This is the best Optimetrist Ive been to in the DC area. I was previously at a Visual Affair and had a negative experience with their staff. I was looking for somewhere else and came across Metropolitan Óptical on Zocdoc. The staff was incredibly friendly. I was greeted as soon as I arrived. I came pretty early, but they made sure that I got my tests out of the way early and then I saw the doctor. My appointment was quick and efficient, but I also learned things about my eys that I hadn't known before. I also have a lot of anxiety with my eye, but they helped me breathe through the various tests that often are a challenge for me. Every staff member I interacted with was fantastic. I will definitely be returning! read more

Customer service terrible. Rude on the phone and in person, refused to answer insurance-related questions fully or directly, provided monosyllabic responses and acted as if I (the customer) was inconveniencing them. Made no real effort to be helpful, showed little interest in my concerns, very dismissive, performed other tasks while I was asking questions and made me feel I was a burden. Too bad because they used to be OK (nothing memorable or special, but they were fine). read more

Do not go to this doctor if you value your time. I have never had an appointment where I didn't have to wait a significant amount of time to be seen. My children have also been patients and we've all experienced long waits. At my last appointment with Dr. Ayalew she wasn't even there. I was seen by a different doctor who I did not choose and did not schedule with. No one called to notify me in advance or offer the option to reschedule. She simply wasn't there. I was late ONE time and was told I had to reschedule. That's crazy, considering I'm almost never seen on time even when I arrive on time. There are plenty of eye doctors who value your time and aren't located downtown where parking is a hassle. I'd recommend going to a doctor who does not think their time is more valuable than yours. read more

I've seen Dr. Ayalew for over a decade and I highly recommend her and her medical assistants. They have magical tricks for putting drops in my eyes when needed and for doing the tests. Someone wrote in a review when I was deciding where to go that Dr. Ayalew could tweak the prescription so that it was like seeing in HD and it's very true! She is very understanding and has such a nice and calm manner. For picking out glasses I highly recommend Dee (at the Penn Ave location) and Emma (who is sometimes at the Penn Ave location and sometimes at the 18th St location). Both are so sweet and honest when helping you pick out appropriate frames and lenses. This time I got computer glasses for the first time, which are fantastic for being able to see multiple screens at work at a medium distance and my phone closer up. Dee patiently explained the choices in lenses and frames and expertly adjusted the frames to fit my small face. Thanks! read more

This was the best experience I've ever had. The staff are very attentive to your needs and professional. I will definitely return.

I love my new glasses! Metropolitan Optical is a professional and friendly environment. Dr. Saba is thorough, actively listens and communicates compassionately as she moves her patients through the process. read more

Metropolitan Optical - Pennsylvania Ave - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Dr. Stupiansky was phenomenal! I had an eye infection for a month. I'd already seen a general practitioner to no avail. I was anxious and not sure anyone would necessarily be able to resolve my problem. Her bedside manner was impeccable. She's very thorough, she listens and explains things very well. She submitted a prescription, called me to let me know and told me if it's expensive let her know. I called the pharmacy and it was free because of a coupon she submitted with it. 20 minutes later I had the prescription. 2 days later my eye was completely better. Like nothing ever happened. I can't get over what a positive experience the appointment was, and how quickly and kindly she resolved an issue that was overwhelmingly annoying for a month. Literally the best doctor I've ever had. read more

I made an appointment for 10:45, arrived at 10:50 and was told I had to reschedule because I was late. They were rude and completely unaccommodating, awful experience. Don't go here read more

I have been going to Metropolitan Optical for more than 20 years. Dr. Ayalew is wonderful - knowledgeable, professional, warm, attentive, and genuinely interested in her patients and concerned about the health of their eyes. The opticians have changed over the years, but all of them have been great, taking the time to help me select frames and make sure my lenses are right and glasses fit well. The technical support staff are friendly and efficient, the office systems function well, and the administrative staff are generally helpful and efficient. I highly recommend Metropolitan Optical. read more

