I don't understand all of the bad reviews as this wasn't my experience at all. I submitted an appointment request on their website. It was quick and easy and I was able to secure a date and time for a few days later right away. I came in a few minutes early and was seen fairly quickly after waiting maybe 2 or 3 minutes. The doctor was very professional and down to business, which was nice. She didn't have much bedside manner, so to speak, but hey, she did a great job, which is the most important part. I thought my eyes were just getting worse with age, but she found an easily fixable eye irritation, which she gave me free drops for. She said that she wanted us to wait a week to see how my eyes responded before she could accurately prescribe me contacts/glasses. Made sense to me, so I thanked her and used the drops for a week. The following week, I came in, she re-checked my eyes, and they hadn't gotten much better. She then prescribed me prescription drops for my eyes and asked me to wait another week. Here is the most important part of my review: My vision insurance was only a few days from expiring, and I was supposed to receive a $250 discount on any lenses/glasses that I buy while I'm covered. Although I didn't have an accurate prescription yet, they offered to place an order for contacts for me so that I could send the receipt to my insurance company to receive my $250 discount, then return/re-order new contact lenses once my eyes healed and I could get the correct prescription. This was a HUGE help and very good customer service. They also gave me a rebate for $200 off of my contacts to send to CooperVision once I finally receive the correct lenses. Another week went by, I came back in, my eyes were doing much better, she re-checked them, and was able to give me an accurate prescription. Unfortunately, the contact lenses were on backorder, so they gave me two boxes of trial lenses, and I picked out glasses. They pointed out that with my new insurance company, I could receive another discount on the glasses, so I ordered them and saved more money. They called me a few days later and I came in to pick up my glasses, but unfortunately my contact lenses were still backordered, so they gave me more trials for free and said they'd call me when they arrive. Although I had to go in about 5 times, every visit was justified and was for my own benefit. The receptionist was pleasant and contacted me within a timely manner, doctor was good at her job in assessing and providing an accurate prescription, sales/service person got me good discounts, and the store manager was very reasonable in allowing all of this to happen. My follow up appointments were all free, and I saved about $500 when it was all said and done. If the 2-star average turns you away from this place, I completely get it, but think that you are making a mistake. Try it out and see for yourself! read more

I needed to get a new eye exam done and was planning on getting a new pair of glasses. I had Harvard Pilgrim insurance, so I booked an appointment with Dr. Tesler, which was very pleasant, quick, efficient, and informative. She was very patient, made sure to explain everything and answered any questions I had. The eye glass frame selection was decent, I went in the day before my exam to pick out my frames since I knew I would be short on time. I chose two pairs. One that would come free with my insurance, which was on the no name brand selection, and one Michael Kors. The lady helping me helped me choose the right pair for me, even though she wanted me to explore other shapes. I have a very squarish face, so there isn't much I can really pull off... Anyway, I was very pleased with my choices, even though it was pretty hefty in price. And folks, you might actually really like your free no name brand pair. I actually wear my no name brand all the time while my Michael Kors pair sits in its case at home. I kinda wish I didn't pay the $350+ for the Michael Kors pair... but what will regret get me? read more

They are now becoming Visionworks, and I don't know if they have better training from them or what, but my last two visits for my contact lens exam and my dilation went just fine and everyone was more than nice and accommodating. My only beef with this place is that the prices on contact lenses are outrageous, even with a 20% discount from my insurance company, 1-800 contacts still would have been cheaper and faster with delivery. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. They are a mess. Multiple people told me different things, and i got no call backs when i was trying to book an appointment. Go anywhere else. read more

This is absolutely the worst eyeglass/contact lens store that we've ever been to. Missing records, lack of customer service, and staff who don't know how to file/search medical records for prescriptions. Unfortunately, with our vision plan, we're pretty limited in terms of providers so we plan on taking our business to another location. read more

