Great people, service, and options! If you need anything in a optical realm here's your one stop shop

I stopped going to Crane Optical years ago when Howard Crane took over for his dad, Leonard. The prices are ridiculous and if I questioned anything I got a snarky answer from just about everyone on his staff and he comes off as a sarcastic smart ass himself. He's definitely not as caring as his dad was. That is why I decided to find another optometrist. I'm sure this review won't hurt the Crane Optical business, but these are my thoughts and experience. read more

My very first appointment here, the worker who helps people try on glasses didn't see me sitting in the waiting room and came out to gossip to the front desk worker about another patient being cheap with their glasses. When it was time for my fitting, the same person added on different types of lenses without asking me and then gave me a price that was more than I wanted to pay. I asked why it was so much and she then provided a breakdown of what was included, and I was able to opt out of the things I did not want (anti glare, fog etc). I also asked for my prescription information because I wanted to order sunglasses online, which I told the front desk worker and she reluctantly gave me the info I needed. My second appointment I decided I wanted to try contacts. I had to schedule a separate appointment to come back for the contact fitting/class. Then they sent me with a few samples. Some time went by and I decided I wanted to try a different type of contact, so I had to make another appointment for more samples. Fast forward to now and I called them trying to finally order contacts and apparently it's law that after so much time goes by, you have to have a new appointment for the script to be written. After doing some searching I did find that to be true online. But after these multiple interactions, I just feel that the place is more concerned about money. They were never clear about these stipulations up front. read more

Dr Crane doesn't listen to patients or have patience. When told what I needed, he didn't listen and didn't communicate with his staff. When I went back because the glasses weren't suitable for my needs, he made many excuses and once again didn't listen. At least he gave me a refund, but in the end I didn't get glasses or the kind of personalized care and attention to detail I had hoped for. Disappointing. read more

I loved my experience, came in to get my glasses fixed and they did a beautiful job.My glasses looks brand new .Grateful for the amazing customer service read more

I decided to try Crane Optical because I had been dissatisfied with my last pair of glasses and they were halfway between work and home. The doctor was very calm, patient, professional and had a low-key sense of humor. The selection of glasses isn't as big as what you'll find at the chains but I found a pair that I liked. The quality of the prescription and glasses was quite good; the material seems better than what I've gotten in the past and I see very well now. I do wonder about Dr. Crane's belief in a yearly eye exam (since most insurance covers an exam only once every two years). However, a web search reveals that optometrists are split on exam frequency with many agreeing that one year is best for older people. All in all, I was pretty impressed and plan to come back. read more

Very thorough and professional. Never have any trouble finding an appointment time that works with my schedule, and I never have to wait long once I've arrived. Dr. Crane always hooks you up with lens solution samples and rebates. Would highly recommend! Update 8/3/18: Once again, great service as always! Very professional and timely! read more

Crane Optical is great! They have a great selection of glasses that were on trend and offered the latest contact lenses. The doctor was thorough, friendly and even did a glaucoma test without the puff of air! Check out the museum of glasses by reception! Some of the old glasses are now en vogue. read more

I've been going here for almost 20 years. Dr. Crane can be very over bearing when it comes to your exam and it can seem annoying and condescending. BUT It's actually care and attention. My vision is horrible and I've tried other cheaper/ faster routes. He's the best. Plus it's a local small business I support. read more

I went to this office because of all the five star reviews. Dr. Crane messed up my exam and prescription after an exam and blamed it on a distortion in my eye, which freaked me out. I went in for a follow up exam two weeks later, and my prescription changed again and he blamed it on my eyes rather than admitting his mistake. I went to another office for a second opinion and the doctor said everything was fine . The receptionist is the main reason why I won't be going back. I called to reorder contacts, and she was just very unhelpful and sounded like she was annoyed that I had called. I decided to just order my contacts online instead and will be finding somewhere else for my future exams. read more

