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Brooklyn Eyeworks!
Categories: Health and Medical Optometrists Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Optometrists, Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
537 5th Ave(between 14th St & 7th Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Neighborhood: Park Slope
(646) 801-5209
Yelp Deals
$95 for $225 Worth of Eyewear and Eye Care Services at Brooklyn Eyeworks!
- Trade in your old pair of eyeglasses and receive an additional $50 off during your visit
- Excludes contact lens supply
- Cannot be combined with insurance
- Promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid. Only 2 Certificates can be redeemed per person. Up to 5 Certificates may be purchased as gifts for others. Must be used in single visit. Limit 1 per transaction. Not valid on sale items or for use with other discounts, vouchers, coupons or offers. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $225
- Discount 58%
- Savings $130
- Nearest Transit:
-
Prospect Av (D, N, R)
4 Av (F, G)
9 St (D, N, R)
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
41 reviews for Brooklyn Eyeworks!
Review Highlights
41 reviews in English
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Review from Kassy M.
3/3/2012
Okay so maybe I was feeling a bit lazy and cheap about scheduling an eye exam for the last year. Alright I lied, the last TWO and a half years. So when I saw the Groupon deal ($59 for an eye exam for glasses and contact lenses, plus $225 towards prescription lenses and frames), I had to jump on it. It came at just the right time, and I'm so glad I decided not to be lazy, but stayed cheap about it.
The exam was over super fast. AND, they don't make you endure the air puff machine, for those of you who are familiar with those. Dr. Spencer (I forgot his last name) was super nice and almost too friendly. He gave me a pair of contact lenses to try, and they feel so comfortable and hydrating! He asked me to come back in a week for a free follow-up to make sure the new lenses are treating my eyes well.
Next, I spent some time picking out a pair of new glasses. I kept on telling Danny (who I believe is one of the owners) that I wanted the cheapest frames possible, because I never ever wear my glasses. I liked that he was super honest about which frames he thought looked good on me, and which ones didn't work for my face. When I finally narrowed it down to two choices, he told me he liked one of them far more, which was actually significantly cheaper than the other one. Although I didn't agree with him, it made me feel good to know that he really does care about what (he thinks) look good on me, rather than snagging as much money from me as possible with the far more expensive frames.
A few days later I went back for my follow-up, which took less than 5 minutes, and received my new glasses. They are awesome! I'm so happy with them, and I feel comfortable being seen in them, unlike my old glasses which I hated and felt embarrassed about (because they were super cheap and unfashionable).
I highly recommend Brooklyn Eyeworks for those in need of eye exams and/or new glasses/sunglasses. Though the shop is small, they have hundreds of frames that magically appear out of nowhere...and they have a pretty nice selection. Dr. Spencer is great, and so is Danny and his female staff. You almost feel like you're not in NYC anymore because the service is awesome.
FINALLY, they upgraded me to thin lenses for free. They normally charge $100 for thin lenses, but they just did it without telling me. Maybe they suspected that I might be a Yelper. Isn't that amazing though? -
Review from Alena S.
New York, NY
4/16/2012
I went in a week ago for an eye check-up and glasses (after seeing the Amazon local deal for $59 dollars). I was super excited because due to the popularity of the deal I had to wait over a month for my appointment. Also, I haven't had my eyes checked in VERY many years (bad me, I know) and knew I needed stronger prescription glasses than the ones I currently had, so I was excited for the upgrade.
The store itself is very quaint, with a woodsy interior, glass counter tops, mirrors hanging from the ceiling and a Mac playing fun music throughout the store. The girls behind the counter were super friendly and greeted me warmly, despite the fact that they were quite busy with the customers already there. They were very nice about the fact that I ran late, telling me to take a seat and that the doctor would see me soon. Before I even made it to the wooden bench by the front, the doctor came out (unfortunately I don't remember his name, but remember that he was fairly young and extremely nice, with a very exuberant smile) and walked toward me (although flew was more like it, he seemed to be in a great hurry, and even though he didn't have a large stride, he did appear to have gone from his office to in front of me in less than a second). He shook my hand, introduced himself and led me to the back room. He seemed to be in a rush the entire time, practically jumping from test to test (and saying "fairly straightforward" a lot), but because of his constant chatter and questions I actually felt very comfortable and enjoyed my 5 minutes there. He also managed to fit in an explanation of the difference between the street bought sunglasses and store bought (although, and he made this very clear, he wasn't advertising the glasses in his store), which I found very helpful. Overall, he was very efficient but nice, and I left the office happy with the outcome.
The office was quite busy by this point and I had to wait a few minutes until the girls behind the counter were ready for part two. The one who helped me was very nice and seemed honest about her opinion of each pair i tried. I left the store mostly happy with the way I was treated.