It took over 2 months to get my glasses and involved multiple phone calls to follow up where I was put on hold for long periods of time or had to leave voicemail and never got called back. I had to message the actual doctor in the medical chart to ask to have someone call me back and help me. I have used two other glasses chains in DC and it never took more than 2 weeks or required me calling people to get my glasses after the initial appointments. The doctor was nice and when I was in the actual store the staff was nice enough but there is nothing about this place that makes it worth waiting 2 months for glasses. read more

I've been going to this office for years and only have good things to say. The staff of been incredibly helpful whether I need a new pair of glasses or an adjustment to my current pair, and the doctor is always very thorough and takes time to answer all of my questions. They also have a nice selection of frames. read more

I'm sure Dr. Ayalew is wonderful - I don't know, because I never got a chance to meet her. Although I called and made an appointment with her, I was surprised when I showed up to be ushered into a consultation with another doctor, whose name, incidentally, I never got (he was very nice and competent, so no complaints there). I mentioned this issue on my way out, as I was paying, and one of the male assistants just said "oh, sorry about that. Yeah, if you want her, you have to specifically ask when you make the appointment." 1. I thought I had, and 2. If you have multiple practitioners in your office, it's your responsibility as the receptionist to ask calling patients if they want a specific doctor - that has been the procedure at every other practice I've ever used. Other issues: - I was very turned off by one of the female assistants (I don't know her name, but she's tall, slender and has an accent). I had arrived about 15 min early, and I asked what their protocol was - e.g. if I should come in, or if they have a limit of people they want inside, if they prefer me to wait outside until my appointment time, etc. - this being COVID time, after all. She seemed annoyed that I had showed up early and said "you can do whatever you want". Thanks, but that's not what I had asked. Also, my being early didn't spare me a 20-minute wait after my appointment time actually came. - They insisted on a follow-up telehealth appointment, which was a waste of time - it took no more than 5 minutes, and involved the doctor asking me to submit documentation of something my previous doctor had mentioned (don't see the point, since they hadn't noticed that issue during this consultation) and ask how my contacts were feeling (I've been wearing them for years, so of course they're comfortable, which I also mentioned during the in-person consultation). - They said they'd send me my contacts prescription by email. Three days later, I still hadn't received it, so I had to call for it. The same female assistant who was annoyed by my having arrived early for my appointment answered and said they'd send it by COB that day, which they didn't. When I called for it the next day (and spoke with a different female assistant), she put me on hold for about 15 minutes, after which I hung up and called back. She answered immediately and seemed to have forgotten that I had been on hold. She finally emailed me my prescription a few minutes later. Sorry, but these guys are more trouble than they're worth. I regret missing out on competent and professional doctors who are really at no fault here, but the impression the admin staff gives is that they are not very interested in retaining patients (in terms of being disorganized, unprofessional, unfriendly). Save yourself the aggravation and go somewhere else - plenty of good alternatives in DC. read more

Easy to make an appointment online via ZocDoc. Takes insurance. The staff is so friendly and nice. Exams were well timed and I was in and out with my prescription emailed to me in ~30 minutes. Would definitely recommend. read more

