4/3/26 - I came in for an eye appt at 1pm. The practice was so clean, organized and just peaceful. The receptionist greeted me kindly and assisted me with checking in. I waited for about 5 mins to be seen for my tests. All tests were done back to back with phenomenal speed and accuracy. I was seen by the optometrist, Dr. Akano almost immediately. He was attentive and listened to my concerns. After a final thorough exam, he prescribed me eyeglasses which I needed! He was kind, helpful and wasted no time!. The receptionist was generous enough to help select frames for me, she was very funny! I definitely plan on making this my go to Optometry office. Thanks everyone, you all were great! read more

What a terrible patient experience. I went in for an exam and was told by the doctor it was no big deal when I told him I also needed a rx for contacts. I paid my copay, was handed a printout of my glasses rx and walked out. There was no conversation about not being able to get contacts. I called to get the Rx emailed to me and the receptionist was short and immediately irritated with me on the phone. "I talked to you about this already. I told you you could only get one exam." Keep in mind, I hadn't even given her my last name yet. I calmly and politely told her we never had this discussion. I asked if she could check for me and she said "no I remember you and we had a conversation." The doctor was super kind but between the 30min wait to have my actual visit and the incredibly curt tone with the receptionist, I will absolutely never return. I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Accepted my insurance. Thorough check-in and good communication with staff. Glasses options aren't as extensive as I wanted; but there is something for everyone. read more

On September 15, 2025, I went to this store, now known as "I and Eye", to get new lenses for my existing glasses. I went there because I had purchased these glasses the prior year. I was quite clear with the staff person (I'll call her "A") that I was going to be leaving town to travel for 6 months and that the glasses must be ready by October 3rd; A assured me that would not be a problem. As October 3 approached, I called several times to check , and "A" told me that my glasses were still expected by October 3. However, that did not occur; when I spoke with A on October 4, she said that she could not tell me when they would arrive. On October 16, a man called to say my glasses were ready to pick up. I explained I was no longer in NY, that the glasses had been promised to be ready before I left, and asked if they could be mailed to me. He said he'd get back to me, but never did. I called repeatedly, but couldn't reach anyone until October 24. "A" told me that the glasses could be express mailed, for an additional $20, which I reluctantly agreed to pay (I would have thought that I and Eye would have swallowed that cost). I was exceedingly clear with "A" that because I was travelling, the address that I was providing her to ship the glasses (a relative's house in Jacksonville, FL) would only be good for a week, and I would not be there to receive them after November 1; therefore, I was adamant they needed to be shipped out that day, or the next. "A" assured me she understood and that it would happen (the post office is 3 short blocks away). When I arrived in Jacksonville on October 31, the promised shipment had not arrived. The next day (November 1) I called and spoke to another person ("C") and asked what had transpired with my glasses' shipment. "C" said she'd check and call me back in a few minutes. She did not, however. I called back an hour later, and asked her why, and she said she didn't have any information available about the shipment so she saw no reason to call me back; she then transferred me to "A", who told me that - contrary to the promise she'd made to me 8 days earlier that the glasses would be shipped out right away, the glasses had been taken by her "boss" to the Bronx, and she had no information as to when the glasses had actually been mailed. I told her that this was wholly unacceptable, since I was leaving the address in Jacksonville the next day. She told me to check back in on Monday. On Monday, November 3, I called and spoke to "A" again. She had no further information and said that she would not be able to provide me a tracking number for the shipment of my glasses until Tuesday, because that information was "at the Bronx office". I protested that this wasn't going to do me much good since I had already left Jacksonville and asked why the tracking number was not available at this time. "A" assured me that the glasses had been shipped; she just didn't have access to the tracking number. I asked who I could contact the Bronx office directly; "A" said I needed to speak to "Melanie", the manager. I called the number "A" gave me, but it was a fax machine. I called back "A", she told me that she had an "updated number" for the Bronx office. I called that number and reached an answering machine; I tried several times and did not get a person on the line. I also tried to call back the Brooklyn office all afternoon but only got an answering machine. On Tuesday, November 4, having not been able to reach to Bronx office, I Googled and discovered that "A" had given me the wrong number (off by a digit), I tried that number several times but repeatedly got a recording that the number could not be reached at this time. Finally, at 11:36 am, I received a call from "A", with a tracking number for the shipment. I asked "A" when the glasses were mailed, and to where. She replied that they had been mailed that morning (the USPS tracking verifies that they were not mailed until 11:26 am), with scheduled delivered Friday, Nov. 7. I asked "A" whether I hadn't been exceedingly clear, when I paid $20 for express shipment 11 days earlier, that the glasses needed to be shipped out immediately because I would not be at that address after November 1, and that she had told me that would be done. She agreed that I had been quite clear, but nothing she could do. I asked why they had shipped them to Jacksonville knowing full well I was no longer there; she had no answer. I asked for the phone number of Dr. Obinna Akano, the owner, but she said she only communicates with him via email. I asked her to have him call me; as of Nov. 6 he had not done so. My glasses are now essentially lost to me, as I'm traveling abroad. I would never do business with this place again; they make promises they can't keep and make deliberate misrepresentation to customers. STAY AWAY! read more