Reasons why I am not giving 5 stars:
1. I told them I was on an Amazon local deal and because I haven't shopped for glasses in over 5 years placed myself in the girls hands, assuming that everything she showed me was within the $200 towards lenses and frames budget. I had NO IDEA about the pricing until she broke it down for me on paper, AFTER she got me to fall in love with a pair of $400 frames. By that point I saw that my lenses alone are $150 and that I would be stuck paying almost $350 out of pocket for the frames that I wouldn't be wearing consistently (but rather only when going to movies or sitting at a lecture). I asked her to show me other frames that would be within the budget range and she showed me frames that I would have had to pay $200 for anyway (winds up that what they don't mention in the deal is that the $200 towards glasses covers the lenses and a maximum of 1/5 of the price of the cheapest frames). By this point though I was pretty much in love with the pair she showed me in the beginning (that we spent 10 min picking out) and I figured $150 dollars more for frames I'd actually like was worth it. So the frames where what I like, but I can't help but feel like I was played. Very sad, after the wonderful treatment I received.
2. I called them 5 different times, for different reasons, and could NEVER reach them, always got the "If you get this message we are closed" voicemail, even during their supposed business hours.
Overall, VERY friendly place, wonderful (and competent) doctor, and nice selection of frames. If they accepted my form of insurance I would go back in the future, otherwise, too expensive for my budget.
Also, I do believe that they should have explained that either way I would have been paying a MINIMUM of $200 for the new specs whether I did or didn't have the deal, BEFORE I bought it. Might have made me think twice. -
Review from Becky F.
Brooklyn, NY
2/18/2012
The ophthalmologist here is great and the staff is friendly.
However, this establishment has discovered how to be a crook through online deals, like living social and groupon. You may be "getting $200-$300" off but by the time you leave you will have paid far, FAR more. And let's face it, the frames aren't even designer brands.
Also, when did it become professional to text your clients? I was told my glasses would be ready on a Saturday, never heard from them. I stopped by the next Weds, a week after my appointment, and the door was locked. At 1pm. On a Weds. I called to see wtf up, no answer. But I did receive a text message about 5 hours later. Nice.... When I did get to pick them up I had to wait forever while other customers were being helped. I overheard one woman say she "could not spend that much on glasses" after she had spent the better part of an hour choosing frames. (nothing has a price on it)
When i finally got my glasses home I noticed a flaw in the frames, right between my eyes, but I'll live with it because I never want to go back to this place.
My over all experience here left me feeling angry and stupid. If you aren't a regular customer at BE then you might think that $200 off is significant. It's not. Not at all.
Do yourself a favor and get a refund for your deal. Their vague terms are misleading, and unethical. They know they are pulling in a lot of customers and of course a lot of money.Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 2/21/2012
Hi Becky; please come in and get your money back! We have a… More » -
Review from R G.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 5/2/2012
Dan - Sorry, the place I purchased from was Amazon Local. I was told the same thing by your front desk person re: issuing another voucher (but watch out - the same deal won't apply, it's just a $59 credit instead) but I never got that phone call. Ultimately, a month later, I called Amazon ready to make my case--they happily refunded the voucher and didn't know what policy I was referring to. I waited literally 3 months for my appt because I was so excited by the Yelp reviews, too. I actually made a Yelp account just to share my sorrow over this establishment.
Thanks for your response though.
-RG1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/29/2012
It is impossible to get someone on the phone at this place. I purchased a Groupon deal and when I… Read more »
Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 5/3/2012
Hi RG, it's not fair for you to get screwed out of a voucher… More » -
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Review from kim c.
Brooklyn, NY
4/20/2012
Agreed... everyone's friendly. They'll become your best friends while you chat over the glass cases of expensive frames. The doc is young, friendly, and attractive. They all know you when you walk in the door.
If friendliness were all that mattered...
The first time I went in, they checked my eyes, determined a prescription, gave me a set of contacts, showed me how to use them (I was a newbie). I couldn't see a thing, and said so, but I was told to just wear them and come back in a week.
I tried. But I couldn't find a time to wear them, because I couldn't find a time when I didn't need to SEE. So I missed my appointment, telling myself I would go back for my follow up once I had a chance to wear the trial lenses a few times.
Three months later... I realize I've dropped the ball, but I was never told that after three months you have to get (and pay for) another eye exam. So I coughed it up. I figured it was mostly my fault - even though I wasn't informed of the policy.
The next trial was much better. I went back for my follow up ON TIME. They gave me a written copy of my prescription (as is required by law) and I had them read through it with me because I couldn't read the handwriting and I wanted to be sure I had it right (already planning to purchase lenses elsewhere).
As we read through it, the doc overheard and came back in. Apparently they'd copied it down wrong. If I hadn't forced the issue, I'd have walked out of there with the WRONG PRESCRIPTION.
Then they told me I'd receive an email letting me know where to purchase my contact lenses - which I, of course, never received until I inquired.
My beau picked up the Amazon deal - I think $49 for an eye exam and $200 to spend on frames. Of course, the frames were $389, plus lenses were $300+, and somehow he was standing there spending $600+ on a new pair of glasses AFTER the $200 discount.
Not so great on the communication, not so great on the full disclosure, and not so great on educating the client.
