I LOVE Gregory's Optical - they are beyond AWESOME! I stopped in today (early-mid January 2025) to pick up my brand new Alain Mikli sunnies. They're gorgeous, stylish, handcrafted and totally rockin' my world. Gregory's Optical highly personalized service is bar none - no question about it. These people are professional, knowledgable, friendly, efficient, expedient, low-key (no hard selling tactics here - ever), and, a complete pleasure to deal with. I've patronized their business spanning decades. I first saw them on Thayer Street on the East Side of Providence abutting Brown University. I followed them to Wickenden Street in Foxpoint and now to their newest location at 91 Hope Street. Aside from their outstanding highly personalized client services, I've remained with Gregory's Optical because of their vast selection of excellent quality upscale global brands with outstanding competitive pricing. For a sublime boutique shopping experience for fine prescription eyewear, please visit opticians extraordinaire Michael (proprietor) and Rebecca - who continue the professional experienced traditions and practices started by Michael's Russian-American parents decades ago. While I dearly miss Gregory and Dora, I fully trust Michael and Rebecca to fulfill all my optician services and prescription eyewear needs. They ROCK!! read more

Gregory Optical was the best experience. Thorough. Personal. Helpful and has pristine taste in glasses. My teenage son was able to find glasses he liked. Michael was patient and had a great sense of humor to assist my child. The glasses were in so quickly. When we came in to try on they fit like a glove! The lady that works for Michael was friendly and helpful as well! The price was appropriate for the product. We will be back soon, for me :) read more

Gregory's Optical - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The number one place in RI to get your glasses. They really are the best. Unique frames that you cannot find anywhere else. Not the junk they try to rope you into at the eye doctor. When I bought a pair of glasses they even asked for the ones I was wearing and adjusted them for a better fit. They also fixed my Dad's glasses for free after he sat on them, for no reason. Consider this place before heading anywhere else. It's been around for 30+yrs for a reason. Gregory was the best! read more

Eyeglasses and lenses of the highest quality -- better quality that places that charge much more -- and wonderful variety of styles. Something for everyone and what you buy will last a very long time. 15 years ago, Gregory, Dora, and their son Michael took great care and time with me and my difficult prescription lenses. I still have that pair, and I'd still be wearing them had my prescription not changed. Seven years ago, with my new prescription, I bought another pair. This time from Michael, who had come to run Gregory's after his wonderful, dear parents passed. Michael carries on his parents' tradition and does them proud. The pair I bought from him is still going strong. If I ever need another pair, I'm going straight to Gregory's. read more

It is unfortunate that I have to write this negative review. I have been a loyal customer for about 15 years. Seven weeks ago, I visited to switch my regular lenses to progressive lenses. As usual, Michael was thorough, and I placed the order. They assured me they would call when the lenses were ready, but I never received a call. After two weeks, I followed up, and they realized that the lenses had not been ordered. They promised to order them, and said they would call once they arrived. Again, no calls came, so I contacted them two weeks later. This time, they said the lenses were ready, and I should come to pick them up. However, when I went to collect them, one of the lenses cracked by Michael during the frame insertion. They said they would order a replacement and call me when it was ready. Once more, I received no updates, so after another two weeks, I called. It turned out they had forgotten to place the order for the replacement lens. They promised to order it, and assured me they would call when it arrived. But, after two more weeks of silence, I had to call to check on the status. They informed me that the lenses had been received and were ready for pickup, so I went to the store. When I expressed my frustration to the assistant about never receiving updates on my order and always having to call, she responded, "Don't talk to me, talk to Michael; it's his mistake." I exclaimed that it should be her responsibility to coordinate with him and track orders, but she became agitated, blow up on me, and angrily left the room. Another customer who witnessed the interaction literally said, "I've never seen a service person explode on a customer like that." read more

I always look forward to a trip to Gregory's Optical. The selection of frames is terrific as is the service. I have been a customer for over 40 years. My three children -now grown-- all got their glasses at Gregory's. I can't even count the number of pairs of glasses I've gotten there. Thanks to Gregory and Dora and now to Michael and Rebecca. read more

Gregory and the team are the best in helping maintain my existing glasses and recommending the most amazing lenses

I LITERALLY WALKED OUT BECAUSE OF THE CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE. I am hoping this was a one-time experience, but unfortunately I will not be going back. There are plenty of other glasses stores in the sea! read more

Great job repairing the frames on my glasses. I thought they were unrepairable, but I figured I'd get this place a try based on the positive reviews. The owner took a quick look at them and said "$20, 20 minutes". Twenty minutes later, my glasses were good as new. Next time I need glasses repaired, I'll head right back to Gregory's read more

