Dr. Klaahsen is fantastic!! Here's why. It had been about 7 years since my last eye exam and I generally viewed these interactions as transactional until I met her. She explained to me the importance of eye care in a super loving way and walked me through everything she was doing and why. She uses state of the art tech and actually teaches you about your eyes. Dr. Klaahsen really took the time to find the right contacts for me and WHOA...I didn't realize how much I couldn't see anything before! That's a long story BUT the point is that Dr. Klaahsen is a great Doctor. She really cares about her people in a way you don't often get from physicians. The staff is really helpful and inviting when you walk in. I can't recommend Dr. Klaahsen enough! If you don't go to her...switch. It's totally worth it. read more

I had gone to General Optical many years ago and was very satisfied. The staff has changed. I bought glasses and got sunglasses to go with them. In order to put the sunglasses on your must take off your glasses and use both hands. Obviously this cannot be done when you are driving a car. If I had been warned I would not have bought them. Genevieve C. read more

Dr. Klaahsen was the bomb. Smart, kind, helpful; treated me like an adult and seemed to genuinely care about my eyes. Other staff were good and professional. I think this is the best eye doc I've found in the area. read more

Rude! When I read the other reviews, I thought how rude could someone be. Well, I found out. When I inquired what brands of lenses they sold, the receptionist would not tell me. And said that I could not come in to inquire... until I met with their optometrist. Thy may be the best place in the world but I guess I'll never know. read more

Came in off street w recommendations. Cold front desk person (maybe Carlie?) walked me through w/out smiling or face to face. Took my insurance card and explained in some esoteric way how it works here. '20% discount which I wd need to retrieve by reimbursements through my insurance co. I said, I'm sorry, Im an educated man but understood nothing of what u just explained.' She was not happy.Made the appt for 3 weeks out and on way home looked at these Yelp reviews. 50% had my experience! I have an appt w LensCrafters tomorrow. BTW, regarding the excellence of the doctor? If u want a cake from a delicious bakery, but get a jerk on the phone when ordering, u'll go to someplace less elite but more friendly and welcoming. Doctor, if ur the owner, take note and charge. Im driving 30 minutes tomorrow while ur office is a 2 minute walk from my house on Mass Ave.! read more

I broke my glasses recently and bought exact new frames on the internet since I had the model number. I went without an appointment to see about getting the old lenses put into new frames. They couldn't have been more helpful, honest about the risks and fast. An excellent job--minor to them but very important to me. I was very pleased with the speed (I waited) and care they took in such a simple thing. They really couldn't have been nicer, and did a great job with zero fuss... nice for a surprise Friday afternoon walk-in. Ten minutes, in and out. Very positive experience. read more

Very impressed with every staff member here, especially Dr. Klaahsen. She was very thorough with my eye examination and provided me with new answers to some of my questions/concerns. Based on my interactions with her, I can say she is diligent, very knowledgeable, and most importantly, trustworthy. The front office staff was also very patient with me when I was dealing with insurance confusion/issues. I felt welcomed there during my visit and even though my appointment was near closing tie, I never felt pressured to leave. They also sell contact lenses at a competitive price unlike most practices I have been to in the past and for that I was more than happy to buy my year-long supply through them. They also were able to cut my new lenses and fit them into my old frames within a day - something that usually takes a week or more. Bottom Line - I highly recommend this place to anyone looking in the Greater Boston area! read more

Everything about General Optical is excellent! The office is clean, inviting and comfortable. The staff is attentive, welcoming, and expedient. Dr. Klaahsen is exceptional in that she is an expert but also a friendly physician. She took the time to listen to my concerns, do an extensive exam, and provide a wonderful plan to help me establish the best treatment and care for my vision going forth. I am happy that I found her and the staff and appreciative of the eye care at General Optical! If you're looking for a more local and expert provider, Dr. Klaahsen and her team are for you. read more

I've been living in Boston for about 3 years now and have gone to several different eyedoctors and Dr. Klaahsen is the best. I'd consider myself somewhat of a difficult patient, having allergies, dry eyes, astigmatisms in both eyes, and pretty poor vision. But Dr. Klaahsen was really patient and accommodating and able to find me the right set of lenses. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 are that her hours are a bit difficult to schedule appointments for if you work a full time job. read more

