Save a ton of money and time. Take your fancy and/or vintage glasses here for the lenses.

Great place for an eye exam and glasses. I come all the way from Florida to get new glasses here every year because they are such a great deal! I've been coming here for many years and highly recommend their services. read more

I've used Optical 88 fairly often and they always do a great job! The people who work there are easy to talk to and very nice. I mostly use them for theatrical uses and they have a very quick turnover time, which is really important when things get changed on a dime. I needed the lenses on a pair of vintage sunglasses (with oddly shaped lenses) changed to a different color. I brought them in on a Saturday afternoon and was able to get them back at the end of the day on Monday for $100. Great service! I'm usually dealing with vintage glasses and have never had any problems. They charged me $320 to get progressive lenses done on a pair of vintage glasses that I brought in. They were a special shape, but were done in a week. I highly recommend this place for all your optical needs. read more

88 Optical Hester - Different color options for sunglass lenses - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

This happens to be New York's best kept secret ? Maybe it's not a secret anymore. But it's the most fantastic 'shopping for glasses' and 'lensing glasses' experience you can have in the business of opticals. It's run by a group of really great people. Their prices are so fair and decent. Nobody is getting ripped off here. You're getting professionalism, kindness and great quality products in very little wait time. I tell you man, I cannot recommend this place enough. I'm sorry I can't give em ten stars. read more

Amazing service, price, and speed! I called four different places, and they were all charging double what 88 Optical charged. I got lenses (mild prescription) replaced in some old frames, and they only took an hour! Everyone there was very nice and patient, and they even let my optometrist in Los Angeles fax over my prescription right away. 88 Optical efinitely have a customer for life! I'm looking forward to bringing in some sunglasses and other frames soon. read more

Fantastic business! I was going to bite the bullet and go to Costco for an expensive contact exam but I'm so glad I did a quick search of places in the city. The reviews here were reassuring that the staff was friendly and helpful, and a quick call revealed an unbeatable $90 contact exam (no surcharge for astigmatism)! I called at 10:30, got a 12pm appt, was seen immediately, and out by 12:30! The staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. The doctor was knowledgeable and had a great demeanor. And they worked with me when the first pair of contacts I tried on weren't entirely comfortable. I have never felt contacts so comfortable and am excited to start wearing them again after years of imperfect sizing! Even further - I brought my beloved broken glasses on a whim in case they would be able to help me fix or repurpose them. They couldn't fix the issue I had, but recommended me to a jewelry welder around the corner who could possibly help me. Really fantastic experience and I'm so grateful to have found them. Will definitely be returning and recommending friends! read more

Amazing service and products. Highly recommend This place has beyond great employees

I may change this rating when I get my glasses back but I was wondering if I was in the same place that many of these people here on Yelp were raving about. I priced the same lenses at COSTCO (naturally AFTER I dropped off my frames and prescription here) and it was 140 dollars cheaper at COSTCO. Also people were writing about the fabulous customer service (a frantic lady running around mixing up customers), short turnaround times (one week and still waiting?) and cost (no it is not the cheapest - COSTCO much better). Let's see. They may be wonderful but so far, not very impressed. Update: it took 10 days but I got my glasses and they are fine. read more

I may change this rating when I get my glasses back but I was wondering if I was in the same place that many of these people here on Yelp were raving about. I priced the same lenses at COSTCO (naturally AFTER I dropped off my frames and prescription here) and it was 140 dollars cheaper at COSTCO. Also people were writing about the fabulous customer service (a frantic lady running around mixing up customers), short turnaround times (one week and still waiting?) and cost (no it is not the cheapest - COSTCO much better). Let's see. They may be wonderful but so far, not very impressed. read more

I use them exclusively to fill my prescription in my eye and sunglasses. I have an eye issue that requires specialized care otherwise I'd come here for my exams as well. They are great at what they do and have prevented me from making some mistakes (frame shapes that couldn't handle a prescription lens on a pair of sunglasses, for example), and the one time there was an issue with the PD measurement they fixed it as soon as it became apparent with my vision. They are also happy to adjust my frames as many times as I need! They keep me coming back and referring my friends to them due to the fair prices and excellent service. I won't go anywhere else. read more

