Designer Optical of Steinway

I went to Designer Optical on a whim. I was walking towards my usual optometrist at Cohens two blocks up, but thought to try this new business since it was closer. I was seen immediately. The staff was friendly and professional, the office clean and conveniently located on the corner or Broadway and Steinway (2 min or less from the Steinway subway stop) and Dr Mintz, the optometrist, professional and personable. They take all major insurance companies and are reasonable priced. It was my first time getting contacts and the Dr and staff spent 20 minutes showing me how to put them in and remove them, instructing me on care and upkeep. I recommend this office and Dr. Mintz to anyone looking for eye care in the Astoria/​LIC neighborhood! It’s good to support small local businesses like Designer Optical!

I became a customer of this shop because of a Groupon deal, and it was a great decision. It’s one of those places you wouldn’t think you’d go into or be a fan of because it isn’t «main-​stream» but I thinking, «eh… $ 50 Groupon for an exam and a pair of glasses… who cares what it’s like»
When I arrived, I was greeted warmly and was helped very thoroughly with the different glasses I was able to choose from. I would give I-​sight 5 stars if there was a little bit more of a selection, but I ended up finding a really great pair despite that. All the glasses are encased, so the friendly assistant, Lisa, had to retrieve each pair, which wasn’t annoying and she didn’t seem to mind pulling out what seemed like 50 pairs to try on. She even suggested a few pairs too.
After finally deciding a good pair, she went through all the options of lenses that I could purchase explained their merits. It’s easy for me to fall for an up-​sell since the coupon was a great deal and to paying a little extra for high-​end scratch free and shatter proof lenses is just a smart investment.
After I picked out my glasses I had a quick and easy exam with their doctor and all was said and done. My glasses will be ready in 5 days (it’s a holiday weekend, so that’s a reasonable wait) and I can’t wait to get them.
A good bonus is that Lisa said I could come back and get new lenses for my current frames for a discount. I love my current frames, but the lenses are really old and need an update, but I’ve been hesitant because other places, lens crafters and eye masters are too expensive ($ 300 range). But she is going to do it for me for much cheaper. So I’ll be able to keep my current frames and have a new pair to wear to.
You have to love what you buy when you go for glasses because they are on your face EVERYDAY! And I felt that when I was there.
I highly recommend this place and am very pleased. My boyfriend is going to buy the Groupon too so he can update his frames with them too.
Thanks, I-​sight Optical!

I came in at about 6:20 with every intention of buying new frames, and the saleswoman told me that she was closed; when I asked what time the store closed, she said 6:30. The door was open and very clearly open for business. Then she ran into the bathroom and basically got ready to leave.
Listen, we all have places to go, but this is ridiculous. Don’t recommend at all.

Omg, these people are super nice! I went in with a living social deal and i had misinterpreted the deal. What would of at most places left me feeling like i had wasted my time and money, was the opposite here! Not only did the woman who worked there let me use my deal towards a pair of sunglasses (which by no means was mentioned by the deal), she also gave my bf a FREE eye exam AND let me keep my deal so I can gift it to some one who might need it !!! Not only is it EXTREMELY RARE to find such nice people out there but to find them in NY!!! Seriously an awesome place to go, even when i was picking out my sunglasses they literally went through almost every single pair to try to find something that I would like. Needless to say I love this place =)