While the eye exam itself wasn't bad, and Dr. Klaasen is very efficient, a trait that I appreciate, I had a really odd experience toward the end of my appointment. I asked a lady at the front desk whether my insurance covered glasses. She said that my insurance would not, but that they would offer a 20% discount. She told me to wait while she printed out a sheet of prices for me. She also gave me a ballpark price of ~$200 for the lenses themselves (sans frames). When I got the printout, I realized that the price of ~$200 probably included a bunch of features I didn't need (such as scratch resistant, UV protection, etc), since I generally wear contacts during the day and only wear glasses in the evening at home. I saw that the base price for lenses was $40, with an additional $50 for polycarbonate, which was the only feature I wanted. However, the lady insisted that the glasses would cost $150. Now, I'm no genius when it comes to math, but I know that in no way does 40+50 come to $150. When I asked how she arrived at the figure of $150, she started talking really fast about how the insurance required me to have all of those extra features...even though she told me earlier that my insurance would NOT cover the glasses. Any attempt to tell her that I didn't want any additional features In a final ironic twist, she refused to give me the sheet with the prices as I was leaving, even though she allegedly had it expressly printed out for me. read more

I recently bought a new pair of glasses online, and had to have my pupillary distance measured by an optometrist to ensure that my lenses could be made correctly. Since General Optical is located in my neighborhood, I gave them a call. Both the sales associate and optometrist who helped me were incredibly friendly and helpful. They offered to take these measurements for $20, whereas several other optical shops had told me that would cost $30 or more. I had also received quite a bit of lecturing and rudeness from staff at other shops, who had insisted that buying glasses online was a bad idea. After I had my pupillary distance measured, the sales associate at General Optical told me that once I received my glasses in the mail I could bring them into shop to have them adjusted at no extra cost. I now have a pair of glasses that I love, with accurate lenses and a frame that fits well, and a friendly neighborhood optical shop to tell my friends about! read more

Good lord, I've never been so happy with the service at an optometrist or an eyeglass store (and it's not like they're known for poor service). General Optical caters to you hand and foot and even predict your needs and have them met for you before you even ask for them (ordering extra lenses in your strength/thickness/etc., so that you wouldn't have to wait when you call to have ANOTHER pair of glasses made--now that's SERVICE). Pricing is really competitive for the quality and selection of frames that they carry, and they're just incredibly reasonable in general. What a treat! read more

I have been here twice, in the last 16 months. Both times for check ups, and at least lenses. First I saw Dr. Klaahsen, she was great: friendly professional and answered my questions. My prescription is fairly mild and she made it clear that I *did not* need lenses at that time, but with the regularity I use a computer, it probably was a good idea. They grind their own lenses fit them to frames in house. This is key since you don't have to worry about them sending stuff back and forth to a 3rd party. They order lenses/frames and fit them right there. They have a wide array of frames from most every place. I considered going the less expensive Warby Parker route, and they made it easy if I wanted to. (You always leave with a computer print out copy of your Rx). I decided on a nice pair of frames. (expensive, but I got a name brand) I came back just today, but Dr. Klaahsen was out on maternity leave so I saw her associate, Dr. Pugliese. Dr. Puglisese was very polite and kind as well. He and Dr. Klaahsen clearly have a similar method of doing business. This time, my Rx was stronger. Instead of getting new frames (since they were so new), I opted to just get new lenses which should be in house, within a week or so. They told me it will be about an hour to fit them to the frames... I live nearby so its really simple and easy for me. They take all major CCs, including Amex. Which is nice, since my health care plan doesn't carry much on the vision front. (I opt out of vision care... which I probably should consider next year). No complaints for this great local shop... well, I did dock them 1 star for something minor.... its VERY crowded on Saturdays. As I would expect, but the shop is small... so they wind up running a bit late on appointments (i was about 20 minutes after my scheduled appt), and you trip over other patients. read more

WAAAY too expensive ($500 for new patient exam and rigid gas permeable lenses) and the contacts I got from him are the worst I've EVER had. Won 't be going back. read more

