Dr Galina Rabkin

12/08/08

Perfect for adults and kids

by dstt at Citysearch

Last February my daughter came from school with a note from the nurse that she had failed an eye test. She needed an exam and glasses. My husband and I were happy with Dr.Rabkin, but I thought that a 9-year-old would benefit from a pediatric optometrist.

The appointment with a pediatric optometrist who was covered by our insurance went bad for different reasons. But what made me really doubtful was the way they checked the eyes. It was like I came back in a time machine to my childhood with the weird things to check your eyes with. We ended up with a prescription but I was not sure it was the right one.

After careful consideration, I decided that we should see Dr. Rabkin. The exam was unbelievably friendly, she explained every step of it to my daughter, and the equipment was so 21st century. She came up with a prescription that was different from the one we already had. I wondered why for a while, but then realized that it was due to the modern equipment as opposed to old methods and the friendly atmosphere she was able to create during the exam.

Now we needed to pick up the right frame. Dr. Rabkin was so patient with my daughter; she let her try almost every pair in the store. The choice was made, now we had to pay for it. We were completely surprised to find out that the exam was totally on the house. The glasses were expensive, though. But they looked so nice on my daughter?s face, and she really liked the way she looked.

But this is not the end of the story. Recently her glasses in a beautiful case ended up in the driveway and were run over by a car (or maybe more than one). The case was totally ruined, but the glasses survived. Not a scratch! Surely, my husband and I said that we had had a wonderful investment.

Bottom line: Dr. Rabkin is an exceptional professional who's good with kids and adults. Next time any of us is due for an exam we?ll make an appointment with her in spite of the fact that she?s not among our insurance providers.

03/05/08

Another VERY satisfied customer

by rbcl at Citysearch

Before posting myself, I read many of the other reviews, including the single one-star review. This lone outlier is the exception that proves the rule: Dr. Rabkin's service, selection, expertise, and attention to detail are exceptional. I have been wearing glasses for almost 40 years, have lived in a Boston suburb for 25 years and have purchased my glasses at one optician (not Vizio) for that whole time . . . until now. Having just moved back to the city, I was looking for a whole new look to go with my new life. I also needed my first pair of progressive lenses. I found Dr. Rabkin here on Citysearch and off I went. Vizio's frame selection is wonderfully current without being too over-the-top. Finding a flattering frame was easy with the competent, attentive help of Dr. Rabkin's staff. The harder part came when my glasses arrived. The lenses were manufactured incorrectly the first time. No problem, said Dr. Rabkin and she whisked them away to be remade. Several weeks later I returned to discover that the lenses, while correctly manufactured, didn't feel right. I just couldn't see clearly through them. Ever patient, Dr. Rabkin suggested that I try them for several days and then get back to her. When I called still reporting problems, Dr. Rabkin invited me in for a complete exam, both of my eyes (she hadn't done my initial exam) and of the lenses. After the most patient, thorough vision exam I have had in a long time (at no additional charge), Dr. Rabkin ascertained that (1) the lenses were correctly made and (2) the prescription was correct for my eyes. What was necessary were several minor but important adjustments to the way the glasses sat on my face. An hour later I was done. My new glasses look and feel great. Even better, I am seeing better than I have in a very long time. Many thanks to Dr. Rabkin and her staff. I (and my husband) will be back.

02/28/08

extraordinary results in prescription and lens suggestions

by JKessler at Citysearch

I have been using progressive lenses for several years; however, the tradeoff between the convenience of a single set of glasses vs. clarity and field width was disappointing. In fact, I purchased additional glasses just to use for computer work, in order to have accurate vision. On my first visit, Dr. Rabkin not only gave me a prescription that resulted in 20/15 eyesight at every focal length, she also recommended progressive lenses that are so superior to anything else I have ever had, that I feel my eyesight is restored to that of my childhood. My new progressive lenses are such a perfect match to what I need that I can wear them all of the time, including sitting in front of a computer screen for several hours each day, without tiring. For the first time, there is no "spacey" feeling when walking with glasses on. In addition, she took the time to help me select the most beautiful and lightweight frames ever. The store, Vizio Optic, carries extraordinarily stylish frames (not cheap, but you get what you pay for!) Altogether, I felt thoroughly pampered, as though I had been to a spa.

Unfortunately, as a new patient, the wait to see her is long, but well worth it - in my case 4 months. Also, she has chosen to not take on any new contact lense patients. I was disappointed until she told me that I would not be able to attain the same level of precision with contact lenses as with these progressive lenses. Until you experience what the correct prescription and lense can do for you, you won't believe it.

Her office is very conveniently located, and I have never had a parking problem. She is a delightful woman, who is both professional and friendly. Speaking as a very fussy and particular person, I promise you could not do any better than Dr. Rabkin.

• Pros: Excellent technical skills, great product selection, convenient location, lovely atmosphere.
• Cons: Length of time to get initial visit. After that, no problem.

01/17/08

Accessibility is zero

by penelope092 at Citysearch

I've been wearing glasses for ten years, recently moved to Boston and for the first time had a truly bad experience with an optometrist in Cambridge. According to him my prescription strength has dropped dramatically, yet I have gotten headaches and see blurry, now for 2 weeks. I have gone back and he claims that the prescription is correct. Out of desperation, I did a search on the net, found the amazing reviews for Dr. Rabkin and called her office. The Dr. is simply non-accessible. She does not take contact lens exam appointments for new patients, only eyeglasses, and her next appointment is in a month, with a "very lengthy" waiting list for cancellations. I explained my situation and there was no sympathy nor was there a hint of willingness to at least recommend someone that could see me sooner. I'm aware of the laws of supply and demand, but I also believe that someone that no doubt, is keenly aware of and enjoying her position (no matter how well deserved); could at least show some compassion.

07/05/07

Best Eye Care, Bar None!

by muffie603 at Citysearch

Best Optometry practice ANYWHERE! Best eye exams I have ever had, and I've been wearing glasses for 30+ years! Dr. Rabkin is fabulous. She has top of the line equipment and is extremely thorough and professional, in addition to being very personable. The staff is excellent! Great customer service. The eyewear is top of the line, with styles to fit every personality. Ranges from conservative to outrageous, if that's your preference. Pricey, but well worth it. Eyeglasses are my new addiction!

I would recommend Vizio to anyone who wants to wear glasses, prescription or non-prescription!