I've never written a review about an optician but these guys are special. I bought progressives at Warby Parker that didn't quite work. Purdy's analyzed the lenses and recommended a replacement. They work so much better. And when I went back in with a scratch they processed the warranty for a new pair. They were just so knowledgeable and helpful. There are so many places you can get glasses but these guys are different. read more

I was a new customer with Purdy's Optical and after several years of having my complex prism glasses badly made in other places I finally found the best place imaginable. As soon as I walked in the door and was greeted by Frankie my intuition told me the place was great. I came in with my own frames, which she said would work well and then with Craig's very professional assistance was measured in every way to be sure the prisms would be done perfectly. Two days later I went back to pick them up and they couldn't be better. In other places I was back over & over and still owned pairs incorrectly made. i would never go anywhere else, but Purdy's, and will go back again soon for more glasses. read more

Best service, best selection and best lenses! Thomaz is an expert! Always welcoming when I need just an adjustment read more

I have a very high Rx and they were great about helping me choose frames that would work best for this. Glasses came out great and only took a few days. Staff was attentive and patient. Went back to get two new pairs, same great glasses and service! This place is the best! read more

This place is great. They have many great styles and all brand names I love. Its conveniently on Lexington Ave. I am always happy with the service and the way my glasses come out. read more

Save your time, save your money or just flat out save because when it is all said and done if you buy glasses here you might need to sell off assets. My son needed glasses, he was 2 1/2 at the time. They wanted to sell me $500 frames. No thanks. Go elsewhere. read more

I went in a few weeks ago to ask if they could fix my glasses. I hadn't even bought this pair of glasses through this store and the gentleman working there was immediately welcoming and told me he'd be happy to fix my glasses. I was concerned about how much it would cost and he assured me it wasn't an expensive fix. When I eventually brought the glasses back for fixing today, he fixed them in about 1 minute and gave me the piece I was missing.. complimentary! He was so kind and such a great example of good ol' fashioned hospitality. I wish every customer experience felt this way. I also watched another woman come in after me and they were welcoming towards her and she was so happy to be there! Clearly she was a regular customer. I would 100% return to purchase my next set of glasses from them just because of how thoughtful and compassionate their team was. Thank you so much! read more

The best eyeglass store I've ever visited. They offer unique frames so you won't see yourself coming and going. Fantastic customer service - Eli listened to what I said, showed me styles that were similar to what I was leaning toward and I couldn't be happier with my experience here. Love this place!! Do yourself a favor and skip Warby Parker type places and check out Purdy. The frames and lens you purchase at Purdy will last you 4 times longer and you look fabulous wearing them. I purchased digital progressive lens which make everything look as if it's in HD. Thanks, Purdy you're the best! read more

I recently had three lenses filled at Purdy opticians. Craig And Alicia provided the best Customer service! They were warm, cordial, interested in the results of my product. They called me when my glasses were finished and reminded me when I did not pick them up on time. Overall, this was a great experience and I highly recommend using them for all your optical needs read more

This place is so great. I broke my reading glasses and they were able to switch frames. They were wonderful and helpful. I am now a dedicated customer. read more

I recently bought some very pricey sunglasses at Purdy's on Lexington and 81st St. When I got them home, the overwhelming consensus from my family was that they looked horrible (I believe the term 'swim goggles' was used). I panicked that I'd just lost all that money. But when I went back the next day, there was not one iota of hesitation. If I wasn't happy, I was welcome to pick out different glasses at no extra cost. They couldn't have been nicer. And lo and behold two days later, beautiful sunglasses that everyone agrees totally suit me. Great shop, great customer service and very high quality. Kudos to a family run business that still understands customer relationships are everything. Use Purdy! read more

I love my new glasses. My prescription is complicated - very strong for distance and also now needing readers. Glasses, esp my Rx, are an investment, so I I went to Purdy. Craig & Alicia (I think I have their names right, I was there on Sat.) were super helpful. The very first pair of frames they suggested were spot on for my face. I tried on a bunch more, but their instinct was right. Craig suggested which technology I should go with for my progressives. Absolutely perfect... pretty amazing how far the technology has come. read more

I had to get glasses because my eyes started having issues with my contacts from wearing them too many hours a day. I have great difficulty finding glasses (including sunglasses) that work with my round face and small features. I have had to of walked through at least 7 different optical stores before stumbling on this one. Eli helped me. He clearly knew what he was doing and had an eye for what looks good because it took him no time to pick out 10 different pairs of glasses that all looked amazing. Of course, being as picky as I am, it took me quite some time to decide. He was so helpful. I'm definitely going to recommend this place to anyone that asks about my glasses! read more