Dr. Klaahsen and the team at General Optical are top notch! I have been a patient of Dr. Klaahsen's for several years, and recently moved about an hour and a half away; however, I still make the trip back to Cambridge to be seen at General Optical because the care is that good. What sets General Optical apart is the expertise, care and attention that Dr. Klaahsen gives to her patients. I have some eye conditions that Dr. Klaahsen has been able to identify, address and if needed, refer me to others for additional treatment. Any time that I have a question, I know that I will get a thoughtful and a thorough response from Dr, Klaahsen. Any time that I have a concern about my eyes, I know that she'll be there to respond and help in any way that she can. Dr. Klaahsen is simply the best eye doctor that I've ever worked with, and I can't speak highly enough of all that she does. The rest of the team at General Optical are also all very professional and wonderful to work with and I have never had any issues or concerns when purchasing glasses or sunglasses through them. I appreciate all that Dr. Klaahsen and her team do, and will keep making the trek up to Cambridge to see them! read more

I called ahead on my one day off and made an appointment for 1:30, and was there on time. In spite of watching at least five employees sitting up front reading, on the phone, etc., no-one spoke to me once I'd filled out the paperwork...and I sat, with my daughter, in the waiting room for 45 MINUTES. (There was ONE other patient in for an eye exam!) Everyone seemed perfectly OK with ignoring us -- the only people waiting in a small shop -- for that whole time, without saying a word. Finally I started asking if I needed to come back another day, since obviously my "appointment" wasn't worth much. Then Dr. Crystal (who did seem very nice) came out and told me that since I didn't have insurance coverage for exams (which I knew and could have told them, but apparently they spent 20+ minutes on the phone with my insurance company without, you know, asking me anything) that the exam would be $110. OK, on the high end, but I would have paid that, especially for good service. But then they told me that, since I wear contacts (and have for years; it's not like I'd need training), it would cost an ADDITIONAL $80. What?! After having waited so long and experienced such poor service I naturally declined to pay this outrageous price and left. Almost as if to add insult to injury, they called me an hour later and offered to make me another appointment...at $20 off. Really? $20? I lost significantly more than that just in time wasted in their waiting room. Go here if you care about a nice doctor, are made of money, and have tons of time to waste in the waiting room...but otherwise, skip it; there are much better places and WAY better prices! (I looked at some of the frames while I was waiting, too...again, WAY overpriced. In some cases twice as expensive as what you can get in *Harvard Square*, for pete's sake.) read more

Horrible. When I was taken into the back area, I thought the person taking me there maybe was an assistant because she did not introduce herself. After I sat down behind the first machine she introduced herself. I found her to be jumpy and seemingly incompetent. The Dr. could not get my contact prescription to be 20/20. I had to call her when I got home and give her the prescription of my current prescription so she could work off that. I only went there to get a new prescription so I could order new contacts because it had been just over a yr. since my last eye exam for contacts. They arrived the next day so I went in that afternoon to pick them up. I found the things she was saying, to herself I guess, to be odd. Never going back. read more

Gorgeous selection of glasses, including rimless styles, both funky and traditional wire and plastic frames, hand-made, multi-layered European imports, and locally-made styles. The staff are patient, helpful, and knowledgeable people. There is a good optometrist located in the back. After visiting them 5 times on my way home from work (I never had very long...) and getting advice about what kind of frames would look good on me, I actually found the frames I wanted somewhere else. General Optical special ordered the frames that I wanted in the color that I wanted, quickly. They are a small, local shop, with very few employees who do multiple duties. It's possible that you may have to wait for a few minutes; but the service is excellent once it's your turn. read more

Really pleasant lovely office. After determining that I didn't have great insurance (ugh) they were still able to perform the exam and provide the prescription that I could fill elsewhere. Very thorough in the description of the issues with my eyes. Although I currently won't be able to go back, I've already referred my boyfriend who is on a different insurance. Keep in mind...there is parking in the back! read more

I've been coming here for the last 2-3 years for both vision exams and glasses/contacts. Dr Klaahsen is great, and so was the guy who covered for her back in 2013-ish. The assistants out front are friendly but a bit scatterbrained. I had some trouble trying to order new lenses, and they kept confusing my current and prior prescriptions...so now I make sure to double check all the measurements. I've also been able to find some darn cute frames here! read more

These folks are incredibly good at what they do. We've been going here for years with the exception of one time when I went to another chain store for glasses, trying to take advantage of a 2-for-1 sale. I have a tricky prescription and I ended up going back to the chain store 3 different times to have the glasses re-done without success. Finally I gave up and went back to General Optical. They got it right the first time. Yesterday I went in to have new lenses made for a pair of glasses. When I got home, I went to file a claim with my insurance company, only to find out GO was not on their preferred provider list, so the lenses wouldn't be covered. I called GO the next day and, even though the lenses had already been processed, they refunded me my money with no hassle. Love these folks for their professionalism and skill. read more

