Traveled in from Niskayuna and Anthony Aiden Opticians delivered an exceptional experience. The staff's knowledge, patience, and honesty stood out immediately. They guided me through a range of frame options, offering sharp, insightful feedback on fit, design, and overall look. I especially appreciated being encouraged to consider pieces I wouldn't normally reach for. I ultimately chose a limited-edition Jacques Marie Mage frame, and I couldn't be happier with the result. A truly elevated, boutique eyewear experience. read more

I've always had trouble getting glasses to sit comfortably and fit properly. Anthony was endlessly patient at tweaking my new pair and they now feel great! read more

I am saddened to say that I was misled and lied to at Anthony Aiden Opticians. I came in to purchase some glasses back in January. When I settled on a pair, I was discussing pricing with the manager-who was helping me with payments... This is what happened: 1) After I gave him my insurance information, he told me that they accepted my insurance (VSP). 2) He said he would send over a reimbursement form directly to VSP. I even made sure to confirm this with him by asking that there was "nothing more to do on my part"-and he agreed. 3) He told me that I would later receive a check in the mail from VSP for the MAJORITY of the $800 glasses as a reimbursement. He said I wouldn't be paying more than $200 overall-most likely. I waited six months before calling my insurance company to see if they'd received a form from Anthony Aiden Opticians, and they said no. (Apparently that's not even how it works in the first place?) So I went ahead and sent in the form myself. First red flag. But I let it slide. Then I got a check from VSP. For $90. Second red flag-I was reassured MULTIPLE times that I would be reimbursed for the MAJORITY of my payment. Then I called VSP, and turns out Anthony Aiden Opticians isn't even in their network. So I'm wondering why I was told that they took VSP? Especially after I gave him all of my account information. Then I came in about a week ago to inquire why: 1) they said they took my insurance... when they don't 2) they said they would send in a reimbursement form... when they didn't 3) they said I would be reimbursed for the majority of my $800 glasses... when I only got $90 back The SAME manager told me that "they never send in reimbursement forms" and that there's "nothing else they can do" because I already submitted a claim. Instead I was gifted a 20% coupon in the future-but why would I want to return to a store that basically lied to and then gaslit me? In the beginning, I really liked the staff and my glasses... but I'm very upset now by the way I was misled in my first visit, and then with the off-handed way my complaints were handled a week ago. Even though insurance can be tricky, don't promise your customers that they will be reimbursed when you're just trying to make a sale. Be careful. read more

Neighborhood gem, super easy to get in and get out, no hassles and great attention to detail. Very unique selection, helpful staff, you would think it'd be hard to enjoy running this errand but it truly is! I've been coming here for years and will always support a local business who goes out of their way to kill you with kindness and offer a great service snd selection! read more

I've been getting my glasses here exclusively since they opened in 1989. I have a complicated prescription and had problems with getting my lenses filled reliably and properly with previous opticians and it was very frustrating! But with Anthony and his very professional, savvy and astute team, I have never had any problems that weren't resolved completely to my satisfaction. So, that means, over the years, eyeglass repairs, done perfectly and quickly. And, many times, hand holding, when I was nervous about switching to veralux lenses or switching to transitions lenses rather than clip-ons or separate sunglasses. I was never anxious, because I know that if I couldn't adapt to the new types of lenses, Anthony would always find a way to make it right, which he always has. Not so, with other opticians, who would try to blame me for any problems adjusting, and making me feel like the customer was always in the wrong. Never the case with Anthony--so I will never go anywhere else. This place is a true class act--in every respect! And the prices are very reasonable, given that the service and expertise are trustworthy and priceless. read more

Another pair of outstanding purchases from my favorite New York City store, Anthony Aiden Opticians! I used two years worth of eye insurance around the New Year to buy a couple of pairs of super stylish glasses with Transitions lenses, as well as new contacts. Anthony Aiden has customer service of the highest order. He and his entire staff - Brandon, Rachel, etc. - have impeccable taste (you can trust their advice about which frames make you look your best) and they take care of you like you are family. Very rare to find these days! Anthony himself is an eyewear fashion master who goes the extra mile to make sure you walk out the door smiling about your new glasses or contacts. Here's the deal: This store is simply fabulous! Thank you again, Anthony, you're the best!! read more

