Now that I have retired from practicing ophthalmology, I can review Clairmont Nichols without conflict of interest concerns. I practiced ophthalmology in Manhattan for 40 years. I can say, without reservation, that the Clairmont Nichols people are the best opticians they that I have worked with. Lloyd, Scott, Ann, George, Jessica, Emily and everyone else offer bespoke service. They are uniformly lovely. They all have a great sense of esthetics and make excellent recommendations for frame selection. The Zeiss lenses that they offer are optically excellent. They are great at fitting and adjusting glasses. Hopefully this will never happen, but the place where CNO shines is in problem resolution. They can help with the most difficult issues. I have not known of a patient, colleague or family member who has not been happy with their glasses. I'm happy to wholeheartedly recommend Clairmont Nichols for glasses that are attractive and offer crisp vision. read more

Can't say enough positive things about Clairmont Nichols and Scott. I walked in cold after a google search for a place near my apartment and was blown away. I told Scott what I was looking for in my new glasses and within a few moments (literally) he was back with three options to look at. I bought two pairs of his first choice for me...it was like he knew what I was looking for better than I did. A true pro. read more

Clairmont Nichols provides excellent care and service. They are cordial and professional. They honor warranties for eyeglasses and go out of their way to accommodate customers. They even send eyeglasses via courier to those living far away. I highly recommend this business. Also, the store's appearance is aesthetic and attractive. read more

Excellent service and glasses with prisms were perfect. The staff is lovely. Attentive and professional. Thank you read more

I cannot praise this store enough. In particular, Ann Wong has been exceptional. In about 2015 I was lucky enough to find out about Clairmont Nichols. Since then, Clairemont Nichols has been consistently professional, pleasant, and very skillful in making glasses. They have been consistently patient and helpful with making adjustment to prescription and frames. Even after the sale they continue with exceptional service. This has made a huge difference in day to day enjoyment of life. read more

If you want glasses that really look great on you and give you the best vision, this is where you come. The selection is amazing (and unique), and Scott and the rest of the staff can guide you to the look that's perfect for you. More than that, the optics themselves are way above what you typically find. The staff goes far beyond the norm to ensure your glasses give you the clarity you expect. Great place. read more

Before going to Clairmont Nichols my eye glasses never felt quite right. I am now on my 4th pair made by them --each pair has been done perfect! On my last visit they (Ann Wong she's the best) suggested I try a new lens made for increased work hours at at the computer. A few things didn't feel just right and she instinctually made a few adjustments to lenses that made them perfect. All free of charge! They are all about service. They are not the cheapest but worth every penny. I have learned the hard way with glasses - you get what you pay for. read more

I cannot praise this store enough. In particular, Ann Wong has been exceptional. In about 2015 my husband was lucky enough to find out about Clairmont Nichols. Since then, Clairemont Nichols are always professional, pleasant, and very skillful in making glasses. They have been consistently patient and helpful with making adjustment to his prescription and frames. Even after the sale they continue with exceptional service. This has made a huge difference in day to day enjoyment of life. After years of my husband being so happy and me complaining that I alwasy need to carry two pairs of glasses on vacation, I decided I wanted bifocal sunglasses, Ann was so thoughtful, taking time to make sure they were just what I needed for our travels. The sunglasses are amazing and Clairmont Nichols is SIMPLY THE BEST! read more

I've been meaning to write this review for a while now. Years ago, my ophthalmologist steered me to Clairmont-Nichols because of their superb lenses, craftsmanship, and customer care. This year, though, I must especially highlight and praise Ann Wong who's been my "consultant" during a very trying period after unilateral cataract surgery that threw off my binocular vision. Excellent in-house Dr. Emily Crane very helpfully prescribed prisms; but Ann is the one who listened to all of my various concerns and worked closely with me over many (many!) visits to fine-tune my glasses. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. Thank you so much Ann and the wonderful CN Team!! read more

Only store I trust to give me care and fashion. Thank you for always taking care of me read more

Beautiful shop, personalized and quality service. Scott went out of his way to ensure I would have a comfortable and seamless experience, from scheduling my eye exam to guiding me in selecting new frames, with informative and warm service throughout. I love my new eye glasses and would highly recommend Clairmont Nichols. read more

OUTSTANDING! Five gold stars are not enough. I've been an impressed. appreciative patient-customer for decades, consistently enjoying exceptional quality & service. As today's generation of leadership, Scott Malsin is phenomenal,, He continues a long tradition of knowledge, caring, dedication, results & value. His team follows suit. I don't go back to 1885 but -- at least across MY years -- the place is better than ever. If the other services I depend were as great as Clairmont-Nichols, I'd be in heaven! read more

