Do not go here unless you have a solid prescription and brand that simply needs to be renewed, even then I'd advise staying away. First off I was incorrectly sized for my contacts and ended up suffering extreme agitation after a couple days. No problem right? Just exchange the box for a correct set? No, I was informed that they would not take the box back since I had opened it, even though they were at fault in the situation. I've had this exact scenario happen at other optometrists with no issue so I couldn't believe it. I ended up just renewing a set from my previous optometrist rather than pay Union Square twice for their mistake. In addition to the above gripe, their in house optometrists make no effort to hide the fact they are attempt to just rush through as many customers as possible. They constantly asked me for my prior strength and brand despite the fact that I said my current brand was agitating me. To say they were disappointed they couldn't just renew my prescription and send me on my way is an understatement. read more

Hmmmm, very mixed reviews from others from what I can see. I went to two other eye examination offices before coming here and was extremely happy with their service. Dr. Chim was direct and to the point during the exam, and she really listened when I told her that the last two places kept prescribing contact lenses that felt "off" to me and I couldn't figure out why. Well, lucky for me, she had the expertise to figure out the issue which was immediately corrected with the prescription she recommended. I am so happy to have found a place that really listened and makes me feel confident I have the exact prescription that I want!! read more

As my company filed for bankruptcy, I panicked and made an eye appointment before my vision insurance expired. Historically I have gone to Lens Crafters but they are not included in my new vision insurance. While I was impressed with the selection of designer frames, the prices were about $100 more than similar frames (e.g. Prada) at Lens Crafters. It took about a month for me to get my frames and lenses correctly fit after several attempts, which the people at Union Square Optical blamed on my insurance company. The eye exam was not very thorough compared to others I have had. Overall, they have a nice selection of frames and a patient staff, but the eye exam was perfunctory at best and it took far too long to get my frames and glasses finished. Next time I may just use my vision insurance for contacts and buy my glasses at Lens Crafters. read more

I found the perfect frames here. They looked great on me and felt great on my face. They were expensive, but substantially discounted. I was there on the last day of a huge sale. However, the guy helping out was a complete and utter jerk. Not just rude in a way some harried shop workers can be, but actively and persistently antagonistic, to me, my friend, other customers, and even fellow employees. Instead of buying the frames there, I made a note of the brand, style and color, and emailed the folks at Zero G Eyewear, who happily sent me a list of other retailers who carry their frames. read more

I avoided getting glasses for as long as I could, but eventually I caved. My vision plan covers only the shops that way overcharge for frames, including this one. I can't blame Union Sq. Optical for that specifically, it's just the shady business of vision insurance. My optometrist was great, and very nice, but regrettably I can't remember her name. However, I do remember Angela, who helped me pick out my glasses, officially proving herself the most patient person in the UNIVERSE. I took forEVER to choose, but I'm really happy with the pair I got. If you're worried about crappy service, ask when she'll be around. She helped me out by first picking out a range of styles, even suggesting a few that I wouldn't have tried on my own. Then she watched while I tried them all on to narrow the selection and eventually make my choice. I should add that I came to Union Sq. Optical because another friend of mine liked it here, again because of Angela's help. Ask for a raise, girl! read more

A wonderfully seamless experience. Everyone is nice and about business, no upselling, no rushing. I trust them and I highly recommend them.

I'm so surprised that Union Square Optical has such a low Yelp star rating! I've been nothing but pleased with my experience here. Fast and easy to book an appointment, which itself was fast and easy. Reordering contacts has been so effortless, too. Just a matter of calling and speaking to one of the helpful staff members for a grand total of 20 seconds. (Bonus: ran out of contacts before my reorder came through once. The sales associate there was kind enough to hook me up with a few days of my dailies brand to hold me over. THAT is some four-eyes serendipity.) I've needed to get my prescription for lenses and contacts on separate occasions. Both times, staff have been more than happy to oblige and I've received the prescription in an email not 5 minutes after getting off the phone. Can't get any more convenient than that. read more

