Dr. Jenny Lee is a sweetheart who knows her stuff and is happy to explain what's going on with your eyes. The staff are friendly, and I had a great experience. I'll be back again for my check-up next year. read more

Very positive experience, great selection of glasses and eye exam was thorough and Dr was very knowledgeable and explained well, which raised my trust level. Would highly recommend. read more

I've been going here for two years - I feel like it's very straight forward service. Not a lot of small talk - get your exam, place your order, and go. The receptionists are all nice and I've never had any problems. read more

Again superb service yesterday from staff, Dr. Kim both, it's perfect and as good as optometry gets even if it was for an eye infection which he confirmed. Empathetic listening, superior manner, swift professional diagnosis, happy staff, efficient billing and payment, and on-spot advice all apply. It's like visiting an old friend instead of a sterile medical visit. ZocDoc sure helps scheduling ease. I couldn't be happier in my 7th year here. read more

Got my glasses upgraded with no hassle. Took less than maybe 6 hours Super fast and nice! read more

Don't go there!! I ordered my glasses almost a month ago and haven't received it yet! When I called them, the staff was rude and couldn't even find my order info. Later on she called me back said I have to wait another week. Guess what, it's been two weeks since I called them and I still haven't received my glasses. read more

I've been coming to European Optical for years now and every year I have the best experience. They take so much care and are the most understanding and I really feel taken care of every time I go! Thank you European Optical Team! read more

Here's the great thing about this place... They have a little of everything! Why is this important? Because they can order what they don't have... I wanted a pair of eyeglasses that I saw in a store in Italy, but I wanted to use my insurance. Not an easy feat, 'cause all cool glasses seem to be overpriced and not available under insurance. This place will order anything you want and ultimately save you a lot of money. Also..... they make the lenses on the spot. If you know of a better place let me know. read more

My experience may differ from the others here because I know a woman who works here personally and she HOOKS. IT. UP. I actually walked into this place randomly to kill some time before a dinner date with a friend. My eyes zoomed in on the display of super-cheap vintage sunglasses and was looking through them when I heard a familiar voice call my name. Long story short, I walked out with a pair of beautiful Carrera sunglasses and vintage Geoffrey Beene aviators for under $200. HELLO, SUN, I AM READY FOR YOU~~~! My boyfriend and I went again to get contacts and we got GREAT deals. They didn't have me try on pre-worn lenses either. The third visit was for a new pair of eyeglasses and they were very accomodating and friendly (a tad pushy, but whatever- they've been in the business long enough to know what sells and what looks good on whom). They didn't have the Prada frames I wanted in the color I wanted so they put in an order for them straight-away and I am picking up those beauts tomorrow! I took a star off because the place is a bit dingy and French Optical Fashion (who used to be their rivals on 32nd street) is definitely more clean and sleek-looking, but I've had 3 great experiences so 4 stars for you! You go Glen Coco! read more

I have been going to European Optical for over 15 years. When I was younger, for glasses and now for contact lenses. I have no plans to ever go anywhere else. This place accepts most vision insurance plans (at least all of the ones I have had through my various employers over the years). The staff is extremely helpful and patient (I am super picky with frames). Dr Kim is a top provider. He is extremely thorough in his examination of the eyes and he explains everything in plain (and excellent, in case you had any doubts) English. He has always given me the perfect prescription and the best fitting lenses. No wait times if you make an appointment in advance. Highly recommend doing so. Good selection of frames. I would recommend going in with some idea of what you want as it can be overwhelming to choose on the spot. As previous posters suggested, you can order any pair through them. They carry all of the familiar (and unfamiliar) high end designer brands. They also have a great fitter who will adjust your new frames for your face. read more

I am a regular at the European Optical. All of my glasses, including designer and simple frames, lenses and contact lenses were purchased at this place. In addition I do annual eye exams with Dr Kim who supervises the place. The service has always been solid, selection of frames is excellent (yes, they can order anything they don't have on display) and the prices are very reasonable. The best part is that lenses are done on the premises - so if something doesn't fit, they can fix it in no time. read more

