General Optical

Committed to satisfaction

Locally owned & operated

I would highly recommend the Eye Store. It was my first time there and John was very friendly,…read moreknowledgeable, helpful and accommodating. Dr. Shah Did a thorough exam and was very good at explaining what he found and what my options were. I was even able get a new pair of glasses a new prescription made while I waited. That was a huge bonus. Overall a very good experience.

I saw a negative review from six months ago and honestly thought they must have been talking about…read morea different place, because John is the absolute best. Every time I walk in, he greets me with a smile and genuine kindness. I've had numerous pairs of glasses made here, and he has never tried to upsell me or overcharge me. It's just not that kind of place. Great service, honest people, and someone who truly cares about his customers.

1.4 mi•Harvard Square, Riverside

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241 Optical

4.8(94 reviews)

I'm a repeat client and he is always kind and has a great selection of glasses. He doesn't take…read moreinsurance but the price is always right 2 for the price of one you can't beat that and you can use your flex spending. He can make your glasses there and they'll be ready in a couple of hours. If he doesn't have your lens he will order them and will be there in no time at all. I just bought my first pair of glasses with progressives, yes we will all get there some time in our lives lol. I'm now stylish af and can read fine print haha( see pic for my red pair) he will let you know what fits your face and what's best for your prescription. You must visit Michael it's a no brainer! Fyi limited hours on Saturday 10-1pm not open on Sundays. Support your local community!

I fairly recently visited Michael for the first time and I quickly discovered his integrity,…read morepatience, generosity and kindness. When I went back with what seemed like a problem with the main (graduated) pair it turned out that the prescription was a little off. He did not charge me for the new lens (based on a new prescription)! In passing I had mentioned that I realized I didn't really like the reading glasses after all, and he exchanged the frame, again without charge. He knows his business and values his customers, and I am now a loyal one.

Beautifully crafted eyewear in the heart of harvard square

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Custom Eyes

4.2(198 reviews)

2.0 mi•Central Square

I love this business because it is much more than a business. They are caring and experienced…read moreprofessionals with a Cheers way of remembering me and my needs.

Friendly service with reasonable prices. I go in often to try on new frames and never feel any…read morepressure to buy. Kevork Tinkjian is lovely to deal with.

1.3 mi•Harvard Square, Riverside

Kevork Tinkjian opened Custom Eyes in December of 2003. Kevork has been a licensed Optician since 1998.

Kevork Tinkjian

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SEE - Don't miss SEE's Spring Trunk Show - April 14-May 2!

SEE

4.2(166 reviews)

Like a dedicated employee, I went into the office where I inadvertently set a notebook on my…read moreglasses. Smush.... I brought my glasses into SEE where the arms on my glasses were realigned. They were straight and stayed on my face. I was ready to replace them but they were able to straighten them. :) If I need glasses, I am returning. They get my vote.

XLent, XLent, XLent Service, styles and Staff!…read moreNow, lets talk about their corporate design department... they are a little slow on creating new styles. For those of US who buy glasses for THAT reason it makes one want to stray but then there's Staff and Service at this location -Trang and Rob - the best. OH way, we'll just have to wait out the season and HOPE to be surprised by the mothership.

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Medford Eyeglass Shop

5.0(40 reviews)

2.7 mi

•$

I went in to have 2 designer sunglasses fixed. The man in the shop immediately fixed the in less…read morethan 10min and charged only $20. Professional, fast and friendly! Go here for your eyeglass/sunglasses needs. They are the best.

Rick is the best! Very customer service oriented and always willing to take the time to explain how…read moreto pick the best glasses for the customers needs. Highly recommend!

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Tuscany frameless eyeglass assortment and Leader sports and activity eyeglasses and sunglasses

All Eye Care Doctors

2.9(78 reviews)

0.3 mi•Porter Square

No other eye practioners ever told me i have dry eyes. It explains so much. They are helping me…read morewith this condition and stressing the importance of taking steps to combat it. I am truly thankful. Eyesight is so precious.