I had an incorrect eye prescription from the optometrist Louis Sarantakos and was advised to go see him again to make adjustments. Instead of providing any help or advice, he simply refused to see me for a follow up visit despite the office confirming my appointment. This is very unprofessional and rude. Also, it was a total waste of a morning! Please think twice before you go to see this optometrist at USQ Optical. read more

The eye appointment I had here was easy breezy, and compared to other exams, painless. That's not to say that they weren't thorough. On the contrary, I think I came away from my appointment with a better sense of the right prescription for me. I haven't been to the optometrist in a while--and with good reason: my prescription is very weak and it doesn't change much--but my doctor (sorry, I forget her name) was very patient and knowledgeable. I've had doctors before who made me feel awful about choosing 1 or 2, A or B, etc. etc. As a testament to how long it's been since I've had an eye exam: I had no idea there was a new way to test for glaucoma. Give me that air pump ANY DAY over eye drops. So much easier, as I am notoriously terrible with eye drops. My appointment was during work so I didn't peruse the actual eyeglass options. From what I gleamed they looked nice. I'll probably return for my actual frames, but one thing that looked annoying was that all the frames are in glass cases, meaning a staff member will have to assist you the entire time, when I would rather freely try on glasses. NBD though! I'm also warmed by the fact that my insurance is great and I didn't pay a single penny for the exam. read more

Bah. They had a nice selection of frames, but they don't take a lot of insurances. Oh well, time to go elsewhere. read more

I had to double check that I had the right place when I saw the current 2 1/2 star rating. My experience with Union Square Optical has been pretty positive. Sucks that so many seem to have issues with it for various reasons. Staff is ultra helpful and enthusiastic. Frame choices are great--have a little bit of everything from trendy to classic. Eye exam seemed thorough. I can't say many bad things. I've purchased two pairs of glasses here in the past few years and it's always been pretty smooth for me. read more

I've been coming to Union Square Optical since I started wearing glasses about 12 years ago. Like many newbies vanity was a definite concern. I mean why hide my hazel googly eyes behind some ugly specs. "I don't want to look like grandma". "Do I have to wear bifocals?" Luckily for me I have a slight prescription (.75) and can still read without aid for now. So back to vanity. Yes it took me about 2 hours to find the very first pair I wanted. The sales person was so patient I could not believe it. And I had a generous vision plan so it was a nice to be handled so well. Within a year I was back for another pair. Over the years I've bought prescription sunglasses and have moved on to transitions. They are so cool. One pair that gets dark in the sun. Who knew!??? Yes, they've been around for decades but I swore by now I'd had laser surgery. Alas I am still too chicken. I even started having my eyes examined here. There's an old familiarity with this place that I enjoy. I can take as long as I want to find a pair I love. And they have a great variety of all the high end frames. Oo la la is my newest find. But I also love Kata frames and Ferragamo. Overall how wonderful does buying glasses have to be. I mean its worse at the DMV. Seriously folks. And they do talk walk-ins but prefer appointments. read more

I've been a customer of Union Square Optical for several years and I've always had a good experience. I've had my eyes examined here several times and the doctor was always knowledgable and friendly. The staff is also very helpful and friendly. I also order my once daily contacts from here and have never had an issue. If I ever run out of my daily lenses before my order comes in, they always give me a couple of spare contact lenses, which has saved me a few times! The location is also very convenient. read more

Last weekend, I was looking for some new prescription sunglasses, so I stopped in this place as a walk-by. I was immediately greeted by the guy behind the counter. Most of the sunglasses were displayed on the wall behind the counter. They had a nice selection of designer frames. The salesman was very attentive and helped me the whole time. He even helped me get an idea of how much they would cost after my insurance was applied. Within 10 minutes, I had selected a pair of Chanel frames that I liked. I handed him my prescription and my insurance information. After looking up my insurance, he then went over pricing options. Everything ended up costing quite a bit less than he had originally quoted (always a plus!) He then said it would be about 5-7 business days before they would be ready. This Saturday, I was in the area again and decided to check in, just in case they were ready. At this point it had been 5 business days. The same salesman that I worked with before went to the back and told me they had JUST come in. Lucky me! They were perfect. I definitely had a good experience here. read more

