Initial appointment - no doctor available and had to reschedule. 2nd appointment - eye exam was never clear, I went to another doctor at a different facility the next day. Completely different script was given. I will not return to Empire. It would have cost me almost $300. Out of pocket, but I was not confident in the exam at Empire. Doctor needs to clean up his appearance with a clean jacket, shoes and grooming of hair. Maybe it was just an off day, but my exam was not good. read more

I want to preface this rating with the fact that this was the ONLY place that had an eye exam appointment available in the next 2 weeks, which I was PUMPED about. I have a wedding Saturday and have never had contacts before. I called approximately 8 different Walmarts and America's Best locations to make an appointment. There were no available appointments. At the last minute I checked Empire Visionworks and was able to book the appointment online (which was so easy). When I arrived, they got me checked in right away even though there were a lot of people waiting. The eye exam was less than 5 minutes and checked me out in less than 5 minutes. Although I wasn't looking for glasses, they have a lot of options - and CUTE ones!! The only reason why I gave them a 4/5 is because they didn't have my contacts in stock to give me a sample, but experience and staff was 5/5!! read more

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Staff were quick and personable. The space was clean too! They took me in 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment time, and I was finished with my appointment in under 15 minutes. read more

I came here because I get an eye exam and a pair for glasses for free through my insurance every 2 years. GOTTA USE THESE BENEFITS AND GET MY MONEYS WORTH. lol.. So I called around to see if they took appts or walk ins. *I found that every location is different, this one on Erie, prefers walkins except mondays, when they don't have an OD in.. I arrived at 1pm on a tuesday, did the eye exam and chose my frames in an hour and a half (only because I tried on everything possible) They have a decent selection of frames depending on what your style preference or budget. The rep that did my pupil distance measurement at the end of my visit, gave me a 2 week expectancy since they didn't have the specific lens in but it was done in 3 days! So that was great. The only thing I didn't like about this location is the cleaniless could be managed. The waiting area felt like a bacteria war zone. The machines used to do vision pretesting looked/flet unkept. There was head/chin grease on everything even with the disposable film. The doctor was also short and dismissive. He didn't really explain anything I was seeing or anything he was doing. It felt rush and impersonal. You get 1 month warranty on the prescription and 2 months on the frame. So far no problems from me and it's been a little over 1 month. If nothing goes wrong, i'll be back in 2 years for my next pair. read more

Truth be told, I don't have any other optometrist experiences to compare. For almost thirty years, my vision has been fairly flawless, but I end my twenties without twenty-twenty vision. I choose Visionworks for its closeness and convenience. It was nice that I was able to schedule my exam online. Though I had an appointment, I did have to wait a bit. The exam itself was quick, and the doctor was hurried but personable. This is a very busy location. I know that it can be challenging to work in a hectic medical office. The staff here work at a frantic pace, but despite that, I found all of them pleasant and friendly. When I went to pick my glasses up, there was a short wait in a crowded waiting area despite the fact that I'd gotten a text the day before. When the technician finally met with me, she asked if I'd just gotten the text and seemed initially to struggle to find my order (I'd overheard similar conversations with other conversations on previous visits) so it seems like they can be a bit disorganized, which is perhaps just because they're so busy. On the whole though, it wasn't a terrible experience. read more

Empire Visionworks - Outside - Optometrists Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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I went to Empire Visionworks on Erie Boulevard and Syracuse I have had glasses since I was 13 years old in the last 40 years going for exams I have never in my life had an optometrist show me one word on the board and tell me what my vision was with that being said I am going back today to have them redo my exam my glasses are not right I do not need to read a chalkboard I'm 53 years old I need to see a street sign I need to see business signs I need to see addresses I cannot see any of these so I will write another review after today maybe it's because they take any kind of insurance they rush through people my insurance is accepted many other places and if I needed to I would just buy glasses out of pocket you need to take time with people's eyes and if the appointments scheduled is overwhelming for the optometrist maybe they should hire another read more

Almost a month since i ordered my contacts here, still haven't received them! And they have no idea of when I will! Needless to say, spent $200 dollars again today at a different store! Maybe we'll be able to see one of these days! Only thing god was the staff! read more