I'll be taking my prescription elsewhere.Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 4/23/2012
Hi Kim it's Dan. This really burns me up! We messed up. The… More » -
Review from Stephanie C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Everyone there is so extremely nice! It's so weird to enjoy your visit at the optometrist. I was greeted by Jessica and Danny when I went there for my eye exam. Dr. Spencer Ritenour is young, knowledgeable, and - you know it - nice! Gave my eyes a thorough examination, and gave me a free followup because my eyes definitely needed some attention :(
After the exam, I was ready to choose my frames and lens. And omg it was such a difficult task! But they made it such a pleasant experience. Dr. Ritenour even came out (since he didn't have a patient) to give his opinions. I think I might have spent like an hour trying to choose the perfect frames. But they were patient and very helpful. I finally found a pair that everyone (sorta) agreed on.
Of course, adding up the cost of the frame, thin lens + no-glare ($100 each option), the bill came out to be pretty ridiculous. Considering I'm a starving med student, I opted out on the thin lens :( They told me to expect the glasses within a week (super efficient!), and I got a text from them 4 days later saying it's ready :)
When I went to pick up the glasses, I was very nervous, thinking that the lenses are going to be ridiculously thick. But guess what - they upgraded me for free!!! They also fixed my old pair of glasses :)
THIS is why they deserve 5 stars. And this is also why they have loyal customers. If I ever need sunglasses or contacts, I will only go to Brooklyn Eyeworks. Thank you!! -
Review from Justin W.
Brooklyn, NY
3/22/2012
I came here with a deal from amazon local for a $59 eye exam and $200 towards my frames. My exam was at 4 p.m. and by 4:30 I was checking out with a slick new pair of specs. The entire staff is very friendly and really sought to find a good fit for me. They also didn't try to up sell me which is great.
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Review from liz s.
New York, NY
5/24/2011 1 photo
So the owner goes, "What did we do to deserve such awesomeness?" (Not QUITE verbatim; it was more like, "What did we do to deserve such amazing reviews?") He's even getting capitalization.
As if he doesn't know.
First off: the same pair of unique-as-fuck frames I rock at $470+tax, frames only, can be found there for $325. Insane, right? It even turns out these frames can be welded back together. I bet that if I'd brought in my first pair of these same frames, broken in a fit of passion, they would have been fixed for a nominal fee. At Sterling I was told that, being titanium, they couldn't be soldered together, despite the break being very clean. I was charged $470+tax to replace a $420 tax-free pair of frames from the very same place--right? Online I've found plenty of options for fixing these frames. Fucked up shit creek...until!
(Also: I've been paying upwards of $500 per pair of lenses since moving to New York! My last two were $700 a pair. Here they've been estimated at $400, thin lenses and anti-reflective qualities included.)
Until Brooklyn Eyeworks! No longer do I have to look at eyesores of sums and weep tears of brokeworld. I'll be able to afford sunglasses. I may even bring in my current pair to see whether I was screwed over by Cohen's (the 125th street branch rocks but none of the others do. Trust me on this--the people at the Harlem location are sweethearts who remembered my glasses after two years, they're so unique! They even debuted frames from Airo cuz my frames are love-wrenching. So...Cohen's of Harlem=four stars, all others=zero)!
I'm all hobbly and crutchy because I've got a broken, operated-on, screw-infested, open-wounded, recently uninfected ankle. I get lobster face in extreme heat but crutching the few blocks from the R did it! The owner was absent and Mr. Apprentice (a little too easily shocked) let me sit with a complimentary bottle of water before giving me close to twenty pairs of frames to try on, none of which truly impressed me. A few were terribly cute but a bit too subtle.
My lobster face just wasn't quitting. He mentioned that they actually carried my Airo frames, opened the wrong drawer in the back--and I yelled, "THOSE ARE MINE!" A pair of Lafont frames translating into "olive waves of purple grain" just grabbed my eyes by the tonsils! Still, he insisted on shoving pair after pair onto my nose. Satisfaction is the heart of every customer, and pure satisfaction makes a return customer. Slick. Sleazy. My kind of smart.
Finally my face went back to porcelain, the owner was called over for pricing and appointment-making, I was offered the luxury of having my exam done today and returning next week to pay (being deaf and on crutches in an area I don't really know the bus lines of I declined; crutching around after dilation should be carefully planned!)...and I was hustled outside for one last check: do I like my frames in the sun? HELL TO THE FUCK YEAH!
My only gripe? Mr. Apprentice fumbled when I asked whether my chosen frames were awesome enough to be date-getters. It wasn't a come-on; his goatee is much too neatly shaven for us to last longer than a day, anyway. A genius surmises such within seconds. It's a fantastic sculpture, though.
I just really wanted to know: are these ball-grabbers? Attention-suckers? Funky enough to say, "I'm funner than a can of worms"? A
woman like me doesn't want to suck her thumb amid the yawn.
***
5/28:
They've been terrific(ally accommodating!)--my life is a little topsy-turvy and these people just rock. I could've let them forget that I also owed $95 for an eye exam but reminded them that my bill wasn't really $560.
I can't wait to bring in other frames and see what I can get!
I just had my eye exam (minus the dilation; that'll wait until I can walk). I suppose my doctor was Dr. Ritenour, and he's spectacular (and bespectacled...pretty nifty retro frames). I've been sneered at every time I ask whether I'm a good candidate for LASIK and when every curt "NO!" has been met with, "Why not?" I've been smirked at with absolutely no explanation beyond "You can't have it."
