Newbury Visions

Dr T is a wizard, man.
This is the best eye doctor I’ve ever come across. Nothing will go past him. His exams are very thorough. I’ve had two so far — for the latest, Newbury Visions fit me in for the same day I called and while the exam included all the tests he’s done the first time around, I was done very quickly (~20 min).
I really love that Dr. T takes the time to explain everything he is seeing. Very kind mannered, charismatic, and transparent. I wouldn’t go anywhere else, as I feel that I’m in the hands of an expert.

The owner was nice and helpful for my emergency situation! I came here 3 years ago for the contact lens exam appointment then I moved to another state for school. Back to Boston, my glasses were okay so I thought I didn’t need to have my eyes checked annually. Today, my glasses suddenly broke and it was the backup one. Desperate as I was, I called in this place and asked if they could help me. The lady/​owner was so nice and helpful. She looked my name up on the database and said that they could help me for this particular emergency. I came by the store and she gave me a pair of contact lens since I couldn’t see anything without my glasses. I’m very appreciated her help to me as an old client.

Walked in on the store to get my glasses fixed the nose pads we hurting me so I told that to the owner and he proceeded go fix them it didn’t even take him a minute and he was done, he didn’t charge me so I guess he really likes his job! If I’m ever in Houston and need new glasses I wouldn’t think twice about coming here

Came here while in town on business. They could not have been nicer or more helpful. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for glasses, contacts, or to have an eye exam.

I’m thinking about doing a Lasik surgery so I came in here to get my annual eye exam to learn about the condition of my eyes. I have visited several other optometrists in MA and NH for the past several years and Dr T is by far the most thorough and knowledgeable optometrist I’ve experienced. He started from the beginning, went through a dozen tools and methods to examine my eyes, and also identified my astigmatism that a couple of my previous optometrists had missed. He then explained to me about contacts, gave me the right pair to put on, did a set of examinations with the contacts on, and then another set of examinations after I took them off. He also took time to explain to me about eye dryness, itchiness, and tiredness relief. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a thorough checkup, and I will come back for my next annual checkup.

Dr T is the man. Came in to get fitted for my first pair of contacts and he was friendly and thorough. He even gave me a test pair with two different brands to try out for a day before putting in an order. If you’re really lucky he’ll throw on the early 90’s VHS instructional video on how to wear them! I’ve worn glasses for ten years and that was one of my best optometrist experiences.

Wow, an optometrist that actually knows what he’s doing! I’ve spent the last four years squinting and walking past people on the street because I couldn’t see more than 10ft and had pretty much given up on being able to see clearly again (the last 3 optometrists I went to essentially told me that «this is as good as it gets»). Dr. T took his time, didn’t want to see my old prescription and just started from the beginning (can you see the giant letters? no? OK, let’s start here…). He first ascertained the proper power for my glasses and then moved on to contact lenses. I haven’t worn comfortable contacts in years and really only get them for athletic endeavors so I didn’t have high expectations, but wow, comfort? check. Vision? check!!.
If you don’t have very bad vision like me, you may not relate to just how much of a joy and relief it is to be able to see properly.
The selection of frames is not to my taste so I didn’t deal with the optician, but I highly recommend this place. I have crappy VSP insurance and most places that take it have horrifying reviews, but Newbury Visions made dealing with VSP a breeze and applied the confusing discounts/​coverage smoothly.
Big thumbs up and thank you for helping me see again!

This place is way too overpriced. I got 4 boxes of Acuvue 1 Day Moist here for $ 340, and it costs less than $ 200 in other stores. They charged me without specifically telling me the price. Don’t go here if you don’t want to give away money.

Really sweet couple helped me out. They snuck me in for a same-​day contact lens exam and couldn’t have been nicer or more professional. I will be back for sure.

Came here for an emergency repair during a family vacation. They replaced two missing screws for no charge!

I’m pretty much blind without glasses or contacts. As in, I can’t see the neon glowing numbers on my alarm clock positioned as close to the bed as possible on the edge of my nightstand. The eye exams here are lengthy, thorough, and usually multi-​step, so be prepared to spend some time at Newbury Visions. This isn’t your typical breeze in/​breeze out kind of cursory eye exam. You might also be offered an opportunity to exam your own inner eyelid with a handheld mirror if you’re lucky.
Front desk communication is great, as is explanation of benefits, what’s covered, how your plan works, etc. And while it might take a few tries to get someone on the phone, I’ve always found it super easy to make an appointment, sometimes even same day.
Now, Joey, the glasses guru, gets a whole other set of 5 stars just for him. He truly is the glasses whisperer and will give you honest, quick, and usually hilarious assessments of how each pair looks on your face. Come here for the truth about glasses (and yourself) and leave with a pair that flatters your face shape and coloring. Basically, I want to bring Joey with me whenever I shop for anything from now on.

