Grand Central Optical Co Inc

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369 Madison Ave (at btw E 45th and E46 Street)
New York, NY 10017

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(212) 599-1220
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Grand Central Optical Co Inc - New York, NY
Reviews
( 65 )
( 1 )
( 0 )
( 1 )
( 15 )

Best

I went here after leaving my glasses on the plane. (Don't know how someone can see thru my lenses). They were excellent with their customer services and helped me pick out glass...

Worst

admitingly, I have a tough contact prescription to fill. It took many tries only for me to find out that my stigmatism isnt worth fixing w/contacts. I told them upfront that I w...

Awful! 8/29/2014

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Horrible experience trying to cancel an order 2 HOURS later and being told, for the first time and after the fact, that "store policy is no cancelations" by a rude and condescending "manager". I am fighting this charge and I will take them to small claims court if necessary. They are OVERPRICED, rude and have horrible service. Why would I wear glasses on my face every day after being treated in this manner. more

Editorial review from Citysearch 8/29/2014

AWFUL! I called 2 hours after placing an order with them when I realized how overpriced they were and how I wasn't given an itemized receipt to cancel and I was informed by the manager, who was rude and condescending the entire phone call that he could ""look into canceling it"" and ""would call me back"". I never received that phone call and this morning on my way out, I received a voicemail from the same manager that the ""store policy is no cancelation"" and that ""they were already processed"" (sure between the time we spoke and the time you should have called me back. I have no intention of picking these glasses up and will continue to describe my experience all over the internet. The ""manager"" might want to reconsider the ""policy"" that means that you can't cancel overpriced glasses, that haven't been made, two hours later, when you realized you were overcharged and are spoken to in a manner where you are made to feel unreasonable. AVOID this place! more

Editorial review from Citysearch 1/30/2013

haven't bought my glasses just yet but I stopped in after I had already thought I was going to get my glasses from lenscrafters. The girl there was very courteous, a european personality that's not cold but I guess could be viewed that way from an American stand point. Either way she showed me the one I wanted and when i asked if she had something similar but a little cheaper, she didn't hesitate to find me something instantly 400 dollars cheaper. On top of that she gave me really good suggestions and helped me out completely. I didn't feel pushed to pursue something expensive or buy right away, they let me go at my leisure. I'll update this after I go through the eye exam and whole purchasing experience. more

Great Staff 11/20/2011

I went here after leaving my glasses on the plane. (Don't know how someone can see thru my lenses). They were excellent with their customer services and helped me pick out glasses. They even take my insurance and did all the paperwork for me which was great for me. I had new glasses in 2 hours Thanks again. You guys rock!!! more

great staff and great selection 11/12/2011

the staff is very knowledgeable and understand what works and what doesn't work. Cutting edge frames. Great store and great location. more

Wrote me the wrong prescription, refused to apologize and made me pay twice 11/8/2011

Ugh. Definitely don't use these guys. \r \r They have a terrible attitude and, most importantly, they misdiagnosed me and refused to admit any mistake or even apologize. \r \r Now, after getting lenses made based on their prescription, I'm $300 bucks in the hole. $70 for a prescription that was wrong and $230 for a new pair of lenses.\r \r Truly terrible. And the worst customer service I've ever encountered. more

great place 10/29/2011

I have been going to their place in Grand Central Terminal for years. The people are very knowlegable, friendly and they have a great selection of frames to choose from and if they dont have what youre looking for they'll get it for you. This fellow Gregg works there. He's got the best personality and if you are a picky customer, he's for you. He's very helpfull. By the way if you're a tipical New Yorker like me and you have a dog, bring him/her to the store, they love dogs more

Great Store and Service 10/28/2010

I always go to the store that's located in the Grand Central Terminal, but needed help because I lost my glasses and needed something real quick for a business meeting. When I called the store, they told me that I can come in and they would be able to help me. They informed me that I could go to either store. I didn't know that they had another location on Madison Ave., which was great because I work on 44th and Madison, so this store was one block away from me. The employees were able to help me find a frame and they already had my prescription on file. I ended up with a pair of Silhouettes because I love the rimless frames, and they told me that they would ready in 1 hour. The glasses were ready quicker than that and I was able to get to my meeting right on time. The employees were thorough and worked together to help me out. Thank You Grand Central Optical. more

