I've been coming to Odyssey for a few years now and can't say enough great things. They're very accommodating with appointments. Opticians are very nice and personable. The operation is nothing like their competitors across the street. They do not try and rip you off. They're patient while you make sure you choose the perfect frames and are very knowledgeable about their products. The styles to choose from are very nice and are always listed at a reasonable price point. Highly recommend! read more

Do yourself a favor and go across the street to Cohen's Optical because their staff is so much more helpful and nicer honestly. Odyssey was rude and unhelpful in my quest. read more

Even though the place looks clean and organized, I feel the service lacks of warmth and welcoming energy to the customers.

This was my worst experience ever with local opticians. Prescription is off and although I brought proof comparing their lenses with older lenses that I could see better with, they refused to accept the evidence. They could have just remeasured my eyes. They did not use my Eyemed coverage despite my presenting the card on first visit. They claimed a misunderstanding. They couldn't create a detailed itemized bill despite my bringing an example. After multiple visits I cannot recommend this business. Stay away from this place. read more

This was my first visit based on the recommendations of friends and family. What a smart choice. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Dr. Hope was very nice. Friendly, and gave a very thorough exam. My glasses came out great. I highly recommend Odessey Optical.​ read more

Very fast service. Very friendly. Super professional. I needed sunglasses resized and they didn't charge me. I am definitely going there for any future needs. Great selection. read more

I've been going to Odyssey for a few years now and I'm always satisfied with their service. Denise at the counter was very patient with helping me find the best prices through my insurance and she also recommended a great pair of frames that suited me perfectly. read more

My mom glaases broke and I had a pair lying around so I gave them to her... she took her glasses to odyssey to be fixed and they put her lenses in... The glasses ended up heavy on her nose so she went to have the lens changed... After breaking the glasses and telling her "oops, sorry but you know we aren't aren't responsible because you didn't buy the glasses here" , they told her they would look for the same glasses and sell them to her for a good price... You may not be responsible but that clause should technically nullified when you do work on the glasses and have to get them fixed again... I'm starting to agree with the other complaints that glasses break in their hands when not bought there.. I never had this issue at dr. Fokas or Dr. Schreiber.. She will not be stepping foot back there..so many better places to choose from that treat you well regardless of where you buy your frames from... read more

Diversity training!!! When I walked you can feel they were on edge . I'm a black male and they were very uncomfortable. I will not return there nor would would I recommend anyone who looks like me to go there. read more

Highly recommend. I've been to a few eye glass places in the area since moving here a few years ago, and am glad to have finally found Odyssey a few months back. I've gotten contacts, and two pairs of glasses here. The ladies in there are always extremely nice, and have made it an easy experience every time I've been in there. read more

Great staff here. Service was prompt and they don't try to force you to buy anything you don't want.

Worst place ever. They can't seem to get anything right but sure knows how to upsell. The sales manager had talked me into getting an expensive pair of glasses and lenses after she butted into the conversation I was having with the frames sales person. The lens manufacturing office in the back made the glasses and when I came for the fitting, the focus, PD, and prescription were all wrong. Sales got the PD wrong-the one who had measured me on the machines and another assisted me with frames. Instead of graciously redoing the glasses, the sales team conferred with each other out loud and acted like they were upset and didn't know what to do. After they consulted the manager, I went in for another eye exam. The glasses were remade and I returned for my second fitting. I tried to explain to the PD measurer/sales person the vision still felt off especially, when you look to the side and down. The PD/sales person tried to say it's because the lenses were wide and it's natural for it to look off if you direct your vision anywhere besides the middle. I told her the left side pinched and hurt my ears. She tried bending the handle but it did not help. She claimed the frames are new and I would have to give it time for them to adjust to my wide face. Fine, I accepted her excuses and I went home unhappy with my $300 glasses. But they continued to hurt my ears and give me headaches. It was the "off vision/middle areas" and the left handle so I returned and saw the manager. This time, the petite sales manager with the shoulder length brown hair and glasses fiddled with my frames and it got worse. Finally, she told me to heat the frames with a hairdryer and to bend them myself at home! What kind of glasses professional says that to a customer or cannot bend frames correctly? I have never met anyone who worked at a optical store who didn't know how to bend frames. Everyone here at this location is incompetent. Stay away from this place. All they know how to do is upsell. In the end, I had $300 pair is glasses I couldn't use. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worse enemy. It made me think all local Astoria opticals are inexperience, half ass, and not worth the time or money. read more