I have great Vision Insurance with My Company. So when I knew that I needed a new Contact Lens and an Eyeglass Prescription, I knew it would be no problem. I chose Metropolitan Optical at 1150 18th Street, NW. I was told hours, after being late that they had moved to 919, 18th Street, NW. So, I went there, unfortunately. I am a degreed professional. I work for a Primary Care Office conglomerate. I am proud to give the best quality care and best customer service possible. I was offered none, at Metropolitan Optical. I was given the wrong location, directions and told, "Oh Well!" I was never addressed by my first or last name. I was never even given a real eye exam on my first or second visit but my prescription was just copied from my eyeglasses. I was also berated by the Optometrist for not bringing in the boxes of my old empty Contact Lenses. Then I was told by the Doctor that, "You have some ole el cheapo glasses that are so cheap the prescription could not even be copied." Yet when I got in the chair she said that this was my previous prescription. I could even read the far away line perfectly. Then although my insurance information was taken three times, They never used it. I paid $109 for a Non-Exam and $117 for a year's supply of bad Contacts that they never called me back to retrieve. I could have gone somewhere else, paid the same price and maybe have been treated with more respect. The Optometrist gave me trial contacts that she said she knew would be too strong for me, that would be blurry, would take my brain a long while to adjust to and that I may not be able to see up close with. All of that happened to my detriment. Oh and I should just buy reader eyeglasses from the drug store to see up close. She said I probably previously had contacts that allowed me to see far away and up close but she wasn't going to do that. I also received a text that read that I needed to confirm my next appointment and if I cancelled not before 24 hours, there would be a $50 fee. My company does not even charge a cancellation fee and we are a Primary Care Doctors' office. We know that life happens sometimes. No wonder I was given the wrong address and the run around. Everyone was condescending, unpleasant and blatant liars. They were all pretty though. The Assistants all had on tight clothing, had pretty faces, and looked aesthetically appeasing on the outside. I guess that is what matters there. Maybe that is how they draw people into a false sense of security. Maybe they only do it to unfortunate people like myself? I am not sure? In any case and in my opinion, we are put on this earth to help one another through this thing called life. We are not here to take advantage of one another. I am so sorry that I chose this establishment. I keep wondering what I did to deserve this kind of treatment? Then I thought, I am the Customer. I did nothing wrong!? I lost over $200, my time and a bit of dignity and peace of mind but I am starting over elsewhere. I will have to shell out more money. I will have to adjust my schedule. At least, I will be able to see and prayerfully never humiliated, disrespected and demoralized like that again. read more

If I could I would this staff to all of my family dinners. The customer service here is supreme and Dr. Stupinsky is THE BOMB. I have severe vision problems and not only did they refer me appropriately but they also took my overall health into consideration. Thank you for helping me to see properly again! read more

Scheduled an appointment online and was able to get in, however the doctor wanted me to schedule a follow up. I could never schedule a follow up and they had lost all previous records of me being there the last time. Asked if I could get my new prescription multiple times and the only one they had on file was my old prescription that I came in with. After multiple times of calling them to send over my new prescription they send over the wrong prescription twice. I've never been to such a disorganized eye care facility. read more

Came here for my yearly exam and this was actually the thoroughest eye exam I ever had in my life ! I was seen on time (actually slightly before my appointment time )and my appointment lasted about 45 minutes. Dr. Ahmed has really good bedside manner, she's knowledgeable and has a mean handshake lol caught me off guard kind of ....... This place is great ! Nice and clean and staff is super nice ! Go get your eyes checked people :-) read more

Billing insurance headache. They misleadingly provide services during eye exams that are not covered by standard vision insurance (even in-network) and that provide little value to patients. This will not be explained until you have to pay your copay, and it turns out to be a lot more expensive than anticipated. I will not be returning. Plus, they billed the wrong insurance, billing my medical instead of my vision insurance which has created a hassle on the backend. I definitely will not be returning. read more

Great service on my first visit for the exam - staff could not have been friendlier, doctors are exceptional, efficient and really listen to what you want and need. The return visits were a nightmare. I hated my first round of trial contacts (which were also far more expensive than my previous brand) so I asked for the same brand I've been using for the last ten years or so. The doctor is cool with that, gives me a trial pair, and tells me to come back in a week just to make sure they're fitting ok. I come back in and wait a full 45 minutes after my appointment should have started to ask when I'll be seen - this fitting should be a ten minute appointment, not to mention I've been wearing the same style for a decade. To placate me, the guy working says he will just order them - no need to get the refitting done since the doctor was "way behind that day" I wait a month, call back, "where are my contacts" "Oh on back order" Wait another month "where are my contacts" "We'll call you" Wait a week "they'll be here on Wednesday" I go in today, and the guy working claims they are twice the cost I was quoted - twice the price I've been paying for a decade. I refused to pay it and insist he recheck, which he did, and did find that they were the price I was expecting to pay. I only give them three stars because the doctor and first time staff were so great, and because this is par for the course service provision in dc - doctors, dentists, etc you have to effectively beg them to do what should be a simple part of their job - ie not waste your time, money, and sanity. I doubt anywhere in this town is better, but that is absolutely not an endorsement. read more

They were great! I was able to make an appointment really quickly to update my prescription and order more contacts. Definitely recommend them!! read more