I saw Dr. Klaahsen for a couple of years before I moved to Denver. Dr. Klaahsen and her staff were always welcoming, professional, and personable. I never had to wait long to be seen and never felt rushed during an exam. I used to order my contact lenses online until I realized that her prices were just as reasonable and I get to support a local business. I would definitely recommend Dr. Klaahsen to all of my Boston/Cambridge/Somerville friends. read more

The absolute best opticians! I've been wearing glasses for nearly 75 years and General Optical stands out! I was due for a new prescription when the arm of my titanium Salt frames broke (they were supposed to last forever). I walked into General Optical to look at frames and Diane said she thought they had an arm to replace the one that broke. They did not charge for the repair or the arm. I looked for new frames three times and Diane patiently made suggestions and brought me samples to try. She has a great eye and found the perfect frames. When I got my prescription they filled it and my glasses were ready in just a few days - and over Christmas. The finished glasses are the best workmanship I've seen. I have a strong prescription and the lenses are centered perfectly within the frame, with little protrusion. The staff is terrific. The selection of frames is quite good. They have a range of high quality eyewear, although not the most nigh end. And they are not cheap but also certainly not over-priced. I won't go anywhere else again. read more

This was the best experience I have ever had at an optometrist. Highly recommend. You can schedule very easily online (even as a new patient!), and they are prompt about emailing you back to confirm your appointment. I'm sure you can also call them, but I hate talking to people on the phone... Kylie, who may greet you, is professional, fun, and very nice. My exam with the doctor was quick, pain-free, and thorough. I gave them my insurance information at the beginning of my appointment, and they figured everything out and got me the best services and prices for my coverage. They were knowledgable about the insurance process, and went over all of the details (that I wanted) with me. I needed contacts (easy, the optometrist did all of this with me) and also new glasses. All of the women in the front of the store were kind and helpful. They have an amazing selection of very nice, high-quality frames. The woman who helped me (who has awesome blue frames) showed me a few things, then just let me poke around--she encouraged me to grab as many as I thought I might like and place them on the table. I chose (probably) 13 pairs. Importantly, while I was picking them out, they just left me alone--no comments, no pushing, nothing. It was perfect. The selection process was very fun. We sat down together, she organized the whole pile into categories based on shape and size, and we went through each pair to narrow it down. A few of the other women in the shop also came over to help (upon request, not pushy), which was great. They helped me find a great pair of frames, and knew exactly what I needed for lenses and extras. I got a fantastic price for the frames and lenses. They also knew exactly what my HSA card would accept, so I didn't have to think about reimbursement. They were very clear about billing, timing, and how they would contact me. Bottom line: they take their time with you, they don't push or hustle, they listen to what you want, and they make everything feel easy and fun. This goes for both the doctor's visit and the retail experience. read more

Can't do better -- not if you want perfect vision, fabulous service, out-of-their-way attention. Not only did the Arslanians set the bar very high, but with their new team/owners in place, that bar has been scaled -- and then some. This is one of the very best places in New England for ANY service -- the fact that they help people see their best just makes them also one of the most important places as well. read more

Hate to put a 1 star because the doctor is great. The staff member who answers the phone Carlie is unfortunately the complete opposite. She is incredibly rude and unprofessional. I really hope things will improve because I want to continue coming to see Dr. Klaahsen I have been coming here for many years. It is unfortunate but will choose another provider if things don't improve. read more

Dr. Klaahsen is the best. Corrected an inaccurate prescription a different optometrist gave me 3 months ago and fitted me with contacts that give me excellent vision even though I have a cataract slowly growing in my left eye. read more

Dr. Klaahsen is an awesome doctor yet pretty down-to-earth! Carline and the other staff working at this place are great too, very knowledgeable and cordial. I have made an appointment with them and got all the necessary services on time without any delays or problems. Also, got some tips on my health insurance plan as well. read more

I broke a stem on my antique wire-rimmed frames. It seemed like an impossible fix... when I walked into General Optical. Although they could have made more selling me new frames, they had a great solution. And when I got the call a week later, Dianne had great news. She found a spare stem which fits perfectly, saving me $$$. I could not have been happier. Great customer service! I certainly couldn't ask for more. read more