I had a very good, professional experience, and recommend this place. I was so pleased with my whole experience that I told them I will buy contacts exclusively through them as opposed to trying to find a better deal online. They did such a good job that they earned my money for contacts, even if it is more expensive to buy at a local business. In short: UFT-Welfare Insurance - if you're a NYC DOE teacher, they take our insurance. Make sure you get your voucher from the UFT before going in. I was worried about this part but it was super easy--they took care of everything. 1-day turn around on ordering new frames, lens, or contact lenses. Approximately 30-minute way to get my lens cut and put into my new frames. I chose this place based on previous Yelp reviews, and because I've heard not-so-great things about other optometrist offices on 31st St. in Astoria. A stone's throw away from the NW stop at Astoria-Ditmars. I had a great eye exam with Dr. Lee, who was very informative and made sure I understood why my vision was the way it was. She was really nice. I got great attention from multiple women behind the counter when I was looking at frames, but especially from Denise who ended up helping me the most. She was able to order me my favorite frames in a different color, and got them the next day. At the same time, she ordered my polycarbonate lenses so I could walk away from them tomorrow with my new pair of glasses. Dr. Lee also sent me home with a 5-day trial of daily contacts to make sure I liked them before buying them, which was very thoughtful. read more

I've been here a dozen times with my grandmother to order her new eyeglasses and to get her eye exams. This past visit left a weird taste in my mouth. She had her exam and was looking to find frames that she liked for reading. We looked at half a dozen frames for reading when the salesperson helping us said "it's not that big of a deal, they're reading glasses". Hmmm, what?! We are supposed to choose frames that we don't like and pay for them and then have her wear them because " it's not that big of a deal"? Riiiiiiiiiight. Gotcha. Thanks for your advice. But we're gonna go ahead and pick frames that she is going to like being seen in. What an odd comment. Especially considering that we were the only people in there. read more

This place COULD be great; however, the staff can be very snobby and useless. Some of them can be nice from time to time. Even the optometrist can come off as bitchy sometimes (the blond lady, I think she might be the owner). The Asian optometrist is actually quite nice! I've been coming here since 2006. Why do I keep coming to this place? It's because the eye exams are dirt cheap. It's like $40 to $50 for the annual exam and they sell clear a pair of clear contacts for $10 (for my emergency needs!). I don't really buy contacts here because they're overpriced. I buy them online and it's still much cheaper with shipping and everything etc. I asked the girl on the phone why they overpriced a box of contacts for over $15 and her response was "Well we have to pay rent". Obviously, she has no customer service skills and lacks professionalism. Another time, I asked to have my prescription faxed and the girl said "I see here that I already faxed it to you" and I replied "Yes, four months ago. I lost it and this is why I'm asking you to fax my prescription". Was she planning on refusing to fax my prescription?? Sometimes, I feel like they don't have a brain. Grrr. They usually hang up the phone before you're even done speaking to them. They don't even ask you to see if there is anything else you need. Another incident that just recently happened---I needed a pair of clear contacts (they sell them for $10) because my internet order was on its way and my contacts broke. I hand out my debit card to the girl, and she says "Oh sorry we don't take cards" in a rude tone, the older lady next to her corrected her and said "We have a $20 minimum". I said "Ok then sell me two pairs". The young girl just started at me dumb founded and the other lady quickly moved to find me another pair. This place has a lot of potential. It's sad that they don't really care about keeping customers happy. They would probably have more business. read more

Odyssey is one of the last old world optical places in Astoria. Unlike the chain stores like Cohen, Odyssey has a family feel and quick, awesome service! You feel like they are there for you not your insurance $$ especially since I do not have insurance! The last time I went in for glasses I was still able to afford an excellent pair (under $200 with 2 different lenses) and my favorite brand of contacts which you can even order month to month! They gave me an eye exam ($30 with samples and a glasses and contact prescription) with almost no wait and I walked in! Yeah Odyssey! read more

Odyssey did an excellent job fitting new lenses into my vintage frames. The price was incredible and service remarkably efficient! I'll admit, I wasn't here for optical correction...only clear "vanity" lenses. Regardless, everyone thinks I *actually* wear glasses, and that means the world to me. read more

I went to Odyssey Optical for new contacts because my insurance changed. I had previously gone to Vision Essential (AMAZING!), and the positive Yelp reviews gave me high hopes for Odyssey. Oy! Were they ever terrible! There were a bunch of women hanging around both times I went. Most of them ignored the customers while they chatted to each other in Greek and played on their phones. Only one girl seemed to be helping any customers. Also, the majority of the office was DIRTY, with dust and grime everywhere. I was so grossed out! The only saving grace of this place was the eye doctor. Dr. Susana Lee was VERY helpful! She took her time with me, is obviously very knowledgeable, and demonstrates an excellent bedside manner. Also, her examination room is clean, unlike the rest of the office! The office itself gets 0 stars. Dr. Lee gets 5! Overall - 2 stars, only because Dr. Lee was great. Nevertheless, I will not be returning. read more

