Harborside Optical is amazing. There's basically no wait time, which I really appreciate. They have a great selection of both designer and regular frames, so I actually found glasses I liked without feeling pressured. Dr. Manzo, Jillian, and Jennifer were all super friendly and welcoming. They took their time answering my questions and made the whole process easy. You can tell they actually care about patients. If you need an eye doctor, I 100% recommend Harborside Optical! read more

Felt I got the most of my benefits and the team was very kind when scheduling. I was able to get an appointment ASAP and contacts arrived within a week of my exam! Very quick and nice service! read more

Visited for the first time and had a positive experience. The scheduling was easy, the staff and doctor were kind and professional, they were organized and I was seen for my appointment on time. read more

Great response to my inquiry about insurance and appointments. Great appointment. My eye doctor's for good. They were so very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

I have been a long standing patient of Harborside Optical. Service is consistently amazing. They are professional, flexible, and kind. You are made to feel very valued and comfortable as a repeat client. read more

From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly kind, quick, and had me seeing the doctor within 5 minutes! The doctor was extremely knowledgable, answered all my questions, and addressed any needs for my eyes. The exam was quick and thorough! Highly recommend! read more

Fantastic business. I have been coming here for years. Very easy commute off public transit in Jersey City and the staff is always friendly and prompt with communication via email. They also have a great assortment of designer frames. read more

Great service as usual ! Been coming here now for at least 4 years ! The team and optician is always happy to help and are super friendly. Great frames and that they offer Zeiss lenses - truly makes all the differences. Highly recommend ! read more

Won't be coming back. Very sweet staff, however the eye exam was NOT comprehensive. Waste of money.

They don't keep to their promise. They charge so much. Not happy at all . Not very professional

AMAZING STAFF! Lukewarm optometrists. I've been here twice and was seen by two different optometrists. I can't recall their names but my most recent visit was less than warming. In terms of my most recent visit, let's use the word patronizing. Maybe it's because I found the fountain of youth? The male optometrist also started to speak really slowly when I said I was trying to translate a word in my head... I'll leave that up to interpretation. But, to be clear, I grew up in Queens, NY, (been here since I was three months old). I'm bilingual not ESL. &&& I absolutely don't have an accent. :) read more

This place is a little tricky to find if it is your first time here but the service is optimal. I didn't know if my insurance would cover for vision exams and the staffs patiently waited me to find it out. They also answered all my questions, even going as far as giving me.a prescription for swimming goggles in case I need them. They were all very nice and kind, and being pretty epic overall. read more

After having my trials and tribulations with eye doctors, I am happy to report Harborside Optical is my optician of choice. Nestled inside Harborside 2 and 3, across the corner from Piggyback bar does amazing eye care get any more convenient than this? I've been coming here for years and promise your all eye care needs will be taken care of attentively here. I always had issues getting the proper prescription at other offices. Long waits, ect were the norm. At Harborside the service is VIP-esqe. Customer service is top notch. Everyone will know your name after you become a regular for sure. If you live nearby they may even drop your contacts off! Amazing service from Jason and team that is second to none. They have custom frames like no other of amazing quality. I got my Clayton franklins here and love them. Definitely take a look around. Frames range from inexpensive to designer top shelf. There is truly a frame for everyone. The best eye doctor in Jersey City and Hudson County. read more

A hidden gem. Jillian took care of my husband and me. She was beyond helpful and knowledgeable about all lines of eyewear. Thank you, Jillian! read more

Dr. Erika is by far the best in all of Jersey! She was dressed to impress and was very attentive and polite. Having contacts, I get yearly exams so I know a thing or two about exams. I can say that I will be using Harborside Optical as long as Dr. Erika and her staff of super friendly optical associates keep up the hospitality to their patrons. The guys who work here, although I'm not sure what they do because they never addressed me, were dressed to impress as well. Very well put together. The ladies were super friendly and spend the time that you need to make sure you are comfortable with your selections. They have a big selection of glasses as well as contact brands. It is located inside of Exchange Place Financial Building along the Husdon River. It is now my go to place for Eyecare. Thanks Dr. Erika and staff for the great experience and quality eye care. I will certainly be back and recommend my friends come here as well. read more

