I don't usually leave negative reviews unless the service is genuinely awful. Unfortunately this ugly place earned one. If you enjoy being ignored and treated with no respect, this store is perfect for you. The owner is easily one of the rudest shop owners I've encountered in the city. Honestly, what's even the point of opening a business if you clearly don't want customers? I came in asking about a repair service, and the owner didn't even look up from his phone before bluntly saying "No." No explanation, no attempt to help, nothing. The entire time he was sitting on the couch scrolling on his phone like customers were an inconvenience for daring to walk in. The store itself was pitch dark which honestly matched his energy perfectly. If this isn't a front business then I genuinely hope the owner learns some basic respect and customer service or just shut it down. read more

The worst pair of lens I have ever had made , they are extremely cheap quality and smudge by breathing on them , will never use this place again had to get a new pair of glasses as the lens are useless now . Was told they were Transitions and when I had my new pair made the location said unfortunately they are notTransitions Brand lens and r the cheapest quality that can be made . Warning !!! read more

I had a minor issue with my glasses where my lens kept falling out. I brought it in, and the owner fixed it for free!!! Really great that he did that, and I appreciate it very much. read more

They called me back today Trying their best to get my eye glass lenses to me One week and pending read more

I've walked passed this appealing Village shop for years and always smile at the sign in the window: "We put lenses into any frame." It was only recently I looked at my late dad's round wire-rimmed frames from the Truman era, which I first discovered among my widowed mom's keepsakes in 1969 and had blue John Lennon-esque lenses put in, and decided several outgrown prescriptions later that it was time again for lenses, but I did not want my luck to run out on the handling of these sentimentally priceless specs, which I have both written an essay about and done an oil painting of, tited "Legacy." My aha moment arrived--the shop with the sign in the window! Michael, owner of 20/20 on E. 8th Street, is a rare breed: an independent small-business owner in a time of corporate chains, of the sort we New Yorkers remember from the last millennium and miss dearly. I instinctively knew I could trust him, a guy who "knows his onions," to handle the precious cargo with care. And because I did not intend to use them daily, and didn't want to spring for the high cost of progressive lenses like I have in my everyday glasses, he suggested I simply put in distance lenses and remove Dad's glasses for reading. Problem solved for a mere $95. And in 24 hours I picked them up. So he's not only reasonable, and meticulous--he detailed the rims and removed years of schmutz--Michael is quick too, as well as a humorous and an overall mensch, the sort of NYC craftsman/shopkeeper we all recall and wish we had more of. When I put on my father's glasses, something special happens, a sort of alchemy, so, thank you, Michael of 20/20, for restoring my faith in "shop local" and maintaining a true Village/village feel. read more

20/20 Eyewear - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Great attention to proper fit and alignment of glasses. Something that is often lacking in the big corporate chain stores. Quick prescription lenses and installation on new or used frames. Old school service on tightening screws and adjusting temple pieces for a level field of vision. Often done for free. Overall my go to shop for eyewear. read more

It's taken me way too long to write this review. This store is an gem. 35 years in the same location. You don't find places like this anymore. I want Michael (the owner) to pick out every pair of glasses I buy from now going forward. He has a talent for finding the perfect pair for your taste, face, and budget. He really considers the lines of your face, the shape and size of your head, your hair color, etc to make a good fit. **It feels like the difference between getting a perfectly tailored suit vs going to Men's Warehouse.** The glasses in stock are all gorgeous pieces, most handmade and imported from other countries. He also keeps a large collection of vintage frames on hand. All are really affordable (except for the rare, one of a kind collectors items.) I get complimented on my glasses all the time, across 4 different states and down south too. But more importantly, they make me feel absolutely fabulous and like a complete badass. Thank you Michael! Thank you Barry! Cheers from Virginia! read more

20/20 Eyewear - custom iGreens (with transition lens) - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I don't know what's up with all the terrible reviews of this place, but I had a great experience. I walked in because they took my UFT insurance and looked like they had some interesting frames in the window. I already had my prescription and just needed frames and lenses. The guy working there let me try on about 30 pairs and first directed me to try on the pairs that were fully covered by my insurance. I ended up with a pair of Christopher Cloos. I went in on a Saturday and got them back that Monday. Progressive lenses take longer, he told me. They carry mostly small or independent designers--you won't find Gucci here--so you'll walk out with a bit more of a unique look. read more

