Amy is the absolute best. She is so kind and helpful. She always helps me pick out the perfect glasses. Amy is the reason my sister and I have gone to Advanced Vision for years. read more

The glasses they sold me are too small. I was told that it wasn't their responsibility because I chose the frames. They had the nerve to tell me that I should buy another pair. However, I should have been informed that the frames were too small for me at the time of purchase, and I was not given that information. The response from Simon M., the business manager, again attempts to shift blame onto me. I did not "insist on the reading glasses being narrow"--that statement is simply untrue. At no point was I advised that the frames were too narrow for my needs. Had that been communicated, and had I chosen to proceed anyway, I should have been asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that choice. The comment about me "taking an extensive amount of time to select the frames during the holiday rush" is inappropriate and unprofessional. Every client is entitled to take the time they need to choose glasses, and the timing of the visit is irrelevant. In fact, I was the only client in the store for most of my appointment. This remark reflects a lack of respect for customers and does nothing to address the actual issue. read more

Absolutely outstanding experience on Saturday at this eye doctor. Nataly and Amy at the front desk were over the top helpful, kind and hilarious. I felt like I was hanging out with friends instead of at a routine annual eye exam!! Everyone was so organized and on top of everything- seriously one step ahead the entire time. Amy helped expertly price out contact lenses and quoted me a doable price that was less than 1800 contacts and Warby Parker contacts. Nataly was excellent at the administrative tasks, including making sure the max amount was charged to my FSA card. Dr. Avizova was also so much fun, while still being completely knowledgeable and professional. I went home with eye drops that were only $25 (hard to find in drug stores and more expensive on Amazon). The drops have been amazing for my dry eye symptoms-- so much better than the Systane I was using. Thank you to this amazing team, so glad I found them!!! & love that they take Saturday appts with no plan to eliminate Saturday appts (like so many other nyc doctors offices) read more

Exceptional service and professional eye assessment, good selection of frames. They have been my "go to " for eye care for a decade. they are a neighborhood family business!! read more

I went into Advanced vision with a sad heart; I found my mothers favorite glasses broke in her drawer while cleaning out her apt after she passed. I asked Sam for help fixing them and she touched my heart in such a profound way; she not only fixed my mother's favorite eye glasses in a few minutes, that i can now wear, she restored my spirit in humanity. She made me cry tears of joy instead of tears of sorrow. Thank you Sam for brightening my day and bringing my mother's favorite glasses to life again; i can now wear them and carry her on my face as I carry her in my heart. Thank you for the BEST service and your extreme kindness. God bless you and keep you as you care for others. read more

I agree with the negative reviews, and I wish I read them beforehand. I would recommend you visit a different provider. When I went, they tried to charge me a credit card surcharge on top of advertised prices. However, that is not permitted by New York law, so I filed a complaint. Can read more here: https://dos.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-nys-division-consumer-protection-alerts-consumers-ny-law-related-credit-and They also did not charge me a copay at the beginning but at the end they "determined" I owed $80. Very unfair business practices. Do not go here!! read more

I had a very good experience with getting my glasses. Particularly, Amy, who helped me pick out my glasses and helped me get used to them after. read more

The doctor and staff are amazing I never had such a great experience. I needed glasses and contacts they were able to take me and find me an amazing pair of glasses. The doctor was very patient and explained everything to me. Will definitely be coming back and recommending this place. read more

Agreed with every other negative comment here. They just want to sell over-priced frames. The "doctor" spends maybe 5 minutes with you before prescribing. When I went back, the frames didn't clarify as I needed them to do. He says, "You just have to turn your head to adjust." When I told him I can't see my work screen without turning my head in an unnatural and uncomfortable position, he said "You'll get used to it." Also, he had no communications skills and, may I say, is a total asshole. I can't believe this place is still in business. Any alternative optometrist recommendation would be greatly appreciated. read more

Dr. Kakzanov did a great job. G He diagnosed me with dry eyes and is the first person to actually help me. I made myself progressive glasses and have been very happy. They helped me pick glasses and listened to exactly what I wanted. read more

I had a prescription for new eyeglasses and stopped by Advanced Vision Care at 1566 1st Ave. Amy and Doreen were professional and very helpful in choosing the right shape and color for me. I tried on quite a number of frames, and both ladies were extremely patient. I really appreciated their opinions, and that they did not strongly encourage me to choose a higher priced frame. I'll definitely be returning here for my next pair of glasses. read more