Same goes for the scolding, "You MUST get a dilation every year!" "Why?" "YOU NEED IT!" Doctors? More like that cotton-tipped surprise people get at the end of every STD test.
Now I know why. Handshakes all around, sweat dispensed (all mine) and not so much embarrassment. Great love all around and Red Horse Cafe just around the corner!
Totally keeping this place on my list--no matter where I may find my next pair of frames I'm getting my exams and lenses here for as long as we're both around.
If the friendliness is a front they're good at hiding it. It's like being a professor (okay, I've only been an adjunct): you find something about every customer to relate to and every transaction, statement and smile will be true.
Note: even at regular price, the frames are kinda steals.Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 5/25/2011
Hi Beth. You're hilarious. You just made Mr. Apprentice… More » -
Review from Gillian F.
Brooklyn, NY
4/20/2011
I had a great experience at Brooklyn Eyeworks. They worked very hard to make me feel at home and to make me feel like I was the most special customer there. I also noticed they worked just as hard to make every other customer feel just as special. The eye doctor made me feel very comfortable and the guy helping at the front desk made me feel like trying on new glasses was the easiest thing in the world. He was honest with me, helpful and not pushy at all. Also, the price for the eye exam was very fair.
I highly recommend Brooklyn Eyeworks and will return annually for my checkups and replacement corrective lenses. Thanks guys! -
Review from Sandy V.
Brooklyn, NY
1/13/2011
Glad I could chime in with all of the existing glowing reviews of service, quality and overall experience at Brooklyn Eyeworks! The selection of frames and discounts could not be beat. I was pretty nervous about going through the process of getting my first glasses in my 30s but
Dr. Riteneur's knowledge, know-how and warmth put me at ease and helped me get through the thorough exams. I tried on maybe 50 frames through the process and the salesgirl was so sweet and helpful and finally found me a pair i LOVE. thanks Brooklyn Eyeworks! -
Review from Miguel d.
Brooklyn, NY
11/1/2007
I've never had a more relaxed, easy, and fun experience during and after an eye exam. The place is nestled comfortably (disturbingly?) in between a pizza place and a nail parlor right next to a liquor store, but on this side of Park Slope it's nice to find a place that cares as much as they do over customer service as well as the quality of their work.
I scheduled an appointment earlier this week and snagged a spot easily; the eye exam itself was so smooth. I got to talking with the optometrist and expressed my piqued interest in the field. The doctor even advised me, if I wanted, to just come in and learn more about how the practice is or if I wanted to see other patients! How's that for customer service!
And then there was Danny. It's been said before; the man is passionate about eyewear and eye care. He was so helpful in helping me pick out my new frames, trying on at least ten and finding just the one. There's a neat discount for you if you get a second pair, and the one-year warranty is the best I've ever had: anything short of a loss, they'll fully replace the glasses for no charge.
Did I mention the $25 cash if you refer someone to their business? I expect them to start coming my way soon now that I've Yelped them...Listed in: Hitting Park Slope, Fifth Avenue Crawl - Park…
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Review from Eden M.
ASTORIA, NY
8/12/2007
I've been wearing glasses since I was 7 years old. There were the owl shaped pink plastic ones of the 70's, the ones that looked like I'd lifted them from Betty White in the 80's, and the Buddy Holly ones of my post college 90's. I've been to many many shops in New York and fallen in love with many a frame, however, I've never particularly liked the "Like It or Lump It" attitude of most of my eyewear vendors.
Then came Danny. Oh, I wax rhapsodic... his shop is in a tiny, brightly painted little slot that I pass often between gym and liquor store. All mirrors on one wall, and these cool mirrors that pull down from the ceiling over the counter. Then Danny himself. He has a calm, quietly happy energy that comes out of people you want to hand lots of cash or the remote control of your jet pack. He wears his own product, as does his similarly beatific wife who was visiting with toddler in tow one of the times I was there, and it feels like he's happy to share his toys.
The first time I went in was because I thought I was going to plunk down some change for new glasses, and ended up trying on nearly 15 frames. Danny took me outside with each one to look at them in the natural daylight, since it changes how you see the frame. Never in all my life had anyone done that, but he was right. I figured I'd think about a particularly pricey (for me) frame overnight, and he was totally fine with that. Then I found out I didn't get a job I expected, and had no income for a while. So I skulked by the store for another 2 months, before coming in and ending up purchasing a completely different pair. Which he did in house and had ready early the next afternoon, which is unheard of for my bad eyes.
So the scoop is this: reasonable prices on funky frames, in house service, service, service, service, oh yeah, and the wonderful Danny. And my new bad ass glasses rock. -
Review from Mo P.
Brooklyn, NY
3/21/2009 ROTD 4/2/2010
First they contacted me. Then I was framed. It all happened so fast.
No really--- truly fast. I spent weeks doing my research to find an eye doctor anywhere in the NYC area- one that accepted my insurance and could help to put my need for glasses in hindsight. Finally I settled on Brooklyn Eyeworks, and promptly was set up for an appointment.