I was traveling through town and my Ice Berlin broke in a terrible way. Gregory's fixed it - giving me a new part for my broken one - with pleasant service and no charge. They even called me when I left my favorite glasses case there so I could come back and return it. If I lived in Providence, I would definitely use Gregory's - they were so helpful and friendly and the service and care for my glasses was unparalleled read more

Extremely happy with everything about my experience here. The glasses are great and the service was spectacular. What really blew me away was the woman that worked the front of the store. She helped me try on almost twenty pairs, and was extremely patient the whole time. Not only that, she was beyond friendly. She made the experience wonderful, and I hope everyone is as friendly to her as she is to the strangers that enter their shop. Gregory was also friendly and extremely deft at the actual lens-making and all that stuff. Love my glasses and the price was great, but it was really the woman (whose name I wish I could remember) who manned the front of the shop that made this a memorable place and has made me a forever loyal customer. read more

I went to Gregory's to replace the lenses on two of my frames. As usual, they wanted to sell me what they wanted (the most profitable) instead of what I wanted and asked for. I reluctantly caved in and agreed to their Shamir lenses - and the price. A week later they called and I went to pick them up. They had only replaced one pair of lenses -- with an incorrect prescription-- instead of the two, and the price for the lenses had suddenly doubled. Michael who priced out the job was conveniently not there and I dealt with his father, Gregory. The price was now $500. for one pair of lenses -- a bait and switch. I told him that I didn't want them and asked him to remove the lenses and return my frames, which would Have literally taken him 3 minutes. He told me that he didn't have time and that I should come back tomorrow. Three visits for absolutely nothing. This common crook had given me a prescription I couldn't wear, on lenses that were not my choosing, and at double the quoted price, and he ignorantly and rudely acted as if he was the injured party. It was as if he was deliberately running me around in order to wear me down. Unfortunately, the sheep are being sheared by a nation of wolves. Enter the premises at your peril. read more

I have been shopping for glasses here for decades. Excellent selection and service! Take a look.

I went in because I had on glasses from elsewhere which never fit right and are impossible with my masks. I asked if they would adjust them. Woman happily did this, and cleaned the lenses and would not take any money. I'm saving up now for my next pair there! read more

Amazing selection of unique, high quality frames. The Italian woman who is incredibly stylish herself, will ask you when you're looking for and then take off running. I feel like I tried every frame I could possibly be interested in in the entire store. She struck a good balance between letting me choose and being directive. It was the most fun I've ever had picking out frames! Gregory is behind the scenes, working his magic. He pops out when you come pick up your frames to make sure they fit right. They have a fast turnaround with frames. I really wish they did eye exams so I could do everything there. I will be coming back here for all my frames, and I am sending my husband and all my friends. You should go, too! read more

I'm extremely jealous of people who actually look good in $79 glasses. You know, the ones you can order online and try on at home for free. I'd love to say that shopping at this charming local boutique was my first choice. The truth is that I look like a gremlin in those Made in China frames (good thing I tried them on in the privacy of my own home!), so I was forced to Gregory's Optical out of desperation. The two employees here are truly a dynamic duo. Once you say a little bit about what you're looking for, the woman pulls frames that suit your face shape, complexion, etc. Then Gregory checks if the frames sit right on your face and work with your prescription. This process was perfect for someone like me, who has no sense of style. Gregory & co. will tell you flat-out if something doesn't look good on you. The total cost was $450 ($250 for the frames and $200 for the lenses). I know that doesn't seem cheap, but now, looking online at the frames I chose (handmade in Italy, apparently), I saved at least $100. My lenses are also high-index and coated, so $200 is really reasonable. You could definitely get out of there for less if you don't need all the bells and whistles. Amazingly, the glasses were ready about 24 hours after I walked into the shop. I'm so excited about my new glasses and so grateful to Gregory's Optical for helping me select them. I would say I'll come back soon, but I have a feeling these glasses are going to last me a long time! read more

Delightful collection of new and true vintage (not retro) frames. Very skilled staff. This is a eyeglass destination. Unique and professional. read more

Super friendly! Retightened my glasses quickly, and to custom fit my face. I would definitely recommend! read more

Amazing service story here. I bought a beautiful pair of glasses at Gregory's about a year ago. Recently I accidentally sat on my glasses and almost broke one of the hinges. The glasses looked normal but they were about to break completely. I called Michael for help. He had me send photos of the frame. He said come in and he can fix them. Six days later I walked in the store unannounced. Without introducing myself, he held out his hand for me to give him my glasses. I said, "how did you know it was me?" He said, "I recognize the glasses." He fixed them, good as new, no charge. I will always buy any glasses I need here and will recommend anyone to go to Gregory's. read more