The doctor and staff were very kind, the visit was efficient and comprehensive. I needed a thorough check of my eyes and updated prescriptions, and that's exactly what was given. Would certainly recommend Harborside Optical to folks in the area. read more

I am a regular customer of Harborside optical. Jason really goes above and beyond to help you and get the best deal. The staff at Harborside were so kind and helping me understand my insurance, and assist in selecting best contact lens. At Harborside, they actually care about the health of your eye. I was given different contact lens by my eye doctor and i gave that prescription to jason who helped me get the lens with best price. However i was not comfortable with it. I asked jason if it can be replaced with better one. He showed it to me that oasys is better than the one i had. I was shocked how cheap the year supply came out to with my insurance and rebates. I will be coming back every year and i strongly recommend it! read more

I would highly recommend Harborside Optical for your annual eye exam. There was no wait time and the doctor was very efficient. Will definitely return on an annual basis. read more

Harborside Optical is excellent! The service is by far above the rest. The glasses are high quality and they stand by their products. I highly recommend this optical. read more

Been coming here for years now, friendly folks, extremely reliable and stand by their products. Now that we moved away from Jersey City I will still make the trip for my annual eye exam and new lenses because it's the only optometrist I trust read more

I recently got my eyes checked out at Harborside Optical. I've never had a problem with my vision before and have always had perfect 20/20 vision. But I suppose that a few years of working in an office and staring at a computer for 8 hours a day has taken its toll. My eyes have felt strained in the past year and often feel blurry by the end of the day when staring at the computer screen. Since I was recently told I'd be getting laid off in a few months, I decided it was time to make all thos doctor's appointments I'd been putting off while I still have insurance coverage! I made an appointment at Harborside Optical because of its convenient location, inside the building I work in. The doctor (who's name I can't even remember) was actually a pretty nice, albiet goofy guy. He checked my eyes and said I could stand to wear glasses while I worked or even when reading if I felt I was straining. So he then led me out to the girl working in the front. Having never been to an eye doctor before I wasn't sure what the next step was. Instead of really telling me my options, they made it seem like I had to buy my eye glasses there. Which isn't necessarily a problem, but I would've liked to know I had the option to go elsewhere with my prescription. Anyway the girl was completely useless and unhelpful. She told me all the glasses in the store were unisex and all of them cost $299. She only told me this after I asked which were men's and women's and the costs of the glasses. She didn't bother to help me try on a pair or help me find a frame that would suit my face. She just sat at her little table using a laptop. I eventually found a pair of glasses, that I thought looked decent on me, and after asking a fellow customer if she thought they looked OK. I brought them to the girl who worked there, she rang me up and told me she'd call me when they come in. I haven't gotten a call back yet, but I'm afraid to. I'm scared that the glasses are going to look bad and I'll regret my purchase. I've heard from friends who have had great experiences with people helping them find the right frames for them. I hope that I was able to find a good pair of glasses on my own that day. We'll see... The only reason they get 2 stars instead of one was because I felt they did have a decent selection of glasses to choose from, and the friendliness of the actual eye doctor. It should also be noted that in 2009, their business card still has a drawing of the World Trade Center towers on it. read more