«You have a broad face.» «This is fabulous darling. You must get the aubergine.» These are the types of comments that do not help one sell glasses (or dinner or spanxx for that matter). Besides having pushy, intrusive salespeople (ok salesperson), the selection of glasses here was just mediocre. Sadly, nothing was really fabulous. Except my broad face as I hightailed outta there. Go to Wellesley optical across the street instead– cooler selection, better service, fewer comments about your facial width.

I had an eye exam and bought glasses here many years ago (2008?) and I still wear the glasses– I love them. I went to another optometrist in 2010 and had a terrible experience (was given the wrong prescription and ended up stuck with glasses that I can’t use). I recently went back to Newbury Visions to do an eye exam and contact fitting last month and Dr. Tanlamai is great– thorough, pleasant, and does a good job.
In the end, my prescription was the same as in 2008 (so the other optometrist I went to in 2010 was ridiculous! Maybe was trying to get me to buy glasses from them?) At Newbury Vision, there is no pressure to buy glasses or contacts (I ended up getting contacts with them anyway) and I had a nice time chit chatting afterwards. I highly recommend them.

Positive: Location is convenient. Good choice for frames. Friendly doctors
Negative: Unable to provide recommendation after having issues with prescription sunglasses made in this place. Despite my complains, Newbury Vision kept their stance that nothing was wrong with the lenses… I was $ 250 out of pocket and unable to use these glasses…
Fast forward 2 years after, I was able to learn from a doctor in CA than I belong to the ~5% of the population «allergic» to polycarbonate lenses! Newbury Vision did not identify the issue/​provide solutions… Lesson learned on my end and wished Newbury Vision could have troubleshoot this issue back then…

Came here about a month ago to get my eyes checked and to get a new prescription for contact lenses. It was my first time going to the optometrist since getting off my parent’s insurance, so to be completely fair, I was bumbling a bit. However, I was very disappointed, especially given the great reviews this place had on Unilocal.
First, the good things — got to the venue perfectly on time and was taken in immediately by the doctor. He worked very quickly and thoroughly, but I never felt like he was rushing me. He even explained the science behind astigmatism to me! All in all, I got my glasses and contact lenses prescriptions within 45 minutes. Not bad.
Then, I mentioned to the doctor I wanted to purchase my contacts through 1 – 800 contacts (typically cheaper there). He told me then that my contact lenses exam was not covered under my insurance (VSP) and it would be part of the $ 130 my insurance plan covers. Thus, it was cost-​beneficial for me to use up the remainder of the $ 130 via buying contacts through their store. I was a little confused, but took him at his word, and said I would purchase 6 months worth of contacts through his store.
That’s where the problems started. He ordered me two boxes of contacts (6 contacts per box, or 6 pairs total) and told me it would cover me for 6 months. I confirmed that the contacts were for monthly wear, and he confirmed this, several times. Fast forward about a week, I visit 1 – 800 contacts’ website, and I realize… the same brand and type of contact my doctor purchased for me isn’t even available for monthly wear. I called the doctor’s office again, and asked, point blank, if the contacts are for biweekly or monthly wear. Took a while getting there (they tried to tell me if I don’t wear contacts every day — which I do — then they can last for a month), but finally they admitted that the contacts were only for biweekly wear.
I’m giving them 2 stars because my exam was prompt and excellent, and because they ultimately comped me an additional two boxes of contacts. Otherwise, make sure that all avenues of communication are established at least 4 – 6 times. Oy.

Unlike those more fortunate then myself, I’ve been cursed with glasses since I was in kindergarten. I’m not one of those near or farsighted people, who can get by without wearing glasses except during certain tasks; I literally can’t see without them on. I’ve had dozens of pairs over the course of my life, and even more exams. I’ve gone everywhere from the local town store to some of the best doctors at major hospitals, all with varying success. Being a member of the medical and science community myself, I’m inordinately picky when it comes to my health, and have been searching for a quality eye exam for some time.
Without a doubt, the exam by Dr. T was far and away the single most comprehensive I have ever received. He spent over an hour and a half checking, rechecking, and offering advice /​tips on everything from daily care to anatomy and physiology. He and his patient wife took the time and energy to go above and beyond to provide me with any help they could. No question was too small or favor too big. I have an extremely tricky prescription, that I’ve been to several different doctors to try and get right, all with less than stellar results. This is the first prescription in years that I’ve felt truly comfortable with, and have no doubt he got it spot on.
Upon first entering the shop, I will admit, I was slightly put off. It isn’t quite as done up and extravagant as I’d come to expect from the high society Newbury St. Yes, the prices are slightly higher than what you could find online, but in all honesty, most shops are. Picked up new lenses for existing frames and first time contact lenses. Both processes were pain free and they were able to bill my insurance directly. Overall VERY happy and will be returning for my next exam.

