Harvard Square Eye Care

Was forced to leave Parelli Optical because my VSP would not cover them. Found the closest alternative provider and got an appt easily.
However on arrival after filling out the usual paperwork, was taken by an assistant to a dingy back area with eye care equipment from several generations ago. Was put through an annoying exam even though I had an exam from Parelli on their modern exam machines in February. Didn’t trust Harvard Eye Care’s results.
Back in the lobby waiting for the doctor, I wondered why even the Watertown RMV where I got my drivers license renewed yesterday, had much better equipment!
Decided to check Unilocal to get others perpectives. Seeing that those were bad as well opened my eyes to my mistake. Canceled my appt and left. Didn’t feel comfortable in getting a good result for new glasses.
Addendum: Checked VSP options and Unilocal and found Central Square Eye Care was highly recommended. Called them. Turns out I don’t need either an appointment or further eye exams to get a new pair of glasses since I had an exam in Feb. Central Square much better than Harvard Square. Go figure!

One of the worst places in the world!
They are running a racket! The optometrist who saw me tried to dilate my eyes after I told her, I was breastfeeding and did not want any kind of chemicals/​meds. She insisted that it would not affect my breastmilk… yes I know but I do not care what you have to say. No drugs means no drugs. Then she tried to tell me that I could pump and dump if I was worried about it getting into my milk supply… but once again… no means no.
Not sure why these people cannot respect their patients wishes.
Your are not a damn medical doctor and I do not want YOU to give me any kind of chemicals/meds…end of story.
I almost felt like filing a complaint with the state medical board.
Furthermore, they made up all kinds of add on charges. I will not be returning here as my insurance covers everything fully but for some reason this place always seems to over the maximum limit.
Just not a honest business… clearly meant to be a money making scheme rather than helping their «patients.»

I came here because I needed a new eye doctor and I liked their selection of glasses. I was happy with my glasses so I decided to go back for a following year. What a mistake!!!
4 visits later and more money later I feel completely ripped off and taken advantage of. I had wanted contacts and when I told the doctor about the discomfort she said to come back for a second check before I picked up the contacts I had already paid for. I thought she was being really nice but then I was charged for a «medical visit» and with the cost of special eye drops and now a prescription and all these added instructions for how to deal with the discomfort from the contacts vs prescribing a different brand — I was told I shouldn’t wear contacts and to come back for a follow-​up for yet another «medical visit» checkup. Might I add that this was my 4^th trip there!
I will not be going back to this business and do NOT recommend them. The doctor was very nice and pleasant but after all the extra visits, no answers and extra money spent — I am VERY DISAPPOINTED!

I paid $ 50 to have nosepads installed onto a pair of free glasses from
–it took a week (they had to send them to another place – the other shops where I’ve had this done just did the installation in-​house in about 20 minutes for much less cost). I got them back and they broke the next semester. Found out that the warranty is only 6 months (really? the other shops covered for 1 year, which I thought was industry standard, and minimally expected for $ 50). Paid another $ 50 because I was desperate and on my last pair of contact lenses – I needed these ASAP to finish my last exams and papers.
Not worth it. If you don’t have a backup-​pair of eyeglasses, try to find another place to get nosepads installed a) more quickly, b) more affordably, and c) with a warranty that gives a normal customer a chance.

I stopped going here 6 years ago because I wasn’t happy with the service. Then today when I tried to order new glasses at my current optometrist, I couldn’t because someone at Harvard Square Eye Care mixed up my old record with another person’s, so my insurance was billed for their prescription. So, instead of a quick trip to go order my glasses I spent the afternoon sorting this mess out. I got it resolved (and the woman at the Dunster location who helped straighten it out was helpful and apologetic) but I still haven’t placed my glasses order because I ran out of time today.
It was a huge waste of my time and totally unnecessary. I’m giving 2 stars instead of 1 because the people I talked to there at least were very apologetic once they realized the error and made sure to fix it right away.