Nice guys although I felt they tried to up-sell me on additions little by little rather than tell me what I need and need not spend extras on stuff that would not be worth it for myself. When I picked up my prescription they: 1. Did not check the glasses for fit nor adjustment. They expected me to tell them if I needed anything, 2. Cheap soft case for glasses, and 3. No lenses cloth. There was a very limited supply of eyewear available under my plan. I should have went elsewhere to get a frame from a wider selection. The eye exam was very thorough for getting my eye ware prescription. Right after I was led out into shop to 'pick my glasses' as though it was expected I would make a purchase there, and then. The prescription eyewear works well, a bit crooked on my face because they did not check it on my face when I picked it up and I did not notice initially as the glasses did fully seat on top my ears at the time. My reviews are mixed. The locals seem happy with them. For me, not so because of the lack of attention to making sure what they sold me was fine tuned and to a rudimentary quality control standard. And also how cheap they were with what you wind up with when you pickup your prescription. It was a good thing I had a hard budget preventing me from over spending on glasses that usually get damaged, lost, or for me prescription will change within 2-3 years. Be mindful, cautious, versed in market prices on extras as well as what this extras really and don't expect balanced feedback where conflict of interest is not at stake. I give them four stars for the exam and quality of glasses, but less than three stars for being sub par compared to what I've received from other competitors, and what I feel is profit over customer need. If they are reading this, it is my personal feeling of my visit, and I am confident mine is not the only one about what is mentioned above. If they clean up their business model and become more customer focused they should be able to get more referrals and return business than they may have now (if any). Or maybe it doesn't matter? IMHO. read more

I've been coming to Gary for 15+ years! He's a true park slope gem, from my days of Medicaid insurance to private he has always treated us like family. I've purchased from big name opticals places but Gary always provides the best deals for designer brands and I don't mean a little 10% here and there he's saved me hundreds at once! He really knows his stuff and won't bullshit you out of more expensive unnecessary add ons. read more

Extremely happy with my purchases and the service I received. I was in need of an eye exam and new glasses. Very knowledgeable staff and super helpful. Ended up getting sunglasses as well. Awesome selection. Will be back for more in the future. read more

After having a terrible experience at 9th Street Optical, I ventured in to Optical Illusion which was right around the corner from my house. I was seen right away and given tip-top service. The guys who work there are very friendly and willing to get you whatever you need. I felt extremely comfortable and the doctor was amazing. They have a good selection of glasses and are pretty well priced. Quick, friendly service like this will keep me coming back for a long time. read more

Really great office. Everyone is super friendly and attentive (unlike 9th Street Optical where 2 receptionists "forgot" to give me the paperwork and totally ignored me for 30 minutes). I order my daily contact lenses here and always get extras. They have great doctors onsite and I am never disappointed with the service. 5 stars from me. read more

Optical illusion is the most professional optical establishment that I had ever visited. After having horrible experiences involving negligence and misdiagnosis in multiple opticals throughout Brooklyn, I'm extremely pleased to say I found the place I will be going to moving forward. The staff and doctors are more than experienced. They are also trustworthy and empathetic. I highly recommend them. Would give more than 5 stars if I could! read more

Gary was very helpful and understanding of my needs. He is honest and thoughtful of your needs. He has great variety and fair pricing.