I've been coming here since I was in middle school. That puts me at a 24 year customer. Prices can be high, but so is everything on 32nd St. If you want cheaper, go to a Lens Crafter in New Jersey. Service will be similar to any Korean business, but being in retail, a lot of times its a result of how the customers are. If you don't like or understand the Korean business, shop elsewhere. You go in knowing what to expect, and I have not had a bad experience personally. My pockets might seem a little thinner, but there is always the option of going elsewhere. This is more than enough for me. read more

Back for a yearly visit and could update my previous review by one more star because this location is no longer around construction! They've moved to the corner of 5th between 31st and 32nd (2nd floor). Space is a lot bigger too. The Doctor is very quick and kind. Answered all my questions and was very thorough. Lovely ladies that work here are all smiles and are good at explaining what was and was not covered by my insurance. Ordered my contacts for the year, and will be back next year ~ read more

Just got an eye check up here and a new pair of glasses... Everything was great. Doctor was thorough but had me in and out quickly. Their selection of designer eyewear was really nice and I got a pair that fits me great. read more

This place is absolutely the BEST optical store in NYC!! First, the store has the widest selection of frames, which ranges from the more affordable, popular designer brands, to the most prestigious optical brands. Just let them know what features you are looking for and they will lay out options in different price points for you. The store associates are very kind. I tried on gazillion frames and they still looked happy to assist me find the right pair. Second, Dr. Kim has over 30 yrs of experience that he understands patients/customers extremely well. My job requires me to be in front of the computer for an extensive amount of time, so with contact lenses on, my eye dries and itches. But I can't wear glasses for more than few hours either because it makes me dizzy and nauseous (I know I'm weird). (God bless) Dr. Kim found me the contact lenses brand that doesn't irritate my eyes (which was TruEye in my case,so I switched from Moist), and wrote me a prescription for my glasses that I feel comfortable enough to wear all day. I couldn't take my true correction as it made me dizzy and nauseous again. Somehow he found the balance between function and comfort. (This was my third eye exam this year, as others weren't able to find this balance. Experience. Experience. Experience!) I have been wearing my glasses and only glasses for the past 3 days. My eyes are enjoying their first vacation free from contact lenses in two decades - and I don't feel dizzy and nauseous for the first time in my life! I also love how I look in my new frames! Anyone who stays in front of computers for long hours, who are concerned about eye fatigue, or who are simply looking for fashion statement opticals/sunglasses, should try out this place!! Seriously!!! read more

I went to this place to change my glasses frame since my old one was broken. The service was decent and efficient. HOWEVER, the price of the glasses frame I bought from them was ridiculously high. I checked the retail price online and it only costed 139 US dollars, but they charged me 230 US dollars, which is 65% more. I will never go to that place anymore, since I believe that a good business man should be honest. read more

Nice location ! My whole family comes here every year. Good service and many selections for frame. Very fast service,normally we pick up our glasses same day and contact lenses. Always happy to come here ! read more

European Optical - Eyewear & Opticians Near Me - New York, New York

Really wish I'd read Yelp reviews before going here. Went in for a routine eye exam with a benefit voucher from work. Several times in the past, I've used the voucher at one place and bought the frames from another. This place held my own benefit voucher hostage until I: a) bought a pair of their ugly and over-priced frames, or b) paid the eye exam out of pocket even though I'm covered. The cost of their eye exam: $70. And they were rude as hell. Stay away from this hole. read more

Dr. Kim and his staff were a pleasure to meet and work with. They are super punctual, attentive and friendly. The appointment was very efficient and Dr. Kim is knowledgeable and professional. His staff even helped me pick out a new pair of frames and were really patient when answering all my questions about insurance. Would recommend! read more

Really fast service. Understood what I wanted and delivered. Dr. Kim was thorough, hence helped me to make an informed decision. Staff were really nice. I felt comfortable from I stepped in the door, through the process to exiting I recommend this practice 100%. Definitely will return in the future. read more