Eye exam, frames, and lenses - difficulty seeing with the new Rx and lenses, so lenses were…read moreremeasured and remade. Still uncomfortable. The solution, pay for another eye exam. The same OD produced a new Rx and the new lenses were still unacceptable. Tried to cancel an order for replacement lenses in another frame, but even though it was within 24hr(not certain, might've been 48hr), the order was not canceled. Finally went to another optometrist and the Rx was different from the previous two. Had new lenses fitted - less expensive for the same manufacturer, and still have a pair with the lenses i can't use. Expensive, spent more than 2k for exams, frames, and lenses that i can't use.

1.3 mi•Harvard Square, West Cambridge

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Eye-Q Optical - Cambridge

4.1(154 reviews)

Certified professionals

Offers payment plans

I had a great experience here for a vision exam. The customer service was excellent and they even…read morehave a special machine that can detect changes to your eye health which my insurance covered with a small co-pay. Highly recommended!

Let's start by saying -- thank you, Lord, for always making room for a second opinion…read more I went to Eye Q Optical as a first-time customer, armed with good insurance and high hopes. But it quickly became clear that having great coverage doesn't mean much in a place that prefers to sell the Ferrari of eyewear. Now, to be fair -- the optometrist knows his craft. Truly professional, skilled, and thorough. But if you know the glasses game, you can spot a commission-based shop from a mile away. Here's where things went off track: a thousand dollars for a single pair of glasses after insurance. That's not just unreasonable -- it's why online retailers are thriving while brick-and-mortar shops are losing ground. Eye Q Optical, if you're wondering why people are turning to the internet for eyewear -- look no further than your own price tag.

1.3 mi•Harvard Square, West Cambridge

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Warby Parker Cambridge

3.5(17 reviews)

The people at the store are great. But The company stinks…read more i called the store (617) number and got aomeone probably in southeast Asia to ask whether id lefty wallet at the store and they would not connect me. Not Possible. Rather I was asked, " Do you have an account with us? For your problem you should send an email to the store". I wil never do business with this company

A coworker recommended purchasing glasses at this location. In under an hour on my lunch break,…read moreJason helped me find my new pair, explain the coverage/lens/sizing options, and provided a quote with insurance. I went home to think on them overnight, and returned today to purchase. I walked back in knowing I'd be greeted by kind staff, and felt confident understanding my insurance coverage and expected payment.

1.3 mi•Harvard Square, Riverside

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Harvard Square Eye Care

2.6(126 reviews)

I came here for an exam a couple weeks ago and was so happy with my experience that I was shocked…read moreto see the low overall rating on here. But it looks like the 1 star reviews are at least a year old. If you're in the Cambridge area and need an optometrist, go here! Truly. I stopped into and called several optometry offices around Harvard Square, and this was the only one where I immediately felt a genuinely welcoming, no-nonsense vibe. That was NOT my experience elsewhere. Harvard Square Eye Care is clearly not trying to scam you or push overpriced frames. I never felt pressured to buy anything, and I really appreciated having the option to do traditional dilation instead of being steered toward the more expensive imaging option that my insurance doesn't cover - something most other places didn't even offer. It's such a relief to find a practice that understands the simple need for an eye exam and prescription, especially for those of us who just want the most affordable pair of glasses possible. Honest, transparent, and refreshing. Ignore the negative reviews and go here!

Friendly, knowledgeable and quick. Not aggressive with their sales tactics, which is a huge turn…read moreon. Easy parking or a short jaunt from alewife station.

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

8 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jean J.

32

2

0

14 years ago

I love this store!!! I recently broke my glasses and needed a new pair fast. As a sales person people look at my face all day so I didn't want a junky pair of glasses. I went to General Optical and they have a great and large selection of frames. The sales women Dianne helped me pick out frames. She was really helpful and had me try on different types of frames (plastic, rimless, metal). Everyone in the store was really helpful and gave me their honest opinion. They wanted me to look my best not to just sell me the most expensive frames. I also needed to have an eye exam and they have a doctor right there. The exam was very detailed and Dr. Klaahsen is very knowledgeable. I'm so lucky I found this place! I was able to pick up my glasses the next day since mine were broken. The glasses look great and my vision is amazing. read more

Daniel S.

0

3

0

11 years ago

First off: I only bought lenses here... brought my own frame. Also only interacted with opticians not the optometrist This place is very pricey and very snobby! They were also unhelpful about answering my questions (though admittedly they are not eye doctors). Bottom line... the lenses are amazing. If you know what you need, they will make a great pair of lenses. I haven't been able to match elsewhere. read more

David P.

