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88 Optical Hester
Category: Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
116 Mott St(between Hester St & Canal St)
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhoods: Little Italy, Chinatown
(212) 343-1947
- Nearest Transit:
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Canal St (J, N, Q, Z)
Grand St (B, D)
Canal St (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
High end optometrists located in the heart of downtown Scarsdale village. Comprehensive eye examinations along with the most beautiful high-end eyewear… read more »
77 reviews for 88 Optical Hester
Review Highlights
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"...was friendly and patient while I tried on about 200 frames." In 32 reviews -
"My eye exam was fast but thorough." In 5 reviews -
"The staff was very friendly and attentive." In 3 reviews
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77 reviews in English
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Review from Sammy B.
2/15/2012
I was in and out of here in 30 minutes or less! I'm not sure because it happened so fast, it was all a blur!
I came in and got the $68 deal for an eye exam, frames and lenses, and added a contacts exam + a year full of contacts Biomedics 55 for a grand total of $283. I would say that's a pretty good deal, wouldn't you? =D
I came in on a Saturday, and it was swarming with people, but they had their act down. I went through each stage as if in an assembly line, which would seem troubling, but my glasses are great, and my contacts are too! -
Review from Mitsuko T.
Brooklyn, NY
5/24/2012
I was shopping for new glasses, and walk into the place because I saw the the reviews on Yelp.
Don't deserve the stars. Not Professional. Don't sound professional and lack knowledge in lens and frame selection.
I'm more concern with the quality i get than the price. -
Review from Laura G.
Brooklyn, NY
4/6/2012
Referred from Fabulous Fanny's to get lenses for my sweet new frames.
Sadly since my eyes are about as bad as an 85-year-old grandma trying to read the fine print on a medication advertisement, lenses are automatically more expensive for me but the price was $160 for the thin but not-superthin-anti-glare-magic-lenses (which were $260). Compared to other optical places this is a really great deal.
My lenses were ready in two days, and my new glasses look great. -
Review from Earl F.
Ridgewood, NY
2/26/2012
dis place b bawlin, yo. i used 2 get my prescriptions fr0m like dis place in crooklyn called optical solutions. while dat joint b cheap, dis place be ch33per and fastaaaaaaah.
i wait less dan an hour, yo. while i wait, there b massive hot hood rats abound 4 some eyecandy.
i was waitin for my prescriptions to get filled and saw this hot a$$ momma walkin by. i was like "eyoo girl, lemme get dem diggits while i wait for my frames to get done"
b4 da girl gave me her numbahs, my frames were dun. i was like "yoooooooooooooooooo that ish is quick!"
would have been a 5/5 star but the hoodrat didnt give me her diggits. all thanks for this place! -
Review from Emma L.
5/18/2012
$20 eye exam and accepts credit card payments (flex spending, FTW!) is a 5star yelp review for sure!
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Review from josh j.
New York, NY
5/17/2012
I usually buy vintage frames (which 88 Optical does not sell) and have them fill out my prescription. They do carry a wide variety of branded frames themselves and seem incredibly helpful to the people there trying pairs on. They have a great staff and are tremendously professional. I have never had an issue in all the years I've been going there.
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Review from James C.
Manhattan, NY
5/11/2012
I will admit they are cheap , but cheap is not always a good thing.
They have a very limited selection of frames and lens shapes. I find their quality control to be very poor.
My frame less glasses came crooked and they insisted they where fine , I thought I just needed to get used to new eye glasses.
Next day I realized they where indeed lopsided and brought them back to be straightened out.
I have been wearing eye glasses many years and have never seen an optician take more than a minute or two to straigten out a frame.
Here it took about 15 minutes and it looked like the optician was having a difficult time.
All in all I am not happy with the glasses and wont be going back here for a second pair.
I would recommend any place other than this one. -
Review from dana l.
New York, NY
5/14/2012
so easy in and out
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Review from Jenny C.
Manhattan, NY
2/16/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Glasses, contact lenses, and eye exams are cheaper than most places. However, their service and professionalism is down the drain.
The day I came in here to order contacts, the eye doctor and one of the salespeople were having a verbal argument. The place is pretty small, so I could hear and see them and it was just awfully awkward for me as a customer to be there while two employees shouted obscenities at each other. I couldn't believe the complete unprofessionalism. Plus, the staff was pretty rude and they were so unfriendly I felt like even asking them a simple question would result in me being scolded at or something.