I, like my fellow reviewers, was in need of a new eye doctor! I went to a place before and was extremely unsatisfied, so I did my Google search and found Harvard Square Eye Care. I originally wanted some sort of corporate eye care (Lens Crafters or something) but my insurance doesn’t take them… but now I need to reel it in and get to the point.
Initial thoughts:
I called them up on a Tuesday and asked for an appointment. I was surprised that they could fit me in at a convenient time (3:30 p.m.) the next day. Perhaps I am old school, but I expected a handful of days /​week wait.
When I got there:
I am always that guy who is super early for things. Call it anxiety or something, but I hate being late. I showed up 30 minutes early (way too early, sorry, but it was too cold outside to fiddle around) and the doctor was able to see me within 10 minutes (after I completed my paperwork).
During the experience:
The OD was great. She was through, explained what she was doing, asked appropriate questions, and made me feel comfortable. She did not pressure me or try hard to get me in and out quickly. I was extremely impressed.
So why didn’t they get five stars?
As others said, the selection of glasses was a little sparse. I ended up going elsewhere for glasses (but, what I was impressed with, was that the OD outwardly asked if I want to look at glasses there or shop around a bit — props for not being high pressured).
Final thoughts:
I am a fan and I would recommend Harvard Square Eye Care.

In need of a new eye doctor, I really just spun the proverbial globe and my finger landed on Harvard Square Eye Care. It’s close to home, close to work, so I figured why not? Fortunately, I made a good choice.
My first visit wasn’t great because the office was running way behind. I opted to reschedule for the following week instead of waiting an hour, which didn’t get things off on the right foot. But without that little snafu, this review would most certainly be five stars.
The staff and my optometrist were wonderful — friendly, professional, and down-​to-​Earth. They made me feel at home and did two things that really hit home:
1. My doctor gave me an extra pair of contacts (my prescription, of course) to make sure I’d have a back-​up as I decided where I wanted to order from.
2. There was absolutely no pressure to purchase my contacts here. They told me the price and said, «Feel free to shop around, though.» This was much different from previous experiences. In the end, I purchased from here because I’d much rather support a local business that cares about its customers.
Great experience. I definitely recommend this place for your eyes.

I chose this place because of their comprehensive list on their website of brands that they carry. They list hundreds of brands, every name you can think of is there! If you are choosing them based on this list, be warned that the list needs some updating. Call them up and make sure they are still able to order certain brands before you go in.
They have tons of glasses in the store for you to try on but they are all pretty basic looking and very expensive. I feel that for the look of their frames, you could go to Walmart and pay $ 100 for something similar — which is exactly what I plan to do.
I was really pleased with the doctor. Yes, she did train the assistant during my appointment but that didn’t bother me. She’s a great eye doctor and she gives it to you straight. I can see her being my doctor for years to come.
Overall the staff is friendly but some of them, okay one of them, can be very abrupt when he it gets busy and he seems to rush people.

I took a pair of Ray Bans with the lens popped out to be fixed (not purchased there). The man gave me a disclaimer that he would try, but something might break. He spent 10 full minutes working on them, and although he wasn’t able to fix it all the way at least they are wearable and not broken!

I came here for an eye exam and new glasses. The customer service was not quite up to the standards I’m used to for dropping nearly $ 300 after insurance.
The doctor and… assistant, I think, were very nice. But my eye exam turned into more of a training session for the assistant. I didn’t really want to wait through all the instruction. The doctor even forgot to tell me things like, «this may hurt» only hearing her tell the assistant to tell the patient that it may hurt, afterwards.
I think having to wait while the doctor lectured the assistant on sweeping the floor was the most insulting.
The frames were very expensive, and after reading the other reviews here I am afraid that I too, got ripped off. Granted, the frames look amazing, but next time I’m taking my chances elsewhere.

The service at this location is much better than at their porter square location! Went there recently and although they are busy and you may have to wait a few minutes, they are much friendlier.

I had an awesome experience here at Harvard Square Eye Care. My most recent prescription was expired leaving me on my last ragged pair of contacts and a broken pair of glasses. I called Harvard Square Eyecare in hopes of a same day appointment and by chance they had an opening and fit me in a few hours later. The doctor was very nice and I was seen right away. She helped me to decide to switch to a new contact lens that was less drying and also walked me through the best way to get the most out of my insurance coverage. I decided to use my insurance benefits to get a new pair of glasses and then buy my contacts out of pocket from 1−800-CONTACTS like I have done in the past.
When I was done with the exam, she set me up with the gentleman who works there to find me some frames within my coverage price range. I was sure they would all be horrible looking granny glasses but when he opened the case he assured me «Would not go over your allotted coverage» I was please to see they weren’t even heinous at all. I picked out a nice simple pair of black rimmed glasses and was out the door for less than 100 dollars for a full exam, a contact fitting and a new pair of glasses. It was way more painless than I had expected and I will definitely be back.