They were extremely polite and gave me plenty of time to browse with no pressure. However, after looking at the prescription in my glasses they said it would be at least $1200 for a pair of glasses. Yes my prescription is a little complex, but no one ever remotely quoted me a price like this. Needless to say I didn't buy eyeglasses there. read more

Terrific place! Great location & really nice staff! Carline is especially nice to deal with and Dr. Klaahsen is easy to talk to & actually listen's to what you say. She is super thorough and explains all the options available. all in all - great place! read more

I've been searching for a good eye doc in the area for some time now, and I've found her! Dr. Klaahsen is organized, knowledgeable, efficient, and concerned that her patients get the best care possible. I've started to have problems with my near-sightedness, and she put me in bifocal contact lens that have improved my reading ability tremendously without loss in my long distance vision. Highly recommended. read more

I've never written a Yelp review before, but I had an exceptionally good experience here. When I arrived, I was seen without delay. Dr. Klaahsen was patient, highly competent, and took the time to answer all of my questions. The other staff were wonderful as well. What really stood out was after the eye exam when I was considering buying glasses. One of the staff, Diane, was extremely helpful about providing me information about my various lens options, including price points. She was very patient toward my indecision on frames (i was probably deliberating for a good thirty minutes...it's an important fashion decision!) and insisted that there was no pressure to make a decision. I really appreciated this, and I think it reflects on General Optical as a whole: they really have their patients' best interests at heart. Would highly recommend General Optical! read more

I've moved clear to the other end of Somerville and I still won't go anywhere else. Reasons? *Scratched my eye on contacts the night before I was driving seven hours to a wedding, and not only did they talk to me when I called as they were closing, they were there first thing tomorrow morning ready to fit me for frames and grind my lenses so that I could leave as soon as possible. *Decided to get contacts in the first place and had an extremely thorough demonstration of how to put them in. We're talking at least thirty minutes of pure explanation and demonstration. *The entire staff is friendly and seem truly happy to work there. I have never had a bad experience and look forward to any opportunity to go back. They're on Mass Ave right on the 77 line. Check them out! read more

Dr. Klaahsen and the team were so friendly on my first visit! Dr. Klaahsen was personable and warm and I felt very comfortable at her office. The team in the front shop were fun and helpful as I tried on frames after my appointment. I look forward to being back! read more

The high rating on Yelp is fitting. This is as good of an optometrist experience as I've ever had. The staff are all helpful and friendly. The appointment itself was well-paced and thorough. The ability to do online scheduling is excellent. Unlike at other offices, I was not pushed at all to buy frames or to order contacts from their office. In fact, I was not even asked to make an appointment for the next year. They treated me like an adult who can order any needed frames/contacts on my own or ask them about their selections. And they trusted that if I want to have my eyes checked out in a year that I was capable enough to do so. read more

I have been using the services of General Optical since they first opened back in the early 80"s. There frame selection has always been superb. I have had Optometrist's complement the workmanship used in cutting my lenses Ron Arslanian is like a skilled surgeon when it comes to his craft. Leslie, Paul, Diane, & Carla have always been extremely helpful, and the level of knowledge they have of eye fashion is comforting Mark Lidano read more

I can't say enough good things about General Optical. The staff were all super friendly and professional. There was a mix-up about my appointment time, and they worked to get me in as quickly as possible. Dr. Klaahsen and Carline especially were fantastic. I will definitely be returning. read more

Best opticians I've ever encountered, and I've had many. I have difficult eye prescriptions: severe myopia, double vision requiring prisms, require bifocals -- the professionals here guide me knowledgeably in frames that work best, insist on perfect fitting, stand by their service without question. They have an superior variety of very cool frames as well. ast service on eyeglass orders. I've not used their optometrist, have my own eye doc, and I have heard mixed reports on their optometrist. But for eye glasses these folks will not settle for less than excellence. Off street parking in back is helpful. read more

Absolutely the best eye exam and optical experience I've ever had. Dr. Crystal Klaahsen was so nice and thorough - I felt like I was in good hands as she tweaked my prescription (elsewhere I have felt a bit like they just go with whatever seems to be "fine" the first try). I walked out wearing my new contacts and not feeling like getting new glasses/contacts is an ordeal I need to put off anymore! Couldn't be happier. read more