I really needed a pair of glasses because my kid broke mine. Everyone was so friendly and they had a great selection. The doctor rechecked my prescription and I have never been able to see as clearly as I do now. Tgey worked with me on the pricing highly recommend. read more

stay away - i lost money & i wish i had read the other reviews first I feel like a fool because I'm here on Yelp to warn you of this place... just to find that many have already done so before me and I could have saved myself from losing hundreds of dollars...:-( Here is what happened I just needed a new prescription to order new glasses online. Also, it was covered by my insurance, so I look for a place close by. I was thinking how hard can it be since I have gotten several exams in the past. But no, somehow Happy Eyes and their optometrist gave me a prescription that doesn't work. I'm thinking they failed a test where they knew the answer. I brought in my old prescription and glasses, so he could have just confirmed that it was still good. But no, he mumbled some half explanations about "oh, how interesting your left eye has gotten better, and the right eye compensated"... kind of like when some make an inside joke, just that there was nobody around to understand what he was saying. Long story short. He gave me a prescription that deviated from my previous one... I kept asking why it was so different, and why it didn't have an angle correction as all of my past prescriptions had... There was no real answer, just that "I should try it". You fooled me. I thought you were an expert, but you're not. So much about the optometrist. === But the eyeglass boutique is just as bad. I was to receive one free pair of glasses through my insurance. The truly free frames re pretty bad, but I picked one. It turns out the frame was to small. The owner was standing right next to me and when I asked if they were okay he said yes. Mind you I wasn't able to see myself in the mirror because I had taken off my glasses and was looking though clear glass/plastic lenses of the model frame. And now I feel like an idiot because someone else wrote a review about this very problem. Finally, they didn't even have the decency to call me when the glasses were ready to pick up. I had to call them 2 months later to ask where they were. === Here is where the damages come in. I was in a hurry to get new glasses because I had a scratch on my old pair. I also knew that the free pair wasn't that good looking. Again, I had no clue that they were way to small for my head. So I ordered 2 new pairs ones online, which I cannot use because the prescription is off. === In conclusion, I wonder how they stay in business. I think they must continue to find more victims. Stay away. read more

The staff here are all very nice. The optometrist is thorough and professional. I liked how the team did the pre-work to check which contacts were covered by my insurance and made recommendations that were best for me in terms of my sight and the insurance coverage. They also ordered the contact count according to my insurance coverage. Overall very seamless and positive experience. The only suggestion I would have is to please have an answering message with the updated hours and a message if the office is closed for a holiday. This will help with understanding of when to call back if the office is closed. Also, suggest updating new hours on Yelp, Apple Maps, etc. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews. The doc was thorough and made sure my scripts were ready asap. Explained everything to me and even gave me special eye drops. The lady behind the desk was so helpful and nice too. I've been here before pandemic and now after. Still lovely. Even let me split my bill, half now, half later. (i have crappy insurance lol). I will be going here again. read more

Dr Mike is great. Very thorough. Staff are friendly. Great small business with personal care. They work with you to get things right. Easy to schedule and they text reminders and confirmations. read more

This was the most efficient and thorough eye exam and glasses purchase I've ever made. The staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. The eye exam was quick although the doctor took the time to explain what I should expect with my first pair of progressive lenses. They helped me pick out frames that looked good on my face and were durable enough for my busy lifestyle. They told me my frames would be ready in one week, and they were ready in exactly one week. It couldn't have been more perfect. I highly recommend them for your next exam or glasses purchase. read more

10/10 service. The lady at the front desk Stephanie was extremely nice and welcoming. Friendly environment.

Overall amazing experience. From the eye exam to picking a new pair of glasses. Staff are amazing and accommodating. I was pleased that I wasn't pushed into buying something I didn't need. They were very honest with what type of lenses I needed for my kind of job. I highly recommend this place. read more

Doctor Mike was very helpful and nice! The women (I didn't catch her name) at the front desk was very friendly too! Would very much recommend this place. read more