Almost a full year after getting both a pair of everyday and prescription sunglasses at Harvard Square Eye Care, I still find myself being regularly asked where I got my glasses. Basically, people are constantly complimenting me on my glasses. Even the opticians at the Optical Shop on campus asked if they could take a look at them because «they’re such nice frames!»
Their customer service has also continued to be great; I went in to have my glasses adjusted and they were super friendly (and quick!), and encouraged me to come back should I have any further issues. Yay!

I’m reviewing both the Harvard and Porter Square stores in this. I had checkups at both places.
Harvard Square:
I went here last year. It was a mistake. First off, I had to wait 20 minutes for my appointment. When I finally saw the doctor, the appointment took forever. She was very friendly, but extremely slow.
When we were done, she told me that I would need another appointment to finish up. I’ve never had to do a follow up on a basic eye checkup. So I come back for the second checkup, and now I need one more follow up to check the new lenses and see if I’m having any trouble with them.
OK — so the place was a mistake. I should have learned my lesson, right? Wrong.
Porter Square:
I went here a few weeks ago — mainly because the location is so convenient. My doctor was friendly, my appointment started on time, and the whole process was super quick. There were no follow ups, or second follow ups necessary. The ‘contact fitting’ (which confuses me since nothing about my contacts changed — why do I need to pay for the ‘fitting’ again?) was about $ 60.
Great, right? Wrong.
So they tell me that if I order my contacts through them I can use my insurance discount (which I do not get with online purchases).
Here is where it gets tricky — the person on the phone tells me that the price is $ 199, plus I get a $ 20 discount. Now in my head, I’m thinking this means I’m paying $ 179 minus the ~$ 140 my insurance is covering, so I owe these folks ~$ 40. He asks for my credit info, I give it to him.
When I get my bill, it is for over $ 60. So obviously I call — and now it seems I’m mistaken. The $ 199 is including the discount — duh. No apologies for any misunderstandings, or anything like that.
So I guess here is the thing about this place. They try to gouge you — whether it’s on unecessary follow ups, extra charges or overcharges. If you don’t mind that sort of thing, this is your place. As convenient as it is, I will have to find another place to get my eyes checked.
Fool me twice — and all that jazz. How about this guys — I will not be back.

I was really surprised to read any negative reviews here, because my experiences with them have been very positive!
I first went to HSEC in July 2009, after deciding the glasses I’d been wearing for 7 years needed to go. I set an appointment, which I was able to get very quickly, and was greeted by a very warm and friendly receptionist when I went to the store. I watched initially as a woman helped a customer pick out frames, and commented myself on which frames I liked best (i know how hard it can be picking out good frames!) After this, I was called for my appointment, and was surprised to find that the doctor was also the one assisting with frame choice! I was pretty impressed by the level of service she offered personally in that regard, and she was really dead on in her frame selections for the person before me.
After my own appointment, the doctor walked me to the frame displays and picked out 2 frames without me even needing to say what I was looking for, and one of those two was the frame I picked out. They are unusual compared to most other frames, so the doctor asked if I was certain that these were comfortable for me, and I assured they were. I let her know how impressed I was by her ability to pick out frames so well, and that she takes the time to assist customers personally. On top of that, the frames were ready for pick up in under 4 days!
In this day and age where it’s so hard to get competent, personal service where you as the customer really feel important, it was a great breath of fresh air to have the experience I did here. I enjoy supporting local businesses anyway, and with the kind of friendly service I received here, that philosophy has been strongly reaffirmed.

After calling to confirm which of my two health coverages they didn’t take and making what I thought was an educated decision to go to them anyway, I fought my way through a thunderstorm to get to my appointment. The doctor was 8 minutes late arriving in the office for my 10am appointment.
Then, after I finally got in for the appointment, she asked me a question about my existing contacts which allowed her to tell me that my current brand had been discontinued. This meant that I would have to pay $ 240 for a new fitting (for the record, my last doctor charged me $ 80 for a fitting).
Had this question been asked over the phone, I would have told them that I would be looking for another doctor that took both of my coverages so that I wouldn’t have to pay this fee. Instead, she wasted two hours of my time (travel plus the wait), and we accomplished nothing. I was unimpressed.