20/20 Eyewear - 20/20 - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

See all

This has to be the best place in all of Manhattan to get eyeglasses and sunglasses!! FREE super high quality optometrist once a week!! Not somewhere else; a professional doctors office inside this modest boutique. Did I mention this incredible doctor is FREE. Micheal runs and owns the business. He's an old School mensch!! Funny, fun, super knowledgeable as he's done this over 30 years! Prices... Awesome. Half of most places. Where is it? 8th Street opposite St. Marks 2 blocks off Broadway. Incredible location for chilling out with Michael and picking the frames that look best on you. Every designer that matters and others you never heard of that are better! Small town feel In the Heart of Manhattan. I wish there were more businesses like this; sadly there are not. Treat yourself to the best @ half price... Lenses made on premises! One stop shop. I love this store. Thank you Michael! 4 years of incredible service. I salute you Sir! read more

20/20 Eyewear - Look great! I do! - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

Honest, Excellent Price -- give it a try! I visited a few shops in the neighborhood -- all were quoting me $300-$500 for my prescription and cajoling me to select various additional coatings except 20/20. Michael gave me three options, the most expensive of which was still below $300. And unlike other businesses, he surprisingly recommended me to go for the least expensive option given my prescription (in the -6.00 range). Since it was inexpensive, I decided to give it a try. And I was impressed -- I could notice no difference between the new lenses Michael made for me and the previous ones that cost me a fortune (about six times more expensive)! I subsequently ordered two more pairs of lenses for my family. Everyone was very satisfied. Michael also provided excellent service. One of the lenses we ordered had some minor problems -- Michael replaced them within two days. * I was initially reluctant after reading some of the negative reviews. Michael turned out to be a very nice person -- especially after you got to know him. Highly recommended! read more

I got completely ripped off by these two old men who probably saw a young woman and thought I'm an easy buck. They have no ethics. I came in with an already completed eye exam and a prescription and said I wanted frames for $245. When I asked for frame pricing, none of the frames were labeled. I picked some frames, the guy didn't do an eye exam, and then they were ready a few days later. However, they didn't feel right, and each time I came back, the "eye doctor" wasn't in. It turns out the frames cost $30 on other websites and I can't get a refund because I live on the other side of the country. These men give New Yorkers and businesses a bad name, and they have no ethics. read more

Would be giving ZERO stars if possible... I've never been more disrespected by any store owner than at this shop. Honestly, my girlfriend was prepared to buy two pairs of glasses and this guy was such an incredible jerk to us that we decided to take our business down the street. Insulting and inconsiderate. Avoid this place at all costs - there are dozens of good businesses with decent people in the area. read more

I love this store. I've gone here for years because the service is the best I've ever experienced. Michael has a personal relationship with his customers and goes out of his way to cheerfully help in every way possible. read more

Awesome dudes, really funny and helpful. Very fast application and highly knowledgeable in glasses and tighten it up for free. Support your local eyeglass businesses! read more

I don't understand why 20/20 Eyewear doesn't have 5 stars! The doctor who did my eye exam was friendly, thorough, and efficient. Both gentlemen working behind the counter were exceptionally helpful, and although I arrived for my appointment half an hour early, the Dr. saw me almost immediately! After the exam, I was ushered back out into the front room, to pick out frames. Now, there were several other people in the shop, and the phone was ringing, so I appreciated the fact that they let me take my time to pick out frames. I came alone, and was self-conscious about how the glasses looked on me, but I felt reassured when they confirmed I had picked out a good pair :-) I was in and out in no time, and left with the utmost confidence that my future-glasses were in good hands. They called 2 days later to let me know I could pick up my frames...I should also note, that my appointment was the day before New Year's Eve, so I didn't expect my prescription to be ready so quickly! I stopped by the shop the next day to pick up my glasses, and they were perfect! The Dr. did a great job of finding the perfect lenses, and the frames, though not the highest quality material, were even on my face and comfortable for everyday wear. I had been worried that it would be difficult to find a practice that would correctly fill out the paperwork, claims, etc. for my insurance. I had even read a few horror stories from Yelp reviews of other eyeglass shops, where paperwork wasn't filled out properly and people were billed for hundreds of dollars. I signed a few papers and showed my ID, and just like that, there no issues or confusion whatsoever. Why can't everywhere be as great as this place! Someone even called to follow up with me a few days after I picked up my glasses! Great experience, overall. 20/20 Eyewear gets a 10/10 from me ;-) read more

