Grand Central Optical Co Inc
Meet NYC's friendliest eyewear specialists.
Categories:
Optometrists, Optical Goods Stores, Contact Lenses, Opticians
Insiders:
Message from Grand Central Optical Co Inc
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 by Citysearch
The SceneFor 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 in Grand Central Terminal). Unlike most of the overly designed (and understaffed) eyewear shops along this intimidating stretch of retailers, GCO has a crackerjack staff of specialists who seem genuinely concerned with your eye care and salespeople who actually say hello when you walk in.
The Goods
The staff is professional, without being pushy, and are willing to take the time to make sure you look good and see well no matter what price range you have. Offerings include a fantastic range of designer frames and lenses from Oliver Peoples, Matsuda and L.A. Eyeworks. But the real find is the great selection of nearly indestructible products from Air Titanium. Most
glasses can be made in less than 30 minutes, and they take just about every health insurance out there.
Key Points
- Eyeglass lab on premises
- Eye exams
- Bifocal contact lenses
Insider Pages Reviews for Grand Central Optical Co Inc
I am like most people and wait until the last minute on most things. I needed to use up my flex spending account by the end of the year. I went to Grand Central Optical purchased Oliver People prescription sunglasses that were ready by the next day! The salesperson was familiar on all the paperwork I needed to get reimbursed, I didn't even know that I needed additional paperwork!
Posted 12/26/08 | Report Abuse
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I been going to the chain stores most of my life thinking that I was saving a buck but it was always at the expense of quality and service. I have a very difficult prescription. A friend recommended Grand Central Optical. It was the best move I made. I had my glasses in less time than was expected. I was completed satisfied with my purchase and will definitely go back!
Posted 10/24/08 | Report Abuse
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I've been to a lot of optical lately in search of the perfect pair of glasses. I walked in to Grand Central Optical by chance. I found the perfect pair of Lafont glasses. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. I will definitely go back!
Posted 09/26/08 | Report Abuse
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This place has glasses for every taste! I personally am in a profession where I can't explore my artistic side. I did my research and wanted to get silhouette frames. I went into the store with this in mind. The sales person let me know that the silhouettes were great but that the lindberg frames would be more practicale. They were right. I love my glasses. Definitely will go back soon to get presciption sunglasses.
Posted 08/29/08 | Report Abuse
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I was very surprised by the service. Most stores along Madison Avenue tend to be snooty. The staff was very down to earth and took their time while they helped me pick the best glasses for my face. We got into a friendly conversation and found out that most of the staff have been working there for over five years. Its nice to think that when I call or need my next pair there is a high probability that the same opticians will be able to help me.
Posted 06/06/08 | Report Abuse
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popped in here while transfering from the subway to metro north and the selection was super duper. They had frames i have been looking for, for a long time. Service was friendly and not pushy in the slightest bit. I would definitly give them my stamp of approval.-henry
Posted 03/19/08 | Report Abuse
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I got a pair of glasses from grand central optical and had trouble with the fit and the vision, after i took them home for about 2 weeks. I came back to grand central optical to fix the problem. They re-examined me and changed my lenses aswell as fixed the fit on my face. Other places i've been to decided they didnt know me after i spent money there but this place followed up with all their work.GLAD I WENT THEIR< definitly recommened!!!
Posted 02/24/08 | Report Abuse
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i stopped in while i was waiting for the train and ending up placing an order! the frames were very nice and showcased neatly and highly visible. the service was prompt and not pushy at all. great place to go, would actually call it one of my favorite places to shop, especially if your an eyeglass fanatic like me.
Posted 12/03/07 | Report Abuse
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I was visiting from san diego one of my cousins in queens when we realized the lens was falling out of my very old frame. While traveling in the city that day we stopped in at grand central optical in world famous grand central terminal. Being the only eyeglass store in the whole terminal i knew it should be a good place. They made me up a new pair of glasses ( frames and lenses) very quickly and really saved my trip. I was extremely satisfied with them, im sure you will be aswell.
Posted 11/26/07 | Report Abuse
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I went there to fix my glasses that were broken. Only one of the glass was broken but they told me I had to change both. I agreed, paid the 300$ and when I came back the week after, the frame was damaged. (it was scratched and had a kind of glue stuck to it) I told them these glasses were brand new when i came and only the glass was broken. they told me they would fix this, but when I came back again the next day, it was not perfectly repaired, there are still scratches on the frame...
ONE ADVICE: DO NOT GO THERE...there are PLENTY of others stores!!
