A friend had recommended Brooklyn Eyeworks to me back around 2006. Since that first buying experience with Danny (and Jessica on subsequent visits), I have gone elsewhere to browse, but always end up going back to them when I’m ready to buy. And even though I only come in every 1.5-2 years, they always remember me, which I personally find to be very rare in retail businesses these days, especially in NYC.
Despite my highly indecisive nature when picking out frames, they go out of their way to spend time showing me 15+ pairs and provide honest opinions as to how well they fit my face and prescription as opposed to just trying to ‘move inventory’. They even have you bring several pairs outside with a mirror to see how they look in natural light for perspective – I’ve never come across that elsewhere when shopping for glasses. They always take a genuine interest in helping to achieve the right look for me.
Regarding price, they have done their best from my experience to provide what I’m looking for within the confines of my budget. But they proactively tell me to think about my decision and come back or call in a few days before purchasing if I’m not yet sure about moving forward, so there really is no pressure.
As I tend to be skeptical when I read reviews containing only positive feedback, I did want to highlight one challenge I have come across. The negative for me is that they are not ‘in-network’ for my insurance VSP, which is a bit of a bummer as VSP’s ‘out-of-network’ reimbursement policy is pretty poor. Though to be open, I prefer unique frames from the smaller, independent manufacturers that Brooklyn Eyeworks carries as opposed to the ‘rebranded’ mass-production lines found in the few optometry shops that actually accept my insurance so that is really more of a jab at VSP. I tend to use my insurance towards exam/contacts elsewhere, but then always give my eyeglass business to the good souls at Brooklyn Eyeworks.
All the great things everyone has said about this place are completely true. I’m very indecisive, especially when it comes to picking out glasses. Let’s face it, if I’m going to be wearing something nearly 24/7 (which I will, since my vision is TERRIBLE) right in the middle of my face, it had better look good! Jessica and Dan were super patient and made me feel completely comfortable. They spent TONS of time with me (did I mention I’m indecisive?) and never made me feel the least bit rushed or pressured. Jessica even suggested that we go outside with a mirror to see how the different frames looked in the sunlight – she was so friendly that I felt like we were friends shopping for cute accessories. In fact, the whole time I was there I honestly felt like I was hanging out, chatting with friends, rather than a customer at a store. (They’re obviously friendly people in general – several other customers and folks from other local businesses stopped by while I was there and Jessica and Dan greeted them like old friends – which I guess they are!) They also gave me some great tips on insurance for vision.