I hate dentists, gynecologists, then optometrists. I broke my glasses a while (2+ years) ago and never got my eyes checked or got new glasses. So, you should understand that I was terrified and not happy about going. The doctor was very kind and understanding of my anxiety. She talked me through everything. The exam was quick and I didn't have to wait (you do need an appointment). After, I was helped by multiple people all working together to help me find new glasses that I liked. I got rx glasses and sunglasses, plus a second pair of lenses for my backup pair. Parking is a pain, so take the T. It stops right in front of the store. I don't know why they have such low ratings, but this was a good experience and I will absolutely go back. read more

The doctor, awesome. Staff at the front desk, absolutely atrocious. They communicated over the phone that I would have a contact appointment only, not the full exam, and it would cost $60. I asked to confirm this multiple times in separate phone calls. After completely bamboozling me I was forced to pay $190....and when I asked why, how and state that's ridiculous what do you mean? They said "oh well what we can do for you is let you purchase glasses today for 60% off..." OH so AFTER you charge me way more than I was supposed to, you then ask if I want to spend MORE money? Will not be returning. Again, doctor was great. Staff was horrible. read more

Wow, that was bad... I used to come here 3-7 years ago and just came back after missing a couple annual visits but this will be my last appointment. To start off, they had the wrong patient's records pulled for me when I met the optometrist, then he couldn't find any electronic records from my 5ish previous visits in the system, finally someone located my paper records. The optometrist appointment took 5 minutes, then I spent a few minutes picking out frames but was disappointed by the quality of what was available. Then I got in line to meet with the optician who orders the lenses with one person ahead of me, and watched him fumble around with the computer interface for literally 25 minutes for one customer. I ran out of time knowing I would probably spend another 25 minutes once the customer ahead of me was done and left. Altogether I was somehow in there for an hour and 15 minutes but didn't even get any glasses ordered. Hopefully they can find my records when I ask them to transfer my prescription elsewhere, but I kind of doubt it. read more

I went in and was completely ignored. The staff was horrendous and I ended up dropping the frames I liked and walking out. If I could give them a negative star, I would read more

I have wasted so much time at this place I don't even know where to start. I wish I could give 0 stars I have admittedly a very small prescription, but it seemed to be getting worse. So, I made an appointment to see the optometrist here and found that indeed my vision had gotten a bit worse. Everything seemed fine, I got a prescription and ordered new glasses. Then all hell breaks loose. When I put my glasses on I was seeing double, especially out of one eye. The optical tech literally could not figure out what was going on and kept repeating the phrase, "it must be the PD's." I got a reexam to see if the prescription was wrong and it literally was a 10 second "can you see this?" And then "ok well nothing is wrong with the prescription." They took the glasses back, presumably to adjust something, and I came back for a fourth time and I'm still seeing double. The woman helping me at this point clearly thinks I'm making this up (she was awful at hiding it) as if I have nothing else to do. To make matters worse, the esteemed doctor of optometry comes out of the back and says "he probably just can't handle the prescription" as if I'm not standing right here. And then just says "just put his old prescription back in and send him out". This place is awful. Literally the worst. Don't go here. Save yourself. read more

I'm seeing a lot of negative reviews, but In my experience I've only had great experiences at this location. I have had some issues with Visionworks as a company but the customer service I've gotten here exceeds my expectations. I've been here twice and both times they have really gone out of their way to help me. The first time I had an appointment they called me and helped me sort insurance out (which could be standard but they never did that at my old eye doctors). This time there was a mistake where the Visionworks system cancelled my appointment because I didn't confirm by email, even though I confirmed by text. But they helped squeeze me in and were super friendly. When shopping for glasses they really helped me get an amazing deal. Both times I've gone I have had the same doctor and she is really friendly as well. Really kind helpful people working here and I'll definitely be going to this location again for my next exam. read more

Ignores all my calls, puts me on hold for 30 mins and doesn't care after I have paid. I ordered trial lenses that still have not come in after 3 weeks!!! Avoid!!! read more

I did the exam and ordered contacts from this store, after having my glasses from different store, I realized huge difference as I can see so much better with glasses, I got back to the store aexplain the problem. They said you need to wait a until your prescription expires so you can schedule an appointment for new eye exam and there is nothing they can do about it. I would never go back to that place again. read more

