Harvard Square Eye Care Porter Sq.

08/18/10

honesty and good care

by bulldoglove22 at Citysearch

After a disappointing experience at Lenscrafters, a quick Yelp search led me to Harvard Square Eye Care. Initially I was a little put off; despite the company's Web site boasting the largest frame selection in Boston, I found a showroom that was literally smaller than my bedroom. However, a guy came over and asked what I was looking for and, unlike at Lenscrafters, he actually *listened* and was very helpful. He was patient while I tried on frames and made a decision (with the help of my brother and future sister-in-law), and once he began pulling frames I realized that the selection was much better than I had initially thought. I walked out that Saturday afternoon with the guarantee that my new glasses would be ready by the following Tuesday; they were, and they came out fabulously.

Given that I walked in with a prescription I cannot comment on the doctors at HSEC, but I would go there in the future simply based on the fact that they accept so many insurance plans. The one major drawback is that they are pricey (my glasses started around $400 then it was an extra $100 for scratch- and reflection-resistant lenses), but the investment was worth it to me, and I wound up with something I really love.

04/05/08

The place to go!!

by Whah at Citysearch

I travel all the way from the suburbs to go to Harvard Square Eye Care. Both the Dr. and her husband (at Porter Sq) are always very friendly and accommodating. The staff at both locations are also great! I always feel like I am treated with integrity and respect. It is the only place I trust for me and my family.

06/28/07

To the rescue

by laphroig at Citysearch

My daughter and I were recently in the Cambridge area when my daughter's glasses broke. We were in desperate need of replacements, because she was off to summmer camp in 3 days. In seeking help we were very fortunate to find Harvard Square Eye Care . The friendly doctor gave my daughter an exam on the spot and the optician did a great job patching her frames back together. The Optician helped her pick out a beautiful French frame that looks fabulous on her. We received the glasses the next day so my daughter was all set for her fun in the sun trip. We had an excellent experience with the entire staff and the service was great! I will continue to recommend Harvard Square Eye Care to all my friends.

• Pros: Quick Service, friendly staff

06/27/07

Great service, And Greater People

by happyfeet22 at Citysearch

After having a long and hopeless search for eye care and accessories I stumbled across Harvard Square eye care. I am a single father of 3 children(2 boys, 1 girl) and a new comer to the Boston area and trips to the eye doctors are a regular for me. When I arrived at the porter square location which gave us a very warm and comfortable feeling we were greeted by the doctor who helped out with every question we had. Going above and beyond to seek the answers which left me very satisfied. When picking frames its always hard to choose where to go. My children were pleased with the selection as was I. Again I know how hard it can be to get a good pair of frames as well as all the trouble it takes on getting them right. However the people at Harvard Square eye care assisted me with the quality care they strive to promote. I recommend family, friends and anyone else who seeks quality eye care to come here.

06/14/07

Avoid this "family business"

by jolicoh at Citysearch

This family operates a rather dishonest business. I was there on two different days with two different daughters. At the Harvard Square store, Daughter #1 was given an eye exam (without dilation of pupils by request), and was told the charge was $65 for which she owed a copay of $10. So far so good. We then went to Porter Square to choose frames. She chose a pair of Ogi frames and Mr. D. (husband of Dr. D) quoted $395 with a 10% discount. The lenses were $150; total with tax just over $500. Two days later, I went back to the Harvard Sq. store with Daughter #2; she was quoted $110 for the basic exam (the same exam - no dilation- that cost $65 for Daughter #1), $75 for the contact lens exam and $75 to suggest a new brand of contact. She has no insurance coverage for optometrists. When asked for an explanation of the discrepancy between the two prices for the basic exam, Dr. D rudely told me that we could leave as she had other patients and did not have time to deal with us. Daughter #2 kept the brand she had and paid $185 for the exam. This unpleasant encounter led me to question the price on Daughter #1's glasses. Other places in Cambridge were selling the same glasses for less: one quote was $230, the other $249; she paid $355. Back at Porter Square, Mr. D said that their price was not incorrect. My daughter said that she then would like to return the glasses, at which point, Mr. D called Dr. D and asked her what to do. She said to meet the lower price. After calling the other company, Mr. D reimbursed my daughter $125. Yes, a gain, but we still paid $45 more for Daughter #2's eye exam and I can't help but wonder if the charge of $150 for Daughter #1's lenses was not also excessive. The lesson of our experience is to check out prices before buying frames and call around to see what the fees are for exams before scheduling an appointment. This experience leads me to strongly suggest anyone looking for a fair deal avoid this "family business".