Sometimes you have the extreme good fortune to meet the right person at the exact right moment in your life when you need them the most. That is my story with Dr. Philip Meltzer of Spectacles in Great Neck, NY. You might think this is an exaggeration on my part. Read on and judge for yourself. I think you will find yourself agreeing with me. I was not a customer of Dr. Meltzer when I called him. Originally I called him looking for an eyeglass frame that I already owned that cost me $700 when I bought it 6 months ago. I love the frame. Best looking frame I ever purchased. Unfortunately, while pulling a sweatshirt over my head, it got damaged. I returned to the vendor in Manhattan who I bought the frames from and he lead me to believe (against my gut instinct) that the frame was beyond repair and I needed to purchase a new frame even though it is no longer available in the color that I purchased it in. IF I was going to go that route I certainly was not going to buy another frame from a vendor who was highly belligerent to me. Seeking help from another source I used the company's website to locate another vendor of these French frames. I found Spectacles listed as a premium partner and decided I had nothing to lose by trying to see if another vendor carried my frames in any color. At this point I was literally trying to savage my lenses which cost appropriately $2,000. So in essence I was trying to save myself $2,700 that I spent approximately 6 months ago. I spoke with Dr. Meltzer on the phone after I had returned from the dropping off my frames in Manhattan at the original vendor. I bought the frames from him and had my prescription for my lenses filled by a professional I have known for around 25 years. An hour after dropping off my eyeglasses I received a distressing call from the Manhattan vendor basically telling me the only solution was for me to purchase another frame from him for an additional $700 and that I would have to do it at my own risk and that he could not promise that he would not damage my prescription lenses in the process of trying to remove them from the frame. That was totally out of the question. Luckily despite the heavy feeling in my stomach, I went to see Dr. Meltzer today and after examining the frame briefly he began to work on it and literally in less than 2 minutes fixed my beloved frame and saved me $2,700. He then apologized that it took so long. He also reused to accept any payment for his work. I think that this story tells you the kind of person and professional that Dr. Meltzer is. I for one can tell you that when I am in the market for another pair of frames I know exactly where I will be heading. Thank you Dr. Meltzer for being the special kind of person you are and being a true professional. I could not be more thankful for your much needed help. read more

Wonderful family business , courtesy and great on work !!! Dr. Meltzer is wonderful person and I am proudly would recommend him .

I had a great experience on my first visit to Spectacles, Dr. Philip Meltzer is very professional and friendly. I always have a hard time picking a frame that I like but Dr. Philip made it so easy and fun and I got a beautiful frame. Thank you Dr Philip and staff for a wonderful experience, definitely recommend Spectacles!! Mercedes Abreu read more

I've been coming here as a child and now I'm bringing my own children here. Family owned an operated and ownership and staff are amazing. They really go out of their way to make sure that their customers are happy. Highly recommend! read more

The shop is very well kept, organized, and modern. Dr. Meltzer and his team are professional, warm, diligent, and straightforward. I was very, very pleased with my experience when I stopped by for a new pair of glasses this week. I was able to walk in with no appointment, which the other large shops nearby cannot accommodate. Between my eye exam, shopping for frames, and waiting for the doctor to finalize my purchase, I was in the shop for under an hour, which was fantastic! Yet, I never felt rushed and they took the time to learn my preferences for frames as they assisted with the purchase. (Dr. Meltzer also has a great sense of humor, which helps break the ice if it's your first visit.) Would certainly recommend to anyone local looking to purchase frames or get their eyes examined by Dr. M. read more

This place is magic. Dr. Philip Meltzer was amazing, he replaced my sunglasses lenses in less than 10 minutes and I didn't even have an appointment. It's just happened I was passing this optical and admiring the skeleton in the back of motorcycle that park in the side of the optical and I asked if they do replace the sunglasses lenses and BOOM! Thank you Dr. Meltzer for your excellent service! read more

