Shades of Vision

My parents and I have come here often (albeit reluctantly) since it’s close by. Their selection of frames is small, lackluster, and pretty outdated. The owner (or who ever is in charge) speaks to you in such a monotonous tone, it’s as if he doesn’t give a shit whether your questions are thoroughly answered or not.
I once had pink eye (yuck!) & called Shades of Vision asking if they could see me. They said that my insurance had not kicked in yet, so they wouldn’t be able to see me for another few days, no matter how much I pleaded with them and told them that it was an emergency… UGH wtf?! (The reason I didn’t go to the ER is bc it would have taken hours, and I figured my regular eye place would be able to take care of me.) Instead I went across the street to Olivio’s Opticians & they were able to see me within half an hour, accepted my insurance right away (!!!), gave me eye drops AND were comforting and polite. I haven’t been back to Shades since.
Recently, my mom wanted to get a new pair for eye glasses, & we had a discount for Lenscrafters so I called Shades to ask them to provide her with her vision prescription. They looked up her account & said ok. However, after my mom got there, they refused to give her the prescription because «they couldn’t release an expired prescription»…again UGHHH wtf?! They scheduled a $ 50 eye exam instead, even though she didn’t ask for one. I called back to figure out why the fuck they couldn’t just give her the prescription, and cancelled the appointment. The next day we went to LensCrafters and got our shit done, with much better service. I asked a sales associate at LensCrafters if they are allowed to withhold prescriptions if they are expired, and he said, No — but some private clinics do that so they can get $$$ out of you. So fucking frustrating.
I wish I could give 0 stars, but since Unilocal doesn’t have that option 1 star will have to suffice. The ONLY redeeming factors that Shades of Vision has are Dr. Lam, who is really kind and friendly, and Mukta the sales associate who is extremely polite.
The only reason to make a trip to Shades of Vision is if you need a cheap pair of glasses (or back up glasses) covered by your insurance.

The Optician takes all the time necessary to make sure your satisfied with your eyewear. Very knowledgeable about lens technology and proper frame fit. If looking for something unusual, they will do all that can be done to find it for you. Love coming to this location.

I have been a customer here since 1996. I only continue to order from here because Dr. Lam is the best! However, the previous owner was extremely flexible. He made accommodations. I had ripped one of my contacts a year ago, and called him and he replaced it at no cost. Few months ago, when a certain brand of contacts were severely drying my eyes, I was given extra 1 A DAY contacts in addition to a pair of oasis lenses to decide what I wanted. Recently, the management has changed, and the owner is no longer there. I called to place an emergent order this Wednesday because I didn’t realize I ran out of 1 A DAY lenses. I was left to my last pair. I requested if I can get a few extra lenses just until my order arrives, and the owner was only willing to give me ONE PAIR to last me ONE DAY while he told me he has no answer for me as to when my contacts will arrive. I paid for my order, yet I have no idea when my contacts will arrive. Since I needed the contacts, I took the pair that will last me 2 weeks which are severely drying to my eyes. I am very disappointed that after being with this business for 19 YEARS, I am told that they don’t have a date as to when my contacts will arrive when I have paid in full, and I cannot be given contacts that are in stock to help me get through the week. I am a health care provider and to see managements that are not willing to help their patients is very disappointing.

My insurance covered my glasses here but found out they gave me out of network glasses and lenses. I paid nearly $ 700.00
My insurance company asked a owner to refund but they refused it. I went to there and asked the owner Mr. Mc. Kenna that why he didn’t inform me about it. He replied I didn’t have to.
I don’t trust any of this shop workers including Dr. Lam, owner Mr. Mc. Kenna and Ingrid. Sorry but you can’t business like this.

Good local business! Was able to walk in and see the doctor for a quick eye exam, including contacts. Pricing was fair and Doctor was very informative, helpful, and friendly. I’d recommend.

Had a fantastic experience today with the friendly and educated staff at Shades of Vision! It was so easy to get an appointment, get a thorough exam, and pick out new glasses! My vision plan covered almost everything and I’m extremely pleased with the great service and high-​quality/​low price selection! No dumpy glasses for me!

I walked in trying to purchase a pair of eyeglasses, asking the most important question first — do you take my insurance? After calling my insurance company they told me that I do not have coverage which means I would have to pay out of pocket. I was pretty sure I did have some vision insurance. I went to a different place that told me I have decent coverage. If this place didn’t take my insurance they should’ve told me. Now I strongly believe that they tried to rip me off. In any case, their selection of frames was really small. And it seemed like they get few customers.

Amazing! Dr. Lam is thorough and very personable. He quickly noticed a problem that my previous doctor seemed to have neglected over the years and offered suggestions on how to continue improving my vision with regular muscle exercises.
Bob, the owner, was also very great! He was super friendly and took the time to fix my glasses, just because I asked.

Dr Lam is wonderful but the owner is surly, rude and disrespectful. He broke my glasses and didn’t have the decency to apologize.

Shades of Vision is wonderful. My wife and I both have been customers here for about five years. The general atmosphere is excellent, very professional and relaxed. Bob McKenna is extremely thorough and helpful with answers to all my questions; he is always happy to help with adjustments and solutions for my vision needs. Dr. Lam is so pleasant and like the other staff he really takes time out to explain everything during exams.
I should mention I am a cyclist — commute to work everyday, rain/​shine/​snow, etc. Also ride racing bikes up around Nyack, etc on the weekends. I need progressive lenses and Bob really went all out to figure out the best fit for me in this less than easy application (progressive Rx shades in a wrap-​around sport frame).
These guys hit it out of the park for us; even if we didn’t live nearby, I’d make a special trip to get my eyes checked and prescriptions filled here. Two thumbs up!

Dr. Lam is by far one of the friendliest and dependable doctors around Queens. The moment you walk in you are greeted with the friendly staff. A special shout out to Mukta who has helped my family and I in getting the process smoother. The wait for the doctor can take a bit long since Dr. Lam is the only doctor around, however, the wait isn’t too bad considering he actually takes his time with the patients. Great place.

I love Dr. Lam. He’s so nice and cool, and is the only eye doctor I’ve had who doesn’t make me feel terrible about my bad eyesight.
He can be late though — I have had the first appointment of the day on Saturdays (11am) and he arrives to Shades of Vision a couple of minutes after 11 and then I have to wait for him to get ready.
The store itself is fine. No complaints really.

I had an eye exam here with the guy who I believe is the only doctor, but unfortunately I can’t remember his name. I was happy with the administrative service at the front desk and happy with the doctor. The place could use a good cleaning/​renovation but beyond that I do recommend this place for an eye exam.
I had used the same contacts brand for many years and on the recommendation of this doctor I swtiched to ones made by the same company but are for people whose eyes get dry. It’s called acuvue oasys. I’m very happy with the new brand and I would definitely go back to this place for my next eye exam. I don’t know their prices because I had insurance and I did not purchase my contacts through them. (I always buy them online at visiondirect.)