On a recent trip to New York City, I had forgotten my contact case. Improvising, I stored my only pair of contacts in a hotel glass and went to bed. The next morning I woke up to a friend drinking water out of that glass and my contacts nowhere to be seen. After doing a quick Google search, I came across Pildes Optical and made my way over to them. The staff was so helpful and within no time at all fixed me up with a new pair of contacts and saved my vacation. The staff went out of their way to help me when I was in a pinch and wouldn’t even accept payment for the sample contacts they gave me. I highly recommend this company.

Lynn on Google

Great Service! – definitely deserves a 5 star‎‎ When my eyeglasses broke, I found this shop online and sent them over for repair. Everyone in the store was NICE and their service was super fast – got a call to pick them up only the second business day. The most amazing thing is that they even refunded me after I found out my glasses were still covered by the original warranty! The best repair service I ever had – will definitely go back to this shop for any eyeglass needs in the future

‎I’ve been going to Pildes for many years, because the service is far, far better than the big chains, the prices are fair, the selection of lenses, sunglasses, and contact lenses is excellent, and they treat me and my family as welcome customers. Highly, highly recommend them.

Like working with friends‎‎ Staff is very friendly and helpful with those who are not certain about what they need & want. Maria was very patient and explained the pros & cons of progressive eyeglasses so that this first-timer would know what to expect. I felt as though I was surrounded by friends. My glasses were ready weeks before expected AND are better than I had anticipated. If you avoid shopping for eyeglasses because some optical shops remind you of unpleasant Manhattan cashiers then Pildes on Broadway & 78th is the establishment that will change all of that

Five star quality and service‎‎ Fifteen years? Longer? I’ve been going to Pildes for so long, I can’t excactly remember when I walked in there and finally found an optician that didn’t make me angry. There are probably a dozen other opticians between my house and this store, but I return because, from exam to post-purchase care, they are consistently excellent. Most importantly, of course, the glasses are always well-made, but they also treat their customers very well, and that means a lot. If there’s a problem, they fix it with a smile; if they can help you, they do. I think it’s telling that pretty much the same staff has worked there as long as I’ve been a customer–which, I would guess,means they must treat the people who work there with the same respect they offer their customer

Pildes is the best! Ask for Richard!‎‎ I have worn glasses forever. I own more pairs than God (who, by the way, likes plastic frames). And I know great quality and great service when I see it. I challenged Richard with two vintage frames for my wife. The last person who wore them was Ben Franklin’s girlfriend, I think. I asked him to clean, polish, and install new lenses. There aren’t many shops that would even try. Richard was bright, friendly, and professional. His advice was excellent, and in three days he returned the glasses in like-new condition! He is amazing! Not to mention that Pildes frame selection is fantastic and they make their own lenses onsite. Stop looking and get your glasses here! These people know, care, and love glasses, especially Richard.

‎‎The service at Pildes Optical is so good that I told Jay recently he should write a book called “How to Keep Your Customers Happy”. The first time I went to Pildes was 12 years ago, the weekend before I was getting married. I worked in NY at the time but lived in CT which is where I bought my glasses, which were tinted darker than I wanted. I was in NY and only had one day to get them fixed. The first optical store I went to would not help me because I did not buy my glasses there. Then I walked into Pildes Optical and heard these words “Would you mind waiting 10 minutes?” They lightened the tint and said “There’s no charge. Congratulations on you wedding”. I now live in NY and have been buying my glasses at Pildes Optical ever since. I just picked up another pair of glasses last week. Kim suggested a frame color that I would never have considered and now that I am wearing them, I am delighted. I am very fussy about …‎ More »The service at Pildes Optical is so good that I told Jay recently he should write a book called “How to Keep Your Customers Happy”. The first time I went to Pildes was 12 years ago, the weekend before I was getting married. I worked in NY at the time but lived in CT which is where I bought my glasses, which were tinted darker than I wanted. I was in NY and only had one day to get them fixed. The first optical store I went to would not help me because I did not buy my glasses there. Then I walked into Pildes Optical and heard these words “Would you mind waiting 10 minutes?” They lightened the tint and said “There’s no charge. Congratulations on you wedding”. I now live in NY and have been buying my glasses at Pildes Optical ever since. I just picked up another pair of glasses last week. Kim suggested a frame color that I would never have considered and now that I am wearing them, I am delighted. I am very fussy about my glasses but the folks at Pildes Optical have limitless patience and never cease to treat me as if I am their best customer. Their extensive frame selection, the quality of the progressive lenses, their expertise in making adjustments and finding the right fit, and the warm and friendly welcome you get as soon as you walk in the door – all put them at the top of my list.

I’m one of those people who despise shopping in general and most especially shopping for new glasses. I’ve had to wear glasses for 20+ yeas now. It’s an ordeal deciding on frames and sitting for a fitting. The nightmare is over. My sister brought me to Pildes. I now wear the clearest glass I’ve ever had; best fitting frames; and the service has been more than professional. Everyone in the shop is pleasant. When was the last time you went into a store, made a purchase, and then sent a thank you note to the shop owner? .. at Bloomies, Neiman Marcus, Whole Foods ? I had to write to Jay and crew at Pildes because I was so impressed with the product and the service.