Posted 11/24/07 | Report Abuse
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Do yourselves a favor and spend an afternoon at this place. Excellent service, knowledgable staff and most importantly great frames with excellent lens options. I had a great experience here and im sure you will too.
Posted 11/02/07 | Report Abuse
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I called up G.C. Optical and had my rx faxed over the phone. In a huge need of contacts they took my credit card over the phone and had them sent directly to my house. I had my years supply the next day. It was excellent. I was so greatful for their diligent service.
Posted 08/15/07 | Report Abuse
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I went there to buy my girlfriend sunglasses as a present and they had a huge selection of chanel's which was what she wanted and they said if she didnt like them i could exchange them. it worked out great!!! very nice people and nice selection.
Posted 08/07/07 | Report Abuse
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Grand Central Optical gave me a great shopping experience, aswell as a knowledgable learning experience. I completely understood what I was buying and why they were the right products for me. I was very happy with the outcome of the sale.
Posted 07/30/07 | Report Abuse
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I went here for my first time recently to get glasses, contacts and sunglasses. The sales people made my choices very easy and explained everything very clearly. Unlike other places they do not do commission so the pressure to buy something is considerably less than places that do give their employees commission. After reading some of the other reviews I was not sure what to think, some good some just ok about this place, but believe me they do excellent work and handle everything like true gentelmen, ( and gentlewoman).
Posted 07/26/07 | Report Abuse
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I went to the Grand Central Store to bye eyeglasses. All they cared about was to sell me a frame. I was hesitant about a frame but under pressure from the salesman I decided to get it. He first quoted me 780 dollars and this went down to 520. I paid the 520 dollars and walked out of the store. Less than 10 minutes later, I called the store and said that I do not like the frame. I asked them politely to cancel the transaction. To my greatest surprise, he said no. You have to buy it or to take something else. I told him there was nothing else that I liked. He said that this is not his problem and that they do not make any refunds even after 1 minute.
If you ever buy anything from that place, ask about their refund policy. Compare prices with other stores. My frame went down over 250 dollars. You are much better off buying the frame online than from those guys because their customer service does not add anu value.
Posted 07/14/07 | Report Abuse
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This place has some of the nicest, high quality, and stylish frames i've ever seen. Most places carry the brand name stuff, which they also do, but they also have the very boutiquey type of stuff as well. Service and quality exceed every other place i've been to.
Posted 07/11/07 | Report Abuse
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At Grand Central Optical the salesmen are genuinely concerned with getting you the right product as well as something that looks great. Management and the doctor staff are also very professional and courteous. Absolutly recommended for exams, glasses, contacts, or just some sunglasses. ENJOY!
Posted 06/10/07 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
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
Posted 09/22/09
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
Posted 09/10/09
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.
Pros: none
Cons: unfriendly, rushed and late!
Posted 07/14/09
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.
I want to get some sunglasses too, so I'll definitely be back.
Pros: Great frame selection
Posted 07/08/09
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.
Great place - they made my vacation!
Pros: Very convenient
Posted 07/08/09
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
Posted 02/26/09
I went to the Madison location and had an excellent experience. My appointment was running a little late but the optician helped me search for my glasses while I was waiting. I got my glasses a few days later and am completely satisfied with my purchase.
Pros: Large selection
Cons: None that I experienced
Posted 12/18/08
The worst experience ever. The employees are very rude and nasty at the Madison location. Their boss shoulde be aware of this. He loses customers. They need to go back to school to learn how to give respect to the customers and how to talk to the customers. They are not so friendly at all. I went to purchase glasses one evening and i got pratically thrown out the store. I hope the real owner could read this review because he needs to get a new staff of opticians, because the ones that he has working there are no good at all.
Pros: thumbs down
Cons: thumbs down
Posted 12/03/08
I've been a client of Grand Central Optical for several years, however, earlier in the year I went to one of those chain store and quickly saw the difference in service and experience. Needless to say it turned out to be a bad move to go to a different optical. I was so unhappy with my purchase that I decided to get another pair at Grand Central Optical. I love the fact that all the employees have experience and are aware of the various options that come with an eyeglass purchase. I will never go anywhere else!
Pros: Experience, quick service, and patient sales people
Cons: Busy duiring lunch
Posted 11/20/08
I absolutely love Tom Ford sunglasses and have to admit that Grand Central Optical has among the largest selection anywhere that carries them. The staff was fun to work with and I ended up finding the ones I wanted that no one else had. They even offered to call me when the new styles arrive. I can't wait!
Pros: Selection and customer service!