Dr. Bazan is incredible, patient, and passionate about good vision. Not only did he go through all of the normal procedures for fitting me for contacts and checking my prescription, but he took the time to explain different contact options and what would be best since I'm around toxic materials a lot (yayyy art school).
Then there's Danny. Love at first sight. Not only is Dr. Bazan passionate about vision, but his sidekick has a knack for picking out the frames that will --- make ---you --want -- to-- wear--- them.
Other businesses have always rushed me through the trying-on process, giving me phony advice and hoping I'll settle on something soon. Danny, oh Danny boy... he let me try on everything! Nevermind the fact that he pulled out my destined pair right in the beginning and said that they'd look fabulous on me.... he still pulled out every pair I eyed and patiently juggled the pairs I liked until we narrowed it down.
Between Danny and Dr. Bazan, you will walk away from Park Slope with your vision sparkling (okay, well maybe not quite then, as your pupils might still be dilated and you'll be donning goofy shades....). Five and a half stars if it were possible, I'd recommend them any day!
*Juicy tidbits: you can usually find a coupon on their website under the "goodies" tab, for a discount on frames or your checkup.
* Danny not only set me up with some designer frames, but sent me away with a second pair for free that my insurance covered. -
Review from Deanna Z.
New York, NY
4/8/2008
I couldn't ask for a better experience! Dr. Bazan was super friendly (and very funny), and he also totally filled my need for nerdy info and trivia about what all the exams do and what's going on with my eye. I have some tricky astigmatisms to tame, so my eyes aren't for the faint of heart.
On top of that, while we were waiting for some things, I had a ball with Dan picking out frames and talking sociopolitics. And laughing a lot.
I can't say enough good things about these guys. I'll give a full report when my prescription is finalized, but man-oh-man, do I lurve them now.
UPDATE: Finally remembered to complete this--! Everything is fabulous. I went back for new glasses a couple months ago, and I tell you, it's just such an awesome community-oriented shop.
Oh! And Dr. Bazan *blogs*: http://justinbazan.wor... -
Review from Bear W.
Brooklyn, NY
9/13/2008
I am a loyal customer of Brooklyn Eyeworks. They won my business by being professional, attentive, and coming through on their promises of excellent quality eyeglasses and contacts.
This is the place I go to when I need new eyeglasses or boxes of soft contact lenses (toric). The personalized service that Danny gives you is the reason I keep coming back. What other optician brings eyeglasses to your door if you can't make it to the store to pick them up?
I have terrible astigmatism and have found the fit of the contact lenses given to me by Brooklyn Eyeworks to be perfect.
I actually look forward to eye exams and hope that my eyesight improves with the help of the products purchased here. Try them, you will enjoy the experience. -
Review from Jene O.
New Orleans, LA
1/4/2009
I found this place by looking at reviews here on yelp, and I am so glad I picked this place.
I needed an eye exam as I have not had one in, oh, about 20 years. I do not have glasses or contacts but it was beyond time to see if that should change.
The doctors hours have been cut due to the economy so when I called it was a bit uncertain when she would be in (she is working Wednesdays and Saturdays now) - so I was asked to call back on Saturday to confirm my appointment.
I made one easily, and when I got to the place there was no wait. The whole experience was fast and great. Turns out I could use a pair of glasses - with a tiny scrip. So I am checking to see how much insurance will cover and then heading back to pick out some frames.
I highly recommend Brooklyn Eyeworks Optical. -
Review from Abigail S.
Miami, FL
3/22/2009
I have terrible eyes, like really bad ones. When I'm not wearing my glasses or contacts, the world is a pastel blur. I've been Mr. Magoo since the age of five so I have a lot of experience with optometrists and opticians and their various styles and scams.
So it's with some authority that I can say this place is great. Dr. Gonzales is knowledgeable and funny, and the exam was thorough with no pushiness about optional tests or add-ons. I was in and out of there on time, which is always a plus. The waiting area is pretty cramped, I'll admit, but the store is small and I don't really mind because hey, at least it doesn't look like a typical eye doctor's office, all grungy and mauve and scuffed. Brooklyn Eyeworks is bright and covered in mirrors and there's upbeat techno booming across the space, with a giant cartoonish flower arrangement in a vase and even a couple of slate wall fountains. The frame selection is small but stylish, and the frames are designer. Don't go in there expecting to spend less than a few hundred dollars on glasses.
Since my eyes are so horrible I have to get custom contacts and they always take forever to arrive. I also have to get custom lenses for my glasses, so I know to expect a wait. The first set of glasses lenses that came in didn't meet Danny's standards, so he sent them back. The second set that came in weren't up to snuff, so he sent those back and gave me a free upgrade to some super thin Nikon lenses that make my old super-thin lenses look like Coke bottles. I really, really appreciated this gesture and was thrilled to find that the new glasses look, well, amazing on my face.
I wasn't expecting to be so impressed but now will happily say that Brooklyn Eyeworks has a new customer for life (well, as long as I live in New York).
Highly recommended.Listed in: Brooklyn Does it Better, Best of New York
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Review from Josh K.