My wife is a migrainer. She is a difficult fit for glasses. The last place she went she bought two pairs of glasses and after spending more than we could afford the owner couldn't properly fit her. We went back several times but he just didn't't have the mojo. Well, in our neighborhood yet, is Anthony Aiden and not only is he a helluva guy he did a super Job. We now have a guy. And everyone in New York has a guy but Anthony Aiden is THE guy. read more

These guys are pros. Had a great eye exam with them then bought a couple new pairs of glasses. I haven't seen this well in at least a year - they diagnosed my issues perfectly. Highly recommend. read more

I was in dire need of some sassy eyewear I have been using Anthony Aiden Opticians for sometime now. I highly recommend them. Wonderful staff and owner goes out of his way to accommodate your needs. I couldn't get to the city for sometime he dropped off my frames and contact lenses. I am a firm believer of support and shop small business. read more

All these reviews are spot-on, this is truly a great spot. My beloved sunglasses broke (somehow the screw came out where the arm fits) and I called them up to see if they could help me put it back together. Super nice on the phone, and super nice in person. I feel like most people would charge just to even look at it, and they didn't. They were able to fix my glasses and did a great job. This is such a neighborhood gem. Very appreciative for the great service and kindness - it goes a long way. read more

The Good: Competent eye exam, excellent frame selection. The Bad: A lack of understanding about insurance allowances for lenses and frames. I was disappointed because Anthony Aiden Opticians is listed as a participating optical provider of the UFT Optical Insurance. Unfortunately, this establishment seems to pick and choose what part of the optical plan they are going to honor. Optical plan members should not have to negotiate benefits that have already been established. I was given a full refund when I protested. If you have optical insurance I would look elsewhere for glasses. read more

Awesome vibes , staff and selection . Extremely quick turnaround on ordering glasses and contacts . Neighborhood gem!

These guys are truly the best in Manhattan! They are personable, fast, very considerate and tons of ideas that fit my lifestyle. I needed new prescription lenses and frames that work for a busy chef life. I also bought their custom designed sunglasses. They fit them to my face and checked up on me to make sure everything was perfect even a week later! Don't bother going anywhere else! read more

Great place, Great Service and Fun Workers. I ordered a livingsocial deal for this place and boy am I happy I did. We missed the deadline and they still honored the voucher. They were very patient with the eye glass choices. The prices are very good and reasonable. If anyone is interested the deal it was $50 for $200 off it was well worth it especially since it was a gift. They have a great selection here. With the $200 off not too shabby. I can see why this place gets 5 stars across the board. I didn't catch the two men who helped me but they had me laughing its as if I knew these men for years. Also when we went to pick up the frames after the prescription was filled they were kind and made the glasses fit perfectly. If I see another deal from them on any of the voucher websites I will purchase it and make another visit there. I highly recommend this place. I will admit tho without the voucher it can be pricey for someone that is on a budget if you don't have insurance. read more

That fifth star should be here after I get my glasses. This is for the customer service from Richie and the exam from Dr. Vo. There was a glitch with insurance, but Richie and Dr. Vo pulled through to my benefit, and I fixed the insurance glitch to our mutual benefit. They were excellent, before, during, and after the service so far. read more

Great staff and products. I have been coming here for over 10 years to buy glasses and have always left happy. They do a great job to help me select a frame that matches my face and personal style. I usually get compliments from other people on my glasses whenever I get a new pair. They also handle all of my insurance claims. read more

I found Anthony Aiden Opticians on Yelp while trying to find a business that could fix two of my favorite sunglasses. I called in advance to see if they do repairs. They said they fix sunglasses free of charge (even if you purchased them elsewhere) but they are not responsible if anything goes wrong. I went in yesterday and was so impressed with their service! Brandon was the person who helped me. He fixed both pairs in less than 10 minutes, and they looked as good as new! I insisted on paying, but he wouldn't accept. Truly amazed and impressed with their quality of work! read more