Stay away. I really do not need to say much more but will give someone the opportunity to make his or her own decision. As the previous reviewer mentioned below, at the end of the day, this is similar to a used car dealership. What you are promised on the phone is not what you will receive when you get there. The office exists, in my opinion, as a place of convenience and nowhere near a place of concern, nor a love for the industry. I called a full week prior to ask specific questions and concerns that needed to be addressed before setting up an appointment. This was my first year using my optical benefit and so I asked questions regarding the payment and the exam I would received. I also SPECIFIED that I would like to leave with my prescription, including all details as this is my process with all of my eye exams whether I purchase with the office or not. I was assured that my prescription would include all details. The day of my appointment, the staff greeted me in a very friendly manner. I was taken immediately into the exam room for my appointment with Dr. Melchiorre. The doctor was great. I explained that I was very anxious as my previous eye doctor is now retired and I no longer work in the city. The exam went well and she performed a thorough exam with the exception of dilation, which we agreed would happen a few days later. Once I left the room, I was introduced to Jason. Jason made his suggestions and I confirmed that I would like a few days to think about, would coordinate with him when I return for my dilation and requested his prescription suggestions in prescription format. Jason wrote three prescriptions. I confirmed the PD number was missing from all of them. Jason wrote the PD number on one of them. I asked him if this was the PD for the others and he confirmed yes. A few minutes after leaving the office, I had to call Jason to confirm that I only received three prescriptions and not the four that we discussed. After some, back and forth I requested the remaining prescription be emailed to me. It was, without the PD number. It turns out the PD numbers are not all the same with my prescriptions (so they are liars also) and that is when the nightmare began. After several emails from the company, which were general in nature and did nothing to address my specific concern I called the office. I was connected to Jason. I explained to Jason that historically I have ALWAYS left my doctor's office with this information. Jason refused to give me this information and at first tried to blame it on the fact that PD is associated with frame purchase. This is complete BS. After going back and forth for way too long in my opinion, he outright refused to provide me with this information. At first PD was specific to frame purchase and then he confirmed the staff should have never promised this information because it is only supplied, with the purchase of glasses. So, based on the other reviews on the site, if I spent $500 with them I would have been provided with these details but other than that, it was my lost. They already charged my insurance and promised me the world, now additional details are not their problem. I understand their goal as a business and I should be given the right to exercise my rights as to whether I want to purchase with them or anyone else on this planet. They will be compensated by my insurance so why be a douche bag about the rest of the process? Never ever again Harborside. Shame on you. No good will ever come of your business for not being upfront from the beginning. read more

Be careful of their sales talk and make sure you ask for charges upfront. Place is inefficient - a straightforward eye checkup for contact lens took 2 hours mostly because of all that sales talk and kissing up to customers. Also - they tried to sell me a 1 year's supply of Acuvue Oasys because I would get a $100 rebate but THEY OMITTED EXPLANATION THAT THE $100 ACUVUE REBATE WAS FOR FIRST TIME USERS ONLY! And clearly I told them that I was already using Acuvue Oasys. A simple visit ended up costing me $488! read more

I had a wonderful experience at this eyeglass/vision store. The doctor made me a little nervous, but she was very competent and was even able to shoot down a dumb theory about my vision being affected by my thyroid problems that I learned from some random online forum (though I still don't know why I see those silvery things occasionally). The staff who helped me choose a pair of glasses were lovely, however, and that service justified the end cost in my opinion. Although I've needed and been prescribed glasses all my life, I could never stomach wearing them for straight-up vanity reasons (and can't wear contacts b/c of an astigmatism in one eye). Glasses may look fabulous on others, but they always looked like a prop on me (i.e., like I was trying to cultivate an image). That might have something to do with my contempt for hipsters, but it's mostly because most frames simply overwhelm my face. That said, Danielle assured me with great confidence that finding the perfect frames for any face shape was her forte and that we'd find a pair that works. I was skeptical, but she was right - a pair of silver titanium frames looked as perfect as glasses will ever look on me. Well done, Danielle. P.S. - Jason was very friendly and disarming as well. read more

Everyone here is pretty nice but the place is too expensive as far as frames go. I have a pair of nice titanium frames I paid quite a bit for a couple years ago, still in excellent condition. They tried to upsell me on of their frames saying that my lenses might not hold up in those frames because frames are old. That's total BS, I bought the titanium frames because I knew they are hardy and light hard to bend or break. Not to mention that they have served me very well for the past 3 years. So when I said no to frames, contact lenses conversation came up. The salesperson told me if I ordered from them they will give me discount couplons. I always order contacts online and I can't possibly imagine getting contacts at Harbourside for less especially with all these coupons and rebates that takes weeks or even months to process. Advantages of Harbourside is the doctors are nice and willing to take walk ins. I would stay away from purchasing frames or contacts there - you are guaranteed to be overcharged. read more

Just wanted to update that I was charged b/c my insurance doesn't cover contact fittings (the $90) IF I don't purchase contacts on that visit. I did mention over the phone that I wore both contacts and glasses and I believed both prescriptions to be out of date; but once I arrived, I clearly stated to the front staff that I was only going to order glasses. I'm just going to assume this wasn't relayed to the doctor in the back rather than think they fitted me for contacts anyway just to make a few bucks. Nonetheless, my insurance covers either glasses OR contact lenses so I would have had to pay 100% out of pocket for one of these. Once again, just wish someone would have reiterated this to me, as I have experienced with other facilities, so we could have avoided this confusion. read more