It's been too long since I gave in and got new glasses (7 or 8 years!), so I recently started the search for a good local optometrist. Briefly, I considered buying frames online, but I didn't like not being able to feel them before buying. I also looked for referrals from friends and got a few leads that way. There's one designer I found online whose frames I really liked, but they were out of my price range. In the end, my search brought me to Crane Optical in Ferndale. A friend referred me, but qualified it by saying their selection wasn't monstrous. I can deal with that. If I didn't find something I liked, I'd just get the exam, find frames elsewhere and then have Crane fill them. As a lifelong wearer of glasses, I've had some unpleasant experiences with optometrists. Some are too quick, some don't care, some don't really listen to you. And some take their time, pay attention, and listen to what you have to say. Dr. Crane is of the latter variety. I always have problems with the diopter and can never decide - "1 or 2, 2 or 1, which is better, better or worse, better or worse?" He assured me that he uses three different methods to find the best prescription for his patients. And it worked! Crane Optical's selection of frames is not enormous, it's true. But, I still managed to find at least five different frames that I liked. I suppose it just depends on what you're looking for, really. The staff is courteous and helpful. When I went in to pick up my new glasses, the doctor came out to fit them. That's unusual, as far as I'm concerned. I don't know if he always does it, but I like that he did it. Typically, in the past, it's been one of the other people on the staff who handles that part of the experience. In the end, I'm very satisfied with my experience with Crane Optical and recommend them. read more

I had the best experience here! The entire staff is kind, helpful and extremely accommodating. Dr.Crane is the absolute best, throughly explained the exam and made sure I understood things. I loved that he didn't rush through things, took the time to make sure my lenses were the right fit. I highly recommend Dr.Crane! read more

I put off doctor's appointments all of the time - and so I was for sure overdue for a trip to the eye doctor. I was sick of making the commute to the east side, so we decided to try to support a local business and made appointments to see Dr. Crane. I give Dr. Crane 5 stars for his professionalism. He did a very thorough exam, explaining everything he was doing, and seemed very intent on finding the perfect prescription. He discovered a number of issues with the prescription on the glasses that I was currently wearing. The most important part to me - is that with my glasses and contacts, I can actually see! No really - I realized that I have been seeing half-ass for the past couple of years, and this is a welcome upgrade! The only thing that keeps me from an overall 5 star rating is that the selection of glasses is pretty limited- Having said that, I was able to find a pair that was perfect for me among the frames on the wall. read more

I needed new glasses and Crane was the closest local place so I decided to give it a try. Their office looks like it hasn't been updated in 20 years. I was unhappy with their frame selection, which also looks like it hasn't been updated in awhile and is pretty slim pickings. I decided I'd like to keep my current frames and just get new lenses. I was kept waiting several times, the staff was rude especially the woman at the front desk, and I had to return FIVE times to get them and it took almost two months. When I went to pick up my lenses, they came out with my glasses and one of the lenses was my old lens and one was the new lens. I told the woman who was supposed to be fitting them on me that she had only given me one new lens. She didn't believe me!! I ended up sitting there waiting for the doctor to get out of another appointment to prove to him that I had only been given one new lens. Turns out they LOST my other lens. They suggested I leave and come back in a week after they reordered it. They wanted me to leave with the glasses as-is! This is my only pair of glasses that I need to see, and you want me to go around for a week with two entirely different prescriptions? I had to ask them to put my old lenses back in--thankfully they had kept the other old lens. I went back again once they got the other lost lens. Sat waiting for them to be cut and put in the frames, got them, went home, and thought they seemed dirty and I couldn't seem to clean it off. Turns out there was major a flaw in the lens. Went back AGAIN for the fourth time. They had to reorder the lens AGAIN. Also, each time I went I had to go on their tech's schedule since he needed to cut the lenses and he works weird hours. So it was a huge pain in the a**. The funny part of this is that I was originally going to just get an eye exam there and order my glasses online. They literally laughed at me and acted like I was a complete idiot for considering this, saying an online company would "never get your prescription right." HA! When I finally went back for the FIFTH time and got my glasses, I asked for my records so I could go elsewhere next time. I should have done that on the second visit. All they gave me during this entire debacle was $20 off. A joke!! Needless to say I will never ever be returning. read more