The staff leaves me with a bad aftertaste. But at least my wallet isn't bleeding. -
Review from Sam K.
New York, NY
5/10/2012
Same day (45 minute) turn around, friendly and skilled staff (replaced sunglasses lenses with prescription lenses), and cost efficient ($80 lenses with anti-glare). What more could you ask for?
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Review from trisha c.
Brooklyn, NY
2/17/2012
I went there for eye exam,lenses and frames.all together it came out to 195$.nice friendly people and fast service.got my new glasses the same day.
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Review from Ari R.
Brooklyn, NY
2/12/2012
fantastic, FAST service. I brought in a pair of vintage frames I bought at Fabulous Fannies, and they were able to fill my bifocal prescription within 48 hours. will be back here if i ever need lenses again!
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Review from Victor A.
Brooklyn, NY
3/3/2012
It's okay but not so professional behind the counter, I paid $99.00 for frames and lenses, I think I got taken? Since I'm not Asian I didn't get 68.00 dollar deal, anyway I will never buy from them again, place seem shady !!!!
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Review from Peter K.
Houston, TX
8/9/2011
This review has only to do with the eye exam as I did not purchase any glasses or contacts from them.
For glasses I go to Warby Parker which is much cheaper with better style.
For contacts, I order from Contact Lens King which is the cheapest contact distributor ever.
The Good:
- The counter staff here are very helpful and extremely nice.
- There is almost no wait time. I was seen right away without an appointment.
- They give you a free trial pair of contacts. You can have whatever brand you wore before.
The Bad:
- The optometrist, Dr. Weintraub? seems like she was only working there because she owed someone money. My presence appeared to be a great inconvenience for her as it distracted her from indulging in her novel.
- The optometrist never introduced herself. I had to pry her name from her at the end of the session. I then extended my hand for a handshake and got the limpest most half-assed handshake known to man.
- She offered neither a shred of advice nor expressed any concern whatsoever as to the well-being of my vision. When I asked her if there was anything I can do to improve the health of my eyes, she gave a short succint 2-3 word answer and proceeded to usher me from her cubby hole of an exam room.
So my impression of this discount Chinatown optical store? If you simply must buy brand name glasses, I hear they are quite cheap here. Contact lenses are cheaper when purchased online. As for the eye exams, this place is the cheapest. I got prescriptions for both glasses and contacts for $80, that's $20 cheaper than the cheapest place I was able to find outside Chinatown. However, you get what you paid for. The optometrist Dr. Weintraub, is not there to take care of your eyes. She is a mere tool used by the store to increase revenue. I do not believe I will go to her again. I would rather spend the extra $20 and go to a real professional. -
Review from Erika H.
Astoria, NY
10/19/2011
Awesome! I had a great time getting my glasses here...the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the Optometrist was kind as well. Maybe the below commenter got her on a bad day?
I was surprised that the service was so good for the price :) I'll be going back there for my second pair for sure! -
Review from Jade W.
Manhattan, NY
10/23/2011
I went to Fabulous Fannies for my frames and here to get my lens script filled.
Well let me tell you, I went in at 3pm and came back at 4pm and VOILA
Glasses ready!
The best part is it only cost me $80.
They should rename the place 80 Optical because that is a great bargain!
Only con was the frames that they did have there seemed boring and rather run-of-the-mill...but I definitely recommend using them to get your lens done :) -
Review from Richard M. P.
Austin, TX
7/1/2011
Extremely rude and discourteous staff; treated us like we were retarded for asking questions about frames/pricing. Spoke in curt discourteous tones and was not helpful.
I went to 88 optical to get contact lenses fitted and to look at new frames with a friend. We asked very basic questions and were courteous but the man who was "helping" us seemed to take our questions as an attack on his personal knowledge or something because he became immediately combative.
The lower price does not make up for the extreme disrespect of the staff. Do not go here. -
Review from Lauren M.
Brooklyn, NY
6/16/2011
These people deserve five stars alone for managing to keep their cool when my mom tried to compare Ray Ban prices from a pair she bought over a decade ago. It helps they're also Asian and are thus trained to laugh off the crazy lady.
I originally came because they're business friends with Fabulous Franny's and have been loyal ever since. They're quick, they're affordable, they know how to handle different types of difficult frames due to their FF connection. It's nice I've never had to make an appointment and they have time to explain things to me like the importance of pupil distance and different types of lens widths.