Cons: Can get very busy in a split second
Posted 10/16/08
I happen to be on a my way upstate for the weekend and realized that I didn't have my sunglasses with me. It was too late to turn back to get them. Then I noticed Grand Central Optical. I explained to the sales person that I was in rush. I gave them a price range and the type of look I wanted. I was in and out in ten minutes with a great pair of sunglasses. I found them by chance but I will definitely go back.
Pros: Selection
Cons: Busy location
Posted 09/18/08
I was in need of a new pair of glasses and looking for a new place to go because the last time I had glasses made it was big disappointment. A co-worker recommended Grand Central Optical. I was able to make an appointment for the same day. The doctor gave me a through examination and the staff helped me pick out a great pair of glasses. Grand Central Optical has made a life long customer.
Pros: Selction & service
Cons: Busy during lunch
Posted 08/28/08
I own several pairs of glasses and have had some bad experiences but going to Grand Central Optical was relief. They have a great selection of frames. I had a hard time deciding so I got several pairs. I have a fairly complicated prescription and they were able to have it done very quickly. The staff was fun and down to earth. They gave me their opinion without being pushy. It was the best eyeglass purchasing experience I have ever had. They have made a customer for life!
Pros: Endless selection
Cons: None that I exprierenced
Posted 06/05/08
GRAND CENTRAL OPTICAL is a small private owned store in grand central terminal. I broke my glasses one day and stumbled in there for a fix. While my frames were being fixed i noticied what a cool selection they had. Definitly will be back for my next pair of glasses and shades. In addition to repairs they do eye exams and contacts as well... very friendly and down to earth staff
Pros: free repair , friendly service and trendy frames
Posted 03/19/08
Its funny that i read a review about this place about contacts and the person felt totally opposite of me. I got a toric contact fit ( for people with astigmatisms) and can see great, better then ive seen in years!!!!! The doctor was very thorough and explained everything to me. When i came back for a recheck to make sure they were fitting properly the doctor explained how it was a perfect fit, as i had expected. The contacts were competitivly priced and ordered promptly. I was very happy with my experience, will be using them in the future.
Pros: Service, great doctor. smooth transaction
Posted 02/24/08
I stopped in here in a hurry to get contacts , when i found out my prescription was expired. Grand central optical squeezed me in for a walk-in exam and nailed my rx accurately. Admitingly i do have a high prescription with an astigmatism so im sketchy on where i go, but, they did a great job. thanks so much!!!
Pros: what a nice place.
Posted 02/06/08
Firstly I don't understand how this shop has good reviews at all. I had my eyes examined last summer and purchased contacts for 6 months. The contacts that were ordered were one of the cheapest and instead of lasting for a month, were only good for a week or so. When I turned up at the store this week, to order better lenses, I was told that it's NYS law that a prescription cannot be reordered under a different brand without re-examination, which is bullocks, of course. How do people order online then? So I took my prescription to an optician in Brooklyn, who tells me that such law doesn't exist and what's really law is that the opticians have the responsibility to make sure the prescription is accurate. I don't even know if Grand Central opticians filled my prescription accurately because neither can I see properly with my contacts or the glasses that I made with the prescription that they had filled. The new optician also tells me that the cheap contacts that were ordered for me shouldn't even have cost as much as they did - it was a fraud. Moreover, the service is really bad. When I walked in, the sales reps were eating, had major attitude and didn't even look at me in the face while talking to me. And they didn't even seem to get along with each other. I would not encourage this place AT ALL. There are few other opticians within walking distance to the station, take your money and insurance, and GO THERE! You'll be less frustrated. Now I've to fill my prescription and pay for it out of pocket. It's going to cost more, but it'll be guaranteed that I'll be able to see better, and be treated with respect that I deserve as a customer.
Posted 01/24/08
ran in from a layover on my train and the fixed my glasses for me at no charge. Service was excellent...i also noticed they had a lot of very nice frames...will definitly be back......
Pros: service!!!
Posted 01/15/08
Horrible customer service. Exam was too quick and not informative. The doctor did not explain anything to me, just gave the prescription to one of the salesperson and went back to her room! The salesperson was very pushy and kept showing me expensive glasses, which I was not interested in at all. I kept telling her that I didn't want to spent that much (close to $700) but she was very reluctant to show me anything else. The staff was rude and not pleasant to work with (unless you want to spend money). They seemed to be talking about the patient before me, which to me, seemed quite unprofessional. I ordered contacts also but they messed up the prescription and it took them forever to get them. I would never go back to this place!
Pros: convenient
Cons: poor customer service, rude staff, poor exam
Posted 01/03/08
I popped in this place just browsing, and ended up walking out with glasses and sunglasses. The staff is very professional and the selection is so diverse, picked with such taste i was very happy that i stopped in there. Check them out for sunglasses and regular glasses that have been selected with the utmost regard for style!!!!
