows of the greatness of Dr. Cassel and Adam… overall another fabulous experience. See you next year!

Their frames are super nice, though on the expensive side. Adam and doctor I saw were fantastic and super positive. They do ask if you want a exam that isn’t covered by insurance, but they take no just fine. I am taking one star away because well the rest of the staff is on the surly side, though competent.

Studio optix doesn’t give you a 1 year contact lens prescription, as they are required by law. In fact, they make it really difficult to get your glasses and contacts prescriptions, and give you the hard sell to get you to order contacts through them vs online. I’m a little surprised that 12 years after the FTC made it it clear that customers have certain rights with respect to their contact lens prescriptions, Studio Optix still does not comply with the law (and doesn’t seem aware of their requirements under the law).

I have these killer glasses that people have stopped me in the street to compliment them and ask where they can find them! It has gotten to the point where I carry SO’s business cards with me…
Dont believe me — watch this:

Update to my review previously:
I am very disappointed in this place and am not happy to be writing this update to my review. I came to Studio Optixx a few years ago because they were located near my office. I complained of headaches from looking at the computer screen and just wanted a general eye exam. I was told I needed to wear glasses for the computer. I bought the very expensive glasses with the anti-​glare coating and they sort of helped. I kept going back and kept getting glasses/​lenses adjusted and my vision was basically getting worse. I was also very uncomfortable wearing the glasses for the computer because looking far became blurry. Long story short, my office moved locations to downtown manhattan and I saw a new doctor. She told me that the reason why my vision from far is blurry is because the prescription in my right eye is too strong so my eyes are working harder. Plus the axis of my astigmatism was wrong! She told me that I am near sighted… which means I don’t need glasses for the computer, I need them only to look FAR! She told me to stop wearing the glasses and lower the brightness on my computer screen! TA DA! All of a sudden my eyes are no longer blurry and I don’t need glasses. I do not recommend this place AT ALL. I am very disappointed and feel like I was robbed off my money. They also force these expensive exams on you and if you decline you get the story of how they found a tumor in someone’s brain from these tests. Overall… do not recommend this place at all.

Update:
So I received a phone call about my review.
This demonstrates:
A) the company is aware of its customers
B) actually cares about what you think of them and because of this deserves a re-​review on the positive side.
Though my review was harsh and it was how I felt in the moment, the person who helped me out does garner my respect. I never expected to be contacted and I was caught off guard but I like that. She was calm and respectful.
Though still a tad expensive for my poor budget, the selection is good AND they will work with you around what the insurance company FAILED to make plain.
Shoppers note: verify with your insurance company especially if it’s VSP because you’ll be in for a rude awakening. (I rather MetLife/​Aetna/​EyeMed any day).
S, thanks for calling me and pardon my rudeness, which you didn’t deserve and thanks for your help.
Honestly,
Customer AK

The amount of up selling they tried to do was beyond annoying. I went in knowing the exact pair of glasses i wanted (EyeBobs brand) and how much my insurance would cover. Since the glasses happened to be a cheaper pair, and i have decent eye insurance, my out of pocket costs would have been $ 0. They refused to sell me the glasses using my insurance because of that. I had to call the insurance company, and they had to call the store to tell them that they are required under law of their insurance contract to sell me any glasses in the store regardless of my out of pocket cost.
However, instead of giving them my business at all, i walked down the block to LensCrafters where they were more than happy to assist me!

Had my eyes checked for the first time in NYC. I picked Studio Optix based on the close vicinity to my job. There was maybe a 10 minute wait for my appointment but I was also a few minutes early. It was definitely busy at 1pm with lots of people dropping off glasses to be repaired and picking up prescriptions. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The doctor was great! She was very personable and went over the results of my eye exam in detail. We also chatted a little bit about my job and home life. She was just genuinely kind.
A very nice woman helped me pick out my frames and within an hour I was on my way back to work. They have a very nice selection of frames.
I would recommend to everyone.

I recently had my vision checked at Studio Optix by Dr. Kilbanoff. My exam was straight and to the point, I love the no nonsense. The staff is professional and knowledgeable. I didn’t see them last year because I just wanted to try something new.
After this last visit I refuse to use anyone else. Dawn P (Optician) took such great care of me, I just can’t say enough about her customer service, it’s beyond excellent.
Thanks again Dawn.

I recently visited Studio Optix for an eye exam and contact lens fitting and everything went smoothly from the second I walked in.
Their lenses selection is the best I’ve seen in the area and I am really pleased with my new glasses (and contacts)!

I have to agree with the upselling issue going on at Studio Optix. I had an issue with my eyesight, made a first time appointment and was misdiagnosed, which is understandable. She prescribed me anti inflammatory drops since she thought I had an infection. The original prescription was $ 143. I almost paid it, but decided to go back and see if there was a generic. Surprise! There was a generic brand of drops that cost me $ 10. It was kind of a hassle to go back and forth between the pharmacy and the doctor’s office. I know the doctor doesn’t receive any profit from prescribing non-​generic brands, but why not at least ask me which I prefer? It ended up not being the correct treatment anyway and I ended up going back three times, finally finding out that I just had to moisturize my eyes more regularly.
Also, she took photos of my eyes to show me and didn’t tell me it would be an extra cost. Again, it wasn’t a significant amount of money, but I would have liked the option to decline the extra service since it was an additional fee. They’re probably used to very well off patients/​clients, since it’s a fancy store, but some of us are just there for the convenient location.
Can’t completely rule them out though, since the other doctor (that I didn’t see) was recommended to me.
PS: After browsing this Unilocal page, it kind of seems like Studio Optix’s responses are not super apologetic? It seems like every patient complaint is responded to in a very defensive manner. I don’t know… maybe be on the patient’s side every now and then?