My new glasses bought online broke in the first few wears when I was travelling. Checked online and found Gregory's. I don't have a car and walked 60 some minutes to the place. Thank God that Gregory's owner was kind and knew how to replace the broken leg. He then adjust both with heat so the glasses can stay on my face. He charged me a very reasonable price instead of taking advantage of the situation. I was able to see the world again. Thank you, the gentle Russian owner of Gregory's! read more

I stumbled upon Gregory Optical during a Google search- and boy am I glad. The professionalism, detail in work and most importantly, compassion Steven offers his customers is second to none. I had an expensive pair of prescription sunglasses that I crushed accidentally... I could not afford a new $500 pair and I was leaving on a business trip in 2 days... I was beside myself. I went to Gregory's and Steven, although told me these glasses are history, he still did his magic! Within 24 hours, he called to say he did his best for me... when I picked them up- they were LIKE NEW! He managed to replace the two broken temples masterfully and now I have a perfect pair of sunglasses- AND- in time before leaving on my trip. You just do not get that kind of customer service anywhere these days. Cant recommend Gregory's Optical enough- you will be very happy with the service, the selection and passion to help his customers- I just found myself a new Optician! Many thanks Steven! read more

After many years of buying glasses from LensCrafters and BJs, I decided to try Gregory's as I have a challenging prescription. I was nervous about the price, having spent an arm and a leg for my last pair. I have nothing but praise for Gregory's--they provided amazing customer service, recommending a type of frame that would work best, then giving me lot of options to try on. They have a huge stock of designer and hand made frames. And the price was about the same as LensCrafters, which was a pleasant surprise. read more

I was looking for something different in eyeglass frames & service - and found it at Gregory's Optical in Providence. Easy to get to, no hassle trying on as many frames as you'd like from an incredible selection, and personalized recommendations from the great staff who were so helpful. I didn't have a name for what I was experiencing with previous glasses. They gave it a name - distortion. My new glasses are amazing and I definitely would recommend Gregory's Optical. read more

I just started wearing glasses in the last year. I have a weak prescription and most of my family does not need them, hence I have no baseline understanding of the most parameters for glasses. I was told point blank that I need to spend real money on glasses and get a real prescription. I mentioned that I was desperate from working from home, but there was no recognition that my options were limited by the pandemic. It felt more like a judgement and I was not treated as an opportunity for a customer. It's unclear why, since the other reviews are so good. That reinforces my concern that I was not treated the same way as other people and there may have been some bias. read more

The only eye glass place I'll go to now. Craftsmanship A+. Quality Zeiss lenses. They give you an honest opinion if the frames look good or not on you. read more

I was so pleased with the service I got at Gregory's Optical. They have a wonderful selection of frames and they worked with me to make sure I was completely satisfied. I highly recommend them. read more

I had a horrendous experience at a bootleg boutique in Cambridge, MA, and Gregory's was actually my second choice stop. It really should have been my first stop. Reasons: 1. Large selection of high end designer and vintage eye wear. 2. The older man told me my custom frames order would come in about a week. 5 days later, he calls me to let me know my order arrived and was ready for trying on. 3. The older lady is like a nosy grandma that has too many opinions, but she really cares and wants you to look good. even if you make a choice that she doesn't like, she keeps trying to "help" by bringing you other glasses even though you politely decline, and then kind of gives you a blank stare when you go against her opinion. If she peeled my grapes, she really WOULD be my grandma. 4. After I placed my deposit on a Thursday, the older man told me that my glasses had a small chance of coming in the next day, and if not that Friday, then Monday. By 12pm the next day, he called me to tell me they came in. I was not charged a rush fee, this was standard service times. 5. I ordered the thinnest lenses available, Zeiss because I see as well as a fruit bat. The lenses I received were really the thinnest lenses I've ever had in many years of buying so-called Zeiss lenses. Now I've been wondering if all these years I've been getting scammed by other opticians who swore they sold me Zeiss, because these are the first glasses I've ever had that don't leave a huge dent in my nose from the excess weight. 6. The glasses + lenses actually came in at $150-$300 less than the other optical shops that stocked my frames (Oliver & Peoples). Next time, I'm just coming here. Maybe if I keep coming back they'll eventually throw in some peeled grapes w/ my order. read more

