Manhattan Vision Associates

Found this place through a Gemini chat while looking for an Ortho-K consultation. I already had a regular spot for annual exams, but the idea of Ortho-K intrigued me enough to check it out. Booking was easy — they have a simple online form. I arrived early for my 8 AM appointment, and honestly, having appointment slots from 8 to 5 is a huge convenience — easy to fit in before or after work. The location is on the northern edge of Midtown, well-served by multiple subway lines. Check-in was smooth both times, no real wait. I saw Dr. Du, who was professional and friendly, and thorough in answering my questions. Turns out I wasn't a candidate for Ortho-K due to my prescription and astigmatism, but she explained why clearly and walked me through other options — appreciated that. The biggest standout is how tech-forward this place is compared to other optometrists I've been to. They run you through a series of exams on some genuinely impressive equipment, so you can tell they're serious about catching anything abnormal early. Didn't check out their glasses selection, so no read on the hardware side, but for the exam and overall office experience, this place is excellent. Would recommend to anyone in the area looking for an eye doctor.

I've had several very disappointing experiences with Manhattan Vision Associates for the following reasons. Overcharging / Billing Practices: This office bills for both vision and medical services for what is effectively a standard vision exam. When I questioned how they justify billing both—something often viewed as “double-dipping”—I was told it’s because they provide more “comprehensive services” that fall under both categories. After multiple visits, I can confidently say nothing provided went beyond the normal standard of care for a routine vision exam. Advertising and billing these so-called additional services is misleading and results in higher costs for patients. If you schedule an appointment here, be prepared to pay both vision and medical copays despite receiving a basic eye exam. Service: When I asked if my old glasses could be re-fitted, the employee assisting me appeared visibly annoyed, as though my request was an inconvenience. To make matters worse, the glasses weren’t even cleaned before being handed back—something that should be standard courtesy in an optometry office. Front Desk / Insurance Handling: The front desk experience was the most frustrating part of all. Staff were unwilling to communicate with my insurance and demonstrated a poor understanding of how vision coverage works. Rather than helping patients understand or maximize their benefits, the focus seemed to be almost entirely on billing and collecting payment as quickly as possible. Overall: Between questionable billing practices, poor customer service, and unhelpful front desk staff, this office prioritizes revenue over patient care. I would strongly recommend avoiding this practice if you value transparency, professionalism, and patient-centered service.

Go anywhere else. I've been a patient for a long time but am done because of the staff--who aRE HORRIBLE. They don't answer the phone, then when they do... they put you on hold for 10 minutes and then hang up. If you ask them to send your prescription, they won't. They absolutely do not care and truly should not be employed. I had to follow-up three time and be put on hold for a total of 40 minutes to get a prescription emailed. Why? The office was "busy." Except when I initially requested the prescription be emailed I was literally in the office and there were no patients there. Worst yet--THEY FORGOT TO PLACE MY CONTACT LENS ORDER. After a month I left multiple phone messages, emailed and repeated called--nobody responded or picked up the phone. AND I HAD BEEN S PATIENT FOR SIX YEARS. I eventually had to take time out of the workday and PHYSICALLY go to the office to ask about the order. Once there, they made me sit and wait for 20 minutes only to then tell me that the contact lens order WAS NEVER PLACED. Then, when I finally got a call back, the staff person said that their contact lens specialist quit and she didn't know how to submit to insurance. They were rude, dismissive and incompetent. The doctors are lovely, but the staff is untenable. I'm already looking for a new doctor.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Rachel Du at my recent eye appointment. From the moment I arrived, the entire visit felt organized and welcoming. Dr. Du was incredibly thorough during the exam, taking the time to carefully evaluate every aspect of my eye health and clearly explain what she was doing along the way. What stood out most was how professional and attentive she was. She listened carefully to my concerns, answered all of my questions in detail, and made sure I fully understood my options. I never felt rushed—she was patient, kind, and genuinely caring throughout the entire appointment. It’s clear that Dr. Du is highly knowledgeable and truly dedicated to her patients. I left feeling confident in my care and grateful to have found such a thoughtful and skilled eye doctor. I highly recommend Dr. Du to anyone looking for exceptional, compassionate eye care.

Very clean surroundings. They cleans each machine before use. I had a very short waiting time between testing sessions and being seen by the doctor. Dr Steven Ali is kind, does not rush your exam. He is very informative and listens to your concerns.