Read the good reviews about this business, went there last week after not being checked in 4 years. I had a great experience with the DR. And the staff! read more

I first visited Crane Optical last year after growing very frustrated with my prior eye Dr. and his amateurish and extremely rude staff -- ask me if you want to know who to avoid and to keep your eyes from falling out. Dr. Crane provides very a thorough eye exam. He explains each procedure with such great detail while speaking in a very soothing tone -- I must have looked frightened?? He makes great recommendations on which contacts are best for your eyes and prescription type, etc., and he isn't out to swindle you. His office is very clean and bright. His staff is very friendly and extremely helpful. The only minor shortcoming is the somewhat limited men's frame selection -- though in my humble opinion that only makes it easier to choose. And today, I was back for my annual appt., I look forward to seeing Dr. Crane next year! If you are looking for a great eye doctor, I highly recommend Dr. Crane. read more

I've been going to Target Optical in Troy for the past 5 years, but a new job leads to new insurance, and Target Optical is not in my new insurance's network, so I had to find a new place. I went for new glasses and contact prescriptions. The office is open on Saturdays, which was very convenient for me. As soon as I opened the door, there was a distinct odor. Not necessarily unpleasant, but kind of an overheated older building smell. The office itself could stand to be modernized. Again, I'm comparing to the flashy, sterilized, bright lights of Target, so to many this may not even register as an area for improvement. It was reeeeeally strange to have Dr. Crane physically remove and insert my contacts for me. I would have offered and preferred to do it myself, but it was done and over before I had the opportunity to jump in and object. Definitely an odd feeling having someone else touching your eyeball. I ordered glasses, which the staff said would take 10-14 days to come in. I called to check on day 11 of the status (one of my own pet peeves - they flat out told me up to 14 days and I still called before that). Glasses aren't ready. I know I'm being impatient, but Target Optical was much quicker with having glasses ready - almost always within 5 business days. That said... My new contacts are a total game changer. I can't believe how much better I can see and how much more comfortable they are to wear. My eyes don't bother me at the end of the day and my vision never gets blurry. I'm not constantly readjusting my contacts all day long. So the office isn't super glamorous and it may take a little longer than usual to get glasses, but I will rave and rave and rave about how much better of a fit these contacts are for me. read more

Very thorough and informative exam, got me in & out quickly and had my contacts in stock! My second year coming here and I plan to return next year! read more

I've been a patient at Crane Optical for 2 years and am very pleased with the care and service. I've been seeing eye doctors for years and they are one of the best experiences I've had. Dr. Howard Crane and his staff are knowledgeable, thorough, polite and committed to satisfaction. I highly recommend Dr. Howard Crane and Crane Optical. DOCTOR: He is polite and sympathetic to my eye care concerns. He is very knowledgeable about the different eye conditions I have and has many suggestions as far as medications, types of contact lenses, etc., that may work for me - far more so than some other doctors I have visited. I feel he is committed to helping me find solutions that work. Additionally, he's given me samples of drops, rebate forms, and has been helpful in suggesting ways to be cost-conscious. OFFICE STAFF: They're polite and efficient. I always get what I need from them. They do a nice job of calling to follow up on stuff. I'm often forgetful, so I find that helpful. FACILITY/HOURS: It's an older office, but it's well-kept; clean, professional and pleasant. Extended hours on some days and Saturday hours are nice. Parking in front is usually easy to find in the mornings. read more