0

3

0

15 years ago

This is absolutely the best place in the Boston area to get your glasses. When you come in here you are immediately treated like you are family as Leslie and Ron cater to your exact optical needs. They won't push you to buy something you don't need, they'll work within your budget as well as within your needs to get the best pair of glasses for you. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

J S.

0

2

0

7 years ago

Referred by a close family friend who said the doctor is great. Unfortunately had a similar experience to others. A staff member was very unhelpful and a bully. I will not be coming to see this optometrist. Do not need to deal with this type of stress. read more

mike d.

0

1

0

14 years ago

Dr. Klaahsen did a great job fitting me for contacts. She was patient as I went through different contacts and responsive to my needs. Thanks. read more

Sam M.

7

10

3

12 years ago

Great service, everyone knows their stuff! You will walk out looking great and being able to see too! read more

Cris P.

0

4

0

11 years ago

if money is no object, great place.

Ivo A.

0

1

0

14 years ago

Great store, Leslie is the best...

General Optical - optometrists - Updated September 2026

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International Optical

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PUBLIC STATEMENT - International Optical…read more On 22 April 2026, I had a rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens exam at International Optical. After the exam, I was told I would only receive my prescription if I purchased lenses directly from the provider. When I refused, I was denied my prescription, pressured into a $700 rigid contact lens, and told I would no longer be accepted as a patient. My $200 exam fee was refunded, and the service was terminated instead of providing my prescription. I was also denied access to my medical records. This situation raises serious concerns under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, which protects patients' right to receive their prescription after an eye exam regardless of purchase. I have filed formal complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Massachusetts Attorney General. Patients should not be forced to purchase products to receive their own prescription. -- Patrícia Pesarolo

My last contact ripped and I called to see if they were open (pandemic life) cause I had a work…read moremeeting in 40 minutes. They said come on down. Parking was easy just around the corner. They practiced good social distancing techniques and the optometrist in the back came out to help me as the floor saleswoman was busy with other ppl. He immediately helped me out, an absolute angel and I was back home w minutes to spare before my meeting began! Very friendly, professional, helpful, quick. Will visit again.

Cambridge Eye Group

3.9

(19 reviews)

A first visit charges $120 extra for a contact lens evaluation, no matter how long you have been…read morewearing them. Each additional year has an $80 charge for contacts. This is a total ripoff. Unless there is a very great need, measuring for contact lenses is very little extra labor. Training for first timers could take a little time. But there's no need to charge again.

Overall great experience. Doctors were very attentive and…read moreaddressed all our questions and needs. I came here with my mother - who had an eye exam here. They treated my mother (who is older and does not speak English) with empathy, and understood what she articulated well. The staff was great helping my mother with testing and also helped her with glasses. When I checked in - they went through insurance coverage with us and everything was clearly explained.

Custom Eyes

4.2

(198 reviews)

I love this business because it is much more than a business. They are caring and experienced…read moreprofessionals with a Cheers way of remembering me and my needs.

Friendly service with reasonable prices. I go in often to try on new frames and never feel any…read morepressure to buy. Kevork Tinkjian is lovely to deal with.

Eye-Q Optical - Cambridge

4.1

(154 reviews)

I had a great experience here for a vision exam. The customer service was excellent and they even…read morehave a special machine that can detect changes to your eye health which my insurance covered with a small co-pay. Highly recommended!

Let's start by saying -- thank you, Lord, for always making room for a second opinion…read more I went to Eye Q Optical as a first-time customer, armed with good insurance and high hopes. But it quickly became clear that having great coverage doesn't mean much in a place that prefers to sell the Ferrari of eyewear. Now, to be fair -- the optometrist knows his craft. Truly professional, skilled, and thorough. But if you know the glasses game, you can spot a commission-based shop from a mile away. Here's where things went off track: a thousand dollars for a single pair of glasses after insurance. That's not just unreasonable -- it's why online retailers are thriving while brick-and-mortar shops are losing ground. Eye Q Optical, if you're wondering why people are turning to the internet for eyewear -- look no further than your own price tag.