Brooklyn, NY
3/4/2009
Wow. What a fall from grace.
I had written a raving review years back, calling Brooklyn Eyeworks "One of the friendliest establishments around."
But Josh, I hear you say, what on earth could have caused this calamitous fall from grace?
Where to start. Oh right, I had fallen into a pond and lost my glasses... It was a Friday and I was far from home but I wasn't worried. No, Brooklyn Eyeworks would surely help me out, right? Riiiight?
Well no. They were indeed friendly on the phone that day, "just come in on Monday and pick out a pair and you'll have it by Wednesday". Sounded good enough.
Monday came and I picked out a new pair, paid for them, and eagerly awaited Wednesday. On Wednesday i went to pick up my pair. Keep in mind I work in Manhattan and had to travel ~45 minutes to get out to Brooklyn. When i arrived and tried them on the saleswoman told me "Oops! There's a crack in the glass, give them back". Annoying. "When can I pick them up?" "Friday."
Friday came and I took the afternoon off from work to go and get my pair. They weren't ready. I would've appreciated a call. But silly me, I should've known. Throughout this whole ordeal, they never once picked up the phone.
Monday they were ready but no one called to let me know. I just went in and asked.
So that's a few stars off. Why the rest?
Well my sweet girlfriend wanted to get me prescription ski goggles for my birthday (I told you she was sweet). Apparently, and this is just her story, Brooklyn Eyeworks refused to give her my prescription, refused to suggest to show her options, and refused to offer suggestions of alternatives. She emailed them, they texted back. She called them, they didn't pick up. And now I will be blind when I ski.
Brooklyn Eyeworks - GET YOUR DUCKS IN LINEComment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 1/2/2012
Hey Josh, you are correct. most of the time we shine and… More » -
Review from casey h.
Brooklyn, NY
3/9/2009
Yes, it's true. Another Yelp success story for me. I'm falling right in line here and fully endorsing this place. As someone who has never owned glasses before and hasn't had an eye exam for, oh, 15 years, I was really looking for a good experience, and I got it. The doctor was very positive, upbeat and genuinely interested, and made sure I knew what every step of the exam was about, since I had told her I didn't know a thing. She also gave me totally real advice about glasses usage.
I have pretty sensitive "upsell" sensors and I didn't get a whiff of that from anyone there the whole time. I told the woman helping me try on frames that I probably wouldn't get them that day, and she was totally cool with that. Also, when I came back the next week with frames from Fanny's, she was very professional and down with that too, even said, "oh, they do a great job for stuff like this."
All in all, for a slightly exam-phobic person, an extremely positive and comforting experience. Thanks so much! -
Review from girl A.
Brooklyn, NY
4/28/2009
I love this place. Let me count the ways.
* Wonderful selection of designer frames.
* They take insurance/flex spending accounts.
* You get $25 for every referral you make.
* Danny will deliver your frames to you. DELIVER. Even if you're outside of Park Slope.
* Speaking of Danny, he knows what frames will look good on you. He once picked out a pair for me, I tried them on, and they were perfect. He also bends over backwards to take the best care of you. Hey, good customer service = repeat business. It's not rocket science, but he has it down to an art. -
Review from Elle K.
Brooklyn, NY
4/26/2009
I just went in for my second visit. I got a pair of glasses here about two years ago and still love the frames, it's been said before but it bears repeating. The charming young woman behind the counter really knows how to pick a pair of frames. She isn't pushy, but she'll tell you what works and what doesn't.
So, here is is two years later and they not only remembered me, but knew the details of my frames as well. I was just getting new lenses, but I spent a little time looking at frames with (I must get her name next time!) [lovely young counter woman] and think I found my next pair.
A substitute Optician was in that day, but she was equally warm, friendly and professional. They squeezed me in and I got my new prescription in less than half an hour.
This is the best Eyewear store I have ever been to. -
Review from Jill C.
New York, NY
8/25/2009
A few weeks ago I got on the 4 headed home toward Brooklyn and had myself a small heart attack. I rummaged through my HUGE purse for my glasses (I was wearing my sunglasses) and lo and behold, they were not there.
Naturally, I had been to 437 places that day and rifled through said purse numerous times. After getting home and calling as many places I had visited that I knew the numbers to, to no avail, I counted my hip and lovely glasses as a loss.
So I hopped on yelp and looked for places to shop for a new pair.
I was impressed by the reviews for Brooklyn Eyeworks and decided to make the 2 train schlep the following day, a Saturday. The staff could not have been nicer and more patient with my insanely picky nature. They took their time, gave me hundreds of options and did not push for an upsell. Finally I decided on a pair and they put the order in for me, slated for delivery that Thursday.
Monday morning I got to work and much to my surprise/chagrin/delight/horror I saw my still quite hip and lovely glasses sitting right there on my desk at work.
Don't ask, just take my word for it when I say that this is some typical Jill mishap.
Anyway, I called Brooklyn Eyeworks right away and asked if they could cancel the order. Dan, who is the owner told me he would do his best and call me back. 10 minutes later he did and stated I was in the clear and I could come in and choose sunglasses or store credit at my leisure. Sweet relief.