Heres the good: They do provide cheap eye exams, and everybody in there is nice and very pleasant while you are there. Heres the bad: unless you buy their overpriced contacts or glasses they are completely unhelpful after the exam. They refuse to verify prescriptions over the phone if you try to order contacts elsewhere, and will not even bother to return calls by other companies. Even in emergencies they are unhelpful. Once when my girlfriend and I were on vacation in Florida, she lost a contact and had to try to get another pair at the only place that was open - the Walmart eye center. Of course she didn't have her prescription with her, and when the optometrist at Walmart called Odyssey to get her information, Odyssey flat out refused to give it to her. The lady at Walmart was shocked at how rude they were. Long story short - I will be going to a real optometrist next time. read more

It was my 4 year old daughter's first eye exam and it was not impressive to say the least. The most perplexing thing is that there are at least 6 or 7 young girls behind the counter and yet none of them can help the customers. I'm not sure what they are doing there except hanging out and being ornamental. Only one of the girls seemed to be able to help with things- unfortunately she was a mouthy know it all who was too good to help out unless it was on her time frame, and then she rolled her eyes and made underhanded remarks. The only adult who appeared to work there was an Asian woman who did the exam and she seemed exhausted by the lack of help she had and unfortunately she seemed too tired to be even the slightest level of friendly. At the end of everything all we knew was that possibly my daughter has a weaker right eye- but nothing is certain, no prescription is possible, and the test was non-conclusive. What a whole lot of weirdness that seems to surround and breed her in NYC. Since there's so many people here, weird businesses are able to survive because the clientele just doesn't know what kind of treat they are in for. read more

Disappointed after my last visit. They were unable to honor my appointment time, even though I had booked weeks in advance. When I arrived the receptionist informed me that it would be between 45-60 minutes after my reserved time until I would be seen by the doctor. When I asked why my appointment time wasn't being honored, I was promptly moved to the front of the queue, much to to the dismay of the other patients around me, waiting patiently. When one of them - who had been waiting much longer than me - got up and complained, a manager approached me and asked me, very politely, if I would be okay letting the other woman go first. I told them I did mind, since I had an appointment, but I didn't want to penalize that other nice woman, so I told them I would simply take my business elsewhere. Bottom line: the people are nice, but the place is disorganized. Don't expect to be seen quickly or on your schedule; you are at the mercy of whoever complains the loudest. read more

I've been getting glasses for 20 years and this place really is the best. Dr. Hope is quick, super friendly and talkative, and she has a great bedside (chair-side?) manner that puts anyone at ease, especially if you're not great with things in your eyes. The staff are friendly, helpful and good at picking out frames that are both to your taste and that suit you. They're also great for contacts. I'm utterly hopeless at getting them in and out, and they were super patient at teaching me (for two hours the first time, no exaggeration). Also it's a small local business and not a big corporate chain. Definitely worthy of your business. read more

My company provides VSP signature insurance, and Odyssey Optical is only few blocks away from my apartment. I had my first visit to eye doctor in two years and it was a pleasure. Staff were welcoming and helping me select frames and compare prices. Dr. Lee was very professional. Since my vision was pretty stablized, she advised me to stay with my old eye glasses and get an additional pair of prescription sunglasses . Pricing is hard to beat. $57 including copay, eye exam, and a pair of Ray Ban original Wayfarer. What can I say? read more

Went in today and was seen right away. Everyone was so nice and helpful. And all the girls were amazing with helping me pick out frames! I hate going to the eye doctors but Odyssey was such a great place. I will definitely be going here for all my eye car needs! read more

Besides the cheap price for eye exams, they have the kindest staff. When I was picking out frames for my new glasses, the girl who was helping me was very patient with me. I have nothing but good to say about this place. I used my eye insurance so my glasses had to be made in a lab. As soon as my glasses came in, they called me and let me know. When I arrived to pick up the glasses, the place was packed! I guess business is starting to pick up. Even tho the place was a little hectic, I was able to pick up my glasses in a matter of minutes! Will definitely recommend to to other people. read more