I saw Dr. Fung and she was wonderful and did a comprehensive exam. She answered all my questions and explained my perscription to me. The customer service staff however, were not as great. One woman was working on insurance authorizations at the front counter; reading off folks' insurance numbers, last names, and birthdays. I wasn't the only customer in the area either. I'd definitely go back to see Dr. Fung but no plans to purchase my glasses or contacts there. read more

I would rather spend a few hours in an Ustase-controlled puppet state than return to Cambridge Eye Doctors. First of all, their customer service is absolutely deplorable. The woman at the front desk was more interested in calculating the number of calories in her gigantor family-size bag of M&Ms ("so you mean this ISN'T one serving? BUT I ATE THE WHOLE THIIIING!") than in, say, providing customer service. Fine. Whatever. I still need glasses; I'll deal with mediocre receptionists. Then there was a complication with my health insurance. I was repeatedly told by Cambridge Eye Doctors that I was NOT covered for glasses. Um. No. I have to pay for my lenses but for nothing else. I convince them repeatedly of this, and am told over and over again that I have to pay in full. "But the computer says so!" whines M&Ms. After twelve phone calls to my mother, the insurance policyholder, and my vision plan's patient services, M&Ms says, oops, yeah, you're covered. Fine. These things happen. Wish she wouldn't have been so brusque and/or so nom-nomming on candy at the time, but after forty minutes of haggling, I am in fact covered for all but lenses. I get a mediocre vision exam. The doctor (a woman) is not terribly personable but that's fine. I'm not here to watch "The Soup" and talk about boys. Being that I'm young and my vision is only "meh," I chose the basic single-vision, nothing-shmancy lenses. $30, easy-squeezy. Then I pick out some pretty adorable menswear frames. I'm told, yes, the basic $30 lenses fit in these frames, we'll have them for you in three days. Yay! I pay for the lenses and leave. I show up yesterday to pick up my adorable menswear frames, and Gott in Himmel! First of all, M&Ms is heading out but she stops by to tell me that my lenses are actually $110. "Mumble say WHAT?" Her response is that insurance is not going to cover the lenses I decided on. "Yes, I know that, they were supposed to be $30 out-of-pocket," I say. "No, no, they were $110." ... "So what did I pay $30 for?" ... M&Ms essentially shrugs, says insurance will bill me, and she leaves. WHAT?! You can't just waltz out while talking to a customer! Why is there no explanation? So I go try on my new glasses, figuring I'll call my insurance company later and see what the deal is. Obviously, there's been some weird mistake but I've already paid, right? I try on the glasses and immediately know there is something wrong. Wait for it ... wait for it ... the lenses are no-line bifocals. Now let's recap. I'm 21. My vision is pretty yucky but I'm not yet blind. My 49-year-old mother doesn't wear bifocals. "Um, sir, these don't feel right," I say. The doctor (this time a man) tells me they are polycarbonate progressive lenses. "Quoi?" ... "They allow you to see two distances." ... "Like bifocals? But I don't need bifocals." ... "Yes, you do." ... "B-b-but I know I don't--" ... He argues that I do. The doctor makes me read a line off the little placard and I actually CAN'T. Everything is waving and when I look through the top of the lenses, there are little squiggles in my vision. "I can't read this," I say. The doctor looks at me incredulously. "Yes, you can." "No, but the funny thing is, I can't." ... "You're just not used to progressive lenses." ... "Or I don't need them." ... "We are NOT wrong, you need these lenses." Honestly, I was humiliated, trying to convince this guy in front of a dozen other customers that I couldn't see. He made me feel like a complete fool, exchanging glances with the other workers and sighing. Then he walks off with my old eyeglasses (why?) so I'm stuck there, blind as a bat, for fifteen minutes while he does whatever. We argue back and forth, and finally, he sighs and says we'll have to schedule another appointment to figure this out. Great. Because I totally want to come in for another exam and another fitting and wait another week. Hopefully, they'll make me pay for that, too. I scheduled an appointment because I just wanted to get out of there, but overnight, as my blood was boiling about the whole situation, I decided that there was no amount of adorable menswear frames that would make their craptastic customer service worth it. The staff is unprofessional and rude. Sure, the location is convenient, but so is my bathroom and I'm pretty sure I could fashion better glasses out of shower curtain rings and some plastic. I canceled my appointment, and thank God they are refunding my money. Still no explanation on the $110; I assume it's for the bifocal lenses that I don't need. They already submitted that to my insurance so Davis Vision can bill me for it. I'm SO excited to have that conversation. This place is absolute crap. Go anywhere, anywhere else unless you feel like being embarrassed and belittled. read more

