Over the past two months I've been to 5 established optometry practices throughout the City. This just goes to show how super picky and indecisive I am about purchases such as new glasses. I'm one who cares about fashionable frames, but the prices were ridiculously high and customer service at sub-par-borderline-aggressive!
However, this mediums-sized slick store is just EXACTLY where you want to go, to get your glasses. Optical Eyeworks has better pricing and customer service than anything I have ever seen for all ages including children who deserve the most dedicated attention.
Rather than going to a chain store, like Lenscrafters/Hakim Optical/Pearle Vision/Eyestar Optical etc. and paying hundreds of dollars for a frame that you don't even feel comfortable in, everyone should go to this neighborhood spot. I purchased the following frames with what I believe now to be the best lens I have ever felt for impact resistance, extra thin/light weight, UV protection, scratch resistance and excellent durability:
* For my trendy pair: Versace VE 3170B Eyeglasses Lizard Gray (5002) with the Polycarbonate lens, anti-reflective with scratch-resistant coating and an awesome white Versace case!
* For my conservative everyday rimless work pair: Coach HC5017 RENAE (yellow) with the Polycarbonate lens, anti-reflective with scratch-resistant coating and a beautiful brown Coach case for $190!!!!!!!!!! (I was quoted $500 for the exact same pair at Lenscrafters, but because it was my second pair I got an incredible deal on it).
I've never realized how important and how technical matching your prescription to your frames and face was until I met Ali, the Optician that assisted me. Not every frame will work and Ali will take at least 45-60 minutes to get your prescription and frame to fit perfect before he orders the lenses (if he doesn't already have them in the store)! He also fits your lenses in the frame personally in less than an hour. He is an artist! His craftsmanship is exceptional.
He is the only optician I trust and here are a few more reasons why:
After I purchased the Coach Pair, I immediately saw a different shaped lens on a Lacoste Pair that I thought would look better on my face. Yes, I am very picky when it comes down to what I will wear on my face every day. Despite how much work, time, and money was invested on them, I troubled Ali and asked if it was too late to replace the lens. Of course it was too late, BUT he still took the time to order the new lens I had fallen in love with and actually GAVE me the old lens to keep "just in case" all at NO additional charge! Everything looks wonderful now.
I also brought in my Ray-Ban RB 2140 Original Wayfarer White Black sunglasses that were not prescription and for an additional $50, he transformed my sunglasses into a beautiful green shade prescription eyewear with a cute case.
One final important note, at Optical Eyeworks, authenticity is guaranteed. These are the exact same glasses you will find in high end optical retail stores. I felt so embarrassed when I asked if my glasses were a real Versace or Coach pair because the price difference was shocking. Again, Ali was patient enough to enlighten me on this matter as we laughed off my ignorant remark.
TIPS:
* If you also need a new eye exam, be sure to go get your comprehensive eye exam done in the same location by one of the friendliest and experienced doctors. They had a special, $49 comprehensive eye exam when I went in while my family Optometrist has been charging me $110 for the past 10 years!
* Remember, the chain stores are in it to sell frames at huge margins. They are generally more expensive than local stores and will try to up-sell you.
* Even if you see a pair of frames at a chain store that you wish you had, and didn't see at Optical Eyeworks, Ali will order the pair for you right away for a fraction of the price. Just make sure you bring in the model number with you. A little more research and legwork, but you will save a bundle and have great glasses.
* If you are looking for rimless glasses (such as silhouette or oakleys) there is a great selection to choose from as well!
* The store does an amazing job with keeping up to date with market trends (I went to the store on three different occasions within a month and I noticed so many new pairs, the stock looked entirely different). Also, if you are someone that does not care too much about brand names and is happy with an excellent quality generic brand, you will not only find 100's of pairs here but will save even more money.
Because of Ali, I've learned a lot about glasses now and will never go back to a chain eyeglass store again! Optical Eyeworks is my optometry and optician for life!
A special thank you to Zara who was helping out with the making of my glasses behind the scenes. Thank you Zara! read more