Went in today to have lenses put in a pair of vintage frames. They were ready in an hour!!! Everyone was super friendly and nice. Highly recommend!! read more

I should have waited waited for 88 Optical to reopen after the earlier lockdown when I broke my glasses - at the time Lenscrafters was the only place that had reopened so I gave them a try and was incredibly disappointed - I ended up spending over twice the amount I would have spent at 88 Optical and got lenses that - despite paying extra for "anti-scratch" lenses - immediately became scratched up from cleaning with the provided lens cloth and cleaner spray - whereas my 6 year-old pair that I had gotten filled at 88 were still scratch free.. I was initially bummed when I then lost the Lenscrafters pair - having spent so much money on them - but luckily 88 reopened - I brought 2 frames in to them thinking I'd decide between the 2 which to get new lenses in - but when I found out that getting both filled would still cost a fraction of what I'd spent for the 1 I'd gotten at Lenscrafters I went ahead and got them both done and they're great - even the prescription seems better (I'd had a new exam done at both places before having them filled).. so 88 Optical: great lenses/great price - and the people there have always been super nice and easy-going - plus they where ready for pick-up much sooner than I'd expected.. Lenscrafters on the other hand - not so good.. read more

Been coming here ever since my grade teacher told me that I squint too much while trying to look at the blackboard. They never renovated the place, place looks the same as when they first opened. Good selection of designer and cheap frames. Staff is attentive, eye doctor seems to differ each time I go, I guess they're on per diem only.. When your frames or contacts are ready for fittings and sizing, they make sure you're comfortable and everything is spot on before you leave. read more

EXCELLENT! Love these guys. Highly recommended. I have had 6 pair of glasses made here over the past several years. They are very knowledgeable, professional, helpful and nice. Very reasonable prices. Much less than other optical stores and chains. I first found them in The New York Magazine Best of in 2008 and have been using them ever since. Glasses are made pretty quickly. They seem to be happy to use the customer's own frames. read more

Friends had recommended this place to me for glasses (I don't wear contacts), but because I have a complicated progressive lens with a very strong prescription, I was a little nervous about what I would get for so little money. Ha! I love my new lenses, which they put in my fancy new frames from Paris, no problem. The front counter folks are friendly, articulate, good-humored and answered my weird questions with patience. The optometrist took a lot of time with me. (I've forgotten his name, but he's an Italian guy who sings in a wedding band for fun.) He prides himself on finding things that others miss. He's the first one who really discussed the distance I actually sit from my computer to work. Because I was getting my lenses there, the eye exam for a new prescription was free, which was a nice surprise - I'd been prepared to pay my $30 or whatever it was. Because of my Rx, I had to wait a few days for the lenses to arrive, so no "while you wait" for me, but then I didn't expect it. A nice excuse to get to Chinatown, and get really fresh fish down the street. I have no idea how they manage to sell good lenses so cheap. I think it's a branch of a huge business in Hong Kong, and I guess we're getting the savings passed on. I, for one, am grateful. read more

Great place to get a lenses prescription filled. I can't attest to how their eye exams or frame selection are, but lenses are a great deal at $80 for a basic prescription including anti-reflective coating. I got quotes for almost 3 times as much elsewhere! The service is also quick; they will have your glasses ready in one hour! read more

These guys are the best. Not only the best prices, but also the best customer service. They really know how to treat their customers. My spouse and I have both been coming here for years, and I truly cannot say enough kind things about them. Also, Abe is the best! Friendly and so courteous/helpful. I only wish more businesses were like this. read more

I came here to get transition frames for my sunglasses. I was able to get it at a reasonable price. The staff here are VERY nice. They have definitely gained a new customer! read more

I come here to get my glasses tightened, super quick and essy. The guy behind the counter is very friendly! Thank you. :-)