I walked in for my appointment only to be told that it was cancelled and that they were "just about to start calling people." Terrible business. I will never use Visionworks again. read more

i ordered my glasses 2 weeks ago and that went fine. but i just tried to check on them and EVERY SINGLE store has a robot answering the phone and it took me 3 tries for IT to get my name - every background noise reset it - and then IT couldn't find my order. 48 hours for a human to call me back. THIS IS HORRENDOUS SERVICE! I need my glasses and am unable to even call any store OR Corporate. NO HUMANS HERE then customer service responded to YELP in 2 minutes...but never reached out to me....BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE read more

My daughter and I went to get our exams and glasses today and waited and waited and waited for 3 hrs to see a doctor on a TV. I do not recommend going to the clay location. I would go somewhere you can actually see a doctor. I mean the employees are very nice and understanding but for it to be all telemed with a doctor on a TV and they take there time to talk with you is just not right. read more

I went to this location and the service was fast and amazing even though it was busy. The staff was totally connected to you as soon as you walked into the store! I was serviced by a person name Erin F. and she was totally amazing! Thanks Empire Visionworks for getting the job done! I will continue doing business at this location again. read more

I had been a patient at Empire Vision on Erie Blvd for a handful of years. For one reason or another, Empire Vision has been renamed/replaced by Vision Works. They still have Empire Vision patients' information on file so it was easy to make an appointment with them for a check up and to order more contacts. On the day of my appointment, I was greeted, given paperwork and told to wait. Eventually, my name was called and I sat with someone who re-iterated my information and administered three different preliminary tests. Afterward, I was sent back to the waiting room until the doctor was available. Because there was only one doctor and one person already waiting ahead of me, I was stuck trying to entertain myself for a while. Once in the room, the doctor was efficient and it was clear that he had been practicing for years. After my appointment with the optometrist, I was sent back to the waiting room until the contact lens specialist was available. Again, there was only one specialist available, which amounted to more wait time. After introducing herself and assessing my needs, she placed my order for a six-month supply of contacts. She explained that the contacts would be delivered to the store within a week and that I would receive a phone call when they were available. I was sent up front to pay and was finally on my way. Now, I've been waiting almost two weeks for my contacts to arrive. I called after one week and was told that the wrong order was delivered so a new order was placed. I believe I should have been contacted when this occurred. The individual I spoke with explained that the correct order would be delivered within the next day or two and that it would be unnecessary to call back because someone would get in touch with me. Well, a day or two came and went without hearing from anyone so I called again. Fortunately, I reached someone who understood that it has been frustrating to wait for my order, especially since I ran out of my supply several days ago. She was willing to offer me a trial set while I continue to wait. Overall, I am disappointed with my experience and am unlikely to return (after I am finally able to pick up my contacts). read more

I came in for a new glasses and contact lens prescription. The exam was quick and all of the staff were polite and helpful - but Jaquan was an EXCELLENT optician when it came to finding frames that fit my face and suited my day to day needs. He was super patient and took the time to explain all of the options available to me- including costs, lense options and additional add one. Many thanks to him for outstanding service! read more

Extremely long waiting times. You come in for 1pm appointment, don't expect to be seen until 2pm or later. Phone calls are never answered, you will stay on hold for over 30 minutes. read more

I need to order a box of contacts. I don't have my old box with the prescription on it so I don't know the prescription. I have been trying unsuccessfully to reach the Fairmount store by phone for over a week. They do not apparently have a publicly listed phone line for the actual store because I can't access anything other than the computer program that answers the phone and that system does not give me the option to access my prescription so that I can place an order. I got through to "customer service" at one point and spoke to an agent who tried to help me but she called the store (during business hours) and nobody answered. She offered to continue to try to reach the store for me and then call me back to get my order (not to give me the top secret number to the store) but that was over a week ago and I have not heard back from anyone. I do not have time to go into the store across town just to place an order for one box of lenses - and I should be able to do this remotely. This practice is a joke. I had a "virtual" appointment last time I went there - feels like I am just taking care of my eye health on my own - REDICULOUS. If I can find ANYPLACE that takes my insurance I will be making a change - meanwhile I will be doing an online eye test at 1-800-CONTACTS so that I can get a box shipped to me asap. I wish I could give them zero stars. read more