After buying another pair of poorly-fitting frames online I finally decided to see what the buzz was about. Gregory and his frame consultant, I didn't ask her name, were very helpful with finding me much better frames that I believe will last me many years. It was really nice having someone sit down with me and tell me which frames looked the best, and while I haven't received my glasses yet, I expect I'll be very happy with my purchase. It's also worth mentioning that they seem to have a wide range of prices, so you might be able to get out of there south of $150, which I think makes them competitive with online retailers, considering the service that comes with the price. read more

I have fallen in love with this couple. They are straight out of a Chekov or Murakami short story. The shop is really nondescript. If you weren't looking for it you'd never know it was there. The furniture is straight out of the 70's. It struck me as odd that they had all of their display cases under lock and key, and if you want to try something on Dora, the old lady dressed like your babushka with crooked eyes and oddly hipster frames, will have to unlock the shelf for you. On top of which she is not beyond telling you what you may or may not want to hear. For example: "your face is not small, you know"--a blow to my already low opinion of myself. But the beauty of it is though you may not WANT to hear it, you do NEED to listen to her, because SHE PICKED OUT THE RIGHT FRAME ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. I had checked out multiple other frames apart from the one she picked out, but the one she picked out was uncannily the best. So if nothing else, go to them for her excellent taste and judgment. As for the selection, the reason I came here was I wanted something edgier than the ones that Pearle Vision had. And I got exactly what I came for. I couldn't be happier with the way the glasses fit and look. And speaking of speaking their mind, I asked why my glasses were so expensive ($750 for Boz frames and anti glare progressive lenses), Gregory says "because they're not made in China." So. 4 stars because they're pricier than most, but really 5 stars because they have the best selection, they're the nicest couple, they have EXCELLENT taste, and you can't beat the experience of getting transported to 1970s Moscow. read more

I highly recommend Gregory's! I drove from Connecticut to choose new frames, get fitted, etc, and it was very worth it. They have a great selection of quality, stunning eyewear. They choose several and let you try on as many as needed. The service was patient and kind, and the result was great fitting lenses with Theo frames. I appreciate they honestly, frankly tell you what fits your face and will look best on you. My glasses were ready a few days later. I will certainly come back to Gregory's for eyeglasses. read more

When one temple on my expensive pair of progressive glasses broke, I found Gregory's here. I was hoping they could fit my lenses into new frames, but they said they would look for a replacement part. They called back by the end of the day saying they were fixed. The bill... $15. To say the least, I was very pleasantly surprised. The same thing happened to the other temple months later. Without hesitation I brought them in. Same story. Needless to say, I wouldn't hesitate to give them my business again, even if not for a cheap repair. read more

Had eyeglasses made for my wife, who had dementia, as well as myself. They were extremely professional and thorough, and mad several pairs of glasses for the both of us. We were very pleased with the outcome. Pricier than online or some other shops, but we felt it was well worth it. Like to patronize local businesses. read more

The selection of frames here is excellent, but the real gem here is Cinzia! You will know her immediately by her effortless style and radiant smile. I have been putting off wearing glasses more often as I didn't think they would be flattering on me, but Cinzia made the experience - dare I say it - fun! She never rushed me and in fact encouraged me to try on as many as I would like to find just the right pair (or 3 or 4!) All the while, she gave me honest, thoughtful feedback. After I ordered it was just a few days before my new stylish frames were ready to pick up. We have many options to purchase frames these days, but the one thing that will keep me coming back to Gregory's is Cinzia! read more

I had a pair of glasses that were constantly falling off of my face and in dire need of some adjusting. I brought them to Gregory's and was in and out of the shop in under 2 minutes. read more