PatG

Once I walked thru the doors probably 15 years ago, I have never bought another pair of glasses elsewhere. Been around the world and all over the states but when I need new frames or stronger lenses I always go back to 77th and Broadway. Why? First – Jay. He’s authentic and smart, easy to talk to and takes care of me like family – and this is how I felt from day one. His inventory: whatever look you need – fun, hip, flashy, subtle, sophisticated, functional, designer, outragious, soft, or cool. The service: always been efficient, thorough and careful at the same time. The staff: patient and generous with their time. Cause I make them pull frame after frame after frame out from under those glass showcases as I pick and choose that new look for myself. And I switch up and do this once or twice a year. The place is a gem – they are everything one needs when looking for glasses or optometry services…contact lenses, shades……cause they have it all and most importantly their prices …‎ More »Once I walked thru the doors probably 15 years ago, I have never bought another pair of glasses elsewhere. Been around the world and all over the states but when I need new frames or stronger lenses I always go back to 77th and Broadway. Why? First – Jay. He’s authentic and smart, easy to talk to and takes care of me like family – and this is how I felt from day one. His inventory: whatever look you need – fun, hip, flashy, subtle, sophisticated, functional, designer, outragious, soft, or cool. The service: always been efficient, thorough and careful at the same time. The staff: patient and generous with their time. Cause I make them pull frame after frame after frame out from under those glass showcases as I pick and choose that new look for myself. And I switch up and do this once or twice a year. The place is a gem – they are everything one needs when looking for glasses or optometry services…contact lenses, shades……cause they have it all and most importantly their prices are competitive and fair. Of course it doesn’t hurt that they are situated next door to Caridad (Best Cuban Chinese food in the city) and sometimes I just want to get some Beef Szechuan or Plantains, bring it back to Pildes and pull a chair up to the counter, eat and schmooze with Jay about the neighborhood.

THEY GET IT‎‎ Pildes Optical gets it (and many companies don’t); they understand that customer service is what buys customer loyalty. Every time I have gone there over the years I have always experienced the same level of professionalism: taking the time as I try on frame after frame (then cheerfully doing it all over again when my wife arrives) … responding to crises (like when I broke my frames and Jay found new ones for my existing lenses and returned them to me the same day) … never getting the sense that more expensive frames were being pushed on me when there were less expensive choices … and the list goes on and on. Life is complicated and here is a way to make it simpler. You live on the upper west side and need need glasses? Go to Pildes. You don’t live on the upper west side? Go to Plides anyway.

This past week was the second time my glasses have broken while on a trip to NYC. A year ago I discovered Pildes, and they literally saved my vacation! This time my glasses broke on the way to my local airport (is it something about going to NYC?). I was prepared with extra side pieces, and I left them at Pildes right before close on a Tuesday. They were ready first thing the next morning, and I was on my way! They are awesome!!!

If you are remotely close to them, you need to let them take care of all your optical needs!

by TLTulsa at Citysearch

Great long term staff. Very friendly. Know you by name. Great eye exams there. Great choice of glasses,contacts, great styles. Lots of special prices for contacts etc. The entire experience whether u r there 4 an eye exam, or to purchase contacts, or buy new glasses, frames, sun glasses etc is honestly a pleasure. Love all staff, Rubin, Maria, Jay and everyone else. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and hope they r there forever!

Posted on CitySearch by truscica July 2009

“Dr. Coleman is my hero. I have struggled with contact lenses for quite some time, using them mainly for sport and the beach. When I finally discussed this with Dr. Coleman, he suggested that we try a different lens. Just walking by the store and stopping in to say hello has changed the way I look and feel. I love my contacts so much I am hardly wearing my eyeglasses! Thanks!”

Gary

“Jay, I want to express my sincere thanks to you and your staff for the continuing excellent service and courtesy that I have been afforded during my attempt to find new prescription glasses.  My thanks especially to Reuben and Dr. Coleman whose patience and professionalism never waivered over many visits.

I have always appreciated the good work of Pildes Optical, and I will, of course, continue to recommend it to all my friends. Thanks again.”

Lucy

” Thank you so much for finding the best solution for me.  I appreciate the patience, expertise and insight in providing the best possible customer service.  You have made a loyal customer of me. Thanks!”

Mary

” Thank you for all of your efforts (and patience!) with helping me select a new pair of glasses. As it turns out, I love the second pair! Some things turn out for the best.  Thank you again, I am sure you will see me at Pildes again due to your excellent customer service”

Heather

“Thank you for your attentive help when I was choosing a new pair of prescription sunglasses, which I love to wear.  Your cheerful willingness to let me try on frame after frame and answer all of my questions sets you apart from other retail shops in New York, including professional opticians.  Your keen and able service is what persuaded my father to buy a pair from you even though he had not planned on it.  You’ll see me again when I need new eyeglasses.”

Steve