I love the ease of scheduling, ordering and obtaining my contacts. They are also super responsive via email when you need your prescription in a pinch. Support local business! read more

These guys were amazing helped me track down some rare JMM glasses owner was great. Highly recommended

I went in yesterday to get my Tom Fords readjusted , cause I had went in last month and asked if he could fix my TF. I had sat on them too many times and now the right ear handle was broken off. When I went to Cohen's fashion optical where I bought them originally they told me they couldn't fix it and that I had to buy a new pair which runs $400. So I tried Anthony Aiden's and he saved them for me, TWICE! read more

Great glasses shop! They work with so many different insurances and do a great job and getting you the most out of your plans - I was afraid they were going to be expensive because of the location but they're very competitive and the quality and service are both awesome. Dr Li is great as well! read more

This is a hidden gem in East Village for designer glasses! The staff are super helpful- they can always recommend me the pair that best fits my face shape, cute and creative. They carry some boutique brands from all over the world, so you can get some very unique yet trendy options. Oh, and also for sunglasses:) Love this place! read more

First off - this review is way overdue. We stumbled upon this gem of a shop a few years ago and the customer service was amazing from the start ... they graciously offered to clean our own glasses while we browsed ...and browsed we did ... they have probably the best well curated selection of frames in the city .. everything from classic elegant styles to the more edgy avant-garde. I can also vouch for their in house optometrist- my prescription was spot on which isn't always the case for me. The bottom line - this is one of those rare boutique experiences.... and you will be a customer for life! read more

The reviews are true! This is the best eyeglass shop I've ever been to. I passed by with my boss's Rag and Bone aviator sunglasses, which were in need of a tighten. No one, not Rag and Bone, not their sunglass supplier, not the other opticians I visited would offer to even look at the sunglasses. The gentleman I met at AA greeted my warmly asking how I could help. I showed him the sunglasses in under two minutes he tightened and cleaned them, and refused to let me pay for the service or tip him. Galliance survives in NYC. It's at AA Oh, and while you are waiting, they play good music that makes you want to dance. Thank you for being you! read more

I have been buying my glasses, contacts, and getting my eye exams here for about 20 years! They have stylish and unique frames, some of the best in NYC. They also have all the classics frames too. They are really friendly and give honest feedback if you need help choosing your frames. Ernie read more

They have really nice collection and very friendly staff. It was so hard to decide which one to get but settled on the store brand. Great and unique design. read more

Great selection, great service, great people (especially Anthony!) I highly recommend AAO.

I have been going here ever since I moved into the neighborhood 5 1/2 years ago. Each and every visit, the staff is always top notch friendly excellent customer service. You feel like you are treated like royalty from the time you book you appointment to when you pick up your new frames. I kid you not it is the truth. Each staff member is extremely knowledgeable, and they all care about the customers it shines through. Yes it is a little steep and a bit pricey, but they are worth it. If you come here once, you will be coming back and make them your eye care choice again and again. I have referred friends here and they are so thankful to me. Wonderful workers and really great people each staff member I have met. read more

I heard about Anthony Aiden Opticians through my friend at Ethikus.com. Two reasons why I love this place: 1. Getting my eyes examined by Dr. Lisa was quick and thorough. 2. Richie & Brandon personally helped me find a pair of frames that rock, within my price range. The team is cool, fun and laid back and I felt like I was getting good, honest advise. I'm never going to go back to a boring traditional optician. It's places like Anthony Aiden that make me so grateful that I live in NYC! read more

I highly recommend this shop on St. Mark's Place! I didn't think it was possible to enjoying purchasing eye wear as much as I did last night. The vibe in the shop is fantastic, and the staff is very knowledgable. Steph help me pick out my very first pair of specs. I had no idea what I was looking for. And he was pitch perfect in his selections for me - which ranged in price from $220-$400+. Ironically, after spending a good 30 minutes with me. I decided on the first pair he put on my face. Steph is good... very good. I think I may need to look for an excuse to get another pair, just to go back and visit this little shop again. read more