I've been going here for a couple years now. My main reason is for their great selection of Chanel glasses. It's one of the few places in the city with a large selection of Chanel eyewear and they take my insurance (vsp), so my glasses end up costing me considerably less. They also carry other designers, Oliver peoples, lindemans. The staff and doctors are also very nice. They are willing to be patient with you while you try on all the glasses with no sales pressure at all. There maybe one person there who gives attitude but I just avoid her. The turnaround time is also very good. Usually you can get your glasses in a week. I've custom ordered a pair and it took less than two weeks to get them. read more

FIVE MINUTES LATE?? No appointment . The doctors cancel your appointment if you are more than 5 minutes late. I suppose being a new customer means nothing and the fact that we live in NY!!! Things happen. They don't care. Not the place to go for consideration or any flexibility..... smh read more

Wonderful and convenient optical shop with great service, nicely curated eyeglass selection and *excellent* optometrists and eye exams. While Union Square Optical has been a neighborhood fixture for years, it has a clean and modern design. I have always found the service to be excellent, so the negative reviews on that aspect are strange to me. However, many of the reviews cite the excellent optometrists, and on that I completely agree. The eye exams are thorough, efficient, state-of-the-art, and very comfortable. Really, I have been getting exams here and buying my eyeglasses and contact lenses for years, and it has been always a great place for me. read more

I've always had a great experience with Union Square Optical and have been getting my eyes tested here for 4 years. The only downside was they were little to no help suggesting a doctor when an issue arose that couldn't be taken care of in their office. read more

This is the best optical we have been too. They go out of their way to make sure you have the best customer experience!

My first experience at USO was on my way out of town... While riding in a cab to the airport I broke my glasses... With little time to spare... The cabbie pulled over at the first eye glass shop available... That was Union Square Optical... So I went in and explained my situation to the first person available... Marc... who still works at USO... Without hesitation... and with great care and skill... Marc repaired my glasses FREE OF CHARGE... and I was able to enjoy the sights of my vacation... that was some five years ago... I continue to enjoy great service from the entire staff... Now me and my family have all of eye care needs satisfied at Union Square Optical... eTRm read more

I had a horrible experience with Union Square Optical today. First and foremost they have no idea how to deal with people and have zero customer service skills. Their head Dr. Does not dilate one's eyes and the exam was not very long and I have no idea if I was even given the correct prescription or not. All in all the Dr was ok not good and I would never go back and send my friends their If you go t heir do NOT work with ANGIE she was VERY RUDE and obnoxious. She did not explain what my insurance covered and all she was trying to do was push very expensive glasses down my throat. I got so mad I ended up leaving and going to Cohen's fashion optical across the street. Their staff was very friendly and very accommodating. An even better my glasses will be ready by the end of the day NOT in ten DAYS. Repeat after me, NEVER go to UNION SQUARE OPTICAL read more

Since i was 5 i've been going to eye doctors, This was my far my best experience, I went for an exam, and frames. I luckily ended up getting the last day of a sale & all questions were answered. The rep i dealt with knew every product in the cases and even build quality data. I was very impressed. The eye doctor also explained things that others haven't and was very professional as well. Most eye experiences are very cold and to the point but not there. Needless to say I will be a customer going forward! Also on a side note, their window displays are ALWAYS top notch and is what actually drew me into the store!!!! read more

I've dealt with many optical providers over my lifetime and I can't tell you would extraordinary the service and people are at Union Square Optical. They were responsive, very professional, friendly, honest, efficient and overly accommodating. Their exam prices are reasonable, they have long operating hours, and they honor many insurance programs. My first truly pleasurable experience dealing with an optical outfit for an exam and prescriptions. Don't change a thing. read more

I'm really glad I found out about Union Square Optical through my insurance provider. I was very pleased with the level of customer service and I felt super comfortable here. The doctor was thorough and patient with me throughout the eye exam. I'm making the transition from glasses to contacts and the doctor took her time to find the perfect fit for me. The staff made sure I didn't leave until I put my contacts in right! I've tried contacts twice before at other places and they weren't as helpful and attentive as they are here. I went for a follow-up appointment recently and the doctor was again very thorough and invested in helping my adjustment to contacts. This is a great place! read more

You know the typical: Fast, good, cheap... that you can't have all three but only two??? Well these guys manage to do all three of another triangle, SLOW, BAD and EXPENSIVE. I've given them so many chances and they keep screwing up, then they're apologetic, but don't offer any fix. Cracked frames, bad lenses, long lead times, poor quality. Save yourself both time money and frustration and go somewhere else. I wish I had. ALSO, please take a moment to read all the fake five star reviews on this page! hahah NICE ONE MARK!!! read more

I had great experience there. Everybody there seem to have welcomed me. Great selection of glasses. I only wish it wasn't by appt. only.