Quick Service 10/26/2010

I usually pass through the Grand Central Terminal and decided to stop in and check out the selection of frames that they have. I was surprised to find out how many brands they actually carry. The sales reps. were very polite and extremely helpful in picking out frames that best fitted my needs. I told them that I needed to go to a doctor and get my eyes examined and they informed me that they have doctors on staff that can perform the exam at that time, which was awesome. The whole process took about 30 minutes and the next day they called me to let me know that my glasses were ready. I thought they were kidding, but to my surprise, my glasses were really done. I love my glasses and can't thank these people enough. They made the whole process so quick and provided such great service. Highly recommend this place. more

a big lie 6/30/2010

This store has many nice designer frames, and the doctors are OK, but the sales staff is rude and cold. I visited there twice. Sometimes they are nice if I show GREAT interest in purchasing their frames, but they are often quite pushy and want me to purchase as soon as possible. They also tend to overprice. Once I was trying to order a frame and lens but then I figured it's too expensive for me so I told them I don't want it because I can't afford it (I'm a student), and if it's really not possible for them, I can purchase the frame but get my lens somewhere else. It all happened before they even received the frame and of course they haven't made the lens yet, so I didn't bring them any trouble at all. Then one man offered to give me a 20 percent discount and see if I'm happy with that. I thought, well, I didn't know you could sell your stuff this way... Maybe I should have used my bargain skills from India... I said no thanks politely, I'd rather get lens somewhere else since my budget is a little tight. The two women sales staff in the store gave me terrible looks and complained right in front of me. The man reacted nicely and was helpful. Generally, the store has kind of an eerie and unfriendly feel. I guess there's a chance that you won't feel the same if you are super rich and don't care about spending at least 800 on a pair of glasses. Otherwise, don't go there. Even if I become super rich one day, I'd probably go to 10/10 optical, where I had really good experience and where they also have equally nice designer frames and much more friendly staff. Pros: nice frames Cons: bad service, cheat for money more

Been by this store for years 5/4/2010

Walked by this store for years on my way to work so I tried it when I needed a new prescription. Eye exam was thorough. I needed a new reading prescription and also to see the computer screen. Salesperson was helpful in chosing a style and seemed to know what syles would work well with my particular prescription. There are a lot of frames to choose from. I ended up with a Lindberg frame and also a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. Salesperson also helpful in checking my vision insurance and telling me my coverage. Pros: eye exam very good, lots of choices of frames more

We love New York 4/14/2010

I found the web page in Brazil and contacted this store about a Chanel frame that I wanted to buy for my wife while we were in New York City for a vacation. I was able to get the glasses made while we were visiting for the week and it was exactly what she wanted. We even got a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses with a subway map on them for my daughter. She won't take them off. She wears them on top of her head even when we go out to dinner. I got great service and we had a great time in New York City. I would recommend this store. Pros: Exact frame I wanted Cons: Too far from Brazil more

Great doctor, sales staff inexperienced(some) 3/4/2010

I went for an eye checkup here. The doctor was fantastic. The sales people seemed to be just fine, at least one or two of them. I was being helped by a young woman, we were trying to choose glasses. Everything was going fine until this other woman stepped in (I wish she didnt). She only wnated to show me very expensive stuff (after I had already chose what I wanted, I guess my choice wasnt pricey enough for her Cons: Rudeness, overpriced more