Really unfortunate terrible experience at this place (also called Happy Eyes). Definitely do not go here, there are other glasses stores in the neighborhood that are much better. I will say that Sahar who used to work there was really great, but our experience was awful. First of all, Aneta told my wife that she needs to watch our kids better because there was a scratch on the lens. She refused to apology and kept making excuses about how she wasn't wrong to say that, it was absurd. Then after two months of my 2.5 year old daughter wearing these glasses, our Ophthalmologist says "who made these, they're way off." The lenses were reversed and the prescriptions were wrong. Since we had no more faith in this place, I spent $300 down the block to get them remade. Went back to Michael (owner), to ask for a refund and he said no. He admitted they were made incorrectly, but would not give me a refund, so that was $250 totally wasted and more important, just a reiteration of all of the other reviews and how awful this shop is. There are many choices on the UES, do not go to this one, they're just bad at what they do and more importantly unethical. read more

Advanced Vision Care - I had to spend 300+ at another store because this store made the glasses wrong (admitted to it), then they didn't do a refund. - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - new york, New York

This shop is great! The staff and dr are super nice and they went above and beyond to correct an issue that was not even their fault. They promised that my sunglasses would be ready by the time I needed to leave on vacation. There was a mix up with delivery and they actually went to the storage facility to pick them up themselves so they could get them to me in time. I have been coming to this shop for years and have never had a bad experience, only positive ones. And I am not much of a reviewer but I needed to call out their good deed. I am now a loyal customer! read more

I went in on a Saturday, knowing full well I had insurance that covers the services I was seeking, simple eye exam and verification of prescription. They claimed my insurance did not cover this service and forced me to pay $120.00 in order to proceed with the exam. They then said I could file a claim with the insurance of they covered it. Well on Monday, Dr. Kazakov filed a claim with the insurance company for $140.00; despite saying my insurance would not cover the service and forcing me to pay. They are charging patients cash; then fraudulently billing the insurance and doubling their profit!!! Depending on which claim they receive first the insurance will pay that claim and reject the other; as Doctors file electronically they will beat you to the punch and the insurance company will pay them and reject your claim. You are then expected to ask the doctor to reimburse you; which if they were honest they might reimburse but as they are unethical crooks they will keep both payments, refuse to give you a prescription or verify the prescription for ordering of lenses. Unethical liars. I have contacted the Attorney General and filed a formal complaint and will file a complaint with Cigna insurance as well. Save your money and go somewhere reputable. read more

Let me start with KEEP AWAY. I chose Dr. Kakzanov because he was a provider for my insurance and located so that I could make a bunch of different appointments on the same day. I thought it would be an eye exam, easy. Not so much.. After a really quick (under 10 minute) exam, the first thing I was asked was if I would like to choose my new glasses. I said I had already chosen frames elsewhere and only needed the exam. Suddenly, the Dr. "remembered" that I was entitled to a free pair of glasses under my insurance. Of course, the frames on offer were awful and not on trend at all, so I declined. He kept pushing. But I asked about lenses for my sunglasses. He said sure, $50, BUT, you really should get THESE lenses that are better for color, whatever, for 3x's the price. No thank you. His assistant wrote out my prescription and I walked over to order my glasses at the place I had chosen. A week later I pick up my glasses. Both pairs are completely wrong. The guy insists he made them to the written prescription. He didn't, but it wouldn't have mattered because, as I found out over a week later, I was given the completely wrong prescription! Now, I walked back and forth that day, half a mile each way in 85 degree summer heat from one store back to the other (and the Dr. was not in, so I am dealing with the assistant), always being told the other was wrong. Anyway, the assistant finally offered to remake the glasses (after I made such a stink at the other place, I can never go back). A week passes, no call. I finally call them, the Dr. says oh, I was told you were coming in. No, I was told YOU were making my glasses. But now I have to go back so he can recheck my eyes. And guess what? The assistant that wrote out my script suddenly no longer works there! Dr. rechecks and looks at my records and suddenly realizes his ex-employee wrote it wrong. No apology, just leans over and says, well, now you can go back to the other place and have them made correctly. I told him that was not an option and he grudgingly says that he will make my glasses for free. Gee, thanks, considering I've now also spent over $45 in train fares thanks to your screw-up. Anyway, today I picked up my glasses. One pair did not feel right, but he kept insisting I just had to "get used to them." And when I said it might have served him better had he at least offered an apology for all this, he just looked at me and said, well, I made your glasses for free. Not an APOLOGY, you arrogant little man (and honestly, the least you should have done. WITHOUT my shaming you into it). He left the room, did not come back and I just took my glasses and left, hoping to never see this nasty man again. The poor girl who works there just kept mouthing "I'm SO sorry." STAY AWAY!!! Tell your friends to STAY AWAY! Tell the world to STAY AWAY! read more