Staff/Doctor is fine. What really irked me is they refused to give me my prescription (even after I paid the co-pay) because they claimed I must see a specialist they referred in order to receive my prescription. They also claimed they gave me a medical exam (even though it was no different from the hundred other normal eye exams I've been to) and tried to charge me $95. When I refused on the spot they accepted my refusal but went through my insurance company to try to get the money instead. Just horrible, I threw away the specialist referral as soon as I left the store. read more

Terrible service. Overpriced frames. Rude and pushy staff (they will rush you along in your decision of frames and try to upsell). Untrained and/or uncaring doctors. DO NOT WASTE your time or money!!!! I have poor vision and have worn glasses and contacts for over 2 decades so I am familiar with a bad doctor when I (no pun intended) see one. My doctor at USO gave me a very quick eye exam and "rounded up" my prescription so that both eyes were the same because, "it would be easier". I told her that I've never had the same prescription for both eyes and when I wore the test lenses she gave that it felt wrong and one eye was blurry. She seemed to think that, like a pair of new shoes, I would wear in and get used to this after time. Obviously, I didn't but I had to wait a year to see someone else and suffered through it with a lot of vision problems because of her mistake. I went to a real optometrist recently and got a real eye exam with several tests and a doctor that had actually been trained and had a wonderful bedside manner. I also got confirmation that my actual prescription was completely different than the one she gave me. Getting bad service at a doctor is similar to getting bad service at a restaurant; if the staff is untrained or apathetic, you will pay for it, and perhaps even become injured as a result. I highly recommend anyone considering this place to move along and find someone else; there is no reason to risk your health because of poor staffing decisions. read more

Just the facts: I went here to buy new lenses for my frames. Polycarbonate bifocals with non-glare coating. The clerk quoted me $750. That's without frames. When I said "wow," she quickly said she could do it for $600. Naively I agreed. Two weeks later I had to get a second set of lenses with the same specs. I went to a nice shop just a few blocks away. Less than $300. read more

Watch your wallet at this deceitful optical office. Exam prices are inflated and they do not accept insurance for an eye exam and do not disclose it to patients until after the exam. I came for a contact lens exam, the eye doctor did a regular eye exam which I did not ask for, leading me to believe he was doing a contact lens exam, which I made sure he knew why I was there and then he refused to prescribe the contacts due to eye allergies and to write out my contact lens prescription. The Doctor emailed a eye drop prescription to a pharmacy to be taken for a week and then expected me to come back and repeat the eye exam to double charge me. I made it very clear I was there for contacts. I am not going back for anymore bait and switch tactics. NOTE: All the prices I was quoted turned out to be a lie. No wonder the place is empty of patients. read more

I should preface this review by saying that the optometrist was great as well as the guy at the counter that helps you with the frames... I just wish I had had the same experience with everyone else that works there. I should have listened to the other reviews. After getting my eye exam and going to another place to find frames that I liked, I found out the staff at Union Sq. Optical had made a mistake when registering me in the system that prevented my insurance from covering for frames at any other place but this one. I called Union Sq. Optical, and they lied and said they could not make the changes, and I had to wait until Monday and call my insurance directly. Then I was informed that wasn't true, they could make the changes, so I called them back. Lady on the phone was extremely rude, told me she was swamped and she actually could fix her own mistake, but it would take her 20 minutes because "it is a process" and she was slammed. After I waited 30 mins at other store, I called back and she said - and I quote - "you've called me 3 times already and that is time I could have used to do what I have to do for you".......so I said THEN PLEASE DO. She has ZERO customer service skills, and my guess is they are losing customers every time that someone has such a negative experience when just trying to get a pair of glasses. read more