Spectacles - Thank you for your excellent service Dr. Meltzer, I do love my sunglasses - Optometrists Near Me - Great Neck, New York

Recently needed to get contacts for my wedding for the first time and dr Phil did a great job giving me lessons on how to place and remove the contacts. With his patients I got the hang of it and now I'm confident with my contacts now read more

Very friendly and caring for his patients. Makes sure they are comfortable and gives explanations to make sure the patient understands. Recommend 100% read more

In this age where you can buy glasses from everywhere from warehouse stores to big box retailers to giant, impersonal Web sites, one often wonders how small businesses can compete anymore. Until you go to a place like this. One thing I do a lot is break glasses. But even for me, this week has been a humdinger. Two nights ago I was playing with the baby on the floor, I took my Nike glasses off for a second, and CRUNCH, there went my $300 frames. Luckily, I had a second pair, but I fell asleep on the sofa and when I woke up, there they were in two pieces. I'd originally gotten my first pair of frames in New Jersey, and it would have been a three hour drive (with myopia and presbyopia) to get them repaired from the place I got them--or weeks of mailing it back and forth. I went to the Nike Vision site and saw that Spectacles (which was called Mad Max Optical on their site) was an authorized dealer. I walked in to the store, which was beautiful and stocked with all the best names in frames. The young lady at the desk was extremely nice, and when she looked at the frames she knew it was a quick repair. She also showed me some of the newer Nike frames they carry which literally allow you to bend them in half without breaking, something I'll definitely be considering after one or two more of these episodes. The repair was about a 5-10 minute job, so I went across the street to the Haagen Daz for a snack. When I got back the glasses were fixed, cleaned, and good as new. Here's the really exceptional part. Even though I didn't even buy these frames from them originally they told me no charge. They just asked if I could donate to the children's charity they were collecting for with the jars at their front desk. I happily did, of course. As I sit here with my perfect glasses typing this, I think to myself...is this something that a Walmart, BJs, or a impersonal-glasses-web-site-du-jour.com would have done for me? While those big impersonal retailers are out to increase value for their shareholders by pushing more schlock onto consumers or nickel-and-diming them at every turn, it's a true breath of fresh air to see small businesses like this that still look to build long-term relationships with their customers. read more

#1 Eye doctor in the state! I come for a checkup and leave with some wisdom. Dr. Meltzer is very careful, easy going, and diligent regarding his work. I was a little nervous to go to the eye doctor during COVID but I watched Dr. Meltzer and the team wipe down all machinery before and after use. It is always a pleasure going to spectacles. I will be going here till the day I die! read more

Dr. Meltzer is amazing!! I wouldn't go anywhere place else. He knows what hes doing. Great Doctor!

I have noticed this store in Great Neck for years. Last week I went in to order new lenses for my glasses. My eyes were examined by the doctor and new lenses were ordered. They were ready in just a few days. What i appreciated most was the comfort factor and not being high pressured into purchasing new expensive frames. I was advised my frames were in style and fit perfectly. What a surprise to meet an honest and professional individual. Thank you, read more

Visited this place today to try some eyeglasses the front guy isn't very pleasant, rude and looks like he doesn't really want to help, asked for his opinion about styles and all he said was "up to you you're the one wearing it" terrible customer service, Never coming here again plus they don't take any insurance:) read more

I had an emergency eye situation with a scratch to my cornea. Dr. Meltzer went above and beyond to see me immediately and make me feel better. He was extremely patient and very professional. I will certainly be using Dr. Meltzer in the future. read more

Great shop with an even better staff. They were able to fix my hard to find sunglasses with a part from another old and unusable pair they had kept. Super nice and willing to help. The store is also well stocked. All in all a great experience. I'll be back ! read more