Oh, Odyssey...your customer service is so so good, but your paper filing system is not. I've gone to them them for years - from eye exams to contact lens refills to new lenses for my glasses and sunglasses - and their courtesy and prices can't be beat. They offer free glasses adjustment and screw tightening/replacement for life, which has kept many frames in rotation long after I would have otherwise given up on them. However, the headache begins when they start looking for my "file", which is a bundle of small cards and papers stuffed into a drawer reminiscent of an old library's card catalogue. There's a reason libraries went digital a couple decades ago. On a couple occasions my papers went missing, only to pop up a couple months later. Thankfully, I had taken a photo of the prescription their in-house eye doctor had written out for me. But really - they shouldn't be relying on customers to keep track of their own records. This is my only complaint. The service is impeccable, the frames selection is unique, and I am so glad to give a local spot my business. They just need to get into the 21st century, and they'll be perfect! read more

I was so impressed with this place! The staff is very friendly, helpful, and downright useful. I walked in (no appointment) and immediately was seen for the eye exam and fitting. The optometrist was great! She made me feel right at ease. She explained that the contacts I'd been wearing for the past 15 years were being discontinued and recommended a new type. Though I was very nervous about switching things up, she knew what she was talking about! These are actually more comfortable than what I had been used to. The staff then helped me pick out frames. I was handed different ones to try left and right. I never had to ask "can I see these". Clearly they've done this a lot before, because they handed me so many that were great for my face, I had a really tough time narrowing it down. Then I flaked out. I balked at spending the extra $ on glasses when I already had contacts. They were still cool even though I sort of wasted their time... I say "sort of" because I returned a week later and bought them!! I just couldn't get those frames off my mind (as dorky as it sounds), I've been wearing glasses for 20 years and I've never liked a pair of frames like I do these. I would recommend them to anyone. And like other reviewers mention, the "competition" across the street pales in comparison. They couldn't keep me in the store 5 minutes before I ducked across the street to check out Odyssey. Glad I did!! Rock on Odyssey. Keep up the great work, service, products... read more

The customer service here is absolutely superb. I needed a new pair of glasses, and I had several big obstacles. My prescription is high, meaning THICK lenses that limit my options for frames when it comes to comfort. Plus, my head's a bit on the wide side, so that further cuts down my options. Still, I wanted something stylish! The women of Odyssey Optical were tireless in helping me find the frames that were right for me. They even popped open a just delivered box to show me those frames. They ran through what my insurance would cover, and allowed me to compare costs between different frames and lenses. Then there was a problem. The glasses came and were too heavy for my face. (DAMN YOU COKE-BOTTLE LENSES!) I went back and they assured me that I could exchange them for a pair that'd be more wearable. And with what we'd learned with the lenses limitations, we found a new pair of frames that I actually liked better! Every step of the way they were supportive and friendly, and made what can be a very stressful task easy and even fun! (If you want a frank opinion, ask Denise. I loved her no-nonsense style of "those don't suit your face, THESE do!") There's a lot of optometrists in this neighborhood. I've been to THREE of them. But once I experienced the customer service and dedication of the women at Odyssey, I'm going nowhere else. read more

I love Odyssey Optical. I worked there when I was 15 years old when it was owned by Mr. P and Doc Strom. It's now 35 years later and I still go back there from Long Island, even though I moved from Astoria over 22 years ago. Naturally, no one that I worked with back then is still there, but it doesn't matter. They know you as a long time customer and they give you a little break on the price. Now there's Dr. McGovern and Dr. Lee -- both great eye doctors. They always go the extra mile to make sure you get what's best for your eyes. While the girls are mostly just young girls, all you need to do is stop one and they will help you. read more

Dr. Susana Lee is awesome! I hadn't had an eye exam for over 5 years (and never at Odyssey, but I've purchased glasses there before) and Dr. Lee was extremely thorough in her exam. She was also careful to explain everything she was doing during the exam, including inquiring about my family history - if there was any history of eye disease so she could check for early signs. I arrived about 30 minutes early for my exam and one of the girls helped me pick out new frames and did all the measurements for new glasses before I even sat down for my exam. I happen to have chosen a rather pricey designer frame - my face is difficult to fit - but their prices are great. They also weren't pushing me to get the more expensive frames when I narrowed it down to two, which I appreciated. Go here for the exceptional Dr. Lee and for honest help in choosing new frames. read more

The staff, especially Denise, is WONDERFUL. Everyone I've interacted with has been friendly, efficient, and incredibly helpful. I purchased a year's supply of contact lenses from Odyssey today. When Denise was bagging my items, I inquired about a cleansing solution that she had recommended, and at the end of our chat she added it to my bag at no cost! She's the bestest. read more