So Visionworks reached out to me after I posted this review, and within a few days I had the contact lenses they owed me. I did have to make another phone call to get the prescription faxed, but that has also now been taken care of. So I'm adding back a couple of stars. read more

Horrible. Optician was very awkward with exam, very unprofessional, his fly was down and his style was very amateur. I had to direct the exam myself so he had correct measurements for my progressives. Wish I never went, now I have to hope the glasses, "I already paid for" are going to be okay. Horrible, horrible. read more

I agree with all the other Yelp reviewers that Kira and the rest of the rude front desk staff are the reason why CED has lost my business and my relatives' business. Dr. Lana Tsesler is a fine optometrist, but since we need to endure the rude, disrespectful attitude of Kira and the staff each time we want to get an appointment with Dr. Tsesler, we've decided it's not worth it. I agree with the other Yelp reviews that CED's prices for contact lenses are a rip-off, and you're much better off buying your contacts from 1800 contacts or another online provider. The problem is that Kira and the front desk staff will try to preach to you about their "medical" and "legal" knowledge -- umm...Kira and the staff did NOT graduate from medical or law school so they're NOT qualified to be forcing their overbearing attitudes onto customers who want to use the contact RX to buy contact lenses elsewhere. The last straw was when Kira said that she would speak to the doctor and call me back within 30 minutes...2 hours later when she didn't call me back I called Kira again and she forgot about me. Enough said. Never wasting anymore money or time at CED again. read more

After 7 visits to this establishment to get an eye exam and a pair of single vision glasses, I am cutting my losses. The glasses they have sold me are just wrong. Is the prescription wrong or are the lenses made poorly, or both? I'm not sure at this point, but I have headaches and blurry vision with these glasses. With such poor customer service and poor quality glasses, I don't know how they stay in business. There are so many other options in the area. read more

I can't speak to the quality of the glasses. I didn't get that far. All aspects of customer service that I experienced were poor. When told about it, they evinced zero interest in doing anything about it. As for the optician I spoke to, he was only a big red rubber nose short of a total clown. Teaser prices were for Groucho glasses. After this place, my last optician looks golden. From my experience,I can't see how they've stayed in business in fussy BROOLINE for 16 years. They have to be the worst possible option among the many available in that thoroughly bespectacled berg. read more

Avoid this place. To be fair, I'm only commenting on the service I received buying eyeglasses; not on the optician services, as I already had a prescription. When I ordered a pair of glasses, I was told that lenses were included as part of the price. I specifically...let me reiterate, specifically...said that I wanted the ultra thin lenses, and was assured that was what I'd be getting. Well, guess what, when I got them, the lenses were like coke bottles around the edges. Oh, you mean the really thin lenses? Those lenses are extra money, I was told. After some back and forth the new glasses were ordered with the correct (high index lenses). I had the pair less than a year and then took them in because one of the lenses kept popping out. The store appeared to have a new manager, a young woman who was quite brusque and unfriendly. Without any explanation, she said I would need an entirely new pair of glasses. Again, I specifically stated that I wanted the ultra thin lenses. She stated, impatiently, that I would be getting exactly what I had, and I left with an uneasy feeling. A week or so later I go to pick up the new pair, and what do you know? Thick lenses. This time the woman was just flat out rude. She snatched the glasses from me and said she'd call me when the new pair came in. No apology, no admittance of any error. Needless to say, I will never do business in this place again. read more