I bought a frame here and asked (Michael) to switch out my lenses into the new frames. He gave them back to me after considerable time, and with scratches in the same place on both lenses, the scratches were not there before! When confronted, He denied doing the damage and then said he'd replace them. I went back with my Rx and he said he would order them, then got upset when he found out they were not only progressives, but photochromic lenses and abruptly changed his mind and said he wouldn't replace them. That is the service you can expect here. read more

My glasses broke and I was looking to get a new pair to replace them. I didn't know where to go and tried Warby Parker and some other shops before stumbling into 20/20. The owner, Michael, was very friendly and welcomed us inside to look around. He gave us space to browse in peace and when we were ready he came over to chat and help us out. He took a look at my broken glasses and offered some options. It turned out he could just swap my lenses into a new frame and it took 5 minutes! Very affordable, great service, and speedy. The shop has great options, is affordable, and the owner is very kind, helpful, and skilled. Highly recommend! read more

Friendly, and expert service from Michael and Barry here. Vast array of choices in a long standing neighborhood privately owned shop. If you care about the details in the filling of your eyeglass prescription this is the place to go. They even worked on my glasses from my former optician very reasonably. I will be back. read more

A year ago I got a pair of glasses from 20/20. I got special lenses, coated, and they were fine until recently. I noticed they were really scratched. I showed them to the optician at 20/20 and he said they were ruined, and he would send them back to be re-coated. When they came back they weren't much better. He replaced the old lenses with new ones and now my glasses are fine. He didn't charge me a penny. I thought that was excellent customer service, especially since he got them back for me very quickly. I'm very happy with 20/20. No blame, no argument, just "I'll replace them." read more

Owner's super friendly, even though I didn't find my glasses, this store deserves a 5. He allowed me to take pictures for comparisons. Weird that some one else said he's mean... dude just ask lol. Also I find the glasses cheaper than other manhattan based stores. read more

TL;DR: The owner of this store is a prick and doesn't deserve your business. There is nothing wrong with the glasses themselves, but my sister and I had an incredibly unpleasant experience with the storeowner. We were trying on glasses, with every intention to make a purchase on this or a return visit, and the owner snapped when he saw I was taking pictures. He grabbed the glasses I was holding out of my hands, threw them on the shelf and told us to get out. Despite my attempt to explain I was taking pictures to remember the pairs I liked, he refused to listen assuming I was taking pictures to find the lenses elsewhere. I've never had such an unpleasant retail experience. Please don't reward this behavior by purchasing glasses here. P.S. This is my first Yelp review--it was was that unpleasant. read more

FINALLY!! This will be my last update: after taking 20/20 Optical to Small Claims Court, wining the case and NOT receiving the refund I contacted New York City Marshall Stephen W Biegel and for a very small fee in a matter of weeks they were able to seize my refund PLUS INTEREST!!!!! Be extremely aware when dealing with 20/20 Optical, they are not honorable people. On the other hand I do encourage you to use the Small Claims Court and I highly recommend Marshall Stephen W. Biegel, I no longer feel cheated, everyone in the Marshall's office was professional and compassionate and they do a great job really fast. Ah, justice feels very sweet! And again, I am giving 20/20 Optical one star only because that is the only way I can post this one. read more

I found dealing with 20/20 Eyewear to be extremely disappointing. Based on their website and the availability of frames and lens, I called them. On the phone, they sounded professional and told me I they had what I was looking for. The charade continued when I went there. They seemed to know what they were doing, but they were brusque--which is sometimes normal given how many shop owners in New York City are rude. Then, it started. They didn't keep their word about delivering the product on time. When I called to check, one of the owners was downright obnoxious. I was asked to call the next day, so I did. Again, no glasses! While they knew that I needed the glasses urgently and they seemed confident that they could deliver them on time, not only did they not keep their promise, but they are actually quite a pain to deal with. I highly recommend that you spend your hard-earned money somewhere else. read more