My experience at Optical Illusion was exceptional. I went in looking for new glasses, and with Garys help, I got the perfect pair (stylish and affordable). The onsite doctor tested my eyes and my new lenses were ready within a few days. I've since gotten MANY compliments on my frames and will be going back there for all my future optical needs. read more

I was recently in the area and came across this shop by accident. They truly have an incredible selection that I have not seen before. I was in the market for glasses and Gary went above and beyond to answer all my questions. I will definitely be back to get glasses for my husband. read more

Honestly deserves no stars. I wish I was exaggerating but I'm not. The guy I spoke to was very rude I'm an optical student and I asked him questions for my assignment for the summer and after the third question he said my questions were "stupid questions" and if u ask me that's not how you talk to anyone especially that he was just a sales person not an actual optician which is what I'm getting my degree in. The place wasn't much of an appeal and the glasses look out dated. I couldn't even speak with the eye doctor because the guy had more and more attitude everytime I would ask another question. Not a very pleasant place to visit and would not recommend. read more

Everything is a lot harder during the pandemic, even getting glasses. Had a few experiences with other stores that were annoying. This was a good experience though. Nice guy, don't know if he's the owner or a sales person. I had frames custom made, copying my last frames. Progressive, transition, glare-reducing lenses. He said they would take 2 weeks to make and it was exactly 2 weeks. They are perfect. read more

I went to get new contacts right before a vacation, and I needed a new pair on the spot. Gary gave me a new pair of a brand he had in stock, and when I got back from my vacation a week later to pick up the ones I ordered, he threw in another extra pair and contact solution with the contact lenses I ordered. Plus the price was much less than I expected. Exceptional service. Thank you! read more

I was recommended to this place by a local business owner and she was so right! The prices on lenses are significantly less and of higher quality than the other places I went to. I wanted thin lineless trifocals and got prices from my optometrist and Lenscrafters - both almost the same price. Then I went here and not only was the price $200 less but the quality of the lenses is amazing with no distortion around the edges. At first when the owner suggested the top quality lens I thought maybe he was trying to upsell me, but no way. The prices on frames are pretty competitive. read more

I've been lucky enough to be a customer here since J.H.S. I live in CA now, and I continue to make it a point to come back for all my eye needs, whether it be an exam, contact lenses, new frames or sunglasses. I hope Gary will be there forever!! They are truly fantastic.. unbeatable in every way. Thank you Optical Illusion for not just providing exceptional service and excellent pricing always, but for truly feeling like part of the family. No other eye place (and I've experienced many in all my moves round the world) can even compare. So long as you're in that spot on 5th Ave, my family & I will always be patrons. Otherwise, please feel free to relocate to southern California! Simply the BEST. read more

Fair and upfront pricing. Doc was knowledgeable and friendly. Glasses were ready the very next day.

Outstanding service! I am so pleased with my experience there. Gary was so helpful and very patient with me. I got a pair of glasses and ordered 6 months of contact lenses. I've been wearing corrective lenses since 1989 and this is one of the only places that I've been to where I really feel like I received personalized service. Thank you Optical Illusion! read more

The team here is extremely rude. Anytime I stop by to ask a simple question, they make sure to answer in the least polite way possible. My insurance option was also not the best as well and my only choice was the month-wear contacts, which are not the healthiest for your eyes. I understand that's on my insurance, but once again the doctor's were not helpful at all. read more

I'm another defector from 9th Street Optical. Optical Illusion is way better; I was seen right away, got a trial pair of lenses and the exam cost less than at 9th Street ($85 vs. $130 or something). Also, for some reason it always takes a couple of weeks to get lenses from 9th Street Optical; OI says I'll have my new lenses in a couple of days. You rock, Optical Illusion! read more

GO HERE. I've been going here for years and am completely loyal -- I will never go anywhere else. They always go out of their way to try to get me a few free extra contacts when I order dailies and they custom order whatever sunglasses I want online often at a better price. Even though I only show up twice a year, they always remember my name. It's one of the few places where you actually get unrushed, personal attention as a customer. read more

Best place to get your second pair of eyes !!!!! For long time the only store, which absolutely cover my needs with glasses.