Metropolitan Optical has a welcoming atmosphere and the staff is friendly. Dr. Ayalew is a great doctor and I appreciate her being proactive to keep my eyes healthy. I had LASIK surgery a couple years ago and I still have 20/20 vision, but Dr. Ayalew explained to me how the blue light emitting from computer screens affects our eyes, so she suggested I be proactive and get blue light filtering glasses just for use while using the computer. I was not aware of how the computer screens affected our eyes, so I really appreciated the insight, so I can take steps to protect my vision. read more

Im updating this review. The glasses I received from MO are indeed NOT in full conformity with the prescription and I will redo them. The lenses are also poorly made. At no point in this process did MO even mention trying to set this right. How these guys expect to stay in business is beyond me. Any way, the whole adventure cost me hundreds of dollars --- and wasted weeks of my time. D. Harris - Washington DC read more

I've been a patient of Metropolitan Optical for years. The service and products are the best. Every team needs a leader and Dr. Ayalew is a magnificent leader. Rodney is always gracious, kind, and efficient. During my most-recent appointments in February of 2020 I was well taken care of by Paul and Brandon. Everyone on the staff is terrific. read more

They are concise ,considerate, and friendly . I have been going here for about two years. They are really about customer satisfaction . Eye examines generally took about 25 minutes . They are also really good about being on time . read more

Thank you Rodney! My lenses popped out of my frame last week and I had an important meeting to go to. I stopped by Metropolitan Optical (parked my car right outside the from door during rush hour), and Rodney saw me and before I could say anything, told me what I needed to do. How did you know? He said, "I saw it in your hand when you walked in". He told me to mind my car and brought it to me outside in two minutes! He even tightened the screws on both sides and put something on them so that it would be difficult for them to pop out again. I remembered that fixed my glasses a year ago when I had a problem with the frame. This is a really efficient establishment. No questioned asks, just "what can we do to help." I appreciate the wonderful service so much I just had to let everyone know. Thanks Rodney BTW- I called to get your name so I could do this:) read more

Visiting from out of town and forgot critical apparatus for my contacts. Went out of their way to help me try to track something down. Above and beyond expectation. Thank you!! read more

The worst after sales service I ever had. Promise to let me know the outcome of my issues never come true. Finishing product not done accordingly, perfect round spectacle became 1 or 2 mm different, I still accept out of dissatisfaction. The worst part is that the fragile screws on the spectacle, it came out a month used ( FYI I paid $1200 for the spectacle) , they replaced my spectacle with a temporary screw and promised to order the original screw from factory in Germany , also promised to inform me once the screws arrived but they did not. Customer has to made the initiative to call to find out the aAfter they fixed up my spectacle, I am extremely skeptical the screws can last , therefore, I requested a pair of spares screw. As usual, they promised to inform me once the screws arrived but did not. I sincerely hope my review will pressure to do better because I strongly believe social media can do wonderful things! This is to reply to the business's owner response to my review one month as of Today ( 3/28/19 ) why took one month to respond my dissatisfaction. Is this called customer services. To me, this is unacceptable excuse response. What about the manager and staff, are they dumb or run away from responsibility!? My issues is very simple, I am dissatisfied with the spectacle I bought, as mentioned very clearly in my first review, I ordered a perfect round spectacle but the spectacle given is 1 or 2 mm different, in short, not perfect round, in addition,after sales service is the worst I ever encountered. The screws drop off after one week used, it takes weeks to get my original screws with my own initiative to keep on calling.It is nothing to do with my privacy or compliance law. I write this second review is because the business's owner misunderstanding my issue and dissatisfaction. She just using the privacy and compliance law to cover up my problem and dissatisfaction. To tell all the media folks, I am still wearing this uncomfortable spectacle! What you think ? Should I go to the consumer association or Washington Post to bring out my issue. read more

I tried to schedule an appointment on their website to see an ophthalmologist, and they rescheduled it twice. And every time I tried to reschedule, I had to enter my personal information all over again. Extremely unprofessional on their part to cancel appointments all the time... why do they offer them in the first place? What makes it worse is that I am a returning patient... way to treat their customers. I'll look for another doctor and never return to this awful, unprofessional practice. read more