I have been to the Visionworks in Brookline, MA multiple times over multiple years and bought multiple glasses. Dr. Kostogiannis is great, and the staff is good. However, I won't go back because of the general manager, who provides the antithesis of customer service. Don't go there. Don't go there with children. And don't go there with children with special needs. Never again. read more

Without even stepping foot in the door I can give this place 1 star... I called, already 99% they accept my insurance provider thanks to insurance provider's website, but wanting to be sure I have the most up-to-date info before I book an appointment, and eager to find out if I have some sort of coverage for contact lenses (the insurance provider's website? not so helpful on that one). Receptionist #1: has no idea if my insurance is accepted. mumbles something about a book and going upstairs. I am on hold for 15 minutes. I hang up, figuring I have been forgotten about. I immediately call back. Receptionist #2: Has no idea if my insurance is accepted (not surprised but pretty sure my eye roll couldn't be heard through the phone). Can he find out, I very politely ask and repeat my insurance carrier. "UMMM yeah but you WILL have to call back, and it WILL take at least 2 hours to find out." (Inflections not exaggerated). Dumbfounded, I stammer, ooohh.....k? Annoyed, he responds, "Uh yeah! Well, we ARE very busy. Goodbye" I have a very common health care provider, am I wrong in assuming that the customer service reps should be well-versed in what insurance they accept, or at least be able to find the answer in less time than it would take me to drive across the state? read more

We've gone to Visionworks in Brookline for several years. Things have gotten progressively worse. First, they went through a disastrous computer system conversion where they lost data. Second, although they have a first-rate optometrist, Dr. Kostogiannis, the rest of the staff are bored and marginally competent. Here's a recent experience. I went to have a glasses placed in my old frames (my prescription had changed). I was told the technician who does that is off on Mondays. But, that's what their business does, right? How can you be open for business, without the staff that's needed? Isn't that like having an ice cream parlor where the person who knows how to scoop ice cream is off every Monday? NEVER AGAIN. read more

As indicated in some of the other reviews, the customer service at this store is lacking. Both when I went for the eye exam and when I was picking up my new glasses, i was subjected to very long waits when multiple staff members were present. The eye exam itself was fine and is not the reason for my low rating. The staff comes across as being lazy and not very professional. They know how to do the job but the customer service aspect is terrible. I had to wait 40 minutes to pick up my glasses while there were staff members who appeared to be free and counter space available to use. i have been to the Harvard Square location and the service was much better, so I won"t be coming back to this location. read more

Why bother scheduling an appointment? They'll make you wait at least 25 minutes past your appointment time with no explanation or apology. Some people have jobs during the day, but the people at Visionworks couldn't care less about your schedule. Plus, one of their salesmen was harassing me so badly to buy glasses, when I wasn't even there for that purpose. I had a contact lenses appointment! Don't bother with this place. There are so many better options in the city. read more

As a chain it provides a decent choice of lenses and their operational functionality is adequate; however, this particular branch could pay a little more attention to customer service. read more

Customer service is terrible - there are some pretty miserable people working here. I wised up and took my business to the CED in Framingham. read more

I wouldn't go as far as saying I enjoy the eye doctor, but I sure do love the people at Cambrdige Eye Doctors! They are open later on some weeknights which is the only way I'm able to schedule an appointment (although they could have more weekend hours). They're very accomodating there and I've never had trouble getting an appointment. Great glasses selection, and contacts that need to be ordered are always ready sooner than expected. They are RIGHT by the Washington Square stop on the C-line, super-easy to find. read more

December 9, 2016. I had a 5-star experience today. Dr. Kostogiannis was very thorough and explained what exactly was going on with my eyes. Customer service was also good and the staff was very helpful. read more

I was visiting from out of town and my contact got completely screwed up and I was essentially functioning with one eye. I got my doctor to email me a prescription and brought it to the folks here to see if they would sell me a pair or two of contacts so my trip wouldn't be ruined. They did one better -- they told me they could sell me the contacts except by the box, but that they'd GIVE me a trial lens that I desperately needed. Problem solved. Vacation saved. They were SOOOO nice. I know it's just the front office staff, but that kind of service is hard to come by. I was turned away on the phone by many others before wandering in here and getting the help! Thank you Visionworks! read more