Do not come here unless you want to be tricked into purchasing overpriced contacts. I came here for an eye appointment and was quickly seen, fitted and on my way out the door prescription in hand - or so I thought. When I tried to order contacts online I input this doctors information and when the contacts company called the store to verify they said I was never a patient - even though I was in there two weeks before. I went home to fax in my prescription and realized the eye doctor never even put the brand of contacts or complete prescription information on my paper...which caused the contacts company to deny my purchase. I read about this happening with scam businesses who try to withhold information so you have to purchase contacts through them. It all made sense once I remembered the man at checkout trying to convince me to purchase contacts through them because it was a deal. I will not give my service to them again - I am going elsewhere for a proper eye exam and prescription. If you do go here because of the cheap exam cost make sure you leave with all the required information to purchase contacts elsewhere if you ever choose to... which you should because theirs are WAY overpriced. read more

This place is great. Not only are their prices unbeatable in the city, but their service is top notch. Yesterday was the second time I had been to 88 Optical; this time for replacement of three year old lenses that were getting foggy with the scratches accumulating over the years. I went to pick them up, did a quick review and walked out the door feeling with the newly-replaced lenses. A block away, however, I realized that something was seriously wrong with the right lens. I went back in and not only did the man who was helping me happily address the problem, he checked my eyes in the calibration machine and discovered that my optician had committed an error in my prescription! Not to worry, assured the clerk, he would create a new right lens with the correct prescription, and his manager agreed to do so free of charge! What great service! Ten minutes later, I was back outside, with clear vision and an appreciation for the favor 88 Optical had paid me. I will definitely be back. read more

Wowwww - this place is amazing ! I had to get 3 pairs of sunglasses fixed (2 pairs to tighten on the sides, and one pair to fix since they were stepped on) and they fixed all 3 within minutes ! Incredible service and immediately felt compelled to share in a review (which I never really do) ! This will definitely be my go to spot for any optical troubleshooting ! read more

Beautiful craftsmanship and efficient, knowledgeable service at reasonable prices, in a bare-bones shop at a bustling intersection in Chinatown. Highly recommended. read more

I have been a customer here for over 3 years (and live in downtown Manhattan). For yearly exams, I go elsewhere since I need extra exams because I have eye pressue. Brought in my prescription in today (and it was only $80 total for both lenses with anti-scratch + anti-glare coating). My glasses were a little ill-fitting, so they fitted them on my face perfectly and were very professional throughout the entire transaction (I even used my debit healthcare card which worked great). On a separate occasion, my older brother Rod also went here (per my referral) and bought new frames and had a very complex prescription (progressive lenses) and they did a fantastic job both filling his prescription and analyzing his eyesight issues (he took an exam here). He is also very happy with the final product, as he tried on like 30 pairs of glasses when we were there with his wife and Mother-in-Law, who grew up in chinatown, up the street. All in all, if you need a prescription filled fast and not pay and arm and a leg, this is the place for you! read more

This review is long over due. I wanted to check my facts first with another reputable Optometrist before writing the following review. I wanted to make a comparison of service and boy was there a huge difference. I chose this place based on price and reviews on yelp. I should have known the price was too good to be true. As they say, "You get what you pay for." On 4/13/17 I went in for a contact lens exam. The optometrist tried to convince me that I had an astigmatism and that I have had it my whole life. Nope. I don't have one nor did I ever. (There's an additional $10 charge for a astigmatism, hmmm....) He suggested I try on a contact for the condition (you know the one that I don't have) and sure enough the contact was very uncomfortable and then he fitted me with a regular contact and the fit was better. However, the prescription was too strong (+3.50). I became dizzy. I brought it to the attention of the front desk assistant and the optometrist but they stated it was nothing. I believed them, but was still doubtful. I began to think this was a bad idea. Then things got worse. I was given 1 (one) trial of contacts and then when I requested a trial pack they tried to sell it to me for $10.00!!! The package clearly states "Not for resale" and I reminded them that it was against the law to do so and would file a complaint with the NYS Dept of Health. Miraculously, they weren't for sale anymore. On a lighter note. The staff was friendly. Unfortunately, that doesn't help my vision. Like I stated above, I could have posted this review earlier, but I wanted to check my facts first. I had an additional eye exam at Revolution Eyes @ 82 W Broadway. My true/correct prescription is +3.25. Now I see much better and feel better. If what you're looking for is a knowledgeable optometrist who listens and cares about your eyes, who has a professional, friendly staff that takes they're time with you and answers all your questions go to Revolution Eyes. DON'T COME HERE!!! BEWARE OF THIS PLACE!!!! read more