Just got back from my eye exam and the reason I went is because of the great reviews.
Dr. T and I assume his wife were great. Help me set up an appointment and when I was there Dr. T was very thorough. He does work fairly fast so be prepared if it seems that he moving very quickly. He went through all the tests, dilation, and told me I needed to blink more due to my dry eyes which.
While waiting for my eyes to dilate I went out looking for frames with Joey. He’s awesome, fun, and will not let you buy a pair that doesn’t look good on you. He suggested a few pairs for me after telling him what I like to wear and had me even try on a few fun pairs but it was obvious they weren’t for me.
Certainly nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to the exam, but the feeling of a small shop with someone that’s not impatient in helping you find frames, you feel good walking out.

I LOVE Newbury Visions: the friendliest, most professional staff, and one of the best selections of designer frames I’ve encountered to date. Shopping for glasses is fun here; no matter how much money you’re willing to spend, they won’t let you buy something that doesn’t look good on you. Well, truthfully, I didn’t push, but I did appreciate the *NOs* I got from the optical stylist when I tried on a couple of less than flattering frames. And Dr. Prem and her colleague are delightful.
I discovered Newbury Visions a few years ago while trying to get a pair of Gucci frames I’d purchased at Kenmore Optical (a one-​star review I haven’t written) repaired. Kenmore wanted to charge me for the (quick and easy) repair, even though I’d purchased the glasses from them, so I figured as long as I had to pay, I’d take them elsewhere (on principle).
Elsewhere turned out to be Newbury Visions, where they repaired the glasses and tightened all the screws — and didn’t charge me a penny. While waiting for my glasses, I fell in love with a pair of Vera Wang frames, and determined right then and there that my next pair of glasses would be from Newbury Visions. Lo and behold, when I went back a year later, the Vera Wangs were nowhere in sight. Not a problem, as Dr. Prem found them for me in a catalog and placed a special order.
Today I picked up yet another pair of glasses at Newbury Visions and was reminded of what a special place it is: A feel good place, where it feels good to spend money.

Believe the hype, people.
First, let me explain a little something about the insurance mentions frequently peppered through these reviews: apparently Newbury Visions has no real control over which provider lists they actually appear on – or at least this is true in some cases — because I specifically researched providers that work with my insurance plan, on the list of approved providers, only to get there, have Joey call my insurance company, and find out that this is NOT true. He told me that this happens to them constantly.
The reviews on Unilocal were so good, though, and the weather that I ventured out in so bad yesterday, that I decided I would fork over a little bit of additional cash to get my first exam in years with them, rather than leave and go to whatever community option my insurance deemed viable. I’m glad that I stuck around. Everyone there was helpful and friendly, and Dr. T was both efficient and thorough. He explained all kinds of things, gave me a cool compress for my eyes (which have been really tired, of late), and laughed when I asked if I failed this one particular test.
«You need glasses,» was his amused, slightly dry answer.
Fortunately, I will only need them for close-​up reading. And even more fortunately, I will wind up looking super-​cute when I have them on, because they really do have adorable frames. When I was there they were talking to a rep from Philippe Starck, and the boxes she had out were just full of goodies.
To top it off, they made sure to hook me up with a tax ID number on a receipt that I can send to my insurance, to find out if they’ll reimburse me, since they were on the provider list.
I’m definitely looking forward to going back and getting my frames.

Quick update: I accidentally washed my glasses in my washing machine and they completely came apart. Because I didn’t want to spend a small fortune on a new pair of glasses I trekked down to Newbury Visions to see if they could do anything to fix them. Not only did they fix them, they did it in 3 minutes and free of charge.
Another quick note, they also treated an eye infection for me for free. When the initial infection happened I forgot to return for my follow up so they never charged my insurance. A few months later I was unemployed with no more insurance and realized that I still hadn’t paid them so I went in and not only did they waive the fee for the initial exam, he re-​checked my eye to ensure all was well. They are all fantastic, nice, and good at what they do.