Could not say enough positive things about HSEC. Their staff is efficient, professional, and accommodating. Their offices are clean, well-​lit, and comfortable. Quality of care if very high. I’ve been to Cambridge Eye Doctors and can honestly sat this place is far and away the better eye care option in Cambridge.
A couple of examples:
— When I went in for my exam in May, I was unaware that my old vision insurance wasn’t covered by HSEC and that my new vision insurance wouldn’t start for another month. HSEC staff discovered the discrepancy and found a work-​around on my medical insurance so that I could still get an eye exam that same day and not waste my time.
— The doctor — I forget her name, but she is an Asian American woman — took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. My eye exam with her was the most thorough one I’ve had in years. She took the time to do some preventive testing as well for glaucoma.
— Most importantly, I had my contact lens fitting the day before I left for a weeklong trip to the West Coast, and understood that I wouldn’t receive my contacts until after I returned. Lo and behold, the day after the fitting I received a package at the office with my contact lenses in time for me to take them with me on the trip. That kind of speed is just unheard of (for example, at Cambridge Eye Care it took me MONTHS to get my new contacts subscription)!
The only reason why I’m not giving HSEC 5 stars is because of one little shortcut that I felt they took when they didn’t really have to. After my contact lens fitting, it was clear that one of my prescriptions needed to be powered up. Instead of giving me that new prescription right away, the optometrist asked me to stay with the weaker trial lens until the new contact lenses arrived. That said, the new lenses did come the very next day, so no harm no foul.
All in all, highly recommended!

Tragedy struck, as tragedies often do, on a beautiful summer day when I was least expecting it. I was casually strolling through Harvard Square when the left lens of my prescription sunglasses inexplicably fell out of the frame. Somehow I had lost a screw. «Good thing this happened right in front of Harvard Square Eye Care!» I thought.
A little background: I worked my way through college as a lab tech at a LensCrafters, so I knew this was the easiest fix in the world. Replacing a screw takes about thirty seconds and – at LensCrafters at least – costs the customer nothing. Screws cost almost nothing and the labor cost is negligible.
So I pop into Harvard Square Eye Care and explain the situation. They take my glasses from me. «That’ll be ten dollars. They’ll be ready in half an hour.» I laugh, because obviously they’re joking. Wait. They’re not joking. Half an hour? Ten dollars? I walk out, a bit stunned. Did that just happen?
I do a lap around the block and decide to go back and rescue my glasses. I’m not paying $ 10 and waiting half an hour unless this flippin’ screw turns my glasses into X-​ray goggles or something. I squint in the sun the rest of the way home and repair my glasses myself.
I’m all for the mom and pops, but not if they’re going to fleece me. What kind of rube do they take me for?

I have awful problems with my eyes, so going to the eye doctor gives me the nerves that most people get when going to the dentist. I started going to the Harvard location, but switched to Porter when it opened because it’s so close to my house. The Harvard location wasn’t bad, but Porter is terrible.
I had to wait an HOUR the time to get seen, and the doctor didn’t apologize or even mention the delay. Instead, she rushed through my exam and wouldn’t take time to answer my questions fully. She also decided that I should have my eyes dilated, which was frustrating because I could have been doing that for the HOUR I was waiting to be seen. So, I had to come back a week later and the experience was exactly the same.
I’m changing eye doctors now because eyes are too serious to be left in the hands of an inept doctor.

I left this store feeling very ripped off — so ripped off that I called back and canceled my order.
I checked out this store because of its «Best of Boston» award and my hunt for some designer frames. The store seems to have designer frames, but upon closer examination they carry nothing but run-​of-​the-​mill, made in China junk that you can get from a discount, online glasses store for half the price.
The store takes my insurance, which gives me $ 130 frame allowance. I left having purchased some glasses with a list price of $ 395, minus my $ 130 allowance, equals $ 265. When I got home I looked them up online to show my wife — only to learn the same glasses online MSRP for $ 175 and can be bought for $ 105. I also learned these were not designer, made in Italy or Germany, but generic made in China frames.
How could glasses online WITHOUT insurance possibly cost half what I paid using my insurance at an accepted outlet? I was so outraged. I called the store back and told them to tear up the order and credit my credit card.
The only positive thing I can say is that they did credit me without any fuss. I guess they knew they ripped me off.