Staff are nice, but not terribly competent. There was a long wait to see someone to buy glasses and now I'm waiting to pick up the glasses that came 3 weeks after promised date. They also wrote down the wrong phone number and didn't try other method to contact me such as email or post. I had to leave so do not know when I will get my glasses. 1 star is too many. read more

I have been a patient/customer of VisionWorks for around four years now. And I HAVE NO ISSUES with the doctors or the staff or the locations; my issue is with how VisionWorks has decided to "save money" on their lenses. I have had EIGHT (8) lenses reground/set over the past few months. I'm now wearing my old glasses that are 3 years old because I'm still waiting for the grinder/cutter/lens people in Texas to get it right. Either they turned them so they weren't straight, put the reader too high, too low, to far to the left/right. This being I am driving 15-20 minutes ONE WAY to get back to try on my glasses to look at the technician to say "Nope still cannot see." The time/effect for everyone involved is WAY to much...but... good for you VisionWorks... you're "saving" money aren't you? By getting a lower quality product I just cost you probably what it would have if you just used the local technicians to do your lenses. Sorry to say but you lost a customer. In essence you "fixed" a lens production problem that was never "broken" in the first place. read more

I've gone to the same optician for 10+ years but decided to give vision works a try. However I was left in satisfied. The staffed didn't seem personable and everyone seemed to be very short in there answer to questions. You could hear them talking about patients that were calling that the didn't feel like dealing with as they were ready to go on breaks. The optician didn't even introduce himself. Didn't explain anything what my results were for the retinal imaging and stuff I was paying for. He did my exam in what felt like 2 minutes and sent be back to the waiting room with no direction. Not knowing that was the extent of my appointment and that I could go look at glasses. The exam room sink was dirty with brown splatter everywhere. The doctor looked very disheveled. Needless to say I probably won't be back here again. I'll be going back to my old optician. I only gave it a one star because they were pretty okay with following covid protocol. read more

Honestly if I can give this a zero star I really would. I've done business since 2010. My mom works for Visionworks and have always supported their business. However, my business with them ends today. I've gotten a pair from them every single year and never had an issue but this year, this year was AWFUL. I bought and paid for my glasses on February 13 at 5:08 pm. The woman told me it will take about 7-10 business day. I said okay. I called on the 20 since I haven't heard from them. The representative said it will be reading in 2 days (22nd). I said no problem. Again, on the 23rd I still haven't heard anything so I gave them a call ( I was concern because I had an issue with Davis Vision insurance prior to this purchase). Different woman (McKanzie) said they're not ready because the glass is not in Syracuse yet, it's being shipped from Washington and their facility had been closed for 3 days and their order could have been backed up. She couldn't track my order so she said give her another 3 day. At this point I didn't call again till the 26th of February. Again I said ok. At this point I'm annoyed because that was communicated to me and I'm just wasting my time calling. So again I waited. The 26th I called because I didn't hear anything yet again. Same woman told me that my lens was there but it hasn't been cut. Give them 2 days. I said you know what okay, at least the lenses are there. By Wednesday I didn't hear anything and now I'm annoyed. The estimated time has been stretched out for way too long. I called Wednesday (February 28th) At 11:00 and McKenzie asked for my name and confirmed that my glasses was ready. I said okay I'm going to come pick them up now since the rest of my week I won't be near that part of town. I get to the facility at 11:30. I was assigned to Christopher. Christopher began searching for my glasses and eventually talked to the technician and told me that my lenses have not been cut. McKenzie is standing right there during the entire conversation. She then said "but I checked it under her name." Christopher relied "a pair of glasses is done with the same last name but not the same first name. It's not hers." McKenzie looked down and resumed her work. So...I'm not getting an apology? Okay. Cool. Thanks for the awesome customer service. So Christopher reassured me that the lense technician was cutting my lenses now it would take about 1 to two hours. I said thanks and returned to work. They said they'll call me when it was done. I figured ok I can make it to get my glasses before going to classes at 4. I called around 3:30 and again, same girl picks up and I said, "hi, you guys said my glasses would be done by 2 and I haven't gotten a call so I'm checking to see if I can get them before my class." McKenzie again puts me on hold and eventually came back. Can you guys what she told me? YUP. They weren't going to be ready for another 2 hours. This is at 3:30. I had class at 5. So now I'm mad. I called the manager and explained my frustration. He said he'll speak to his representative. At 5:30 I get a call. Guess from who? Good ole McKenzie. She called to inform me that my glasses were ready. Still no apology for the lack of customer service. But whatever. I let it go. I got out of class early and I was still in Syracuse so I drove there before they closed and picked them up. Christopher greeted me and helped me. He unfolded and unwrapped my brand new glasses , just been cut and placed in lenses and guess what I saw? The plastic nose piece on my glasses was broken off! You must be thinking this is a joke. NOPE ITS NOT. Christopher did apologies and fixed them immediately but at this point I took the pair of glasses and left. I am not coming back. If I didn't already pay for these and it was such a far out of the way place I would have just left them. Unbelievable. read more

