Dr Galina Rabkin

03/05/2008 Posted by rbcl

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.

02/28/2008 Posted by JKessler

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.

01/17/2008 Posted by penelope092

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.

07/05/2007 Posted by muffie603

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!

06/15/2007 Posted by mcm244

Although I currently live in Chicago, I’m originally from Boston. While researching for a new set of eyewear, I accidentally came across Dr. Rabkin’s site. Upon further review, I could not find an optometrist with similar outstanding reviews in my area. Since I had scheduled a vacation to visit with my family in Boston, I took advantage of this opportunity and scheduled an appointment online. I have never had such a comprehensive and thorough eye exam. She immediately verified the Rx in my glasses and ensured that the Rx for my sunglasses was identical. For the subsequent hour, she performed a wide variety of tests and procedures to exam my eyes. In addition to using the latest technology, she takes the time to carefully explain (i.e. educate) you regarding each test and/or procedure. There was never any sense that you were being rushed. She is an absolute first-class optometrist. I want to thank all the individuals that submitted these reviews!!! Without you, I never would have discovered Dr. Rabkin. Without a doubt, she will provide you with the best eye exam you ever had.

08/04/2006 Posted by carlanunes

I was kindly greeted upon entering the store, and experienced the best and thorough eye exam ever. Dr. Rabkin always explained everything she was going to do, an offered an excellent service from beginning to end. I never felt rushed when in the store. She even helped me to pick the glasses that best looked on me. I was surprised with the variety of glasses that they had. It's a great collection of trendy eye glasses that will help you create a new fashion look for yourself.

Pros: Great service, great eye glasses collection

Cons: Prices are in the high end, but are definitelly worthy it

07/15/2006 Posted by aehaley

I grew up the daughter of an ophthalmologist and he also did my refractions until he retired. Then I started going to optomotrists and spent thousands of dollars on eyewear. My Harvard ophthalmologist who examines my eyes for diabetic issues too one look at my perscription and immediately sent to me to Dr Rabkin. She spent over an an hour checking my eyes and found gross mistakes in rx's I had been given over the years, such as Lenscrafters. She immediatelyhooked me up to the right rx and since then, I have purcharshed 12 pairs of glasses from her, including those of my partners who also needed rx glasses. Dr Rabkin is warm, profrssional, has a great sense of humor and does her job as I should be done. I will never go to another place. Her glasses run from classic to a more European style. Thank you, Dr Rabkin. You are the best. Ann E. Haley Brookline, MA 02446

04/21/2006 Posted by joyceand

For anyone who remembers them, how does Dr. Rabkin compare to Drs. Mechanic and Levine who were also in brookline for many years?

12/04/2005 Posted by bostondoc

I found Dr. Rabkin's practice online and am glad I did! Her store is very modern and the staff is exceptionally helpful. Dr. Rabkin was very informative and made me feel comfortable. I am excited for my new pair of glasses and will return to have my contact lenses fitted. Thank you!

10/11/2005 Posted by rmg2

I wandered in off the street into Dr. Rabkin's store in Brookline Village and ended up ordering my glasses there because I was so impressed with their selection, service and attention to detail. After my glasses arrived, I realized that my new prescription--based on an exam by another doctor--was not quite right. Dr. Rabkin did a new exam for me, which was extremely thorough, and then worked with the supplier so that the addtional cost to having my lenses remade would be minimal. I love my new glasses and I intend to have my eye exams done by her in the future. It is a pleasure doing business with a professional who is so attentive to detail and committed to her patients. I highly recommend her, and her store.