Nearly twenty years ago, I set foot in Gregory's Optical for the first time. My then recent move to New England required me to change doctors,dentists, hair salons...and opticians. I recall stepping into the most interesting optical boutique I had ever seen, prescription in hand. An older gentleman (Gregory) came forward to kindly assist me. I explained that I needed new glasses, both frames and lenses and sought his recommendation. My face is thin so frames have always been a challenge. As well, I like understated, classic things. This gentleman glanced at me, walked to a cabinet, pulled out a pair of frames and asked me to try them. Viola! Absolutely perfect! I was delighted and LOVED the selection. He took my prescription, and my glasses were ready a couple of of days later and they were my favorite pair of frames ever! Time passed and I went back to Gregory for another pair of glasses once my prescription changed. I got something else, not quite as much to my liking as that first pair, but still nice . My job changed and I moved house, ended up changing eye doctors and insurances and had insurance that helped with the cost of new glasses. Fast forward to last week when I found that favorite pair of frames in a cupboard as I was sorting some belongings. I remembered the kindly, wise and very skilled gentleman who found them for me and wondered if he might be able to put polarized plain lenses in my favorite frames so I could have them as sunglasses. Off I went and much to my delight and amazement, he had them ready for me in about thirty minutes! I LOVE them! He was just as I remember: kind, wise and skilled. And the woman who greeted me was lovely. His son kindly and paanswered my questions about the color of the lenses. The shop is amazing with a wide array of quality frames. They are kind and welcoming, interested in providing exceptional service and Gregory is a gem. You won't find a more skilled optician or a more interesting eyeglass boutique anywhere. He's the best! It was time for me to update my glasses as my prescription had changed. Many years ago, I went to Gregory's for my glasses but they didn't take insurance and I wanted to take advantage of that benefit as a cost saving measure. So over the years I did. However, you get what you pay for! I knew, after many pairs of glasses from other places that were just too big for my thin face, that Gregory would be able to help me. So in I went. Gregory wasn't there on my first visit but his son Michael helped me and he is very kind. I tried just a few pairs on, had a friend along and they convinced me a certain pair would do the trick. They were ok but my prescription was at home so I needed to return the following day. Gregory was there when I went back, as was a really lovely young woman who was incredibly kind. I gave my name and they had the glasses but I wasn't sure, and asked if I might look a bit more. And they were AMAZING! Both of them went to work looking for classically styled frames to fit my thin face. I am not a fancy person and my glasses need to reflect that. Several pairs were handed to me to try. They both gave feedback and I was appreciative. In the end I chose a pair Gregory had pulled for me after assessing my face and eyes- exactly as he had done for me roughly twenty years ago when I purchased my first pair from him. The shape was perfect. They were classic, and the color went with my blondish, brown hair. As well, they were marked down as they were last year's model- but when you buy classic styles, they are timeless. The very next morning, Gregory phoned to let me know my glasses were ready- roughly 24 hours later! I went to collect them and pay. My bill was no more than it would have been had I gone to a larger shop with fancy prices where I could use my insurance. The glasses are perfect and I can see so well! If the fit needs a tweak or two, I can go back and Gregory or Michael will help me. This is the finest optical shop I have ever gone to and Gregory is the finest optician to have ever helped me. He is a master at his craft. I can not recommend him and his beautiful shop highly enough. They provide wonderful customer service, have an enormous collection of quality frames and are the very best in the industry. Gregory- well, this man is an absolute gem! I have been so spoiled by him that I will go no place else! read more

This is the type of place you will come into once then come back year after year. My Dad and I have bought many frames here, and Gregory the owner is the nicest. Inside you will find a wide variety- unique, many handmade, and lots of international styles not found at other shops. That's part of what has kept me coming back, the other is the owner. Gregory will listen to what you're looking for then show you exactly which ones match ....and more importantly, fit your face. He is honest and has navigated my big nose with ease every time - I am always excited to get a new pair! They are helpful with repairs too. read more

They have a very interesting selection of glasses. They spent a lot of time with me to find the right pair. And any time I bend my glasses or need some sort of adjustment, they are happy to help. Excellent experience. read more

They did not adjust frames after learning that they were purchased online. Did not even bother to look at the frames. Took them to a competitor less than a mile away who made the adjustments without hesitation and were extremely friendly about it. read more

can't believe I'm writing a review but couldn't resist- I have bought my glasses here forever and am so happy I found these good folks!!! the choices are endless. my lenses are difficult and they never stop until they are just what I need. cannot recommend them enough. everyone asks where I got my frames and I send them right to GREGORY's! read more

I've been using Gregory's optical for many years ever since they open the shop in the original location on Thayer Street. The combined experience of the father-son tandem is more than a half a century! No matter how complicated a prescription is, you can be assured that the lenses (they use the best lenses there is, i.e. Seiko, Shamir, etc.), will be masterfully manufactured. The frame selection is superb, made of the high quality materials, and they will help you select what best suits your face and personality. They really stand by their work. Once my son sat on the glasses and damaged them. I brought the glasses that were purchased at Gregory's, Gregory himself fixed the frame and refused to take money from me noting that he'd rather see me coming back to buy a new pair when the time comes. Another time, I showed up with a new Rx, Gregory commented that there may be a mistake in the way the Rx was written and on the spot called my eye doctor. The doctor confirmed that he made an error in haste and thanked Gregory for catching the error rather than blindly folowing the Rx. I was very impressed. I know other people who are the repeat customers like me, who followed Gregory and his son Michael to their present location because you cannot buy the friendly and knowledgable service like you get at Gregory's Optical anywhere. For those who looking for a quality optical store look no further. read more