I recently had two eye surgeries on one eye and have spent the last two months trying to get my sight back. My retina Doctor gave me the green light to have a temporary lens put into my existing glasses to help my vision. I had the good fortune to visit Dr. Phillip Meltzer at Spectacles in Great Neck. I explained the situation and he immediately insisted in giving me an eye exam. He told me that he could order a new lens for my glasses that afternoon and could put them in the following day. I could not believe it. When I asked him the cost he said he was not charging me for the exam and that the new lens would cost $50.00. I went back this afternoon and now I can see clearly for the first time in months. Dr. Meltzer is one of the most caring individuals I have met in a long time. He has a great selection of eyeglasses at super prices. I am so lucky to have met him and will be returning to order new glasses when my prescription in stable. read more

Nothing but great experiences at Spectacles. Dr. Meltzer is simply the best.

There are a lot of choices for eye wear in Great Neck, and I tried a couple of them... Once I stepped in for an appointment with Dr Meltzer I realized the hunt was over! He was friendly, funny and a real great doctor! Which is hard to find these days! What a selection of frames.He stands behind EVERYTHING he sells! Ray Ban, Maui Jim you name it he has it! Once you step foot into he PRISTINE location in the town of Great Neck you will be in EYE GLASS Heaven ! Public parking is one block away! Dr 'PHIL" is a class act ! read more

There's an "Optician on every corner" or so it seems. So how do you decide. Well, for me it boils down to two things. First, I want to be able to see as clearly as possible. I've had some pretty bad experiences with new glasses and having the guy behind the counter tell me "it will take a while to get used to" is both not true and definitely not something you want to hear. Dr. Meltzer is hands down the best person I've ever gone to when it comes to getting it spot on with his exam and the results. I've been to places that sit you in front of a machine, write down some numbers and you're done. Dr. Melzer spends the time - sure he has that machine, but that's the beginning, not the end of the exam. He does the old "which is better, one or two" routine and when he's done I know for sure that the lenses I'm going to get will be the clearest, most comfortable possible. I said that I base which Optician to use on two things, the second is he and his staff have a terrific sense of style - every time I walk out with new glasses I get compliments on how I look. It's happened too many times for that to be just luck. Great vision, great look - that's how I choose who to go to. By the way, Dr. Meltzer is a pretty good magician and below average joke teller - you don't have to ask, you'll see for yourself. read more

Dr Meltzer is the last a dying breed of retailers who believe in customer service. Not only does he stock a great variety of frames and not only does he do good work with lenses. He also stands behind all his products and even though my frames were out of warranty he managed to replace them at nominal cost to me. He's a gentleman and there's a reason he's been successful in great neck for over 30 years. read more

Dr. Meltzer is AMAZING!!! He helped my 12 yr old daughter see again!!! He taught her how to wear contacts in a matter of minutes. He is truly the best eye dr. Kind funny patient. He has the BEST selection of glasses and sunglasses. I will never go anywhere else!!!! Thank you dr melzer for helping my daughter see again!!! read more

THe optometrist /owner of Ultimate Spectacle sold my husband a pair of extremely expensive reading glasses. A different doctor (a well respected Manhattan opthomologist) informed my husband that the prescription was wrong and unnecessary and that he could have bought the simple reading glasses you can purchase at any drugstore. Dr. Meltzer clearly just wanted to make a lot of money off us... read more

I have been a customer of Spectacles for over 10 years for glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Dr. Meltzer is great and I wouldn't go anywhere else to get my eyes examined. The staff are all very friendly and helpful in selecting frames, especially Lisa. I highly recommend Spectacles to anyone looking for an optometrist or a great eyeglass/sunglass shopping experience! read more

I have been a customer of Spectacles for over 15 years. Dr. Meltzer is the most professional and caring Optometrist I have ever dealt with. I moved to Florida 2years ago, but I still see him when I am in NY. I am having cataract surgery in Florida and Dr. Meltzer called my surgeon to tell him of my past problems with certain contact lenses. This helped my surgeon .....and even he was impressed with Dr. Meltzer's knowledge and professionalism. Thank you Dr. Phil!! read more