I came to Anthony Aiden via Groupon -- the voucher I bought was for an eye exam and $200 off of a pair of glasses. Sweet deal right? When I walked into the store on St Mark's Place I thought this *couldn't* be where I was getting my exam -- the decor seemed too savvy for something so regular...but that's how they roll at Anthony Aiden! Everything was well decorated and super chill, definitely unexpected. The actual eye exam was quick, the doctor was very professional, and I was in and out in ten minutes. Finally! A place that recognizes it's in New York! I spent about an hour looking at lenses because they were indeed pricey so I wanted to make sure these would last. Every frame in their store was very trendy and I felt like anything I picked was going to be a good choice....you cannot say that about some of the other eyeglass stores in the city -- there are some laaaaame frames out there but none were present in this boutique. The staff there knows what they are doing (and are also really chill, extremely well dressed, and very funny) -- they helped me pick an awesome pair that I know is going to last a long time style wise...very important when you are dropping a lot of cash on frames. There was no up selling, they made sure the pair I choose was the one that looked the best (A store in New York with integrity, gotta love that)! Like other reviewers have said, the designer glasses were more money than I've ever spent on eyewear -- but I feel like you SHOULD be spending that much money on something you are planning to wear every single day. And if you are going to wear them every day, they might as well be damn cute too! So the place is beautiful, the exams are quick, the frames are hot, the staff is awesome -- no doubt 5 stars for this cute shop. Will definitely be going back! read more

I absolutely love the people who work here. Don't be intimidated! Everyone is friendly and helpful, and if you have any questions you should ask Richie--he's amazing with how much he knows about frames and lenses, including vintage. I recently got into a bike accident during which my brand new frames flew off my head and didn't fit quite right. I walked in the next day and Richie fixed them for me on the spot. Steph is really great, too. He helped me pick out my frames and really gave me good advice about which ones would look right. I highly recommend Anthony Aiden for its quality of service. The entire staff made my experience really pleasant, and I will continue to go there for all of my optical needs. read more

When someone with tattoes everywhere and various tongue and other piercings says the glasses look good on you, then obviously you must take this as gospel. They saw how square I looked and immediately knew it was time to finally advance from my thin-wired frames (frankly, they dont' sell any thin-wired frames - maybe no one does anymore). The eye exam was friendly and thorough. They were not pushy in the sales process, but instead relied on sophicated psychological mind persuasion, hitting on all of my latent insecurities, thereby convincing me to buy a pair. Thanks guys. read more

Went here because I got a Living Social coupon for a free exam and $150 to spend on glasses and frames. Absolutely LOVE this place. Had a great, fast yet thorough exam. This business has a great relaxed vibe (very St. Marks-ish). Everyone was super helpful and nice (not to mention really funny). Only took 2 days to get my new glasses and I absolutely love them! read more

I have never had such a good time picking out glasses and getting an eye exam. Never been before and needed a new prescription to buy more contact lenses since my scrip ran out -- of course, it's just after my cash had run out on July rent, so I snagged this Groupon for the cheap exam and a 200 credit towards new glasses. I give you TMI for two reasons: 1) If you are a smart, stylish human being, you need to come here for your goggles. Had I been a little more flush with disposable cash for new glasses I could have had so much fun here. They have a really large, varied selection of frames for such a tiny storefront that are a world away from what you could choose from at a Cohen's or even Warby Parker (bless them, but they don't do contact lense exams). And don't be nervous -- they range just as much in price, too, which brings me to my next point... 2) As a waitress and friend of small business owners, I hate Groupons because I know they don't ALWAYS work out for the business owner and I was about to be as bad as those people who don't tip on the full amount of a Groupon meal --- I was going to just use the credit (with that particular deal, I was allowed to use a half of the credit towards just lenses) to replace lenses in my sorry, crooked, five year old frames. But I wanted to feel it out first -- when Brandon (?) saw me wince longingly at a price tag for some perfect frames, he didn't Groupon shame me. He walked right around the store and picked up some ones to try that were within my price range AND matched what I already had. He was so spot on with the styles that when I was like "wait, there are more in this range?!" and he showed me the wall where I could find them, there were none that he missed. He treated me like I was spending $900 on frames even as he tried to get me a better deal on the type of lenses I needed --- not a small matter when it comes to boutique shopping. Very, super cool. Thanks again, dude. Also, the doctor I saw, Lisa Vo, was thorough, quick, and answered some questions about some eye issues I had with the kind of care that I never got from my old eyedoctor in the 'burbs that I went to for all of my life. I'm definitely coming back here for my next exam -- it sounded like they accept all types of insurance, too. Great selection and service. You can stop googling opticians now, you've found them. read more

