MOSCOT

Got lenses made by them a year ago. Had them installed in old frames. Worked fine. Cost: About $350.00. Came back this year. Exam, etc. I was shown frames I was led to believe could be purchased with my UFT Insurance. Didn't expect much because the insurance will pay only $100.00 for frames. Was surprised that the attractive frames I was shown were presented as those the insurance would pay for. Only when I pressed, unpleasantly, to see the frames the insurance would actually pay for---because a snarky explanation of the cost had begun--- was I shown a couple trays of flimsy, uninteresting frames that looked as if they'd last through ten minutes of wear. There was much manipulating and elaborate explanation of what costs what and I wound up with a $455.00 bill for the frames [Moscot brand] + lenses + exam.

Inquired about contacts, had nice doctor, who seemed competent, explain contacts, etc. Trouble was she quoted three different prices for the lenses + training to install them, etc. Needless to say the charge for their services with insurance exceeds what I payed for their services to install their lenses in my old frames! Their business is actually frame selling, though their exams are accurate and professional. The UFT Insurance doesn't go anywhere near the cost of good-looking frames. While Moscot personnel are friendly enough, and the company makes good lenses, their business practices are disturbing. Have decided this will be my last time doing business with them.

This company is for the high-end client who isn't annoyed by BS and for whom cost is no object.

Pros: Classy frames

Cons: Con artist behaviour

Posted 11/14/09

Friendly & patient staff - Arthur R. Professional & courteous eye doctor...Dr. Butler. I'd go there again for cool eyewear.

Pros: Example: best croissants in town

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 04/02/09

I made an appointment the day before. I came in at 10am, and got out with an updated prescription and with new frames by 11:30. It was effortless. Walk in, sign your name. The helpful lady takes your old frames and gets your current prescription with a machine. I waited for about 5 minutes before Dr. Kwon sees me. The exam lasts a whole 4 minutes, she was courteous and kind. She asks if I'm getting a new pair of glasses and I told her I already know which ones I'm going to look at. I step out and ask the person behind the showcase to show me the Moscot branded frames. Absolutely 0 pressure so far. I choose my frame (The Dannee) and was asked if I wanted the super expensive lenses. I politely declined and that was the end of that (the 80 dollar 'standard' lenses are fine). I pay for the frames+lenses and am told to come back in an hour. I came back, the frames were ready, and off I went. Highly recommended. I love going to mom and pop type places, the service is usually better and they're always more personal with their customers.

Pros: Right next to a ton of subways

Cons: Parking is tough, take the subway instead.

Posted 03/02/09

Moscot has been providing high quality and individualized eye care for 95 years. Our team of doctors are among the highest trained in NYC. Gas permeable contact lens fitting/examinations are routinely done by our staff doctors who are trained in this specialty. The fitting requires more expertise, time, and measurements than a soft contact lens examination. Some offices around the city do not even provide this service. The fee for this speciatly exam is indeed higher than a soft contact lens exam due to it's added complexity. Our fees are clearly posted in our office. When a previous gas permeable wearer requests soft contact lenses for their added comfort it is always tricky. We allow our patients who request this change to try the soft lenses (we give them a free trial) and see them for a follow up to get their feedback (included in the original fee). More often than not, they prefer the vision provided through their gas permeable contact lenses. Our office will gladly will refit these patients for an additional fee. This fee is merely the difference between the original soft contact lens exam and the gas permeable lens exam which is $85. We request our patients return to our office within two months whether they are satisfied with their contacts or not. We conscientiously check their eyes to make sure their ocular surface has adapted well to their new contacts. Our contact lens policy clearly states this and is signed by our patients. Our patient's ocular health is paramount to us. Additionally, patient satisfaction and sensitivity with regard to our professional fees is what has propelled the success of our company for the past 95 years. We are at the forefront of eyecare here in NYC and make every attempt to please every patient. It is unfortunate that an unreasonable individual attempts to tarnish our stellar reputation. We will continue to take pride in the eyecare we provide and serve our large patient base of highly satisfied New Yorkers.

Posted 01/18/09

I wanted gas permeable lenses, and was quoted $135 for the fitting. When I was there, Dr. Case talked me into getting soft lenses, and I paid $125 for the prescription and fitting. The lenses hurt my eyes, gathered deposits, and were generally uncomfortable. They also came in late. Little did I know that I had only a two-month window to come in to get another fitting, or get the gas permeable lenses I initially came in for. I am a teacher, it was the end of the semester, and I went away for the holidays without a chance to come back. When I called 10 weeks later--two weeks after their hidden deadline, they told me that it could be hundreds of dollars more for a new prescription and fitting for the lenses I had really wanted--far more than what I was initially quoted on the phone. My money has been wasted, and the frustration with these totally unsympathetic crooks has left me totally upset. They do not care about their customers, and I am left $125 poorer and no contacts whatsoever!

Pros: ?

Cons: They only want your money

Posted 01/17/09

i was recently told that i needed to get glasses, which i was a little bumbed about. However, i became excited about trying to find a great set of frames. I went to a couple glasses & frames stores, but didn't find anything that grabbed me. Then I went to Moscot on the recommendation of a friend who lives close by their store in chelsea, and i was excited about what i found. they had some name brand stuff, but i was drawn more to their own label. i found a great set that suit me well. i'm super happy about it.

Pros: selections

Posted 08/12/08

On Orchard Street, in the heart of the famed Lower East Side of Manhattan, Moscot is the capital of modern eyewear. They produce hip and stylish vintage-type frames in a modern way while retaining all the charm of a mom-and-pop shop; they are designers, producers and distributors all in one. Perhaps because they've been in business since 1920, they know their niche better than anyone. With a visit to their store, you are guaranteed to find something flattering and affordable from their polite and professional sales staff, and their product turnaround is super-quick, so you'll be sure to have your new frames ready as soon as you need them. If you're serious about getting quality spectacles in New York, Moscot should be at the top of your list of stores.

Posted 06/03/08

I had a really positive experience purchasing my new progressive bifocals from Moscot. I never wore glasses before, but my eye doctor advised me to get a pair. I was afraid I'd look like a nebbish in glasses, so I took my Uncle Sol's advice and went to the store on Orchard Street. I was a little nervous, yes, but I was hopeful.

I was impressed at the cleanliness and organization of the store. The displays were neat and informative, and a member of the sales staff spent a lot of time giving me personal attention and helping me find the frames that were really right for me. When I was done, I had something that really made me look like a mensch. It was a real surprise to get such old-fashioned service at such a hip and modern outlet like Moscot. Uncle Sol knew what he was talking about.

Posted 06/03/08