Such a friendly shop. They fixed my sunnies in 2 minutes, free of charge. Will definitely come back for my next pair of glasses. Great selection too. Thank you! read more

Dr Meltzer and staff were extremely professional. They took the time to answer all my questions and gave me great advice. If anyone is looking for a GREAT place for glasses/sunglasses this is the place to go. read more

My daughter told me about Spectacles so I HAD to find out what it is all about when I needed to upgrade my glasses. I found the location to be in a quaint part of Great Neck conveniently placed on a corner for easy access. The interior is immaculate and friendly feeling. The range of designer frames is impressive. The expert staff selected frames for me based on perfect questions about my lifestyle as well as considering the structure of my face. I had many choices that worked well so I chose the ones that I loved. I don't live nearby so the frames were fitted with Dr. Meltzer's prescription and sent to me. They are perfect. The whole process was fun, efficient and friendly. I highly recommend Dr. Meltzer and his staff as well as the awesome range of frames at Spectacles. (PS: I witnessed that he is very finicky about perfect vision for contact wearers). read more

It gives me great pleasure to write a letter of praise for Dr. Philip Meltzer. He is not only a fine optometrist, but he is most compassionate and understanding. Late Saturday afternoon, I began to experience eye pain. I felt as if my eye was filled with grains of sand. My eye was irritated and quite red. I needed to be seen by a doctor, but as a new resident of Great Neck, most of my physicians are not nearby. I decided to walk down Middle Neck Road and noticed a lovely little shop called Spectacles. As I entered the store, I encountered Dr. Meltzer. I greeted him with" I hope you can help me." and before I could go further, he said that he would be happy to take a look and resolve my problem. I was a bit nervous, but he had a calming influence on me. He looked into my eye with a light, and using a Q- tip, removed a hair from my cat that was embedded in the lower lid. Dr. Meltzer's manner was gentle and he assured me that my eye wasn't scratched or injured by the hair. In addition, he put in an eye drop that eased the pain. As I was leaving, I wished to give him payment for his time and expertise but he refused to accept a dime from me. He treated me as if I was a member of his family. In addition, he listened as I expressed the pain of the recent death of my parents which led to the move to Great Neck. We also had a brief conversation about our cats. By the time I left, my eye felt better and I felt as if I knew Dr. Meltzer for years. This doctor's kind treatment of me was so refreshing. I have decided to become his regular patient for my yearly eye doctor check ups. In addition, Spectacles has in stock many beautiful pairs of stylish eyeglasses. If you wish to get a pair of beautiful spectacles, encounter a knowledgeable and kind doctor, do yourself a favor and take a visit to Spectacles of Great Neck. Sincerely, Sharon Singer read more

I purchased a pair of glasses two weeks ago from Dr. Meltzer at Spectacles. After a few days, I realized that I wasn't in love with the way they looked on me so I went back with the intention of buying a new pair. Dr. Meltzer could not have been nicer, gave me full credit for the glasses and helped me pick a new pair that I do love. He was so honorable in his dealings with me and I will be a customer for life! read more

I checked all of the local spots, and Spectacles was the best. Dr Meltzer actually helped me discover that my prescription has been wrong for 3 years. I have now have better than perfect vision at a much lower prescription. I wasn't pushed around or sold on anything I didn't want, and I fully trust and recommend Spectacles and Dr Meltzer to anyone who is looking for an honest shop in the area. read more

Although my family has been patients of Dr. Meltzer for many, many years, I finally took the time to write a review. We have all have had nothing but positive interactions with Dr. Meltzer and his staff. They are all friendly, courteous and efficient. The service is prompt and excellent. The eyeglasses displayed are of many shapes, sizes, and functions. The huge stock of frames insures that everyone's personal taste can be accomodated. It is a friendly and fun place. Dr. Meltzer is always professional, yet has a wonderful way in which he interacts with his clients of all ages. My family and I (my kids still order by phone from California) feel comfortable and confident at Spectacles. read more