My annual eye exam and contact lens fitting... I usually dread this like there's no tomorrow. All day today I had been dreading the appointment, and it was with a new eye doctor in a new town so my nerves were higher than usual. I chose Crane Optical based on Yelp reviews and I'm SO HAPPY I did. As soon as I walked in the door, it confirmed why I wanted to live in Ferndale, the exceptional people I've met. Chatting with the girls up front during my extremely short wait to see the doctor felt like it was routine. Dr. Crane, how do I begin... His knowledge of the field is stunning. I've been wearing glasses and contacts for 26 years and I'm quite certain I have never been able to see this clearly. He's kind, understanding and KNOWS what he's doing. I was comfortable enough to tell him my dread of these appointments stem from the choosing the better lens test.. 1 or 2, 2 or 3... I'm always worried I won't choose well and then I won't be able to see for a year. Dr. Crane assured me this wouldn't happen. The exam was a breeze! Dr. Crane knows what he's doing and gets it done. After my exam, I looked at frames. Insurance only pays for contacts or glasses and I always go with contacts. My glasses haven't had an updated prescription in 20 years. After trying on any frame that caught my eye, taking selfies and sending them to my daughter for her opinion, I found a pair of frames that fit my face and are classic with a bit if trend. There is no pressure for a sale, it's a very comfortable atmosphere. I'm thrilled to have chosen Crane Optical. I thought I liked my for optometrist, but Dr. Crane proved that wrong. From walking in the door to leaving, every aspect is wonderful. read more

The office staff were very friendly and knowledgable, and Dr. Crane was highly attentive. I went in unsure of whether I would be able to find contact lenses that would work well for me, and he took his time finding the right pair. I'm thrilled that I'm now wearing contacts daily with no issues! read more

I went here on a co-workers raving recommendation after being unhappy at a large superstore eye place. Dr. Crane gave me a very thorough eye exam and recommended HD no line bifocals. The wait for the glasses was a little long, over 3 weeks but when they came in they were perfect. The frame choice might be limited but I am sure there are enough for everyone to find something they like. He also takes my insurance VSP which was a big plus. read more

I always pay more when I go to an independent optometrist, this time $561 copayment out the door with decent eye ware insurance, without ins. $851. read more

Dr. Crane was very very thorough I felt like he did a great job with my examination and my glasses should be perfect

Dr. Crane is a nice and friendly guy. I recommend coming here. The exam was pretty quick and he was able to get me a more accurate prescription than I had previously. I definitely recommend. read more

I have been a patient for 4 years. No other eye doctor could properly fit me for glasses. The glasses would be uncomfortable. I am so glad I found Doctor Crane, now I wear my glasses with no issues. read more

My children and I have been going to Dr. Crane for several years. We love this practice and the staff. They are always very professional. Dr. Crane conducts very thorough exams and answers any of your questions. The office also has a great selection of frames and contact lens choices for your vision needs. Accepts a wide range of insurance too. read more

Dr. Crane and his staff are very friendly and welcoming. Dr. Crane takes the time to explain what each part of the eye exam is and why he does it. He also takes time to answer any questions you have. read more

Dr. Crane and his staff is very friendly and very thorough. Dr. Crane explained everything he was doing before he did it and explained my results in a way I could understand. The secretarial staff, Christy specifically was great. She was flexible with making appointment times and even helped my wife and I reschedule easily when we had something come up last minute. Great exam, great place! read more

Very polite and helpful. They're also very precise with the exams. Very quick to respond to my emails (questions) and recommended brands/glasses that was within my budget. read more

Dr. Crane is very professional and thorough. He explains what he is looking for as he does the exam. He is personable and his staff are all very friendly. I like that his office has extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Saturday mornings as well. read more

Dr. Crane And The Staff Are Awesome They Are What My Eyes Have Been Missing Thank You For A Wonderful Experience...