I have been going to dr. Kim for years now. He has been most kind and professional. His staff members are very attentive and kind as well. I recommend this place for someone who is looking for long term relation with a good opthamalogist!! read more

After going through a bizarre and terrible attempt at attaining Rx sunglasses from Penn Optical, I ended up returning everything to them and starting over. European Optical was (second) closest to my work, and has decent reviews, so I figured I'd give them a try. They were helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly, GOT THE JOB DONE RIGHT. My glasses were finished in 4 business days (sooner than they said they would be) and they were made perfectly. They did in 4 days what Penn Optical couldn't do in over a month. Thanks, European Optical! Bonus: Korean grocery next door has weird imported fishy snacks that I like. read more

!!! CAREFUL OF THIS PLACE !!!! Pros (if I have to say) : Lots of eye frame selection, Dr. Kim is good enough. Cons : WILL DO ANYTHING TO RIP YOU OFF. I've bought a pair of soft contact lens. They charged me over $200 for them, and they also said it lasts a year so I need to change after that. YOU KNOW WHAT? THE CONTACT LENS ORIGINALLY COST ABOUT $20 AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY MEANT TO BE CHANGED EVERY 3 MONTHS. WTF? I understand that they gotta rip you off a bit for the service and the rent (esp since it's in the middle of manhattan) but still, even taking those into account, $20 thing can't be $200 with such LIES. It's not only for that contact lens, same thing for a different type of contacts. C'mon, get some conscience. If I didn't contact the manufacturer of the contact lens and get second opinions of them, I would've been wearing that 3-month contact lens for a fucking year. I can't believe this place ripped this much off me over and over and could almost hurt my eyes. read more

This is my new Optometrist. They were so accommodating and nice and their customer service was great. They changed my new prescription lens in ten minutes for me. Can't say enough positive things! read more

The best thing about this place is that they're bi-lingual! English and Korean speakers fully welcome. Wide selection of eyewear, designer frames, and sunglasses. They also have various options for contact lenses & able to order if it's not in stock! Would recommend :). read more

Last year I booked an appointment with Dr.Yoonsung Kim since he seemed mature in qualifications. I spoke with him prior to coming and he adeptly answered me. When I arrived in the Summer of 2015 at Koreatown it was filled with all types of stores,shops and more. Dr.Kim's store was on the lobby level -full of a massive assortment of sunglasses as well as eyeglasses. When I entered I was greeted by a young man whom extended to me a brief questionnaire and he conducted the eye stress test. I waited a while and Dr.Kim ushered me through a corridor and into his office where I sat on the eye exam chair. For several minutes he asked me which augmentation I felt more at ease with when reading the eye chart from afar. I selected one and he released the phoropter for I to walk in the corridors, testing it out and holding it. As I was walking I saw Dr.Kim speaking with two staff members whom were near the basement. I entered back into his office and he was searching for me saying "Where is she?" -to I, it sounded amusing. He helped me dismount the phoropter from my face. Afterwards, he wrote the prescription for my glasses. I already had my eyeglass frame and handed it to them -the young man told me to pick up the eyeglasses "today or tomorrow." When I received my eyeglasses they were perfectly fitted and placed in a sturdy eyeglass case. I never wear eyeglasses while walking for I see well far and near. I also see extremely small letters without eyeglasses. The only time I use eyeglasses is to read letters from afar. Within a year on August 2016, I came back to Dr.Kim and I mentioned to him that I wanted to replace the previous augmentation to a lower one. Dr.Kim has changed his office to another entertaining location. The lady staff member conducted the annual eye exam and then directed me to his office. There, Dr.Kim saluted me anew and he performed the yearly eye exam. He pleasingly told me to place my purse at the coat rack. In addition, he guided me back to the entrance where he wrote on a sheet of paper my prescription. The lady staff inquired me when would it be convenient to pick them up. She even called me by telephone to notify me that they where prepared just in two hours after I left! When I received them, it was as expected. Dr.Yoonsung Kim and his staff are stunning! read more

Seriously, this place is no joke. I don't even wanna give this place a single star. Worst optical place ever I've known to shop. They are rude, and over priced Please, stay away from this place. read more