Horrible. The service. The care. The "bedside manner" and the prescription they gave me on my frames were less than satisfying. I found someone who fixed it but it was a bad experience. Nurit Harzvi was one of the worst medical professional experiences I have ever encountered. She was unfriendly, terse, and unhelpful. I felt no compassion from her and she was not understanding about my questions. I liked the frames I selected and one of the staff selling them was nice, but otherwise the experience was negative. Go else where even though they have a convenient location. read more

By far the coldest reception i've gotten going into a store. The staff were extremely prejudice treating my husband and myself as though we weren't good enough or rather; couldn't afford their high end prices. My husband was told to step back and not allowed to go near the sunglasses area since this wasn't behind a glass cabinet and the shop assistant insisted she finish with me before allowing for him to see the sunglasses from up close. The pair of frames I selected was crooked. They refused to order me another piece so I asked if they could straighten it so I could see how it would fit since I was happy to buy it but I wanted make sure it didn't feel as though it was falling off my face as it currently did. I got a flat no and was told not unless I pay for the glasses will they do anything to the glasses to correct them. This was enough to make us realise what a mistake it was to go there in the first place. Their loss since in the end we ended up at the opticians near University Place/East 10th where we ended up buying and spending a lot more than we had planned on to begin with purely because we were so very well taken care of. read more

I was psyched that I decided to come back here a year later to get new glasses. Mark was the gentleman who answered the phone, invited me down, and got me an appointment with the optician in two days. My prescription was much stronger this time but they were super helpful and helped me yo work within my budget. I just got my new glasses and I'm amazed I can see again! Lol. Patronize this business if you want efficient, courteous service without the hard up-sell. This is my optician for good. Thanks everyone at union square optical! read more

I didn't have a great experience here. The eye exam was very short and it didn't seem as thorough as I've had in the past plus the Dr. was wearing jeans and being passive aggressive. He didn't like that I wanted to keep hard contacts and so instead of giving me factual reasons to switch he called me a dinosaur. After the appt the person tried to sell me $600 of new frames/lenses and contacts and didn't bother to tell me that my prescription didn't change and so all I really needed was new contacts (which is what I came in for). I got the contacts a few days later and there was no follow-up appointment to make sure they were fitted correctly. Plus, I was given attitude when I asked for one. They contacts are not correct and so I have to go back to get them replaced. read more

Dr. Sarantakos is the best. I'm getting contacts for the first time and i have had sooo many issues between dry eyes and scratching my cornea I've probably seen him at least 8 times in the past two months. He's so patient and thorough every single time. I feel well cared for both by him and his staff. Getting contacts for the first time has been an ordeal (for me personally) but he's definitely worked to make it as painless as possible. read more

I waited 45 mins past my appointment time and then was sent to another doctor, not the one I had the appointment with. The office staff could not have been more rude, humorless and disinterested. The doctor was fine, I must say, but quite expensive. The worst part is that they began spamming me with robo-calls and texts to my cell phone, for months after my visit. I called to ask them to stop and I got another dose of rudeness from the office staff. This business is the descendent of a great eye clinic at Beth Israel Hospital. Unfortunately this place bears no resemblance to its former incarnation. If ever a business deserved zero or negative stars, for me this would be the place! read more

Have been a customer for 5 years now. Started bumpy but service has improved vastly. One of the few places that can retrofit existing lenses(only if recent presciption). still slightly overpriced but well worth it. read more

Horrifying. These doctors deserve a lawsuit. They must have gotten their degrees online. Very unprofessional and misdiagnose clients, causing headaches and blurred vision. STAY AWAY! read more

Awful service. The eye doctor herself was very friendly but the people working the front desk are rude and add on "extra" charges without even batting an eye. I went through my insurance (where the cost of my eye exam is free) they somehow tacked an extra $60 that I had to pay out of my pocket. They are also a lot more expensive then the rest. The rude service I can forgive, I just don't like the fact that I can't trust the amount that they charge for their products. I can almost guarantee that if you purchase anything from them, you are definitely paying way over than what their competitors are charging.. read more