I clarify that I wouldn't come here as a frame shop, but as a lens prescription place a thousand times yes. -
Review from Kate B.
Brooklyn, NY
6/3/2011
If I could give 88 Optical more than five stars, I would. I'm in awestruck disbelief that the eye exam and glasses I'd procrastinated on getting for years took less than 30 minutes from start to finish. I didn't even have an appointment!
The staff greeted me warmly & immediately started me on the dreaded air-puff glaucoma test before the exam. The exam itself was quick, and the optometrist wrote an extra prescription for me so that I can order backup glasses online. I picked out some frames and was told it would take an hour. When I said I'd just hang out and read my book, the woman helping me said, "Oh, well if you're staying, maybe 20 minutes. Fast!"
She was not kidding. They had my lenses in and another friendly staff member fit my frames in less time than that. I'm pretty amazed. These folks have their stuff together in the best possible way.
The cost of my eye exam was waived because I bought frames & lenses that day.
* Minor beef, which probably has more to do with demographic demands than anything else: many of their best frames are spoiled with ostentatious brand names or logos on the sides. I couldn't stomach my first or second choices for frame shape & color because I didn't want to advertise some company ON MY FACE. C'mon, now. If Coach or Izod wants their logo on my face, they can pay me.
** I got quite a headache from seeing so much more of the city yesterday than I had with my old glasses. I could point out knots in the wood on water towers 10 stories up. I see so much already - I wonder if it wouldn't be more comforting to go back for some soft-focus lenses with a shorter depth of field. -
Review from Christine G.
Manhattan, NY
8/7/2011
This place is GREAT.
Friendly and attentive customer service plus extremely affordable for those of you who, like me, have to pay out of pocket for vision care. The fee for my eye exam was waived once I bought my lenses, which were highly customized due to my excessive nearsightedness and differing vision in each eye and only cost $100.
They were super apologetic that they had to order these and could not have them ready same day, but I was totally fine with it. Went to pick up my new glasses a few days later, and have been thrilled with them since. They also said I could come by for any slight repairs or adjustments and any time, and they would help me with those. -
Review from Linh N.
Manhattan, NY
8/4/2011
Nice place. Not too small so you have plenty of room to walk around and look at all the nice frames.
The staff are very friendly. I came with my sister and she actually tried on many frames before settling on their super $68 package (eye exam+lenses+frames). Sure, at that price frames selection was very limited, but we managed to pick one that my sister liked.
Eye exam took about 15-20 minutes and we were told glasses would be ready in an hour. I came back 30 minutes later and they already were.
I also took an eye exam and it was only $20.
I took off one star because despite the great service and prices, my sister told me the new glasses made her a little dizzy. I don't know if this is because she hasn't worn glasses for a few years (since getting the laser surgery) or the prescription was off. We will contact them again to deal with this matter.
Also, I'm pretty sure my left eye isn't as good as my right but the doctor gave me -0.50 diopter for both eyes. Is this normal? ;p
I will still come back here in the future though (I live across the street). -
Review from Chardonnay P.
Brooklyn, NY
8/15/2011
From the reviews on here I was expecting some kind of outdated, overcrowded, public assistance nightmare-type office, but this place is really nice!
True, the waiting area consists of 2 rocklike benches, but other than that it's a pretty cool & pleasant setup. I had an eye test and replaced my lenses for severe astigmatism for under $100. I brought my own frames, but they had a nice, modern selection.
The staff was very friendly and attentive. I am giving them 4.5 stars because I made an appointment but I think they forgot about me and took a walk-in while I was waiting. However, this place is so cheap and agreeable I will be back! -
Review from Miranda R.
KNICKERBOCKER, NY
6/20/2011
So friendly! So cheap! So fast!
Came around 230 on a Monday and was seen almost right away. For $180 I got an eye exam and 6 months worth of contacts ( I have an astigmatism so that can make it a little more expensive than it would be otherwise). Everyone was friendly and helpful, I hope this place exists for ever. -
Review from Alison R.
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dude, when my crazy prescription was filed in an hour I was sold.
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Review from Maggie J.