I've been going to European Optical for many years. My prescription was a few years old, so I went for an eye exam with Dr. Kim - free on my ObamaCare insurance. Dr. Kim's exam was as thorough as it has always been over the years. As I expected, my prescription *had* changed, though not by much. I now have new glasses, expertly and perfectly fitted by Mr. Wong. What a difference! I can see perfectly again, and the glasses are comfortable, stylish and a great fit, as always. I wish I'd gone months ago! You just don't get care and service like this from chain opticians. European Optical is the A-Team! Highly recommended, as always! read more

I previously have had good visits with Dr. Kim for just regular checkups. I came to him about a broken contact in my eye which had been there for 3 days at this point. He told me there was absolutely no way I had a broken contact in my eye any more after taking a look. I told him that this has happened to me before and eye doctors have told me my eyes are rather difficult. He repeated that there was no chance and he had looked everywhere and it couldn't have gone anywhere that he didn't look. This evening, I found an eyelash in my eye and ended up finding the broken contact attached to it. This shows that he was entirely wrong. I actually found him pretty rude and extremely disappointing. I don't plan to see him anymore in the future for checkups after this experience. read more

The location has changed and the space is updated, but the technology and exam process, not so much. Most importantly, their customer service is whack. I got overly excited trying out colored contacts and ordered way too much, several boxes of different colors. They ended up not even being that comfortable. So I came back the following day with my receipt and just one of the boxes (the biggest pack, unopened) to ask for a refund. The assistants/sales rep who was initially handling my request seemed happy to help but unsure of store policies. Then the other rep came over to tell me they would have to ask the owner, and I got a feeling something was off because she was giving me bad vibes. When the owner came out and she explained the situation to him, he also seemed unsure of what to do, as if he was trying to decide whether he should bother giving someone who wasn't a regular customer fair treatment. After a long pause of deliberation, he said "no refund" and didn't even bother with an explanation, just walked off. This place is mediocre at best and they rely on non-natives who are more comfortable speaking their mother tongue for most of their business. Many better options in NYC with more transparent policies! read more

Dr. did a thorough eye exam and I was very comfortable with my new Rx glasses. Best eyewear store ever!! I will never go anywhere else. Looks the largest eyewear shop in Manhattan. They carry the most selections of high end designers. read more

I have been coming here intermittently for the last decade and they always do great work. The staff is very friendly, and help find frames that are stylish and well fit. The optometrist is always very thorough. I recently had to go in and have them complete driver license eye test form. They provided me with that document and a signed copy of my current prescription without hesitation. Great shop. read more

There is something funny going on here. There used to be a review for this optical store by a reviewier, which I found true personally and agreed with - and that is this place is a scam. That review is now gone? In regards to this place, DO NOT ever take their word in terms of pricing if you call for exam costs or any other costs, for that matter. They'll quote you one price, but when you get in and after the exam, they will do the switch-a-roo. They'lll say, "Oh, that is the cost for the exam IF you buy from us..." SO they jack up the price of the exam if you don't AND the best part is, they'll jack up the price of the lenses if you do. So they screw you up the back door either way. If you have VSP or are on some kind of vision program, you'll lose almost all of it on your one trip here. STAY FAR away from this place. And the saddest part is, this place has been around since I was 16. It was where I went with my mom to get my first pair of glasses, and the same optometrist is there. Now, they are just a bunch of money hungry scam artists. Oh yeah, did I mention how they re-use contact lenses used on other people for their fittings? I was interested in trying out a pair of colored contacts, and they gave me a pair to try (not in original manufacturer's pack but from an already open home care lens case), but it burned my eyes and kept catching and wouldn't fit properly. I rubbed because they hurt and stung and kept trying to re-fit them and refit them, at least 4-5 times, until my eyes turned red, and those idiots just stood there watching me the whole time ( a good 15 minutes) and did nothing even though I told them there was something wrong with the lenses. FInally, after both my eyes were bloodshot red and I finally told those cheap, cheating bastards that there really was something wrong with the lenses, they gave me a fresh pack but only after checking EXTRA carefully that there really was something wrong with those disposable lenses made for fittings. God forbid they should care about them BEFORE people try them on?How do I know those contacts had been re-used and worn before. How do I know? They had holes in it. That's why I couldn't fit them comfortably on my eyes. If you want to get Hepatitis, be my guest. This place should be shut down as a public health hazard. read more