I had the most incredible eyeglass purchase of my life at Clairmont Nichols opticians this past week. As soon as I walked thru the door I was greeted by Scott who couldn't have been nicer to me. They examined my eyes and fit me with the finest glasses I have ever worn in my life, never have I seen this clearly in recent memory. I also purchased prescription sunglasses and was surprised at how well they fit. Unparalleled customer service. Will definitely return for my next pair. Thanks again... read more

Believe the great reviews as they are absolutely true. My opthamologist actually recommended Clairmont Nichols and I couldn't have been more pleased. I walked in to fill my prescription for reading glasses and decided to buy a pair of frames too. I was greeted by Ariana, who was simply outstanding. We sat at her desk and she did not pressure me in the least to purchase frames. I just wanted to treat myself. I told Ariana I wanted lightweight frames and she walked around the store collecting a bunch for me to try until we found the perfect pair. The shop felt so comfortable and has a fantastic array of high quality and fashionable frames to choose from. Ariana was flawless in her professionalism and kindness and was an utter delight to deal with. She was sweet enough to replace the nose pads and clean the lenses on my older pair of glasses. How nice is that! Courtesy, friendliness and integrity are more adjectives I can use to describe Clairmont Nichols. Highly recommend! read more

Clairmont Nichols - My beautiful new glasses! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

I had a fabulous experience testing binoculars at Clairmont-Nichols, and was really impressed by their selection and customer service. I had traveled all the way from Maryland to try and purchase binoculars from B&H, only to discover that they don't let you test most of the models prior to purchase, even if they have them in the store. I had a frustrating experience there and ended up buying two very expensive pairs of binoculars just so I could test them. I returned one and kept the other. Then I discovered Clairmont-Nichols had an even better selection of Zeiss and Swarovski binoculars, and you can try all of them. I brought my new binos in so I could compare them against other models. The saleswoman was wonderful (wish I could remember her name). She was very patient and helpful, and didn't mind that I was just there to test binoculars against ones I'd already purchased. She even let me take store binoculars outside for testing in daylight. I will definitely be purchasing my next pair from Clairmont-Nichols. read more

Excellent service, very good exam and many options for frames. Clean space with all precautions taken after CoVid

In the words of the classic Clorets Breath Mints advertising, Clairmont Nichols "may cost a little more, but it's worth it." I have been filling my optical prescriptions for glasses and sunglasses at this First Avenue optician for nearly 15 years, when the "Carl Zeus's Lens" sign in the window first caught my eye. Although Ann is my main go-to optician at Clairmont Nichols, ALL members of the staff are professional, attentive and caring. Unlike lower priced chain opticians -- where the "professional staff" seemingly changes on a weekly basis -- Clairmont Nichols professionals appear to be lifers, and also appear to love their jobs. While the store has an excellent assortment of classic and contemporary eyeglass frames, it's the service and attention to detail coupled with a "customer first" attitude that really sets this boutique apart. In the years I've patronized this store, I've had glasses hand-delivered to my apartment within minutes at no charge, scratched lenses or broken frames under warranty replaced at no cost, and had Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses not normally stocked by the store special ordered and fitted with corrective Zeus's lenses. Importantly, Clairmont Nichols' opticians are experts at properly sizing and fitting eyeglasses for each customer. This is one family-operated optician that actually makes the periodic ritual of buying and re-adjusting eyeglasses a fun and enjoyable customer experience. I highly recommend Clairmont Nichols Opticians. read more

Nice little store with very good selection of frames. Asian-looking lady with hair dyed blonde is doing the owners of this place no favors: she is very rude and impolite. My first visit was my last. I do not recommend. read more

Awesome customer service and attention to detail. Goes out of their way to make customers feel comfortable, especially now with the pandemic. Will recommend it to everyone. read more

I cannot begin to say enough good things about this establishment. One person more helpful and kind than the next. Everyone was the epitome of professional and spent time with my dad until the correct prescription was determined. Dr Crane was patient and caring. Every detail taken care of. Clean, sanitary and every Covid precaution taken. A gem! read more