Don't go here. The owner/manager/whatever has the worst manner. He ruined a pair of my glasses, couldn't have been ruder, and then lit a cigarette in the store. He doesn't know anything about glasses, repeatedly telling me "they look good" when I complained about fit. Save yourself the frustration and go anywhere else. read more

Stop reading now if you need a place that takes vision insurance, they don't. Ok now the good things-- they have a GREAT selection of eyewear that are moderately priced including their own handmade brand. I had been searching all over the city and was thrilled to find 20/20 in that regard. And the owners are very skilled at finding a pair that flatters, plus there's not a huge pressure to buy. Also the optometrist is amazing, very precise and caught something other people hadn't. Great so far right? Now the not so good-- while the prescription was correct (yay amazing optometrist) the lenses themselves were made in a way that made it hard to see. I can't explain more than that--I had to go back a few times and even now it's not completely fixed. Also despite choosing the thin lens, they come out past the glasses which has never happened before on a pair of glasses. Actually in reality they deserve one star, but the glasses are great and they are nice until you have a problem. So to sum it up: buy the frames here and get them made somewhere else. read more

I'm literally taking the time out of my Saturday afternoon and signing up for Yelp just to review my awful experience with this vendor! Avoid these people at all costs!!! My wife and I were customers at their UES 3rd Avenue location right before they closed the shop. They never informed us they were closing, they have our medical eye records and didn't think it was appropriate to inform their patients of the close... What makes this entire situation even worse is having consulted a new optometrist today, and learning that my wife's eye exam was drastically different than what was prescribed to her through 20/20 Eyewear's optometrist one year ago. The eye exam was rushed bc the eye doctor was being extremely inpatient. The end result: my wife receives a new contact lens script that is drastically worse than her prior year's exam... Here's the 20/20 Eyewear doctor's diagnosis - my wife has diabetes. Say what?!?! My wife is an extremely healthy 35 year old who aggressively maintains a healthy diet and high intensity workout program w/no know hereditary history of diabetes. Of course, it was wrong but not without worry! Today's visit to a local Lens Crafter's was a completely different story. My wife's "new script" for contact lenses was the same as a script she received three years ago, prior to 20/20's exam. Doctor's make mistakes, exams have +/- errors and there's patient anxiety too, especially with eye exams. BUT, when a customer voices their concern over the entire experience directly with the vendor's "manager," especially when its in regard to a medical diagnosis, that manager should take extra care and consideration in handling the situation... Here's what happens instead - we call the store's downtown location and speak wit the manager who blindly defends the optometrist and says, "She's been with us for 15 years. She's not going anywhere." --- Ummmm, we never asked for her dismissal but I guess that was his first instinct over what should have been a more diplomatic approach --- He begins to speak over me. His facetious tone grows louder and more dismissive and the conversation ultimately becomes a full blow argument and a lofty insult lobbed by this highly inexperienced manager. TO THE OWNER: I own and directly operate a highly successful business that involves dealing with public customers, day-to-day - there's nothing harder. BUT, myself and other successful entrepreneurs in my industry know that you only get "ONE SHOT AT A POSITIVE REPUTATION... " So, try this principle out, get rid of your lackluster and rude staff, hire an optometrist that has patience and maybe, JUST MAYBE, your East 8th Street location won't close like UES did. TO THE PUBLIC: Stay away! You've been warned. read more

Best place to get glasses! I have been going to this place for years and always walk away with a great pair of lenses. I complete trust the owners, two brothers, to put me in a pair that is flattering to my face. I find them to be reasonably priced and they are very fair. There is no pressure to but anything and they are always super helpful! So sorry that the uptown location is closed bit thrilled that I can still go downtown for great service and great glasses! Did I mention that the selection is amazing? It is! read more

Great place!!! If you need a prescription for your new glasses they have a room to give you a check up, couple minutes later you get to choose your glasses all for $99.99 Service is really good. read more

My experiences at 20/20 have been wonderful. First, they always have a great selection and turn around time. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. They even followed up with me by phone after my last purchase. It has become my go-to place for contacts and glasses. Will definitely be back! read more