Dr Kostogiannis is awesome. She explains every step of the eye exam process. She also gives good tips about taking care of your eyes ie. contacts and eye glasses. She also recommends other eye tests that are a good idea to have at some point like a visual field test. I only waited about 5 minutes before being called in for eye exam. People at front desk were friendly and attentive. You may have to hunt for a parking spot though. read more

When my son texted me a picture of his broken glasses, I immediately called Vision Works. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. In the past, the people there had been aloof at best and hindrances at worst. But I was pleasantly surprised by my interaction with Billy. Billy was professional and helpful on the phone and was ready for us when we arrived. We were on our way with problems solved within five minutes. read more

The actual Doctor was fine. Overall the employees are rude, they have no idea what they are doing & they didn't properly inform me on what the appointment to receive contact lenses would entail. I have had to go back three times now and I still don't have the contacts. I should have gone somewhere else after the first appointment. read more

Customer Service was the worst. No one cares and they make sure you know it. You are doing them a favor by being there. I will never buy another pair of eyeglasses from them again. The most negative store I have ever been to. How do they stay in business? Never Again! read more

My entire family goes to this location for the service and staff members. Dr. Tsesler is so nice and knowledgable. She takes the time to answer any questions without rushing you out of the exam room. Her exams are thorough and precise. She really cares about helping her clients. The front dest receptionists ate very polite, Nicole is my favorite, she great at answering any questions related to insurance details and frames/contact lens questions.They all work very hard to answer all phone calls, booking appointments, and assisting the clients in any way possible. I would definitely recommend this location, but be aware that the appointment times get booked up quick, and are usually scheduled half hour of each next appointment. Try not to be late because they are booked all day and may have to reschedule the appointment if missed. read more

So i just wanted colored contacts and the lady said it would take 10 days. Called after 12 days and asked if they arrived. Lady that i spoke to on the phone was very rude and irritated that i called to ask for an update. She said she would call when they get it in and that it will take 2 weeks (2 more days) and i waited and waited for a call... and nothing.... now its almost been a month... 3 more days and it will be a month since i ordered them. No calls from them and no updates. Very unprofessional and unreliable. Wish i went to another eye store. Highly recommend a different location. Convenience is not always the best. Quality is more important. Dislike this location very much. And they need to be more friendly. Rude and unprofessional. read more

I would like to say that Dr. Kostogiannis is the only saving grace about this place. But after dropping $300 on eyeglasses, you would think the customer service would be better. These glasses give me horrible headaches, which was the whole reason I needed glasses in the first place. Turns out different frames made all the difference--$95 at Warby Parker (not even including what insurance covers!). Visionworks wouldn't give me a refund, credit, or change the frames. Thanks for the useless, expensive glasses. read more

I am a very patient person, but I am fed up with this place. My kids and I go here, and the last few appointments have been horrible. The doctors are great, but everything else is disorganized and running late. A few of the bigger offenses: - they had us wait almost an hour, which happened on THREE DIFFERENT VISITS - they told me that my son's contacts were ordered, and then a week later, I called to ask about them, and me they forgot to order them - they forget to have me sign some paperwork and called me to turn the car around and come back, and then made us wait another half hour before giving me the paperwork (one page, one signature) - they didn't give me my son's complete glasses prescription for ordering online read more

After reading reviews online about Cambridge Eye Doctors, I was rather hesitant to go, but it was the most convenient option so I figured I would take my chances. I arrived on a Saturday morning and was immediately greeted by someone at the front desk who set me up with Deborah to search for the perfect pair of eye glasses (I had my eye exam elsewhere). Deborah was extremely helpful and personally took the time to help me pick out glasses that she thought would look nice. She listened to my preferences and guided me in the right direction without being pushy. It took me a bit of time to find the perfect pair and not once did she act annoyed. Either a lot has changed since the bad reviews came through or new people started there because I was really impressed. They had a large selection of glasses and friendly staff who were very helpful. One downside is that it takes over a week to get your glasses, but I don't have a lot to compare this to so it may be normal. read more