I wish I had known the history of this awful business before I went there. As many businesses with bad reputations, Advanced Vision Care, formerly Happy Eyes, reached such a level of infamy, they had to change their name. In keeping with previous reviews online (when they were known as "Happy Eyes"), the service I received was horrible. Rude sales people and a classic "bait and switch" with the Groupon deal. And I'm not even sure the person who examined me was a legit ophthalmologist or optician. Shady place. read more

My visit a few weeks ago was unpleasant and confusing, which is an experience I've never had with an optometrist. First, I walked in and the staff didn't greet me (& others). Second, there was a male assistant who gestured me to go into the office, *he* got confused, then asked me to wait outside. (He was unprofessional in other ways as well.) Third, I made an appointment with Dr. Kakzanov on ZocDoc and the person who saw me wasn't even Dr. Kakzanov; it was a woman who didn't introduce herself, and I don't even know if she was a doctor. Fourth, I had to contact this office four or five times just to get an invoice -- they neither answered my email nor their office phone, so I went to the office to get a copy. read more

I guess not all things are greener on the other side. I came here in November to search for a pair of glasses and to receive an eye exam since I was long overdue for both items. I was greeted by the receptionist and I inquired about their Groupon deal. After doing a quick survey of the small-ish establishment, I decided to not even commit to the Groupon. I waited about ten minutes for Dr. Kakzanov and he quickly took my eye exam (also commenting my eyes were very dry). I wish I was joking when I say I felt like he was watching me pay afterwards as if I was attempting to con him out of paying for my eye exam because I decided all of the eyeglasses were too small for my square face. Needless to say this made me feel quite uncomfortable; EYE was HAPPY to leave! read more

I initially came in to get a quick eye test to renew my driver's license on my lunch break. When I arrived (on time), the doctor was 30 min late, which meant that I had already spent 30 of the 45 minutes of my break waiting for my appt. On arriving, he apologized and offered to stay later than usual so I could return after work for a more thorough exam. Sadly this is where the "good" part of my experience ended. Dr. Kazakov told me that I needed a stronger prescription and talked me into getting significantly pricier lenses (close to $300) for my existing glasses, which were to take no more than 15 min to cut. I came back 2 days later during lunch again and waited over 40-60 min while these lenses were cut and fitted to my glasses (way past the 15 I was told it would take). I could immediately tell they were too strong but was urged to try them for a week and come back if they were still uncomfortable. After wearing them for an entire week, I came back since these were not only uncomfortable but were causing me to see color halos (btw I'm 26, have been wearing glasses since I was 9 and have never had a similar issue). I was told they would be adjusted and ready for pickup the following Friday before I was leaving the city for a week. When I arrived, this is what ensued: Me: Hello, I'm ready here to pick up my glasses Dr. Kazakov: What glasses? They had FORGOTTEN to do them. Dr. Kazakov and his assistant, Maria, told me they wouldn't be ready for another week. I insisted that I needed them that day as I had already waited a week for my adjustment, and was going away on vacation the next day. They agreed to cut them while I waited, which took another hour. Meanwhile Dr. Kazakov asked me "why didn't I call to remind him" that he was supposed to adjust my lenses. That should be HIS job, not mine! While all of this was going on with my glasses, I had also been trying samples of various contact lenses. While I was waiting for my glasses to be adjusted, I took more samples of the lenses that I liked the most, and paid $75 for two boxes of the same lenses new lenses, to be ordered ready for pick up when I got back. When I went back to pick up them up 2 weeks later, the doctor was not in but his assistant Maria was. After patiently waiting 15-20 minutes while she helped another customer, I was told they had no record of me paying the $75 for my lenses, but that they had ordered another set of samples of a brand that I had ALREADY tried and told them was uncomfortable. I insisted that I had paid, waited for Maria to find that in her records, upon which I was told that they were never ordered and would have to ordered the following day. At this point I became frustrated and asked for a refund. Maria called Dr. Kakzanov, told me that she could not issue my refund on the spot and that I had to come back the next day when the doctor was in so he could write me a check (I paid by credit card). She then went to assist another customer who arrived during this conversation. I asked her to kindly finish helping me first before moving on to another client as I had already waited for some time and needed to get back to work. She very rudely responded with "like I said, there's nothing I can do right now." At this point I asked Maria to have Dr. Kakzanov mail me my refund, and to write me out a prescription for my contact lenses (since I had already paid for the fitting) because I was taking my business elsewhere. TLDR: highly disorganized business with a rude assistant. DO NOT RECOMMEND. read more