Well, three weeks passed and I finally got around to getting back there. By this time I realized that I honestly don't need new glasses at this time, be it sunglasses or otherwise. I figured I'd take store credit and hopefully get contacts this winter for snowboard season.
Imagine my surprise when Dan offered to credit me back the entire 400+ dollars to my card. No questions. !!!!
I was floored and delighted. He is a doll and will keep my business as long as I am in NY, which will hopefully be forever! And now I can afford to buy groceries this week!
Thank you thank you! I love this business!Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 8/30/2009
Jill, believe me, you've made my day. The energy,… More » -
Review from Lauren L.
New York, NY
4/25/2010
This place is pretty great.
1. It's so convenient to make an appointment! You can do it online, they're open until like 7 everyday and on weekends too so that you can basically go "when it's convenient" and not "when they're open". Big plus in my book.
2. They offer incentives for things like becoming a fan on Facebook and bringing in non-perishable food items for City Harvest, as well as referring other folks.
3. The folks who work there are very, very nice. And honest. I left with a pair of glasses that I love AND that don't overwhelm my face. Didn't break the bank either.
The bottom line is, this is a business that REALLY cares about their customer's satisfaction. Everyone is very personable and you never feel rushed, even if they're busy. I'm definitely glad I went here for my glasses and not one of those "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am" chain joints. New glasses are a big deal......cause they're kinda pricey no matter where you go, and HELLO, they're on your face!Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 5/5/2010
Hi Lauren. Once again thank you for your kind words. Our… More » -
Review from Susan L.
7/19/2009
I found Brooklyn Eyeworks about a year ago via Citysearch and I *highly* recommend them. (I already had a prescription from my eye doctor and I already had frames that were only about one year old, so I just needed to have new lenses made). Dan is a *super-nice* guy; incredibly pleasant. Yes, it's true that the space is small - but they have a comfortable (two-seater) sofa. Also; Dan is fluent in Spanish (we had a short conversation in Spanish the last time), so that would be very helpful if you know anyone in need of a Spanish-speaking optician. Lastly, I live in (lower) Manhattan and yet I wouldn't go to anyone else.
(Update on 11/1/10): Recently I had the lenses replaced in both pairs of glasses and it was a real pleasure having more opportunities to talk to Danny!Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 9/1/2009
It's always a pleasure to get a visit from you and your… More » -
Review from Jordan P.
Brooklyn, NY
12/16/2008
I went there to have my eyes checked. The Optometrist herself was great.. Seemed like she was really concerned, and new what she was doing. But I had a few complaints.
She asked me if I wanted to have my pupils dilated, and said that she really recommended it, but didn't mention that it would cost extra.. Then when it came time to pay they added it to the bill
They told me to come back in and try on a sample pair of contacts. I told them when I was coming in, and they said someone would be there, but when I arrived no one was there, and I stood outside for 20 minutes waiting for someone to arrive.
I wanted to have my prescription faxed or e-mailed to me. I called and the girl took my info, but I never received a fax or e-mail. When I called back she said that she had tried to send the fax, but it never went through, and apparently she just gave up and didn't think to call me after that.
The only reason this place gets 2 stars is because the optometrist seemed really good. Wish that I could see her somewhere other than Brooklyn Eyeworks. -
Review from Sur R.
Brooklyn, NY
5/6/2010
Ok, maybe a couple of you caught a glimpse of a 1-star review that I gave this place a few days ago, posted for maybe a couple of hours.
After calling them later, identifying myself as that writer, and saying why I had written that review, Danny explained to me why I had only partial information, which had created my initially negative impression (it's kind of a long story...). I was shocked when I understood the whole picture, and immediately offered to delete that review. He offered me a generous discount on my next order, as thanks for doing so.
I'm here now to testify: they really do understand what service means, a rare thing these days, and they go the extra mile for their customers!! (Danny, just don't blow my cover on Yelp! ;-)Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 5/5/2010
Within a 30 block radius of our office, there are about 15… More » -
Review from Emily D.
Brooklyn, NY
3/25/2010
I am here every week. And for good reasons. The doc. keeps letting me try contacts to find a pair that actually fits. They're really personable here AND offer an AMAZING selection of frames. If I were to get a brand new pair of specs I'd come back and let Danny put a pair on my face and be done with it. He won't steer you wrong.
Currently they've got a good promotion going on. Bringing in five canned or dry goods will get you $50 off your purchase price (excluding the MetroCard deal). I got my lenses replaced in TWO DAYS. These badboys are -7 and I'm accustomed to waiting up to two weeks for a new pair of glasses, so waiting (almost an hour) in the office for appointments is something I just suck up and blame on my bad luck.Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 4/23/2010
Our passion is to provide the best care possible. We do… More » -
Review from Tricia F.
Manhattan, NY
1/6/2011
Definitely the best experience I've ever had with an eye doctor. Great staff, very helpful and professional and friendly.
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Review from Andrea S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/13/2008
These guys are great! They're really friendly and treated me like they've known me for years, Dr. Bazan is wonderful! Any doctor that has a blog and knows about yelp is cool in my book!