Clairmont Nichols' customer service is excellent-- I brought in a pair of well-worn Swarovski binoculars and the result was beyond satisfactory. I felt that I was taken care of every step of the way. I called ahead and spoke to George, the in-house expert, and he walked me through what the process would be. When I brought the binoculars to Clairmont Nichols for inspection, I also met the owner, Lloyd, who took an initial look at them and explained so much to me about the binoculars and the Swarovski brand than I had previously known (he is clearly also an expert). We then worked with George to complete the inspection and draw up the order. They actually sent the Swarovski binoculars back to the company directly for repair. I received a quote once Swarovski inspected them and was given the option to accept or reject (of course, I accepted-- the price was spot on) -- the whole process took 4 weeks. And it was well worth the wait. My binoculars came back LIKE NEW -- and missing pieces were replaced. When I came into the shop to pick them up, George sat down with me and showed me everything that was fixed. He also walked me through a full demonstration of how to use them properly to get the most out of them. I could not be happier with my experience. This is a very well-run, high-end business, and it shows (the premises are also lovely) -- well-worth every penny spent and then some. I believe I will also be going back for new eyeglasses in the new year. They have an excellent selection of frames and, given my experience with their services, I am looking forward to finding a new pair. read more

This was the one and only place my eye doctor specialist would recommend for progressive lenses but she forewarned me they can be expensive. She's sent patients there who have had poorly constructed progressive glasses made from other shops. I figured they're experts at progressives so stodgy, so went to 6/8 top shops in Yelp before I finally went. FYI I work in the design industry and need to look great in my glasses. They carry one of the largest selection of current frames I've seen at all price points. Their attention to detail and customer service is amazing. They were so patient and helpful pulling over every single frame they could think of and honest about what fit my face or not. They even knew to ask what style I was going for, helped pushed me to see new styles I'd not considered. The level attention to detail on the progressive lenses and their advisement on what lens features I needed to consider or not was the best. In the end I did splurge on a stylish current frame and from day one I felt comfortable in my progressives (no dizzy spells!) and have received compliment after compliment and no one though they looked like progressives too. Everyone needs to make a trek out the UES to see these guys! read more

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've been buying my glasses here since my first pair--when I was 9. Forever ago, it seems, and yet I'm actually able to say that I've happily worked with three generations of Maltsins. (And I'm really not that old. :)) My father brought me here for my very first pair of glasses, in fourth grade, which is when I met Lloyd and his father, and I've never gone anywhere else. Why would I? The quality of frames and more importantly, the lenses, is stellar, but it is the care given to the relationship with the customer that makes Clairmont Nichols a unique place in the city. Lloyd knew my father, who would pop into the store for his own glasses and conversation often as he had an office in the building, and he has also helped me choose every pair of glasses I've worn. Last month, during COVID, my computer glasses started to break, and I worked with Anne and Scott to order a new pair. No lenses necessary--they suggested ordering the same frame so that my lenses could simply be taken out of the old one and popped into the new one, which would be less expensive. A huge savings--and I love the new frames. The focus and attention to making sure every prescription is just right (and the time given to customer satisfaction and just chatting about this and that) is incomparable. I would never go anywhere else, and I'm thrilled that they're enduring safely through Covid, too--but still taking the time to chat with everyone who comes in. It's truly one of the best customer service experiences in New York. read more

Was a perfect experience. I needed lenses replaced on 2 pair of Tom Ford frames. I was welcomed, seated, had my options patiently explained to me, and was given an incredibly fair price. The work was very high-quality, and turnaround was same day. They even offered to replace the lenses (for free) if they ever scratched. While I wasn't shopping for new frames, I did check out their selection, and it's fantastic (both Rx + sunglasses). Amazing products + service. They have a new customer for life. read more

I am so glad I found this optometrist. I've worn glasses all my life and am very shortsighted, so getting the prescription just right and a frame I like matters a lot to me. Everyone was patient and friendly and I had a sense that they wouldn't be happy until I was happy. They are also taking COVID-19 very seriously, and I felt completely safe spending time in the shop, knowing they were cleaning regularly and maintaining a safe distance. Highly recommended. read more

Clairmont Nichols is easily the best eyewear store I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Due to COVID, I decided to place my order over the phone and not in person. Scott was knowledgeable, extremely patient, and helped me decide which glasses were perfect for me. He did not rush me, and was polite and courteous, despite my indecisiveness. Clairmont Nichols will be my first stop for any future eyewear purchases, and I will highly recommend them to any friends and/or family members. read more

Welcoming, caring, fantastic, thorough! I'm very OCD as a person. I bought a pair of glasses from here recently and the experience was top notch. The stock, selection, expertise and knowledge here is the best. This has now become my goto place for glasses in all of Manhattan. read more

Dr. Crane and everyone at Clairmont Nichols were so attentive and knowledgeable. Dr Crane was extremely patient and compassionate and I received the best glasses prescription I've ever received. Will definitely be back next year for my annual check up! read more

After some bad experiences with other stores, I was so relieved to find Ann at Clairmont! She is an expert at fitting the right frame, measuring and taking care of all the details. Ann was able to fit my frames perfectly. She listened to my concerns and was able to make adjustments to the frames so that I can see perfectly. She is professional and reliable. There are no surprises! I wish I'd met her years ago! read more