Very well priced, friendly staff and really fast turn around time. I got my new lenses in 4 days! Highly recommend! I had a really great experience! read more

For anything but a basic prescription, go elsewhere. As of 5/2017 the price is $80. The "optometrist" looked like they pulled him in from the street in Little Italy. He gave me TWO lines to read and gave me a "prescription" based off of that. In and out, didn't listen to me when I said the contacts were blurry. He gave me a second pair, still blurry. Bye now, out the door! I went to another optometrist where I was given a thorough exam and lo' and behold, I needed astigmatism contacts! read more

These guys are legends in the neighborhood. I've brought in a few frames to add prescription lenses, and they get it done in 1-2 hours. Super fast, friendly service at a great price. Bonus: they're always happy to help with glasses adjustments or a quick clean even if you don't buy anything! read more

Love Optical 88!! I've entrusted them with probably 10 pairs of glasses and sunglasses, and changed prescriptions 2-3 times. They never let me down! Best price/quality ratio read more

Dr. WEINTRAUB should have her license REVOKED! The first time she fitted me, the contact prescription was so wrong I had to have them adjusted right away. At the time, I had a sinking feeling this woman did not know what she was doing, but I pushed the thought away. She also was very curt and seemed to have complete lack of concern for my well being. I was just a body to her. I should have listened to my instincts because the prescription never felt right in the right eye. I kept dismissing the unsettling feeling the contacts were off because I rarely wear my contacts. I kept telling myself I just have to adjust to them. But almost one year later and I absolutely hate wearing these contacts. SHE HAS NO BUSINESS fitting people for contacts. COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT. Stuck with contacts that make me feel dizzy every time I wear them. She got the fit wrong, not once but TWICE. I complained to the store and they said, "You had a trial period right?" It mattered to them not a single bit that I rarely wear my contacts. They just didn't care at all. You get what you pay for people. DO NOT GO HERE! RUN, RUN, RUN FROM THIS PLACE! Pay a little more for quality eye care from professionals and not hacks. And if you must use this place, at the very least buy your contacts from 1800Contacts so you can at least get your unused lenses replaced free of charge after you go SOMEPLACE ELSE to get your prescription fixed. read more

The admin staff is sloppy. Make sure you have all the right pieces of information from them to buy contact lenses. The optometry consultation was fine. read more

Back when Mott Street was mean and filthy with marketplaces that dumped all their waste onto the streets, I was terrified of stepping foot in the marketplace. The smell nauseated me and the thought of standing in front of fish markets made me want to puke. Instead, I would sit on the benches of this corner shop and wait until my parents were finished with their shopping. I've only been to my ophthalmologist since switching to contact lenses out a few years ago, and decided to make an emergency stop after my last contact lens ripped (yes, I'm one of those people) since I heard opticals were "cheaper" than doctors and my ophthalmologist was booked for the day. I had a free Acuvue trial and they told me that even with the trial, I'd have to pay $80 for the exam, so I agreed to it, seeing I had no other option. I came here on two separate occasions and during both visits, I had to see the doctor. The first doctor was a male and he was very friend and warm. Turns out I have astigmatism in one of my eyes and I was prescribed a astigmatism contact lens. When it came to paying, they told me it was $90--which is where the glass cracked and all troubles rushed in. They did not disclose anything about paying an extra $10 for anything other than regular contact lens--which they should have from the start. It was very sneaky and makes me question their business practices. I came back a week later because I wanted to get my prescription and this time, there was a female doctor, who you can tell really does not enjoy her job at all. She was cold, cranky and hardly cracked a smile. I didn't disclose that I wasn't wearing one of my contact lenses because they ripped (again) and when I told her towards she end, she sneered at me, "This was a waste of time." You're an eye doctor and you couldn't even see the contact lenses in my eyes? It was totally my fault for not disclosing that earlier, but it was also unprofessional of her to be so snappy about it. Luckily, they gave me another pair to try on and I came back the next week to pick up my prescription. Staff can be a lot more nicer and less sneaky. This place used to be booming with business but looks like it has gone downhill because there's a pattern of terrible customer service. Save your money and go to another optical or ophthalmologist who cares and is honest with you. If you're heavily considering this your primary place, you really need to get your eyes checked (excuse the pun). read more