This is the best eye doctor / vision store I've gone to. Every employee is friendly and super helpful. They actually remember you and go out of their way to help, and for me that makes all the difference. I order my contact lenses from here and their prices are very fair. When I compared to some other places such as 1-800-Contacts, their prices are the same or even less. Every time I've ordered them they've come in overnight and I was able to pick them up the next day. These things along with their great service and the convenience make this the go-to spot for me. read more

Had a great experience with Harborside Optical yesterday. The staff was very professional and friendly. Mathew helped me to find quite a few great choices in the store and he showed great patience and expertise in finding the frames that fit my face. Also at the same time did not try to push for sales. The doctor on site (i forgot her name) knows what she was doing. I am impressed by her attitude towards the patient, respectful/friendly yet in charge. Jennifer helped me with the check out process and was able to and willing to answer all my questions related to billing. i have to say this has been the best experience in my so many years' eye exam and eye glasses purchase history. I will return to them for sure next year. Keep up the good work. read more

Phenomenal experience! Was able to get an appointment for the same week that I called. When I walked in, I was seen at exactly the time of my appointment. Dr. Erika is amazing! So friendly and understanding. Matthew was so patient when I was selecting and trying on frames. Jason explained how to adjust to progressive lenses, and then even followed up after I received my new glasses. To top it off, my new glasses were ready even before their estimated time. Great location - only a 2 minute walk from the exchange place path station. I will definitely be back! read more

What an amazing experience!! Customer service at its best!Dory assisted me to make my appointment, she was polite, extremely enthusiastic and eafer to help me find frames that I would like. When I arrived I was greeted by each staff person with a friendly hello. My optician Jason seated me immediately. He explained my insurance benefit and how to optimize the benefit to receive the most for my money. He was patient and helpful in selecting my eyeware. Dr. Melchiorre was exceptional. Made detailed notes of my history and performed a very thorough eye exam. She was very warm and caring. Not the typical old grouchy eye doctor lol. I also had the pleasure of meeting the store owner Dennis, as he was present at the time of my appointment. He asked about my experience today at the center. Which I described to him as wonderful. Its very nice to see a hands-on owner not only involved with the day to day operations but also concerned with providing excellent customer service. The price I paid for the exam, glasses & contacts was comparable to other providers in JC. The experience is what sets them apart from other providers!!! It was much more enjoyable. They offer traditional and trendy frames in an unpretentious professional environment! This will be my go to place for my yearly exam! Thank you! read more

Dr. Melchiorre was great, took her time, was detailed and personable 100%, my new eye doctor. I would have liked a bit more variety and time to choose a frame, but they were reading glasses so not too concerning. It's not so much about the prices, but just b/c it's my first pair, and I really don't know what to buy style wise. However, Jason helped with choosing the first pair and gave me the breakdown of the insurance information if I were to purchase another pair there or somewhere else, and gave me the prescription for driving glasses if I want at later date. I will 100% return to doctor, and recommend read more

Wow, this was a first for me. I actually received a thank you card from the cutie optician after she read my Yelp review. A hand-written thank you card. Holla at ya boy, Janet! Now, that's dope customer interaction. read more

Harborside Optical is conveniently located in the waterfront Harborside Plaza and has a very friendly staff that went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. The doctor was attentive to my needs and quickly was able to provide a recommendation to fix the issues I was having with my eye. read more

Go spend your money or use your insurance benefits elsewhere as a trip to this store will break the bank. - Won't recognize valid prescriptions from other doctors so that they can charge you for an eye exam. - Will cajole you into buying a year supply of contact refills and tell you that's the only way to get a rebate (even though you tell them you still have plenty of boxes at home). Rebate was REJECTED because I was already an acuvue user. Total surprise since I specifically told them I use acuvue oasys (and was wearing on the day of my visit). At the end of the day, was responsible for my insurance co-pay, lost the $100 rebate, and had more contacts that I needed at home. Also love the way they give you a "fake" receipt for your rebate (that states a higher cost than they charge you) b/c the deal they are giving you for the contacts is way too good and acuvue won't give you the rebate unless it "seems" like they ripped you off. BS. - Optometrist gives you a prescription, and when you tell her it's different from your previous eye exam, she'll scratch off her prescription and write in what you told her. Err. Stay away. read more

