Full disclosure: I was first a patient at this practice in, if memory serves, 2008. And to this day, I feel privileged and very grateful to work with Dr. Soto and Dr. Pekarsky (whose father was my doctor back in the day) and the whole team, Paul, Stephany, Nadia, and Adam. If you need glasses and can get to this part of Manhattan, the only place to be a patient and a client is Kips Bay Optical. From the truly evaluative, real time spent, thorough, thoughtful, and all questions answered you leave with no stress or agita (Italian for heartburn and anxiety) appointments with Dr. Soto, to the honest recommendations regarding vision insurance (because not everyone's policy includes that (ahem, Anthem)), to the wide ranging in styles and price choice of frames, it is truly a pleasure to be a patient at Kips Bay Optical. Let it be said that eyeglasses, like jewelry, is an emotional purchase. When my prescription changed and I needed to get new near-sighted lenses, Paul and Stephany were as patient and honest with me as the best bespoke personal shoppers as I tried on easily 20 pair. I trust them in the same ways I trust Drs. Soto and Pekarsky. My trust began in 2008 and has only increased over time. read more

We have been going to this shop for our glasses for a while and they always did a good job until the last time. They got both our prescription wrong and both the hubby and I had subsequent headaches - as a migraine sufferer, this is not good. Will we go back, probably not. read more

They are so nice here and very flexible - we had a tough spring and had to reschedule our appts several times. I never felt we were inconveniencing them. It really helped to know I wasn't going to get shamed for rescheduling our appts. This is a very nice office. read more

Glad I found this place. Randomly picked from the list the insurance company provided based on location. Well run, professional, clean and friendly place. Dr. Soto was competent and explained everything he was doing- it was low stress and efficient. Will definitely come back. read more

Dr. Choi is absolutely wonderful! He's so knowledgeable and patient, provides thorough examinations, and explains everything extremely clear. He does right by his patients and doesn't try to up-sale you on anything. read more

The optician is great, and the team tries to be helpful. Need better systems but they are trying.

Prompt, courteous service from everyone I dealt with. A pleasure to deal with this establishment.

This is a very convenient spot in Kips Bay. Their eye doctors are very professional and friendly, as are their desk staff. They have a great selection on glasses and contacts. read more

Great new doctor at Kips Bay Optical. Dr. Soto took his time with the examination and was very polite and courteous. He explained everything in detail and I felt very much at ease with him. Very nice and calming personality and very professional at the same time. The staff over all are all very nice and helpful. They make you feel welcome. I plan to continue going here. read more

Just want to let people know that Kips bay optical Is an amazing store I've been been getting all of my glasses and eye exams for years now Brian and Adam are amazing And the front desk staff is super welcoming and friendly and a great collection of eyewear So stop in you won't be sorry Thanks for everything Neve Storm All the best. read more

We have been traveling and on the road. My son's glasses broke and luckily was near Kips Bay Optical. They were so kind to help fix it. Thank you so much! read more

Very happy with Kips Bay, especially during my most recent visit (June, 2024). There's a new optometrist on board, Dr. Soto, and the examination I received was much more comprehensive and in depth than that which you receive from your average, run-of-the-mill optician. Instead of using drops to dilute the pupil, they have a new machine which achieves the same results with a simple split-second flash and there is no residual sensitivity to light afterwards. Dr. Soto took his time examining me and explained everything in simple terms even I could understand. They had a nice selection of frames but if you choose to bring your own (as I did) the price for plain, single vision, no frills lenses is very competitive, especially for Manhattan. Also, they accept Medicare and certain private secondary insurances, so if you're over 65 you can save a few bucks in that regard as well. I found the entire staff to be courteous and honest and plan to go back regularly for examinations. read more

This is one of the best places in the Tri-State area for being seen by an excellent ophthalmologist who is very professional, caring, listens and patience.The Ophthalmologist got my eye prescrition perfect with out a problem. Thank you doctor. The employees at the front desk are kind and address you with courtesy and good customer service. I especially want to thank Paul who has been assisting me with eye fashion for over four years now, and has always been professional in his work ethics, kindness, sincere and honesty. Paul doesn't rush you to sell a pair of glasses; he's very patience. He finds what's good for your look with fashion and what you will most feel comfortable wearing for your eye sight. Also, i wish thank Brian and Adam for helping me on other occasions. Thank you both. I sincerely and strongly recommend Kips Bay Optical in Kips Bay on East 34th street and Second ave, New York. I am a satisfied customer. read more

Figured it was time to update my last review. Kips Bay is still excellent in terms of service, integrity and quality eye-care. Dr Choi is thorough, knows your individual needs and makes you feel comfortable and assured. Stephanie, Brian and Adam are always helpful in choosing what's right for you and also always willing to assist in any way they can. They're all professional with that extra,"I" care attitude. You feel like family. Been coming here for 22 years and as a heath care professional myself, Kips Bay still makes you feel like you're important and they care. Thanks, Bill S read more

The cleanest optometrist office I've been to in nyc. Dr. Choi took his time and explained everything very throughly. If they carried more designer glasses I would've purchased my frames from them. read more

Fixed my sunglasses for free! Very polite and professional. Also appreciate all the COVID precautions.