Posted 01/01/08
I was shooting up to poughkeepsie in two hours on metro north when i spotted grand central optical. I had recently lost my glasses so while i was waiting for the train i picked a new pair had them made and bought a present for my wife for the holidays. Basically killing 2 birds with one stone all while i was waiting for my train. The selection was neatly kept and very diverse and the service from the staff was excellent. I also learned while i was there that they do eye exams and contacts as well....check them out they are great!
Posted 12/12/07
I was on my way to a meeting when i realized my frame, which was holding my progressive lenses had broken. I walked over to grand central optical where they made me my distance prescription to get through the day in 30 minutes and had my full progressive prescription ready in 2 days. I was very satisfied with the service i experienced there and recommend it to anyone on the eyeglass market.
Pros: quick, reliable service
Posted 12/02/07
my wife and i were walking down madison avenue and found this shop. such a great selection and service was wonderfull. After we bought a few things there we walked over to the one in grand central terminal and found it just as stocked with all sorts of eyeglass gems.... check them out we totally recommend it
Posted 11/25/07
the most diverse selection of frames in the city!!! Ive been wearing glasses all my life and i have found the eyeglass SANCTUARY!!!!
Posted 11/01/07
A friend recommended this place to me and I gave it a shot. They did a great job and I too will recommend this to you. The exam was very thorough and the selection was excellent. I found a pair for regular glasses and for sunglasses and both were made very promptly. I was very happy with the visit.
Pros: service, selection, professionalism
Posted 10/28/07
i came for an exam with and admitingly tough rx. The dr nailed my rx and i then got a pair of really nice tom ford sunglasses and love them every since. Thank god i went to this place they are excellent.
Pros: service, product, all great
Posted 08/14/07
my boyfriend and I went to this upscale store in Grand Central Terminal and they had a huge selection of shades that were right up my boyfriends alley. He picked one pair of Maui Jims for his outdoor recreation activities and one pair of Oliver Peoples for more dressy occasions. We walked in on a whim and ended up being very happy that we did.
Pros: Great shades for the all around guy.
Posted 08/06/07
As I previously compared prices, service, selection and the staffs knowledge of my insurance Grand Central Optical was far better then the competition. They made the whole process go very smoothly and it was a really nice experience.
Pros: Knew my insurance very well. Nice smooth sale, very enjoyable.
Posted 07/19/07
DO NOT SHOP AT THAT PLACE. All they want is your money. I bought eye glasses under pressure from the Salesman that do not fit my face. I walked out of the store and less than 10 minutes later, I called them and asked them to cancel my order. The salesman said that I cannot get a refund. He was really rude and insisted that I buy something from the store or get no refund.
The initial price that they quoted me for the eyeglasses was 780 dollars. Belive it or not, they sold it to me for 520. If you shop at that place, compare prices with other stores, check the price online, and above all ask for a discount. They are most probably over quoting you by at least 2 to 3 hundred dollars.
Pros: They have an average collection
Cons: non professional staff, overpriced, NO REFUND after 10 minutes
Posted 07/14/07
As a commuter in Grand Central Station everyday I pass by Grand Central Optical. I finally decided to go in for a new pair of rx glasses and sunglasses. I got these maui jims which I now love and a really nice pair of rimless glasses made by lindberg. The staffs knowledge and expertise was top notch. The over all experience was excellent. I was educated on what I purchased and told how they would benefit me to my hobbies and career. They gained a loyal customer!!!
Pros: Just a great overall experience.
Posted 07/12/07
After years of wearing glasses I decided to change from the everyday, easy lenscrafter or cohens type place to GRAND CENTRAL OPTICAL. A private practice family owned for 40 years( as they explained to me ...ha ha ha) was a huge difference from what I have been used to.The examination was thorough and the doctors really seemed to be concerned witht he right products for me. The help with glasses and contacts was excellent. I personally dont enjoy shopping at a pushy , buy buy buy type of place, which GRAND CENTRAL OPTICAL was not. From one educated shopper to another I absolutly recommend this place to any one to you.
Pros: EVERYTHING!!!!!
Posted 07/11/07
Little did I know that my company had a huge plan that many have been overlooking. I came to Grand Central Optical to get glasses and found that that i actually had vision insurance. They got me an exam and glasses with a quick turn around time. I WOULD ABSOLUTLY RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE WHO WANTS SUPERIOR SERVICE AND SELECTION.
Pros: EVERYTHING... a great shopping experience.
Posted 07/02/07
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