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Review from Phoebe O.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2009
All of the staff are great! The sales people were cheerful and no-pressure. The eye doctor was a bit overbooked, and there was not enough room to wait in this small storefront. The doctor herself was funny and competent. I was thankful she used the "eye drops" rather than "the air pressure puff" to test for glaucoma. It seemed worth the crowded, uncomfortable, wait. She also was able to recommend lower cost contacts in keeping with my grad student budget. The selection of frames is small, but fashionable. I don't need new glasses, but some of styles made me wish I did! I will return in the future.
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Review from Ashley D.
New York, NY
4/22/2009
I am probably one of their most difficult patients; I have difficult astigmatism, as well as a general intolerance for soft contacts and difficulty with gas-permeables. Dr. Gonzales is patient and thorough and worked tirelessly to find solutions for my eyes that did not include the phrase, "Wear glasses." Danny is personable and helpful, a rare find in the city. Brooklyn Eyeworks has worked very hard to accommodate my needs without ever making me feel like a chore or a nuisance. I would recommend their services to others.
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Review from Alan H.
Brooklyn, NY
7/7/2009
Service at this place is amazing. I felt well taken care of. Prices are good too.
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Review from Adrienne R.
Brooklyn, NY
9/9/2010
I got a pair of glasses at Brooklyn Eyeworks 2 years ago (which I still love), but hadn't been back since then because I [stupidly] decided to get my lenses updated at a chain eyeglasses place more convenient to my job. When I came back to Brooklyn Eyeworks recently for a contact lens prescription for my upcoming wedding, I was reminded of what it's like to get attentive, caring service. Danny, Dr. Fertig, and the very patient Jessica, who helped train me to put in my contacts, are all extremely kind and easy going... and they never try to up-sell you. Not once but twice has a person come into the shop while I was there saying that they came from way out of town just to get their lenses there. Brooklyn Eyeworks can add me to the loyal customer list.
Listed in: Nuptial Bliss
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Review from karen h.
New York, NY
11/13/2009
Great staff, friendly and helpful. Small selection which didn't have anything that suited my face, lots of chunkier styles. Keep an eye on Yelp and their website for good deals. I wish I had found something here because I would have enjoyed buying from them.
Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 11/17/2009
Your review means a great deal to me. You took the time and… More » -
Review from Carlos C.
11/12/2009
The best eye-wear shop in BK, Danny is amazing, he murdered me with his excellent customer service. I would've accepted the free cup of Joe but I was in a hurry. This place won my heart cause of the service Danny offers. Must stop by and buy frames and glasses here, you won't be disappointed.
Listed in: Carlito's Way....
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Review from Margaret C.
Brooklyn, NY
8/28/2008
My new frames are soo beautiful, thank you guys so much. Im hot!
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Review from Maureen K.
Allston, MA
8/8/2010
I've been here twice and have had a great experience both times. I can never find good doctors in the city (I can't tell you how many dentists I've been to) and this is the first place I've been to where I was completely satisfied. They're the only medical facility where I feel confident recommending them to my friends and I know I'll keep on going there as long as I live in the area.
Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 8/16/2010
Hi Maureen; thank you for your kind words. I truly… More » -
Review from Steve M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/3/2011
I have tried on many occasions to get someone at Brooklyn Eyeworks to answer the phone and have met with little or no success. Online contacts and glasses vendors have attempted the same on my behalf with similar results. I have had more than one order ultimately end up canceled because neither the vendor nor I can get Brooklyn Eyeworks on the phone to verify prescriptions.
Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 5/3/2011
Ouch. Hi Steve, We are huge proponents of online ordering.… More » -
Review from T M.
Brooklyn, NY
1/21/2010
Nice people but made many mistakes filling my prescription. Had to go back three times to sort it out. I won't use them again.
Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 1/21/2012
It's actually taken me 2 years to respond to Tim because… More » -
Review from R M.
New York, NY
6/18/2010
RED FLAG! I went in for a contact lens exam 3 weeks ago. The optometrist was very nice. Turned out that my current lenses fit fine, just needed to be slightly stronger. At the end of my exam, he ordered me two sets of sample lenses (the same brand I've been wearing for the past 10 years) so I could see which strength I was more comfortable with, and says they'll call me when the samples arrive.
THREE weeks later, my samples arrive. Or so they told me. Upon trekking all the way back to their office, Danny (not the optometrist) tells me that only ONE pair has arrived, and that I need to make a second appointment to to see if the samples fit BEFORE they will give me the other pair of samples.
Let's review: All of a sudden I need to be re-fitted for the same brand of lenses (.25 stronger) that I have been wearing for 10 years, that fit FINE when I was examined THREE weeks ago, before they will fulfill their end of the deal. Let me guess, if they ever decide to give me my second pair of samples, will I need to be 're-fitted' for those as well? Can we say SCAM?!
I went to this place because of all the positive reviews. Based on my experience with this office, I think Danny must be paying people to rate him so highly.Comment from Dan M. of Brooklyn Eyeworks! 6/21/2010
HOW IS THIS A SCAM? 1. Excellent care or your money back.… More »