I've been going to Kips Bay Optical for two years now, and even though I moved to further away from their location, I think it is worth it to make the trek to this office because of the great service and honest business Kips Bay Optical runs. The staff here are not pushy in selling you stuff, though they do have a great selection of glasses. They're very communicative and upfront about prices. The eye exam was conducted very professionally, and I felt comfortable with the optometrist 100% of the time. The optometrist also explained things to me that my past optometrists didn't take the time to do. I recommend Kips Bay Optical. I see myself continuing to go here in the future, and I would recommend my friends here. read more

Kips Bay Optical provides excellent service, welcoming and friendly staff, and superb refractions. I have returned to Kips Bay Optical for over 25 years, and they have always provided superior services, clear and accurate communication with me, and a focus on their customers. In the past I have tried several chain optical outlets and found them lacking. Adam Scherick, optician has always found the best frames for me, always patient and very knowledgeable. Dr. Samuael Choi, optometrist has carefully performed the best refractions I have ever received. I have a complicated prescription including progressive lenses and astigmatism. The lenses have been spot on giving me the best vision possble (near, mid distance, and distance). Keep up the great work! read more

Worst ever place! I bought ic! berlin screwless eyeglasses from this place in 2016 and have had nothing but problems. I really got screwed to the tune of almost 2k for 2 pairs of progressive designer eyeglasses. They fall apart easily & if you lose one little integral piece that fits on the stem, you can't put them together. But, putting them together is a real problem, despite the ic!berlin videos that show how easy it is. The videos are total bunk! The proprietors of the store were uncaring to my plight. STAY AWAY FROM IC!Berlin screwless eyeware & STAY AWAY FROM KIPS BAY! The store takes you for what you've got and doesn't care. The owners actually had me contact the ic!berlin dealer, when the problems started almost immediately and return the glasses by mail to the dealer to get fixed. I stopped in the Kips Bay store on Second Ave in Manhattan numerous times to have the glasses put back together, and one comment was OH, WE HAVE SURGEONS FROM THE HOSPITAL WHO CAN'T PUT THEM BACK TOGETHER! To have glasses that continually fall apart is ridiculous. To have proprietors, who don't give a damn, once they've gotten your money is ROBBERY! My glasses fell off when I was hiking and the lens got scratched, the proprietors refused to replace the lens. read more

I've been going to Kips Bay Optical for 15 years for my annual eye exams. They are fantastic. Very nice/clean office with good selection of glasses. I moved and tried a new doctor (admin were very rude and doctor unknowledgeable!) - so ended up coming back to Kips Bay Optical since they are so great. Worth the Uber trip for a nice, easy experience each year. read more

Stopped in for a quick eye glass adjustment while visiting family at hospital. Very kind and courteous service. Thanks for helping during a difficult time. read more

Got my eyes checked and a new pair of glasses here last week. Hadn't had my eyes checked for a few years (at a different place) so was way overdue. The office staff are all polite and cordial. Not the warmest guys, but nice enough. I booked my appointment using Zocdoc so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had all of my information already so I didn't have to fill out any paperwork when I checked-in for my appointment (Side note: They also use an automated system that sent me an email to confirm my appointment, 1-2 days before the appointment. I love when doctor's offices are technologically "with it" like this!). I didn't have to wait long at all to be seen by the doctor either, less than 5 minutes. Dr. Scherick was nice and friendly, easy to talk to. He was pretty thorough when checking my eyes and was very honest with me on my optical needs (e.g. I have a mild astigmatism which I could get special glasses for, but he didn't think it was necessary if I was happy with my current prescription). He also took his time and didn't rush through the appointment at all, making small talk along the way so he wasn't like a robot like some medical professionals can be. The young man who helped me pick out my glasses after my check-up was the same one who checked me in. He was very helpful and polite. I was worried that because I was using my job's vision plan insurance (where I would be limited to a basic set of frames and if I wanted a nicer pair, I'd have to pony up a bit more of my own money), he would be snobby with me - but that was NOT the case at all. He treated me like any other customer and showed me whatever I asked for with not one ounce of pretension(*). I really appreciated that(*). I did have to pay a little more because I opted for a nicer pair of glasses than the one my insurance covered for free + the copay, but overall wasn't bad. Note: While they have a decent selection of frames, they don't have too many titanium ones, which was what I was originally looking for. I decided to pick a navy blue pair from kate spade. I was told my glasses would be ready within a week but they were ready within 2 days - woohoo! I received another email letting me know they were ready - I prefer getting emails over phone calls so this was perfect for me. The office itself is very clean and organized. It's a family business, with Dr. Scherick being the resident optometrist and 1-2 of his sons working the storefront. I'll definitely be back next year for my annual check-up ... and maybe another pair of glasses! (*)[My last pair of glasses came from Grand Central Optical-Madison Ave location. The salesgirl who helped me there made it clear by her attitude that she didn't think I could afford the higher-end frames. I think it was because I was dressed-down in a puffy down coat and sneakers and I look on the young side ... but still! No bueno. For all she knew, I could've been the quirky heiress daughter of a major NYC socialite with endless pools of money at my fingertips. Obviously not the truth, but you never know!] read more