I had an outstanding experience here. This is my first review and I signed up just to give Dr Crane 5 stars. My eyeglasses are about 4 years old. In doing a physical for a trucking job, I found that my left eye could only read line 4 where as my right eye could read line 8 on the eye chart. What's odd is I'd never really noticed it before, but once it was pointed out to me, it's bugged me for the last week. A little background here is the last place I got my glasses at, I was under the impression they were going to be about $130. I walked out of the office paying about $500. I really felt misled and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I should have left, but I was in a spot where I needed the glasses and didn't have time to wait to get em from someplace else. When I called Crane, I asked them to give me a ballpark figure for how much my glasses would be for what I wanted. They told me about $350. I'm ok with that. It's not so much I care about the absolute lowest price, I just don't want to be lied to. The gal on the phone was outstanding. I felt she was honest, informative, and friendly. The only drawback was that she told me it may take up to 2 weeks to get my glasses. That's ok, at least she was honest. Therefore I called another store and was going to get my glasses from them. Still, I liked the gal on the phone enough that I was going to keep the appointment. The appointment was what I felt thorough. It took awhile, but I don't want to be in and out in 10 minutes. I want my eyes examined right. He figured out what was wrong with my left eye. He let me know my right eye was still in great shape, which was nice. When it came time to choosing frames, I told them I was getting them from somewhere else because I didn't have 2 weeks to wait. It turned out nice because they said with my prescription they could have them in tomorrow. That beat the 2 days for the other place. So that worked out better than I thought. As for their frame selection, I'm not real sure. I picked the 2nd pair I tried and would have picked the first pair if the wire thingee didn't wrap around my ear. I'm not really into fashion glasses. Just give me a pair that'll help me see. Unfortunately I'm moving, so it'll be tough to get back here in the future. However that doesn't mean the guy wasn't great. The total price was $406, which when ya figure in the exam + glasses lined up with what I was told on the phone. I'll take it. They were honest and did an awesome job. Thanks, Danny Edit: I see I can sign in with Facebook, which I already had. So I guess I didn't "sign up" with Yelp just to review Dr. Crane. It doesn't change the fact that my intention was to sign up with Yelp for the sole purpose of giving him props. read more

My experience at Crane Optical was very quick; I sat in the waiting room for no more than a couple of minutes and all the staff were kind and courteous! read more

Dr Crane & his staff are great. I've been coming for several years & have been satisfied with the prescription lenses, the service, & selection of frames. Not a huge selection of frames like other chain optometry places but I find that overwhelming and the suggestions are always spot on for my style & face. They take my insurance and my cost sharing is usually low. Unless I get my prescription sunglasses. Parking is easy although it does cost, being downtown Ferndale. Completely satisfied customer. Highly recommend. read more

Update on previous post. They were more than accommodating regarding my paying in full when my glasses were ready. When they were ready, the quality was 100% better than where I used to go, which was a chain optical center. My only complaint was I thought the tech who adjusted my glasses was a bit too rude and abrupt for my taste; however, he did the adjustment just fine. Perhaps I caught him having a bad day, but I really did think he was just a bit too rude. I did let staff know. They also suggested that I use my old frames for my reading glasses, further reducing the cost of my second pair. I should be getting them next week. As stated before, I have found a very professional optical center and will definitely use them yearly. Crane Optical is clearly my only choice in the future, pun intended!! read more

The folks here are so nice! They were more than willing to adjust my sunglasses for free so they wouldn't slide down my nose, and I hadn't even bought the glasses from them. read more

Hated this doctor... He lacked personality and was more interested in lecturing about eye care then finding me the right prescription. Three years later when I called back to get a copy of my prescription the receptionist informed me she could not tell me over the phone because of "food and drug administration" laws. What she meant was HIPPA. I can't trust a doctors office that confuses HIPPA with the FDA. read more

Great spot. Glad I finally found a local eye doctor that knows what they are doing! Very professional, efficient and open with me about what I can afford with my insurance. read more

Amazing optometrist! Great and friendly team and saw me same day without a second thought. Had what I needed in stock.