I live in the neighborhood and I found a great eyeglass store which is Purdy 0pticians on Lexington Ave and 81St. I have a petite face and the optician, Craig found me 2 sunglasses that fit perfectly. I love my Maui Jim and Face&Face sunglasses. Craig was professional and very knowledgeable of what suited my needs, petite face and sensitive eyes. This family owned optical store gives you one on one service and their licensed opticians are top notch.. read more

I've been wearing eyeglasses since I was in fifth grade, I am 44 years old and always purchase my eyewear in places like Pearl Vision or Lens Crafters. Never have I received a complaint on my glasses. But ever since I've been a Purdy client, I can truly say that the compliments have been constant. Their selection is top of the line, and the service 100%, Alicia who I go to every time is knowledgeable and professional. She always knows what's best for me. I love it when I get compliments, it's the best feeling in the world. I know that Purdy will always have that distinct top notch, high end selection no one else has. I love telling everyone that compliments me, "you can only get this eyewear at Purdy's" Who doesn't want to feel special. And because of Purdy's and Alicia I feel special all the time. Thank you Purdy for Making me feel like a Super star!! Kudos on the owners who hire people like ALICIA! Wish this app had a 10 star read more

Phenomenal selection & quality! Before going to Purdy on Lex I had been searching for glasses for months, I couldn't find anything that fit my face properly. I wasn't even in the store for 5 minutes when Eli helped me find the perfect pair. Purdy is the type of store that knows what they are doing, all of their products are quality and it shows. I'm so happy with my new glasses, thanks Purdy!! read more

Nancy F. Said: I walked into H.L.Purdy Opticians thinking it was one of the ordinary eyeglass stores that, for some reason, abound in the surrounding blocks. I decided to look around, even though Eli Abramov, the optician of the store, informed me that the merchandise would likely cost more than I'd find elsewhere. They would also last much longer, and lenses would be state of the art, incomparable to what I'd find elsewhere. At first I saw a pair that had a pretty vintage look. I tried it on and was immediately in my comfort zone. I myself have a vintage look, being a 59 year old ex-chain smoker. They looked nice, and blended in with my face. Thinking back, vintage suited me way better when I was in my twenties and thirties. They would have looked cool, then. Eli came over, after giving me ample time to explore the glasses on display. He suggested I try some particular frames. He showed me more colorful, beautiful frames that were the perfect size and shape for my face. I wouldn't have tried them on my own initiative. They were very beautiful, but I really stood out in them, taking me out of my comfort zone. Eli showed me a particularly outstanding pair. They are Art Deco, with funky, animal print arms, hand-made in Paris, one of a kind. There are a whole selection of one-of-a-kind handmade frames at H.L. Purdy. They are flexible and sturdy, which is very important for me, because I work with special needs preschoolers who like to pull off my glasses and fling them across the room. I bought them. I was purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece of art, to wear everyday, which to me justified paying the higher price than I may have paid in the surrounding, more everyday shops. At first, I thought I made a mistake. They really stood out. I decided to bring my old glasses with me as back-up. There are two people in my workplace who have been brutally honest with me, and with others, in the past. I decided to talk with them, and if they made a negative comment about the glasses, I would wear my old ones instead. The first person said the glasses make my face look slimmer and prettier! The other person made no comment, which was a good sign to me. If she didn't like the glasses, she would not have hesitated to let me know. I was feeling that the glasses were perhaps too striking for my face. But the feedback I got throughout the day was that I look great, and it was not always obvious that the reason was due to my new glasses. They are perfect for me. Eli obviously has a talent for fitting the perfect glasses to the individual person. I feel so much better about my appearance since I began wearing my new glasses. They were a life-changer. And if I didn't happen upon this shop, with Eli, it's exceptional optician, I would have remained in my comfort zone and just blended in with the crowds of people in NYC. read more

I only get my glasses at Purdy. The opticians are friendly, understand what individual style means and try to work with you and your needs/budget. Also, they have great turn around time and service! Highly recommend! read more

This is the only place one should go to fill an eyeglass prescription for a child! My child needed glasses at the young age of five and we were pretty anxious. Alicia was the kindest, most supportive, most reassuring, and most knowledgeable person with whom we dealt. We are forever grateful for her expertise! My daughter is now 10 years old and we have been there for five years and numerous pairs of glasses. My daughter loves going there, as do I. They feel more like family to us than like a business. They are also incredibly efficient and helpful if you are in a pinch and need a repair, etc. Please note that it is not simply the warm fuzzy feeling that keeps us going back; they are at the top of their field when it comes to knowledge, stocking quality frames, and expertise! I recommend them without hesitation! read more