Dr. K was kind and patient. He performed a thorough exam on my father. The prescription actually improved his vision ! The frame selection is great...and not overpriced. The staff is responsive and lovely. The glasses arrived on time and the doctor went out of his way to put the prescription in the frames on-site to accommodate our schedule. I totally recommend Happy Eyes...and thank them for their help read more

I never usually write reviews but I was so impressed by the service at advanced vision care. I got a new pair of glasses and the exam with dr.k was good. The staff is nice, the place is clean and the couch I waited on was comfortable. read more

This doctor is a scam artist and I would never recommend him. Dr. Kakzanov did a routine vision test on my child, could not confidently give a diagnosis and instead referred us to see an Opthamologist to confirm his diagnosis, afterwards admitting that he doesn't have the proper equipment to test children accurately. Well why did he tell me before that he sees children all the time, no problem? What a liar! i told him that my insurance plan doesn't cover visits to an Opthamologist unless there is a medical reason, he said it wouldn't be a problem. Sure enough, the Opthamologist's office denied a visit for that exact reason (no medical necessity) and also told me they were out of network. Upon refusal, I searched for another Optometrist who could examine my child. Before the appointment with the new Optometrist, my insurance carrier conferenced Dr. Kakzanov to verify that he would not submit the bill to which he agreed. I found out 1 month later that he didn't bill the vision plan but billed my medical insurance instead who unfortunately paid it. The doctor's office said that he performed a medical procedure which justifies the bill and he would phone me back. What medical procedure is my question? I doubt I will ever receive a phone call with an explanation. Avoid the doctor at all costs! read more

After being recommended by my friend and boyfriend, I have been there twice -- once with having a Groupon and without one. Dr. Kazakov does a great job in checking out your eyes. I like their selection of frames and the staff there is very good at helping you out. They seem to care about their clients. I do not get the impression that they treat people badly coming in with Groupons. I mean, I even got a 20% off discount the second visit - no lie. read more

The waiting is terrible and the doctor listed on Zocdoc was not who people saw. Their hours posted here in yelp are not accurate.

The customer service and knowledge of sales people is extremely lacking. I had some important questions before deciding on which glasses to buy. Believe it or not, another buyer overheard my discussion with the sales person and chimed in. She was able to answer my questions quickly, directly and succinctly. I would suggest that the store train its people before putting them in action. One of them is clueless and unreliable. One time I went to the store and there was a sign posted, "Back in 10 minutes".. It was not 10 minutes! What store does this? read more

I visited this place few days ago and I must say this place is amazing. Staff is very professional and polite. They know what they are talking about. I will definitely recommend this to everyone I know. read more

Today I needed to see an excellent and caring optometrist in Forest Hills and as luck would have it I had the great experience of seeing Dr.Michael Kakzanov of Advance Vision Care.Moreover,I had something that was very much irritating my eye and try as I might with all the products at my disposal the irritation became worse.Dr.Kakzanov saw my quickly when I arrived subsequent to my making an appointment on Zoc Doc,and immediately he found a large eye lash that had entered into my eye and he then delicately removed it.I should note here that this is the third time I have had an issue that required his most excellent service and everytime he handled my situation expertly.I highly recommend Dr.Kakzanov as he is extremely knowledgeable,caring ,and intelligent regarding his chosen profession,and he has a very professional and capable staff to assist him.Today I did not purchase glasses ,but I will be going back soon as everyone there seemed to be quite happy with the glasses they received,and with the very professional touch and assistance in picking the perfect glasses subsequent to the excellent examination by the aforementioned Dr.Michael Kakzanov. read more

Very cute frames and lots of options to pick from!!! Dr. and staff are friendly. I didn't feel rushed when visiting. I am deff going back there for my next check up. Totally recommend this place. read more

Honestly not sure where the negative reviews are coming from! Everyone was super helpful, accommodating, and generally pleasant during my eye exam, and then extra patient while I tried on a bunch of frames :) I'll definitely be coming back here. read more