Eyespot

3.7

(57 reviews)

They saw me right on schedule and were quick with results. The doctor ended up sharing results with…read morea doctor at Beth Israel who wanted to see me. They're friendly, the place is clean and they were quick with results. Highly recommend this place for eye exams. Although if it's something more serious, which was my case, I would recommend going to Mass Eye and Ear or Beth Israel (in my case) where I saw Dr. Jorge Arroyo.

This review is for the Chestnut hill location Appalling…read moremoney grabbing scheme We came in to get our glasses upgraded to a new prescription , 2 for my daughter and 3 for me . We started out with my daughter's prescription and the frames we already have . They had our insurance information (VSP signature) All we needed was basic lenses for her school -1.00 polycarbonates R &L , nothing fancy put into new frames we just bought abroad. The optometrist wrote a whole bunch of things on his pad which amounted to a over 500$ - and it would take 14+ days at least because it's VSP . Now mind you this is not my first time getting glasses and we always bought frames had exam and had our glasses made for under 100-200$ with our insurance. This time we did not even need frames or exam !! I asked about what savings are there with VSP and he answered that it's like a coupon , they give discounts for add ons But the price of over 500$ without frames or exam for basic lenses for simple myopia sounded ludicrous. Description as follows Frame - Patient Frame Lens R/L- Any Single Vision (Lab Choice) - 80$ each Crizal ROCK with UV (AR Coating D) 205$ Custom Measurements & Edge SV 60$ Grooved 50$ SV scratch & warranty service 33$ And I was told this is the basic stuff , first off Crizal Rock is not basic and with my insurance should have been about 50$ if covered at all The coating is already scratch resistant so $33 was just double charge for same thing on top of 200$ they should not have offered to begin with Now I needed to have 4 more frames done so that would be 2400$ And mind you This was the basic stuff according to them . There was nothing cheaper I called VSP and realize that this EYESPOT are scamming by price gouging and adding totally uncalled for and unnecessary add ons . VSP savings on one prescription ended up being too small and out of pocket cost was close to 300$ for just one simple pair of glasses -1.00 both eyes ! I was outraged I called morning of next day , I said I want to cancel order ASAP , The secretary said that they needed to speak with their optometrist and they will call back They didn't , 2 hours later I called again asking for refund and my frames back , again I was told the same BS to which I replied I will come in person , only then did a manager magically appeared and told the secretary to tell me that it's too late to cancel as they charged the VSP ! I called VSP they said they received nothing and they called the store just to be told it's the store policy that they do not cancel orders even ones placed less than 20 hours prior I made a formal complaint with VSP that I want to go elsewhere and to put stop payment on the claim , which they agreed to Later In the store the manager gave us hassle that they won't refund the FSA for the remaining sum, to which we said we already called FSA to put a stop payment on this "purchase" They refunded FSA only at that point And they had trouble finding the frames we left with them just 20 hours prior, then another BS story about them getting charged by VSP if we are refunded . Followed by a weird sales pitch that they care so much about us they will give us discount at next visit The place is for sad suckers , because it's chestnut hill they know they will get away with anything and seeing how arrogant they are it seems they do It's not the last complaint I ll be filing to get people aware of the scam ***Update 9/11 - manager named Will offered to discuss my "grievances" on the phone , said he wants to understand my frustrations. Make it worth while I responded that I want nothing to do with this business and I spoke to VSP and that I can now go elsewhere to get my glasses. To which he responded that he will write here that my entire description to what occurred is "totally false!" This despite having ( 2 witnesses ) a record of calls , conversations , and documents. And the mere fact that he is even contacting me is evidence that there is something wrong with this entire situation . He mentioned that if I post about this business further I will be liable as I am " threatening the business" which imo deserves even more exposure after this unexpected conversation. There's something extremely wrong when a business privately texts your number instead of simply responding to a review UPDATE # 3 - 9/21 : Clearly "manager" has difficulty with reading comprehension , I never claimed out of pocket cost was 500$. I called VSP because the proposed price seemed outrageous and the OUT OF P COST WAS A PERCENTAGE OF THIS PREPOSTEROUS COST ! The entire response of the "manager" again is a complete lie .THEY REFUSED TO REFUND OUR HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT UNTILL WE CAME TO THE STORE AND TOLD THEM WE WILL CONTEST THE CHARGE ! STAY AWAY FROM THIS SOREYE! THE ONE STAR REVIEWS ARE SPOT ON . Lastly we went elsewhere & got glasses for 50$ out of pocket cost , that's less than 1/5 the price of this SCAM central