Thanks again 1/28/2010

I'm a long time customer and both my husband and I get glasses at this store. I got a reminder to use up my flex fund, but of course I waited until the last minute. And when I say the last minute, I mean the LAST minute. But I was able to pick out a great new frame by Oliver Peoples and got new lenses, with a slightly different prescription and I was able to use up my flex fund. I won't leave my flex fund to the last minute again. The salespeople were helpful even though there were a lot of other people who had procrastinated like me and it was busy. Everyone had the same story with their flex fund account. Worked out for a happy new year. Thanks for getting it done. Pros: Good way to use your flex fund account Cons: can be busy more

Very convenient 9/22/2009

I work in the area and just got a pair of glasses here. Very convenient to get done on the way to my train home. Very trendy - I got a much better looking pair than my normal style. I can't believe how many people have complimented me on my new glasses. I am totally satisfied and give this place 2 thumbs up. Pros: near Grand Central more

Lots of frames 9/11/2009

I needed an eye exam for too long and just got my new glasses. I feel like I can see again! I'm really happy with my frames and how clear the lenses are. There were a lot of frames to choose from - I felt like I could choose a few that would look good on me. There were a lot of designer frames, if you want that. My insurance covered most of the cost and I feel like I got a much better pair of glasses than I could get at my usual chain place. These are much more fashionable and look a lot better. I have no complaints. This was a good find and a good deal. Pros: Lots of frames more

Unfriendly, rushed, and late! 7/15/2009

i ordered lenses 2.5 weeks ago. have had to wear not very nice backup glasses in the meantime. they told me they would be ready in 8-10 business days. today is day 13. no lenses. i phoned at 445pm. got a very unfriendly woman who was snippy and curt with me. she said the glasses just came in today. i asked what time and why wasn't i called. it's almost 5pm. she just kept talking over me saying, ""do you want to come and pick them up?"" then i find out they're not even at the right store. they would have to be delivered. every time i go in that place, the women are so unfriendly, motor-mouthed and robotic. they could care less about customer service. it must be a miserable place to work is all i can say. Cons: unfriendly, rushed and late! more

Great start to my vacation 7/9/2009

I lost my sunglasses the week before I was going on vacation to Montauk. I needed a new pair fast. I work in the area and have vision insurance through my company. They made it so easy - I picked out sunglasses, they did all my insurance paperwork and I had a great pair of sunglasses for my vacation. I picked them up before I left and I had no worries to start my vacation. It couldn't have been easier. Pros: Very convenient more

I love my glasses! 7/8/2009

I never thought I'd love my glasses! I really didn't want to wear them, but now I love them! The salesperson helped me pick a frame that really looks good on me and I don't think I would have chosen the style without her help. She really knew what would looks good on me. I got a frame that's a little unique and stylish, but still right for work. I was amazed how many different styles they had in the store. The salesperson was very patient and helpful. I got an eye exam too - exam was thorough and checked everything. Pros: Great frame selection more

Unique Location with a Unique experience 2/26/2009

I was reccommended by a friend to go to Grand Central Optical for my new eyeglasses. I was actually surprised by the location because it couldn't be more convient. The store was very busy but I was still taken care of. The sales people offered their opinions without being to pushy. They were friendly and professional. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone I know. I am completely satisfied with my eyeglasses. Pros: Great Staff Cons: A small store more
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Owner Message
  • Grand Central Optical Co. Inc., a family-owned practice in operation for over 40 years, is a full service optical company providing the finest in ophthalmic services and eyewear. Professional consultants guide patients through the process of selecting frames, with an "eye" to prescription compatibility and enhancement of facial features (facial feature enhancement). Excellent quality control is maintained by an on premises manufacturing laboratory, which houses the latest, high tech equipment necessary for our high standard work. Services include glaucoma testing, cataract testing, medical exams, designer and economical frames. Specialize in contact lenses, bifocal contacts, progressive and high index lenses.

Editorial
  • The Scene
    For nearly 40 years, Grand Central Optical has been providing quality eye care and glasses to midtowners, tourists and office workers in two convenient locations (the other's...

  • 8/14/2003 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon 8am-7pm Tue-Thu 8:30am-7pm Fri 8am-6:30pm Sat 10:30am-5:30pm
  • Payments: Master Card, American Express, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown
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