Great service and selections. I have purchased several frames over the years and have never been disappointed. Great modern domestic and imported selections. Thanks Purdy ! read more

They have gorgeous frames and are very focused on making sure the lenses are perfect. I had to have my lenses changed and they did it free of charge for me. A very reputable business. Both locations are great. read more

As someone who's been far-sightedness since childhood, glasses haven't been a positive experience. Coke bottle thick lens glasses don't scream "beautiful!" But luckily I met Frankie and she and her amazing team at Purdy changed everything for me. For once in my life I now own glasses that don't make me look bug eye and actually make me want to wear them out! They're stylish and the team will make sure you get THE perfect pair for you. Go get your glasses now and ask for Frankie! read more

I bought some expensive prescription sunglasses right before a trip to Hawaii. I scratched both lenses on a hiking trip when I slipped on a stone crossing a creek. At Purdy they honored my warranty without hesitation and with good cheer and replaced both lenses. read more

Wow, I've been wearing glasses for 65 years and this was the best service I've ever experience. They have a great amount of glasses to select. Since I've been wearing glasses for so many years and have had so many frames, there frames were difference from any I've seen before. I walked in and Alicia Thomas, looked at my face and said, "I have the perfect glasses for your face". She was right, and I didn't have to look anymore. I received compliments the minute people saw the glasses. They gave me a card that looks like a credit card, with my prescription. I love this place. read more

I am very picky when it comes to glasses and there are a ton of options on the upper east side - ALICIA WAS AMAZING - She took so much time with me and who does that anymore ? I love the store really hip styles and over the top service ! read more

Eli is amazing! He suggested such different and amazing frames for me to consider. Of course I bought something so awesome and different with his help! So professional and such an amazing selection of glasses. read more

This is the first time I've purchased glasses at Purdy Opticians on Lex and I was very impressed with the professionalism of Eli who worked with me. He was very knowledgeable and helped guide my selection of the perfect frame. I've been wearing glasses most of my life but was never before educated on how a good frame should fit. Eli discussed the different options with the lenses and I felt very confident in my final selection. Purdy has a large selection of quality frames and service was wonderful. read more

This is the best place to get glasses for your kids! I got new glasses for my 5 year old daughter here, and the customer service was absolutely exceptional. I never post reviews, but Alicia who helped us and H.L. Purdy truly deserve it. Alicia was so wonderful and patient with my daughter--she let her try on as many pairs of glasses as she wanted, and was very respectful of my very opinionated 5 year old's request for the color of her frames. She also convinced me to try out transitional lenses for my daughter, which was the best decision we could have made. Not only does my daughter think she has super cool "magic" glasses that turn into sunglasses, but I also know that her eyes are always protected from the sun. My daughter loved them so much that I actually went back to Alicia a few weeks later to get my own very first pair of transitional lenses, which I now absolutely love. I will never shop anywhere else for glasses. We received such personalized attention that is so hard to find these days. Thanks again, Alicia! read more

Excellent service in every way. I was particularly impressed with Eli's ability to recommend frame styles. He looked at me for a moment and knew exactly what shape and color would suit me best - and within that context had many possibilities for me to choose from. My wife who was with me needed also new glasses but hadn't planned to make a purchase that day - but she ended up buying glasses as well! As with me, Eli knew immediately what style and color to propose. When I received my new glasses and put them on for the first time I was really surprised by the quality of the lenses. I highly recommend this store! read more

I wore my old glasses *well* past the point of needing a new pair because I had such a terrible time finding new ones. For the past year, I went into almost every eyeglass store that I passed (and websites offering virtual and/or in-home [mailed] try-ons); I found glasses to settle on, but nothing I really liked. I stumbled into Purdy expecting to find nothing, try on a few things, and leave--I was wrong. Eli greeted me when I walked in. He unassumingly pulled a few frames, placed them near where I was looking around, and stepped away. I appreciated that there was no pressure. I decided to try them on and immediately liked them all. I soon relied only on his suggestions, and I was amazed at how many frames I liked! For the first time, I had to narrow down the choices. I ended up with glasses that, had Eli not picked up, I would have quickly looked past. I was so happy with the frames that I purchased them the same day (I hadn't even gotten a new prescription yet!). The lens process was also very smooth. Eli fully explained about the different types, and he was on top of the order. There ended up being 2 errors with the prescriptions that I gave in, and still they were incredibly flexible and helpful in fixing the issue (and they went beyond for speed). I highly recommend this store. read more