Fixed my glasses for free, and I'm not even a regular customer of theirs. Granted, it was a pretty small fix, but it was pretty cool of them nonetheless. read more

Dr. Choi had a kind manner. He answered all my questions. Everyone at Kips Bay Optical was caring and helpful.

I would recommend going elsewhere. Very unpleasant experience at this eye doctor. The doctor is super rude and not caring at all. He is very sarcastic with his comments and totally unprofessional. You feel rushed and it was a huge mistake of mine to ever visit this office. Figure I would warn people before they make the same mistake I did. read more

Impatient and rude are the two adjectives that come to mind when describing Dr. Scherick. He made us feel like he was bored and we were wasting his valuable time while getting our two daughters' eyes examined. It's no wonder this optometrist had next-day appointments available in late August. All the other eye doctors that accept our insurance, VSP, had openings in three or four weeks, because they were swamped with back-to-school exams. The Kips Bay Optical exam was thorough, but Dr. Schrier was visibly annoyed when my teenage daughter said she couldn't see a thing on the screen. Turns out, the doctor hadn't projected the image yet. He was being a jerk. Our intention was to buy new eyeglasses, except the two employees on duty were indifferent and failed to wait on us as we stood at the counter for one hour. This is a highly competitive industry. My advice is to buy from someone who really wants your business. read more

I strongly urge people NOT to go here for their vision care. Dr. Scherik is not a competent optometrist and my visit with him made me seek a second opinion. My eyes are too important to have a quack doctor examining them. The other fellow who runs the office is extremely rude and short-tempered. I had a thoroughly negative experience. Mike read more

This place is simply awesome. I went here to get prescription lenses for my Google Glass frame. The optometrist was warm, friendly and did a great job. He corrected my prescription well as I suspected it was a little off. Adam, the optician was great as well. When I had to pick up my frames, he kept the shop open an extra 20 minutes as I will running late and then stayed another 15 minutes helping me with everything. He gave me great advice for my regular lenses, so I decided to get new lenses for that as well. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone looking for an optician or optometrist. It doesnt get better than this. read more

After my disastrous experience at Windsor Optical, I came here seeking a second opinion. The place is clinical but friendly. Professional vibe. Stark contrast to the previous place. The two guys on the front desk were very matter of fact and helpful. Adam helped me try on some frames and was mindful of my requirements. I was literally in and out in 20 minutes. He was happy to accept my email prescription from London. And they were ready for pick up the next day. $90 for frames and lenses - all in. Great service. Fast and efficient. Definitely would recommend. read more

The woman at the front desk is quite nice and helpful in helping you pick out glasses the doctor is a bit too serious tho. He needs to relax a bit Nice lil store read more

Kips Bay Optical is a leader on the forefront of preventing plastic waste. Did you know that the little blister packs that contact lenses come in are not recyclable with regular services? Neither did I! And when my eye doctor changed my prescription to daily disposables, I realized how much plastic I was throwing away every day. I felt guilty knowing the level of plastic pollutions that humans put on the environment. I always decline the use of plastic straws, and always recycle plastic bottles. I didn't even want to have daily disposables, but the Bejing-level of air pollution near my job in Long Island City is stifling and particulate-filled. The constant construction and bad vibes of greedy real estate developers leave a sticky residue on my lenses, and necessitated the use of my daily disposables. But enough about me, let's bring the focus back to Kips Bay Optical, and Adam, the friendly and sweet receptionist. He's always there when I need to drop off my plastic contact waste, and even allows me to dump months of plastic into the Biotrue box to get recycled, which is very satisfying. On my last visit, Adam even encouraged me to tell my friends about recycling their contact lens. He's so conscious! Don't miss out on the excellent customer service of this establishment. They put the "optimum" back in "optical"! read more