I walked in off the street since I live a couple of blocks away and Optical Illusion was listed on my insurance plan. First, they have the nicest selection of frames I've seen yet. I got personalized attention from the optometrist (a young woman who gave the most thorough exam with the utmost patience that I have ever experienced); then the same personalized attention from Gary, the manager/owner. They spent about 2 hours with me, never rushed; worked with my insurance company and flexible spending plans who were giving me the run around; and finally provided a great pair of glasses with the high quality components promised. One aside, on a Saturday afternoon I went in for an adjustment and I did not get very good service from a younger man at the counter who was brusk, dismissive and damaged my frames. However, when I went back and spoke to Gary, he made it right immediately! Very, Very impressed! read more

My 12 year old son needed a pair of prescription glasses. We walked into a few of the neighborhood optical stores but walked out disappointed and sometimes upset with their prices and customer service. I decided to look on Yelp and read the reviews for Optical Illusion. I am so glad we went there! My son found a pair of really sharp looking frames and the price for kids were reasonable! Gary and Inga were both really helpful and terrific! We have been back for little adjustments here and there and they were always pleasant to help us! We just recommended them to our friends and they also purchased a pair of glasses for their son and were very happy with their service! We will definitely be spreading the word to our family and friends and be repeat customers due to their consistent good customer service and prices! read more

Just called to double check they take my insurance (they do), but whoever I spoke to did not have a pleasant tone...It's not a big deal and I can't speak to the quality of the medical practice, but I won't go there just on this premise...have some degree of customer service. read more

My 90 year old mother's insurance allows her to get eyeglasses done at Optical Illusion; and since Optical Illusion is right in her neighborhood, I decided to take her here. I am so so pleased that we did go there. Everyone at Optical illusion are so professional, and they also demonstrated understanding, compassionate and patients with my mother. All she had to do was go there twice, and her glasses were ready on the second visit. She was very pleased with her eyeglasses. My husband and I have now decided to take our business there as well. read more

Friendliest most knowledgeable staff. Great selection and customer service. Convenient location and very fair prices as well.

So friendly and knowledgeable! And not one person tried to upsell me or pressure me into buying anything. Will visit again for future eyecare needs. read more

I'd just moved to the neighborhood after 9/11. I had no money but FEMA insurance. I'd seen a terrible optometrist on 7th Avenue who misled me on the cost of my treatment. So I tried Optical Illusion. I'm so glad I did! Gary took great care of me. I can't recommend the place highly enough! The prices were low and the staff is friendly and helpful. read more

low key, friendly and with a better selection than you'd think from the street. still deciding but definitely a contender. eye exam fast, professional and only $40. read more

I absolutely love this shop and the optometrists that work there! They are so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and absolutely go out of their way to get me the best prices and even extra contacts when I order. The entire staff make me feel like family and they always have designer / current styles that I am looking for (and I am super particular and really like "good" glasses). They are very patient with my kids and this year even went above and beyond to order a particular frame that my 17 year old daughter wanted (and I got the frame at a better price than I had expected). I truly cannot say enough good things about this optical shop and I am a super picky person :-) read more

Always a great experience!! The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. They always have a great stock of merchandise and fairly priced. Highly recommend going here for glasses and eye exams. I have been going here for years and have never been disappointed. read more

I have been Optical Illusion on 5th Ave in Park Slope for over 15 years. Gary and crew have been nothing but helpful and friendly and since 2004 I lost my optical insurance Gary always makes paying for my glasses easy. His prices are the best around and I always get a great deal and their customer service is excellent a pair of glasses I had for a year had lost a nose guard and Gary replaced it no questions asked he stands behind his products and service. My eye exam was thorough and patient and being in the medical field I find Dr. Dimitry to be very good at what he does and I have known him for over 5 years and his prescriptions and service has never been less than exemplary. I find that no one in the neighborhood can compare to their prices, quality and service. read more

I was refereed to Optical Illusion by one of my employees who wouldn't stop talking about the service and prices. I've been to a number of optical stores, both for prescription lens as well as sunglasses. The service and selection at Optical Illusion is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Both optometrists were very professional, jovial, and extraordinarily helpful. They patiently saw me through my first experience with contact lens and made the whole process a lot more comfortable than I was led to believe it would be. The prices on the contacts that I purchased were 15% cheaper than anything I found on-line as well. The prescription glass and two pairs of sunglasses that I purchased there were also about 15% cheaper than anything I found on-line. All-in-all the experience was amazing. The sales staff, doctors, and owners were all respectful, professional, and very knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend Optical illusion to anyone who needs contacts, prescription, or sunglasses. read more