Haven't had an eye exam in about 20 years so figured it was time to get one done. Compared to the prices in Philly this place is a steal even with the $10 increase from 2 years ago to the new price of $30 bucks cash. Since I was around the area, I decided to pop in and take a look and within 5 minutes my eye exam begin. First in that machine that puffs air in the eyes and then in the back room with the eye doc. 10 minutes later I found out my eyesight was still pretty damn good and just a little bit from perfect, so I asked them if I needed glasses and even though I gave them the opportunity to sell me unnecessary stuff they didn't take that opportunity, which earns them a solid rating for price and service. read more

This review has only to do with the eye exam as I did not purchase any glasses or contacts from them. For glasses I go to Warby Parker which is much cheaper with better style. For contacts, I order from Contact Lens King which is the cheapest contact distributor ever. The Good: - The counter staff here are very helpful and extremely nice. - There is almost no wait time. I was seen right away without an appointment. - They give you a free trial pair of contacts. You can have whatever brand you wore before. The Bad: - The optometrist, Dr. Weintraub? seems like she was only working there because she owed someone money. My presence appeared to be a great inconvenience for her as it distracted her from indulging in her novel. - The optometrist never introduced herself. I had to pry her name from her at the end of the session. I then extended my hand for a handshake and got the limpest most half-assed handshake known to man. - She offered neither a shred of advice nor expressed any concern whatsoever as to the well-being of my vision. When I asked her if there was anything I can do to improve the health of my eyes, she gave a short succint 2-3 word answer and proceeded to usher me from her cubby hole of an exam room. So my impression of this discount Chinatown optical store? If you simply must buy brand name glasses, I hear they are quite cheap here. Contact lenses are cheaper when purchased online. As for the eye exams, this place is the cheapest. I got prescriptions for both glasses and contacts for $80, that's $20 cheaper than the cheapest place I was able to find outside Chinatown. However, you get what you paid for. The optometrist Dr. Weintraub, is not there to take care of your eyes. She is a mere tool used by the store to increase revenue. I do not believe I will go to her again. I would rather spend the extra $20 and go to a real professional. read more

This review is just for the eye exam. Eye exams don't get much cheaper: $20 cash and no waiting time. But wow, the eye doctor was extremely rude and has left me completely doubtful of whether the prescription is accurate. I wish I had thought to refuse paying. The eye doctor spent about 10 minutes quickly flipping through lenses and going through the standard procedure for figuring out a prescription. To my surprise, he claimed my astigmatism had increased a lot. I asked to try out my old 'prescription' for comparison, and to judge whether I'm more comfortable with the old prescription or this new prescription (something that eye doctors have suggested themselves in the past). His response: No. When I pressed on, he said: If you want to double check, go to another doctor. And then he rushed me out. This guy didn't seem to know anything about the science of eyes, he just knows how to flip lenses around and robotically respond to my feedback. This isn't worth it. Pay a bit more and go to a real eye doctor. read more

Several of my friends recommended I come here for an inexpensive eye exam. And it is cheap - for $30 (cash only) you'll get the most basic of exams. No eye drops, but they do that glaucoma one where they shoot a sudden burst of air into your eyeball. The doctor is quick and doesn't explain much. My recommendation is that if you need a quick exam for reading glasses or something else that isn't too complicated, this place should be fine. But if you have a complicated issue that needs attention, much better to go somewhere else... read more