Wooooooooooooooooooooo eye doctor. While this place doesn't really do much to excite you, it's a standard optometrist practice staffed by knowledgeable and helpful people. I have been pleased with the doctor himself who has been very thorough and personable in my visits. He even talked me out of contacts before which was nice considering contacts for me = more $$ for him. The place is busy enough that it's not suspicious, but you can normally get an appointment the next day, if not day of. read more

I visited this week and the representatives are excellent, He got the appointment according to my preference because my glass was broken. Doctor was also excellent and friendly. We talked about my issue and solved it properly. He is so much diverse, really loved to talk with him. Everyone must visit there. Thanks read more

I honestly had a great experience at Kips Bay Optical. The practice/store is extremely clean, pretty (yes I care about these things), and equipped with new technology and machines. Dr. Scherick was really thorough and straightforward, and accommodated my late appointment even in this nor'easter... As soon as I walked in the door, they provided a run down of my insurance/benefits to make sure I understood what was covered and what my copayment would be (before I had the exam) - which I really, really appreciated. No hidden exam fees or shady dealings here! This is definitely a solid neighborhood practice and it's clear that Dr. Scherick consistently translates his years and years of optometry experience into his services and thorough eye exams. Finally and most importantly - Kips Bay Optical did not feel at all like any other typical NYC optometrists that are just trying to squeeze every last dime out of you. Highly recommended! read more

Dr. Scherick is quick and efficient, as well as very honest. You're not going to get someone who holds your hand through every little bit of the process, but as a contacts wearer who just wants to make sure that everything is healthy and that my prescription didn't change, Dr. Scherick can't be beat. It's also ridiculously easy to set up an appointment online via ZocDoc, and whenever I buy contacts using my insurance, they make sure that I take full advantage of any rebates. read more

Mike, sorry to hear you had that experience, but mine was almost the opposite, which is why I had to write this review. I have been wearing glasses for almost 3 decades and Dr. Scherik was the most thorough of all the optometrists I have ever been to. Given that he also is a faculty member at NYU, he is quite knowledgeable. He cares and takes the time to explain thoroughly any issues or problems and I have been very happy with both the glasses and contacts I have purchased from there. I would highly recommend his practice! Phil read more

I recently got a glasses and contacts exam here. I booked through ZocDoc which was easy, and they had a lot of appointment times. I have a busy schedule and had to re-book a couple of times, but they were very cool with it. When I got to my first appointment, they had all my information ready (pulled from my ZocDoc account) and even explained my vision insurance benefits to me me. I only waited a few mintues to see the doctor. The doctor himself was great - a sweet older guy who was genuinely interested in making sure I got a 100% accurate prescription. He asked a ton of questions and had me come back for two follow-up exams since I was having some eye irritation issues. I will also say that I like the fact that the doctor has a very modern, up-to-date office. I especially liked the "eye chart" that was basically some eye chart software on a large, wall-mounted computer monitor. I usually have the issue of remembering the letters on the eye chart and thinking my vision is better than it is - not so with this! Overall, I'll definitely be back for my next exam, and I would highly recommend this office. read more

I had an optometrist I really liked in my former town so I was skeptical I'd find one here I liked. Fortunately, this one exceeded my expectations. The place is nice but not so nice that you begin to suspect they charge too much. I communicated with the staff a few times on the phone before going in person and they were helpful and timely in returning my call. Once I got there, I was seen before my appointment right when I arrived. The doctor was very nice, conversational and extremely thorough. First he determined my prescription and then even compared it to my current glasses and a third prescription I had done a year ago. He then let me compare the three and see which worked best for me. I ended up getting something in between my current glasses and what he got. I really couldn't have asked for more. The staff was friendly and competent, the doctor was nice and super thorough plus they had the frames I wanted. I highly recommend and will go back. read more

I echo the other reviewers: Honest. Friendly. Dr. Scherick gave me a very detailed eye exam; he took his time to make sure we're ordering exactly what I need. He was patient in explaining my contact lens options, and his suggestions were definitely in favor of my wellbeing and not lining his own pocket$. The staff was always polite, both on the phone and in person. While waiting for my appt, I saw another customer ask a whole bunch of insurance questions, and they took the time to explain and calculate out every dollar to the customer's satisfaction. read more

Thorough exam, caring professionals, excellent service. So glad I found them near my apartment rather than the previous place I was going. No pressure to order through them either post exam, which I appreciated. Highly recommend. read more