OMG these people are incredible! I randomly just walked in one night because I had sat on my glasses and bent one of the legs. I was expecting to pay around $60 to get them fixed but one of the people who work here literally took the glasses from my hands, spent 2 minutes with them, and came back with the legs completely fixed. And they didn't charge ANYTHING. I wasn't even a customer and these were not glasses that I had bought here. SO thankful. read more

Great service. I was glad I chose a right optical. Doctor was trustworthy. The price was clear. I will go back to this optical whenever I need. read more

They have a number of sustainable, eco-friendly frames, which is great. They also are super helpful with picking out the ideal frame for your face. Will definitely return. read more

I'm really disappointed in my experience at Metropolitan Optical. When I called to make my appointment, I was told that my exam for both contacts and glasses would cost $40 with my insurance. However, after my exam, I was told it actually cost $95. I was upset because what could I do in that moment except pay the higher price? The exam was already complete. Doctor Flocos was very nice and his exam was thorough. He wanted to get me a trial pair of a different contact brand, but my prescription wasn't in stock. The front desk told me they'd order a pair and get them to me by the end of the week. After several weeks and no notification about the contacts coming in, I called the office and was told the shipment was delayed and they'd call me when they arrived. More weeks went by without any call from them. I called them again to just ask for my updated contact prescription with the old brand. I was told the doctor would send them to me by the end of the day. It's been several weeks and still no notification with them. So overall, the exam was good but the management of the office is absolutely terrible and I would not recommend it at all. All I want at this point is my contact prescription. read more

I have always had a fantastic experience with Metropolitan Optical. Dr. Ayalew goes out of her way to make sure my contact lens are correct, follows up, and reviews my contact lens orders. Best experience and will continue seeing her and look forward to my next visit. read more

Dr. Ayalew is nice and Cordell is also nice, but this office has been so sloppy it's crazy. I've resisted writing anything because I figured it was just one oversight, but it is in fact a pattern. Getting them to provide me with my prescription was like pulling teeth. I suspect because they just want to force you to order contacts directly from them. I called more than 4 times asking and sent multiple emails before someone finally sent me something. Once I finally was able to get my prescription, it had been entered incorrectly. When I reached out because no store could fill it because the numbers were wrong, they sent me "a new prescription" which was just my prescription from the year before, which is out of date and I can't see well with. I ended up having to go back in for an entirely new exam because they didn't know what my prescription was. After getting an entirely new exam and new prescription I go to order contacts AND THE BRAND IS WRONG. So now I have to try and get in touch with them again and I'm almost out of contacts and I'm just so disappointed because this place is conveniently located and Dr. Ayalew and Cordell are nice, but once I finally wrangle a correct prescription from them I won't be going back. It's not worth the LITERAL MONTHS it has taken and still I don't have a useable contact lens prescription. read more

*Note: I went here in 2008 and do not know if things are different. I'm only writing a review now because I see that they have a Groupon today and I want to warn people about them. ____________ Yes, the doctor seemed skilled and gentle. HOWEVER, the sales people just try to take your money. I purchased a pair of frames from them, but the frames broke when they put in my new lenses. The sales guy tried to charge me for the broken pair as well as a new pair. For serious? It's your fault the frames broke, Metropolitan Optical. Don't tell me a new pair of frames I bought from your store broke because of me. I had to go back and forth so many times to straighten this out. I only ended up with my glasses without paying for a new pair because the younger doctor came out and said "wait, why would she have to pay for it if we broke her glasses? that's silly" to the sales guy. That same sales guy tried to haggle more money as a copay than necessary form me as well. I had to call my insurance and then have him talk to the insurance people to make him let me pay the right amount. So upsetting. Don't go here unless you want fancy frames and don't care that you're being overcharged. read more