Just walked in today, my son and I. He needs glasses for school and I needed an exam for renewing my license. Super fast and efficient! Dr. Oh was nice and knowledgeable. Everyone was friendly! Great service definitely recommended. read more

I really don't understand the negative reviews here.. I've been going to European Optical for years now & absolutely love it here. I travel over an hour via Metro North from my home to come here because I refuse to go to any other optometrist! Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable & is also bilingual; so, if you have any questions or concerns he explains everything step-by-step. Amazing selection of frames - designer or not - that you cannot find anywhere else in the city, and for great prices too! read more

I rarely write reviews, but this place def. deserves one. I have been going here since 1. it's close by my work place 2. it's near my fav. chicken spot.. (: The staff here is extra friendly and attentive, which is important to me when it comes to service industries. I have gotten a couple of exams done here, once a year for an annual check up and another incident where I had a cyst in my eye which was really bothersome. Dr. was able to provide me with caring advice and etc., and it was gone within a week! Also, the best part is that they accept my insurance which is an extra plus +. They recently relocated across the street from Third Flr and Turntable- which is convenient as well- I actually like the layout better than the last location. read more

I have been going here for at least 10 years but probably more than that. For all those years all of the staff (some have gone in and out) have been consistently nice, without pressuring customers to buy anything that the customer didn't come in looking for. They make very honest and practical suggestions if you do need to make new choices for corrective lenses. They try very hard to accommodate my schedule when I call in advance to make an appointment. Dr. Kim also is great. First, whenever I went in to see him, whatever I went in for was resolved. He has prescribed me meds that made weird things on my eyes disappear, he has adjusted the lenses of my glasses to fit my needs (reading a lot at close range), he has recommended specialists when needed. Insurance here was never a problem, even though many insurances are not accepted by everyone. I have had some insurances for which providers were hard to find but this place has always accepted my insurance, whether it was a private one or through school. Lastly, an important aspect: everyone there is very friendly and efficient. Sometimes I will avoid an otherwise excellent business because they are racist or pushy or irrationally rude to me. Their efficiency is great and it makes everything easy and timely. Sometimes I may avoid a place because it takes too long and my schedule sometimes just cannot accommodate a 1.5 to 2 hour chunk of my day. I have never had a long wait problem here. I can go in, take care of my business, then get on with my life. I don't need to suffer the anger of waiting time exceeding the length of the actual meeting with the doctor / interacting with reception. Overall, highly recommended. read more

After four visits to this place, I can honestly say it was a pleasure getting glasses and contacts here. I went here bc it's near my office and accepts my insurance. The first time, I went to try on frames and was slightly put off by how quickly the salesperson dismissed each frame as being too large for my face, without giving me a chance to see for myself. I had a frame in mind that I saw someplace else (which did not accept my insurance) and this was strangely the only place I could find that was able to order a brand they didn't carry. I later returned to have my eyes examined and to get lenses, and the woman who helped me was so incredibly kind and patient with my questions. She helped me figure out the best way to use my insurance to get glasses and contacts. It was unclear how much I could be covered for, and we agreed it seemed like only the frames. But instead of leaving it at that, she discussed it with the doctor and I felt like she was really advocating on my behalf! The optometrist was also very kind and knowledgeable. My glasses were finished the same day! and the man who helped me this time adjusted my glasses exactly after one test fit. Being located in K-town, I thought I might get better service if I was able to speak Korean, which I can't, but I walked out feeling like I got the best service. I am a fan of this place. read more

Yoonsung Kim was very expert clearly in his recommendation, advise and quick exam. Best eye exam!

This place is simply greedy and rude. Overpriced and attitude of sales is really bad. stay away for sure