Brooklyn, NY
12/27/2011
$68 for an exam, frames and lenses seems like a pretty good deal. Be warned - the selection of cheap frames is not very big - about 10 plastic frames and 10 metal frames. I only really need glasses for at night (driving, and seeing stuff far away), so I wasn't to concerned, but if you're going to be wearing glasses all the time, it might be worth spending a little more and getting some nice frames.
the sales/counter staff were all very friendly, and there no wait to see the dr., and once i picked my frames it was only an hour to have the lenses put in.
i'm only giving 3 stars because of the Dr. She seemed annoyed that she had to put down her magazine and actually work. she didn't introduce herself or make me feel comfortable and was definitely not willing to chat or answer questions. (I let her know as soon as I walked in that I hadn't been to an eye dr in 20 years - she pretty much just ignored me).
all in all, it seems like a good deal if you just want a basic exam, and cheap generic frames. -
Review from Ben Y.
Brooklyn, NY
12/7/2011
$68 deal posted in the window (exam, frame, lenses) is hard to beat.
My only mistake was going there while I was in a rush. They served me *very* efficiently, and rightfully so, but that also meant that I didn't deliberate, hem, and haw about the frame I chose as much as I perhaps would've had I not been running late (meeting for soup dumplings down the street, after all). They've been great about adjustments (after purchase, of course), but I have a feeling that the frame is just too small for my ginormous noggin.
If I wore my glasses more often, I might've felt at-all concerned, but it's also so damn cheap that maybe I'd just get another pair there anyway, you know? Or is that bad? -
Review from Matthew D.
New York, NY
7/15/2011
Awesome experience, I have absolutely no complaints. Staff was warm, kind and helpful. I walked in and fifteen minutes later I had picked out my frames and lenses, gotten my exam and put my order in. Two hours later I picked up my new sunglasses! The frame choices actually weren't that bad. After reading the previous reviews, I was expecting the worse!
I would definitely recommend this place. -
Review from Tom R.
New York, NY
9/19/2010
Quick summary: the customer service was lacking and left me confused and frustrated. The eye doc seemed ok. The price was ok but not what I expected. I like my new contacts but I wish I had gone elsewhere. I don't recommend this place if you are getting fitted for contacts the first time.
I chose 88 Optical because of the good reviews on yelp. They quoted a decent price that included a six month supply of contacts and an eye exam. My final price turned out to be higher than the quote. I paid $225 but was quoted under $200. They said the difference was for my astigmatism. Fair enough, but why didn't they mention that upfront. In fact, I felt they never took the time to explain much of anything. For example, I didn't learn that it takes a week to order my lenses until 'Id been going to that place for weeks. This conflicted with a planned vacation I'd hoped to have contacts for. But oh well.
BTW getting fitted for contacts for the first time can take several trips for initial and follow up exams. Make sure you can get to Chinatown (or where ever you shop) for all those visits. -
Review from Diana C.
Updated - 9/28/2010
I just got back to my office and decided this would be the first thing I should do, write an updated review.
This morning, I had a FML moment where my contact fell out of my right eye on the train, on my way to work. Since I live about an hour from the city, it wasn't an option to go back home to get new contacts. And since I touched the subway poles with my hands, there was no way I was sticking my contact back into my eye and risk an infection. Besides, it was shriveling up already because I was taking too long to decide what to do.
I walked around the office for an hour half blinded, with no depth perception, and was quickly developing a headache. I was in quite a pickle and didn't know what to do... I finally called 88 Optical and told them the situation. I spoke to Sing, and he was nice enough to tell me to just come down there and he'll work something out. So I hurrily trained down there and they gave me a contact for my right eye, at no charge and no hassle! I was so relieved, they really saved the day.
Thumbs up for 88 Optical for great customer service and heroes for relieving my FML day.Listed in: Doctors
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/11/2010
1 year worth of contacts + eye exam = $185
Replacing anti-glare lenses in old glasses = $100
The doc… Read more »
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Review from Yoyo T.
Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2010
I just went today. Walked out with a new Rx, a 6 month of contacts and a new pair of glasses (frames and lenses) for $400 all without insurance. I've had places where that's what it cost for a pair of glasses and an eye exam WITH insurance. Their pricing is tricky. The eye exam for glasses is $20 and the contact exam is $80. Both are waved when you buy either the glasses or contacts with them. I only ordered 6 months and plan on buying the last 6 months through http://1800contacts.com. They even accepted by flexible spending card.