EXCELLENT. If you live anywhere in the tri-state area this is your place. Exaggerated no. This place can only be described in superlatives. They have accommodated every request, cleaned my glasses with their magic machine, repair what others said was broken after sitting on my eyeglasses. Only one bad interaction and it was dealt with immediately and a sense of urgency. It's not a cheap chain store optician, no. However, they are not asking you for your first born either. And if one considers the service they deliver, they are more than reasonably priced - kind of a free upgrade to first class. I have been their customer for 10+ years. read more

My eye doctor recommended Clairmont Nichols as being far more careful with prescriptions than the chain opticians. He was right. Professionalism plus fantastic client service. George and his colleagues will take great care of you. read more

I have been a customer of Clairmont for years. Lloyd, and now his son do a great job at fitting your glasses. The best thing I can say, is that the level of service at Clairmont is unmatched in this world of commercial eyeglass stores (which are all owned by the same company fyi). Any time I need an adjustment, they take care of it asap. When a piece of my frame broke, they promptly had it fixed for me free of charge. It is the attention to detail and high level of service that will keep me as a customer for years to come! read more

The greatest eyewear experience in my 40 years of wearing eyeglasses..thank you to my Opthomologist for recommending me to Clairmont-Nichols

I went in today to get new lenses for my glasses since my prescription had changed and had a great experience! Scott was very helpful and the whole process took less time than expected. Although I was not getting new frames, I noticed they had a pretty large selection, which is helpful if you are in the market for new ones. They are even shipping my glasses to my apartment once they are done! I will definitely go back there. read more

Not the most stylish frames in the city (and very, very expensive) but the customer service is great and Dr. Barry is excellent. I think the main clientele is UES women so my mother always finds frames she loves, but me not so much. I still do my exams here, though (erm, you only need those like, once every 4 years, right?) :) read more

I have been going to Clairmont Nichols for years. The service is impeccable, as are the results. I moved from a block away to the other side of town. I always go back. An all around wonderful experience. read more

Awesome store! Been getting everything from glasses to sunglasses there for years. Just recently bought a telescope that works amazingly. I trust their store not only because they have the best brands and a huge selection to choose from, but because they are extremely reasonable with their prices. They have always offered me the best prices on everything I ever got there. Ask for Lloyd or Scott to help you. They are great! read more

Been wearing glasses for a very long time now, about 15 years. After visiting tens of optical shops over the years, I'd have to say Clairmont Nichols today was quite EASILY my best experience yet! Any great store begins with a great owner and a great manager. After taking a couple of minutes to look around, I was approached by a gentleman, Lloyd, who would continue to offer not only decades of experience through his high level of professionalism and knowledge of their frames (they're all board-certified, licensed opticians), but also through an utmost respect, dedication, and care for me, the customer, from the very start to finish. Almost immediately I picked up on his strong attention to detail and passion for the work he does; both at levels truly unparalleled, and you'll pick up on it when you see how this beautiful shop is organized. Not only that...of all the places I've visited in the Big Apple, they carry the best and widest selection of high-quality frames I have ever seen; it's almost overwhelming. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, binoculars, telescopes...you name it! Both the service and selection made for a terrific visit, and certainly will not be my last. Bravo! read more

My wife had a surgery and we rented an Airbnb to stay in NYC. While she was hospitalized, one of her eyeglasses legs became bended. We didn't bring any backup eyeglasses from home. I first went to another eyeglass store on 1st Ave and 60th St. The store owner said that he needed to mail out for repair, and get back in 5 days. I said I couldn't wait that long as my wife only had this pair and no backups. So I asked if I could buy a new frame and keep the old lenses. He said yes but he wouldn't take vision insurance. He found a couple of frames that would fit the old lenses, but they were about $300 and $200, respectively. I thought they were too expensive, so I found clairmont nichols by Google, which is several blocks away. The optician George C. repaired my wife's eyeglasses for free in a few minutes. He could have charged me for the repair but he didn't. He was so nice and sympathetic. I really appreciate your help and kindness, George! You not only saved us money, but also avoided the hassle without eyeglasses to use. I would highly recommend this store to anyone! read more

Let me add to the chorus of praise for Scott and Clairmont Nichols. It is all true. Total professionalism, fantastic customer service, and real attention to the needs of the client. I recently bought both sunglasses and regular glasses and I am happiest I have ever been with both my vision and the way they look. Scott has a terrific eye (no pun intended)! My husband has a very difficult prescription situation and Scott's father Lloyd has been so helpful in getting him in the right glasses for years. Can't recommend more highly. read more