I went out of my way to create a Yelp account just so I can comment on how disappointing my experience at Odyssey Optical was. First off, I have been a loyal customer to Odyssey Optical for well over 10 years old, even recommended them to a few people. Every year I go in for an eye exam and they're usually very helpful. The last two visits have really been disappointing. Although my experience last year wasn't the best, I decided to go ahead and give them another chance. The doctor is extremely sweet and informative (which is another reason as to why I chose to go back.) But, the women working at the counter are extremely rude! Not only do they complain about their co-workers who are not working, but they make rude comments to customers that call. I for one felt very uncomfortable when I had to choose my glasses. All the glasses that were given to me were well over $200. After asking for cheaper frames, I was given an attitude by the women helping me. During my experience I also witness the same women helping me, complaining about another customer in Greek (a language in which I understand very well.) I understand everyone has an opinion, but talking about customers and co-workers in front of customers is very rude, and embarrassing. I do not think I will be going back there for my annual next year. read more

My family utilized Odyssey for the very first time and it was a great experience! They were friendly, professional, patient, and not pushy about upgrades. I also want to specifically emphasize that they are a great use of UFT vision benefits. They actually stick to the rates listed for UFT members and while they do suggest and explain certain upgrades (and the associated fees) when applicable, they do not put undue pressure on you to do so. This was a far cry from another neighborhood optical store I used- I had thought my vision benefits were close to useless from my previous experience at the other store but Odyssey showed me that my UFT benefits are actually a good value! Their frame prices and the fees for any upgrades are also reasonable. Fellow UFT members, just remember to bring your vision voucher! Odyssey's stellar service has just guaranteed us as repeat customers! read more

I started coming here since I was around 6 years old and 20 years later I still went to the same optometrist. I remember when I was around 10, my mom mentioned I had headaches to the doctor when she was examining my eyes. The doctor, blonde hair, said I should go to a primary care provider for that. I could've even pieced that the headaches were caused my eye strain for periods of time. I dismissed it and trusted they knew what they were doing. Fast forward to covid-19 status, my eyeglasses broke and needed to get my prescription. It's understandable that the business has closed, but they couldn't even transfer their business phone number or phone at all? They are a pen and paper kind of business but at least take the cabinet of files with patients information with you so that way if a patient calls you up and says they need to order contacts, you can still make money and keep the customer happy. I switched over to a new eye doctor, still in Astoria, who took social distancing precautions and fitted me for new eyeglasses, he even told me the lenses were under warranty for a year if I scratched them, never heard that from Odyssey optical. So make the change, talking directly to the business owner and customers if you are in dire need of glasses. read more

This place was wonderful. They were very communicative and helpful and if I wasn't moving out of state I would go there for all my eye services! Highly recommend this business :) read more

The optometrist is very condescending and talks over you. She's pretty transactional and does small talk because she has to. You can tell by the tone of her voice. The turnaround time on the glasses is average. Some of the staff is very nice to talk to, others just stare at you wondering what you're doing when clearly you are there to get your eyes checked/get glasses. Duh! Definitely gonna go to another optometrist even thought it's more out of the way. read more

Went back today after a few weeks away and walked in to hear "Hello, Mr. Xxxxxxx." That's exactly why I keep going back. Wonderful, attentive service and a place where they remember your name. Customer for life. read more

Fantastic ALWAYS!!!! Great service every year! Love my designer frames!!!! Been coming here for years and they always treat me and my father great!!!! read more

I have gotten glasses here twice and have been gravely disappointed. They didn't replace the nose pads on my glasses when I had the lenses replaced. Shouldn't that be standard practice? When I asked the owner about it she was rude and wanted to charge me. After I got upset she did it for free. A few months later the lenses started falling out of the frames. After my experience I fixed it myself and just waited to replace them somewhere else. The other staff who waited on me here seemed rude and self involved. All I can say is never ever again and I can't imagine how they're still in business after all of these years. read more

I live in the neighborhood and pass by this place every day, but didn't realize it existed till I looked on Yelp to see what optical stores where in the area. What a pleasant surprise. It has a very local, mom and pop feel about it and everyone there is super nice and helpful. I had my eye exam for $50 and the O.D. on staff is helpful, thoughtful, and informative. The "store" part is staffed by like 6 young girls (so many!) so there's no lack of customer service. Perhaps because I went on a Saturday. The eyeglass selection is just so-so, I will probably opt to buy my frames in the city but for a local optician, this is a great option and very reasonable cost for an eye exam, especially given the level of care and treatment. I love supporting local places, and this makes the neighborhood that much more special. read more