I've used 20/20 over the years and they are consistently friendly, skilled, and dependable; their business ethic never changes. You are welcomed with a smile and treated with respect and integrity, whether it's an eye exam, new glasses, or you need help with a vision problem. Jordan, Michael, John -- all nice and easy to deal with. And you can get your eyeglasses in a couple of days because all work is done on premises Silvia / NYC read more

Just came here to look up the phone number and saw all these bafflingly bad reviews. They no way represent the experience I've had with them over the last 5 years. These guys are fantastic and wonderfully (sometimes brutally) honest. Great service at all points. I love going here and can't imagine going anywhere else. Fantastic service and I have recommended them to countless others. read more

The absolute best! Very reliable and honest business. I went to 20/20 eyewear after breaking my glasses and not only did Michael help me find a brilliant pair of frames (Francis Klein) to fit my face but at a great value!! read more

I have been doing business with 20/20 for about 20 years and I have only praise. If I am going to wear glasses I want them to look damn good in them.. This store has the best selection of truly gorgeous glasses in the city. Mike the owner has incredible taste in frames. Some of them are like works of art. He has always been fair with me, too. His reps take their time and make sure you walk out of there looking good in whatever you buy. To show how fair Mike is, I once bought a frame in Venice, Italy that I thought look great. Something about that Venetian light, I guess. However, when I got back to NYC I took them into Mike to get lenses for them They really looked awful on me. I was heartbroken. Mike took them and gave me credit toward another frame. I am pretty brutal with my glasses,too, and he always fixes them for me. Hell, I even sat on a pair and he got them straightened out for me! You really want to patronize this store if you want to look the best you can in your glasses. You will not find a bigger selection of beautiful frames, everything from traditional to far out. Go! read more

20/20 Eyewear is the best glasses frame store I have found in the city. I went to many stores looking for glasses frames that would be flattering and fit my face. At other stores, I was given many many frames to try on, all of which looked awful for my particular face. At 20/20 Eyewear, in contrast, Mike immediately knew what frames would look right for me and gave me only three frames to try, one of which looked amazing. He also gave me excellent and honest advice about whether to get bifocal or progressive lenses. I really appreciated that he advised me to get the cheaper bifocals which was the right choice for me even though it meant less profit for him. I have gotten many compliments on my beautiful frames. This store has gorgeous frames at reasonable prices and the service is outstanding!! I highly highly recommend this store. read more

I have been going to 20/20 for over 20 years. Not only do I love their selection of frames, but I think Michael, the owner, is just the best optician and customer service person there is. I have bought many pairs of eyeglasses there. Once, i did have a problem adjusting to a sunglass lens. He suggested I try it for one more day. I came in the next day and said I felt out of balance. He said immediately, "We're changing the lenses." No problem, no stress, he just corrected the lenses. And then, they were perfect. They are completely quality oriented and trustworthy. I've also had the best time there, as people come from all over New York to buy their glasses there - and on a Saturday, it's quite sociable! I also have never been in an eyeglass store where so many frames look good on me - this is rare. They have frames from conservative to dramatic and in-between. I cannot recommend them highly enough for making the experience of buying eyeglasses a positive one. Price wise, they are not as high as some very high end eyeglass stores, but they are not cheap. I believe they offer a fair price for something that you wear everyday. Thank you! read more

I have been a going to 20/20 for over 20 years and would never even think of going to another place! The choices of frames are the best, nothing short on style, trends and frames that you could never find elsewhere. Jordan is terrific, always helpful, knows his business and goes the extra mile! They're always professional, yet friendly and I feel like I just want to spend the day there! Also, very important they are trustworthy and always do the right thing by their customers. I HIGHLY recommend 20/20 Optical! read more

The frames on my favorite reading glasses broke in an awkward way. I thought I would never be able to wear them again and was so bummed. Michael at 20/20 said -- no problem! And in just a few weeks I have them back again! Yay! Thanks for making my day! read more

My second time working with 20/20. Top-level service with an ability to have lenses done in a couple days. Price & service level for quality of work done is near impossible to come by in Manhattan. Ability to deal directly with owners a huge plus as well read more