Note, my previous review is not displaying in results so am re-posting.. This place is great. I average a new pair of frames every 2-3 years and have done business with opticians in NYC, but I am so happy with the service here that I may be a lifer. The staff is super helpful and strives to find exactly what you are looking for; and if you're not sure (which is often the case with new glasses) they will guide you in the right direction. I have worn rimless Ti frames for 4 years and wanted something new that they described as "geek chic" - within minutes the staff had selected a few great pairs of frames. The prices were amazing - with my VSP I got a vision exam for only $10 and an awesome set of Bvlgari specs (including incredibly thin lenses, anti-glare, the works) for around $300. The service is great - Kimberly and Shaleen are both amazingly attentive & incredibly sweet, and Dennis gave great advice, even suggesting I order my frames 2mm smaller to better suit my face. They remembered me by name when I dropped in unannounced a week later to pick up the order. The doctor was nice too - I agree with another poster he was a bit goofy, but the exam was quick and painless. All in all a great experience - check them out! read more

Small shop but super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Doctor was on time and did not rush the appointment. Exam room was clean and comfortable. Good selection of frames with friendly, not pushy, staff on floor. read more

The service here was great. Everyone was attentive.. The assistant Kimberly was especially awesome.she was so nice and friendly... The doctor seemed very knowledgeable as well and def did not act like most optometrists... None of the how's this? 1 or... 2...? I also found the prices to be really good I got my exam, fitting, and 1 years worth of daily contacts for less than 200... This is with vsp plan and additional 15% off and 75 dollar rebate. There was not too much selection on glasses, but if ur looking for an eye place that has great service, try this place Side note: they said if I have problems I can go back there and they'll help for free! read more

I was looking for a new eye doctor in my area and this place had the best reviews for good reason. From scheduling an appt to getting appt reminders to working with friendly staff and being evaluated by approachable doctors, Harborside Optical delivered 5 star service. They even go out of their way to give you the best deal on contacts. Not to mention the location of the place is on the water in large lobby area that is also a cafeteria with various places to eat. Parking can be hard to find but that is typical of downtown JC. Will definitely be returning here for my annual eye visits. read more

I came here last month and this was by far the best optometry group I have ever been to (of the 6 I've been to in the past 20 years) The other month I was in the ER working a 24 shift, got sprayed with MRSA in one eye draining an abscess, and after sleeping for a few hours at home, woke up with the worst pain of my life in that eye and couldn't open either eye. After regaining some vision, I called these guys up and asked for an appointment since they were the closest to me, and they said they were booked for that day. I mentioned it *might* be a medical emergency, they told me to come in right away and their optometrist will see me as soon as I arrive - which he did, with my huge swollen face. Staff: Very friendly, personable, patient. I didn't have my insurance card at the time, so Kimberly (a former trauma nurse), offered to call up every major insurance company to find my coverage (and she actually did!). While browsing for glasses, they both helped me a lot and chipped in their honest advice re what looked good or bad. Some of the nicest and down to earth people I have ever met. Optometrist: Fast and efficient, but won't make you feel rushed, and educated me about everything I needed to know about my situation. He even found a huge error in my prescription overlooked by my other optometrist (whom I thought was knowledgeable as his role as official optometrist for a major hockey league I won't mention here). This doctor's a grad from New England in Boston, has an excellent fund of knowledge, and will answer all your questions without making you feel like an idiot. Collection: I was given a few samples of contacts to try out, samples of ointments, and lens cleaners. Collection of glasses isn't the most extensive I've ever seen, but they carry all the Kazuo Kawasakis here (the same glasses Sarah Palin and Stephen Colbert wear, among other celebrities). Area: inside a small shopping strip next to the Hyatt and Exchange place Path and Liberty Light rail. Clean, professional, and upscale. I'm moving to Mass soon, and despite that, will be coming back here for my eye exams. read more

Great staff, very nice, attentive and good looking! Dr. Kwan was great! She listened to the complaint and explained everything very thoroughly. Pros: Great staff, high energy Cons: Doesn't take medical insurance read more