Unacceptable! I told them first time in the store I needed glasses by 10/10. I ordered frames since they didn't have the color in stock, they never called to let me know they were in. Each time I called I got a different story on what was going on. One manager took my credit card info over the phone and never ordered my lenses. It is now over two weeks to get my glasses when they initially told me 3-5 days. Lenses finally came in today (10/8) and they said they will "probably" be ready tomorrow. No expediting them to compensate for mis-handling my order. Go to another store! read more

I have been going to this location for many years. Had a thorough eye exam with the optometrist, who noted a problem and requested a referral to retina specialist, I was told the referral would be made the next Monday by the person who assisted with my glasses and contacts, the doctor and the receptionist. This was on July 18, 2020. A week passed with no phone call from retina specialist. I called them no referral. I began calling vision works weekly asking that this be done. Fast forward to September 1..finally the referral was made, had my appointment was made. Yesterday, September 4 I had to have laser procedure to correct four retinal tears and have to return in a week for the other eye. Retinal tears are serious and can lead to retinal detachment. The doctor who treated me was shocked at the lack of follow through and need of urgency / care shown by vision works. I will purchase glasses there, because they accept my insurance but will never have another exam there. I could have lost my vision due to their negligence. read more

My experience at the Vision Works in North Syracuse was not a good one. The doctor was very good....however the folks that work behind the counter were terrible. It all started on Tuesday May 27th when I walked into the office to make an appointment. A young man asked if he could help me. He asked me a few questions then he answered the phone ...5 minutes later I am still standing there while he is answering questions for a customer on the phone. Finally he set up my appointment for the following day. I got there 10 minutes early. Filled out the paperwork and was told to take a seat. I was called back to the desk was told ( rudely) that there were 2 places that I forgot to sign. I signed and went back to my seat. The wait was not bad.......only about 5 minutes. The doctor called my name and off I went for my exam. He was very good. When I was done I was taken back to the lobby and told to wait for my name to be called. I waited....and waited and waited. Finally after 10 minutes I asked one of the 3 folks behind the desk if I could pay my bill. They looked extremely annoyed by my question. I was told.......THERE ARE 3 PEOPLE AHEAD OF YOU......my response was I just want to pay the bill. The young man said.......YOU ARE NOT BEING FITTED FOR GLASSES? I said no. He went to look for my paperwork. So now I try to pay.....the credit card machine is not working.......he tried 3 times. He asks me if I have a check or cash. I said no. He looked at me and said......WELL WE HAVE TO HAVE PAYMENT. By now I am ready to scream. How is this my fault!!!!!! He wants to write my credit card number down and then destroy it later. I was so annoyed and said what choice do I have???? Again the 3 of the folks standing behind the desk look at me like I am crazy. No offer to send me a bill. I am so disappointed with my experience at the Vision Works in North Syracuse. I will never return to this store. read more