I came here based upon the excellent Yelp reviews & their participation with my vision insurer (VSP). I brought an eyeglass prescription from the wonderful opthalmologist I've seen for years - looking for a simple pair of progressive (no-line) bifocal glasses. Their frame selection, though limited, was attractive, and I was happy with the ones I selected. Less happy when I learned the price. Though VSP provides the lenses to Metropolitan, they still charged nearly $1000 for the glasses (you read that right) - charging roughly $600 to the insurance company & $380 to me. Yikes! For that price, I'd hoped for glasses through which I could actually see but, alas, that was not to be. I'll spare you the tedious details - suffice it to say that I made multiple visits over the period of nearly a year - eating up my lunch hour each time - but they could not provide usable reading glasses. (Though my $15 Target OTC readers work just fine, thankyouverymuch.) Dr. Ayelew (who is lovely) performed another exam, slightly changing my prescription, and new lenses were ordered with the new presciption. Same result. Multiple lenses later, I still could not read with these glasses. Each time I got a patronizing explanation but no resolution. In exasperation, I asked them to go back to the original lenses, which I could at least use for driving. When I went to pick them up an hour later, Rodney advised me that they "no longer had" my glasses. Absolutely no explanation for how they could have disappeared in the intervening hour. All he offered by way of apology was a refund of my co-pay. (I wonder if they refunded my insurer the nearly $600 they paid Metropolitan?) OK, so I'm not out of pocket, but I'm still out of glasses - and my insurer only pays for new glasses every 2 years. So I'm out of luck for another year. read more

If you have eyes, you need to go to Metropolitan Optical. In most cases, a statement like this should be taken with a grain of salt. But if you'll humor me, I promise to convince you that your search for eye care should indeed be over. Two weeks ago, I lost a custom-made hard contact that allowed me to see after a devastating childhood eye injury nearly blinded me. It was a Saturday morning, very few eye doctors were open, and I was feeling desperate. As fate would have it, I was able to get a last minute appointment with Dr. Ayalew, even though I was not sure she'd be able to help me due to the severity of my injury. From the second Eunice answered my first desperate phone call, my experience at Metropolitan Optical was better than I could have hoped for. In fact, not only did they accommodate me on the same day I called, Eunice actually found a slot for me even earlier in the morning than she originally thought possible. Once there, Eunice and Rodney went out of their way to work with me and talk through potential options, including some temporary frames until I could get a new contact. If you're not sure what kind of frames will look good on you, talk to Rodney. Dude has style. After a short wait, Dr. Ayalew was able to see me. She listened intently to my story and asked plenty of questions to ensure she knew exactly what she was dealing with. I'm sure cases like this don't come across her desk often, but Dr. Ayalew was up for the challenge. She came up with a creative temporary fix involving multiple soft contacts, promised me we'd get a new hard contact as soon as possible, and helped me understand exactly the process of getting back to 100%. After my consultation, Julia patiently taught me how to put in and take out soft contacts - a totally different experience than with an RGP lens. Eunice and Rodney took down all my info, checked, double checked, and triple checked to make sure I had everything I needed before sending me on my way. I'm happy to say that I now have a new contact and am seeing better than ever. From start to finish, every single member of the Metropolitan Optical staff went above and beyond to be helpful and courteous, making this the best customer service experience I've ever had. I really can't put into words how much it meant for their entire team to be there for me when I was in a tight spot and feeling a little hopeless. I'll say it again: if you have eyes, you need to go to Metropolitan Optical. Do you believe me now? read more

Came for my first eye exam and was fitted for glasses! Great service, kind staff, and quick turn-around for lenses! Will be back for all my optical needs! read more

The staff is friendly, but I get a sense that Dr. Ayalew tries to upsell things. She keeps pushing more expensive contacts, even though I'm happy with my current brand and have no vision problems with them. She also seemed a bit disappointed that my prescription (and therefore lenses) remained the same, meaning I didn't have to pay for another fitting. Her words were "well, I guess that's good for you." Sorry I'm not giving you any more of my money! Despite that, I do trust that I'm getting good vision care. Just make sure you are comfortable saying no to salespeople! read more

Great office. Great Doctor! She really takes her time and explains everything very throughly. I can't wait to get my new glasses as this perscription is a big change and I'm looking forward to much improved vision!! Great selection of frames too. Very highly recommended!!! read more