Overall, it was fast and friendly. The selection isn't crazy, but the prices are reasonable and I walked away with my glasses in an hour. With the contacts, I have to wait a week to pick them up. The eye doc was friendly. She fitted me for contacts and glasses, answered any questions and left me to pick out a frame. When I popped back in an hour later, one of the staff took plenty of time adjusting the glasses making sure they sat correctly on my face. Last place I went to didn't do that and I had to go back 4 different times just to adjust it correctly.
I'm really happy with what I got. Super easy and only took me an hour and half for everything.Listed in: NYC
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Review from M T.
New York, NY
7/3/2011
This place is only good based on price. If you have expensive frames though and want them to handle your lens replacement with care, watch out! They scratched my frames--i had these expensive frames and 88 Optical scratched off part of the color! When I pointed it out, they said they could "fix it" which meant applying some cheap black paint to the scratch, which wiped off in a week!
Don't trust them with your frames. But overall they're good for a cheap eye exam -
Review from M N.
Manhattan, NY
11/2/2011
great price, fast service. highly recommend this hidden gem.
(I paid $65 for lens replacement including the eye exam. Altogether: 2hrs.) -
Review from Kris P.
Ridgewood, NY
3/27/2011
Went today (on a Sunday) without an appointment, saw a doctor after an hour, and another hour later my glasses were ready. I brought my own frames, so the overall cost was $50 (if you purchase the lenses, they waive the $20 exam fee!!!)
I am not giving them 5 stars only because their frame choice is rather limited. If you're looking for modern or edgy, you won't find it there. Otherwise, highly recommended! -
Review from Jennifer S.
Huntington Station, NY
8/17/2007
Cannot go wrong! I got lenses for $80. But that included the special coating that protects my purty green eyes from not hurting when im working 10 hour days in front of a giant cinema display. Woe is me, right?
W/out the coating $45. Good deal I say.
Staff is excellent and speaks perfect english in case you were fearful....I was. -
Review from Isabella W.
Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2009
A friend recommended me this place for its afforadability, so I yelped it before heading out. Turns out that it's quite popular and famous for its good price.
The optical is not on Hester, even when its name suggested so. It's by the corner, the place isn't fancy but is very decent is packs a good selection of frames although I have seen better collections.
Eye exams are around $35 if you don't purchase your frames or glasses here. If you do it is free. M. picked a pair of great looking designer brand, that plus thin lenses and anti-glare coating (the lenses cost slightly over $100, not under like what other yelpers indicated) came out a little over $300. M. said that it's pretty good deal, he was prepared to pay more than that when he signed up for the new glasses hunting mission.
M. expressed that the eye exam with the optician was fast, efficient and mechanical, not the best treatment... but I guess you can't ask too much when it ends up being free.
I will be heading here for my supply of contact lenses! They have specials when you do the annual supply. Free fitting included. -
Review from Doug T.
Larchmont, NY
9/26/2011
Stopped in yesterday with some frames I had purchased elsewhere. They did a fantastic job with awesome customer service. This is my first pair of glasses. They went the extra mile to explain the difference in lens choices and didn't push me towards the expensive choice.
They installed the lenses quickly and professionally. Highly recommended. -
Review from Dr. Beatoma V.
New York, NY
10/25/2011
50$ for lenses. I was late for my appointment and they still saw me in less than 15 minutes! And then it only took 10 minutes to get my lenses made! Not where I would go if I had an esoteric eye condition, but for the average vision care it is fast, affordable and everyone is very friendly.
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Review from K H.
New York, NY
1/23/2012
All the reviews are spot on. The employees knew what I was looking for, and they were patient. I got a good pair of glasses for under 450 that was transition and a light weight frame. And though they said my glasses would be ready on Thursday, I called on Wednesday and they were already ready for pick up! Selection is a bit small but worth the price and service. And there are some brand name frames if you're looking for them. Fantastic!
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Review from Vallen S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/26/2007
Cheap cheap cheap! Lenses $40-$90 (if you need anti-glare, and the thin kind cos you have a thick prescription like me haha). Next, pop across the street for the big ol back of fortune cookies for $1.50.
And Lucas is the raddest!! I heart Lucas! -
Review from Nina C.
6/2/2007 1 Check-in Here
Needed new glasses since I haven't updated my current pair in the last two years. Started here for a quote with a prescription from my doctor. Not only did they give me the best quote, the glasses were done much earlier than expected!
The people here are friendly and professional. I wish everyone treated their customers like these guys!