I stopped in here on a whim with my boyfriend who was looking for sunglasses. The guys in there were super relaxed, zero sales pressure but really helpful at the same time. Most if not all of their frames aren't behind cases so you don't need to ask every single time you want to try on a frame- which is usually the case and super annoying. They were super friendly and helpful about showing him sunglass frames in the price point he wanted to spend. Anyway, the sunglasses my boyfriend really wanted were out of our price range but I found the perfect frames for $250 that were both high quality and on trend. Its places like this that make me want to move to the East Village. read more

I'll be honest: when I first came to Anthony Aiden, I was a little intimidated. It's a cool place, filled with attractive, casually-dressed employees and artistically-displayed wares. To the extent it's possible, the place feels like an old-school record store, "High Fidelity" for frames. But I was only there for a second before I realized that it was an amazingly friendly, professional place. I was hardly through the door before Richie dove in, pulling out frames, offering suggestions, and generally giving me the best service I've ever received in an Optician's office. I was not surprised to discover that he's a second-generation eyeglass maker: his pride in his work and love of his customers shines through. To put it bluntly, Richie wants his customers to look good, and will do everything he can to make that possible. After trying on dozens of frames, I ultimately went with a pair that Richie suggested. I've been receiving compliments ever since, and I can honestly say that my new glasses fit my face -- and style -- better than any that I've ever had before. All of this comes with a price: even with a Groupon and a generous discount, these are the most expensive glasses I've ever bought. But, despite the fact that I'm a bit stingy, I have to admit that my new glasses -- and the great service I received -- are worth every penny. I'll definitely be back. read more

More than a sweet set of frames, this place feels like an East Village institution. I cruised in on a whim while strolling to find the front cover of Physical Graffiti (just another block east). I've been in the usual set of frameshops but this is the first one I wanted to hang in. Mostly because of Richie who runs the joint, says he's an ex-boxer and (now I know) has an amazing finesse with custom lens tinting. There's an Iggy Pop genius-in-disguise vibe to the guy that's infectious. Worth cruising by just to meet him. The personalities that cruise through (like the jokes) are interesting, fiery and never what you anticipated. I could've gone elsewhere that took my vision plan (they do take most, mine was the exception), but in the end it's worth giving money to good people. I won't be surprised if someone makes a movie in this joint. I saw an old local walk a f****ing wolf in there for chrissakes. read more

Thank you Richie...you're golden there. Previously, I was a retail customer with some Oliver Peoples. But now I was shopping for ic! berlin frames, but didn't want to pay retail. NYC's retail price on ic! berlin is +25% higher than, say, Miami. I was all set for a convoluted shopping experience of trying on a bunch of their frames in boutique stores, and then purchasing on the Web. However, I found out that anthony aiden opticians discounted the frames, and made progressives for a reasonable price, too. So I bought them on-the-spot. If I would have even saved another $50 on the Web, it wouldn't have been worth it. Having their awesome service is pricele$$! read more

I walked into this place having never been a prior customer or even stepped foot in the door. They were very friendly and welcoming upon first impressions. I asked if they could repair my glasses, which needed a new nose pad, and how much it would cost. The guy said it was possible and it wouldn't cost me anything. While waiting, I observed how the two employees helped out another customer with their need of new frames. Not only were they very helpful and show genuine care for the customer and their products, but also had quite the "no bullshit" attitude regarding frames and lens. They spoke up when they thought frames worked or didn't work, and prevented the customer for purchasing lens that were unnecessary. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes, with two new nose pads and a new optician. I'll definitely be back when I need a new pair or a repair. read more