I just bought brand new acetate (plastic) frames that needed to be fitted with prescription lenses. My exact prescription is right eye: sphere -8.25, cylinder -0.5, axis 15; left eye: sphere -7.75, cylinder -0.5, axis 115. In short, I'm very near-sighted and mildly astigmatic and needed high-index (1.67) single-vision lenses. I visited 88 Hester optical where a very polite employee quoted me a price of $150 for high-index (1.67) lenses plus $30 for anti-glare coating for a total of $180. NO RETURNS. NO WARRANTY**. However, this price is nearly 1.5 times price of equivalent lenses (with 1-year warranty) from a certain wholesale warehouse, which I can't name due to Yelp's promotional content rules. In conclusion, just because it's in Chinatown doesn't mean it's the amazing deal you think it would be. **While I was waiting, I witnessed another customer come into the store to complain about blurry vision with his new lenses (he got his prescription measured by the in-house optometrist). The store would NOT offer him a refund or exchange and told him he would have to purchase new lenses. read more

I am so glad I held out for this place! Seriously, I wore my lovely glasses for three months straight after running out of contacts and unwilling to drop hundreds of dollars at Cohen's and the like. I don't know why it took me so long to go down to Chinatown, really not that far at all. I digress... I am so pleased with my experience! Both the eye doctor and assistant were very friendly. I was in and out in about 30 minutes after my walk in on a Sunday morning. I ended up spending $215 for a contacts exam, year supply of Acuvue two week lens and an eyeglasses prescription (for my next pair of WPs). I am telling everyone I know about this place. I spent almost 50% less than I have in the past. Love love. read more

If I could give 88 Optical more than five stars, I would. I'm in awestruck disbelief that the eye exam and glasses I'd procrastinated on getting for years took less than 30 minutes from start to finish. I didn't even have an appointment! The staff greeted me warmly & immediately started me on the dreaded air-puff glaucoma test before the exam. The exam itself was quick, and the optometrist wrote an extra prescription for me so that I can order backup glasses online. I picked out some frames and was told it would take an hour. When I said I'd just hang out and read my book, the woman helping me said, "Oh, well if you're staying, maybe 20 minutes. Fast!" She was not kidding. They had my lenses in and another friendly staff member fit my frames in less time than that. I'm pretty amazed. These folks have their stuff together in the best possible way. The cost of my eye exam was waived because I bought frames & lenses that day. * Minor beef, which probably has more to do with demographic demands than anything else: many of their best frames are spoiled with ostentatious brand names or logos on the sides. I couldn't stomach my first or second choices for frame shape & color because I didn't want to advertise some company ON MY FACE. C'mon, now. If Coach or Izod wants their logo on my face, they can pay me. ** I got quite a headache from seeing so much more of the city yesterday than I had with my old glasses. I could point out knots in the wood on water towers 10 stories up. I see so much already - I wonder if it wouldn't be more comforting to go back for some soft-focus lenses with a shorter depth of field. read more

I've been wearing glasses for almost 30 years, so let's just say I'm particular about how my frames fit. These guys are amazing. They know their craft; they are well-staffed, friendly, and efficient. And when you marvel at their finely tuned machine is... they just smile knowingly. The first time I came here I was bustled from one friendly person to another: consultation, exam, lens selection, frame fitting (with jokes), BAM, in and out in an hour. Perfect fit. Best glasses I've ever had. If I hadn't lost them to the ocean there would be a happy ending to this Yelp review right here. My mistake was going to an optometrist closer to my apartment... one with far less qualified staff. I bought 3 pairs of glasses, but not one of them fit when I left that place in frustration. I wish I'd gotten the name of the guy who helped me at Optical 88; he was amazing! Not only did he not give me a hard time about bringing in 3 pairs of botched glasses, but he expertly fixed each one (again, with jokes) until all were a perfect fit. All this in less than 30 minutes. And the kicker is - THEY WOULDN'T ACCEPT ANY PAYMENT, NOT EVEN A TIP!! Man, what a chump I was for going anywhere else. Don't be a chump. This is your new spot for glasses. read more