241 Optical

4.8

(94 reviews)

I'm a repeat client and he is always kind and has a great selection of glasses. He doesn't take…read moreinsurance but the price is always right 2 for the price of one you can't beat that and you can use your flex spending. He can make your glasses there and they'll be ready in a couple of hours. If he doesn't have your lens he will order them and will be there in no time at all. I just bought my first pair of glasses with progressives, yes we will all get there some time in our lives lol. I'm now stylish af and can read fine print haha( see pic for my red pair) he will let you know what fits your face and what's best for your prescription. You must visit Michael it's a no brainer! Fyi limited hours on Saturday 10-1pm not open on Sundays. Support your local community!

I fairly recently visited Michael for the first time and I quickly discovered his integrity,…read morepatience, generosity and kindness. When I went back with what seemed like a problem with the main (graduated) pair it turned out that the prescription was a little off. He did not charge me for the new lens (based on a new prescription)! In passing I had mentioned that I realized I didn't really like the reading glasses after all, and he exchanged the frame, again without charge. He knows his business and values his customers, and I am now a loyal one.

Medford Eyeglass Shop

5.0

(40 reviews)

•$

I went in to have 2 designer sunglasses fixed. The man in the shop immediately fixed the in less…read morethan 10min and charged only $20. Professional, fast and friendly! Go here for your eyeglass/sunglasses needs. They are the best.

Rick is the best! Very customer service oriented and always willing to take the time to explain how…read moreto pick the best glasses for the customers needs. Highly recommend!

Eye Associates of Somerville

3.8

(36 reviews)

Being new to the area it was quite a chore choosing new doctors locally. Glad I went with Dr…read more Hussoin as the whole process was very smooth and painless. I booked directly with them online for a new patient eye exam as they were one of the closer places to me that actually takes Davis Vision insurance. The place was pretty easy to find and they have a small parking lot in the back as well which was convenient as it had just snowed and street parking were pretty tough at the time. The office is actually on the second floor when the staff kindly directed me when I was at the first floor office and I had to wait maybe 5-10 minutes after my appointment time before the Dr was ready to see me. Mostly because they would reach out to check your insurance beforehand so that was very helpful to cut down the wait time. The whole exam went very smoothly and Dr. Hussoin was very patient in answering all my questions. I was out with my new prescription in hand in maybe 20-30 minutes. I would highly recommend her for all your optometry needs !

the worst optometrist I ever dealt with! it's been 20 years I am wearing contacts and I went there…read morefor my routine eye exam to get my annual prescription. They told me my usual contacts were discontinued and found a new brand to try. The lenses they proposed were outdated and super uncomfortable but when I asked for other options they said there weren't. I know perfectly that there are other options so I requested my prescription and went to find other more competent doctors. But I needed to pay for a new eye exam fully out of pocket because my insurance already paid for their useless service. They just took my money and basically confirmed my old prescription and did absolutely nothing! They basically don't know what they arre doing! Plus the office is very old and the instruments they use very outdate! They keep the contacts in ziplock bags on a old wood bookshelf! Never again!

Newbury Visions

4.5

(83 reviews)

Such a homely and calming place! The couple who owns it is very knowledgeable, they gave me a…read morethorough exam and then provided me with free contacts to practice! They even let me come back every day for over a week for more practice!

I've been a patient of Dr. T for the past 30 years (since a college student) and have never written…read morea review for them. Dr. T and his wife, Dr. Ratan are such a dynamic duo who are kind, friendly, empathetic, professional and witty. They are very accommodating to my very difficult eye prescriptions (extreme near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism) and give me the best solution for a clear vision without incurring unnecessary prescriptions for my needs. I just found out they'll be retiring soon and they'll be fondly missed. I wish them a very happy retirement and enjoy time with their family for the next chapter of their life. Thank you so much for all these years taking care of my eye care problems!

ProOptical

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