FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any questions not answered here, call: (212) 599-1220, email us at GCOweb@grandcentraloptical.com, or visit our Contact Us page
Can I use my Flex Spending or Health Savings Account at Grand Central Optical?
Yes, we do accept all Flex Spending and Health Savings Account cards and provide itemized receipts by email or for pickup on request.
Do you accept vision insurance?
Yes, we do accept vision insurance in the store and online! To use your insurance online, fill out your insurance information during the “Prescription/Insurance” step of the checkout process and after you finish the checkout process we will contact you with a final price based on your insurance benefits.
What is the best way to clean my glasses?
The best way to clean the glasses is by using the spray provided with your purchase. Spray both sides of the lens and then wipe it off in one firm stroke with a bounty paper towel or a very soft paper towel. Do not go over a spot more than once because that can cause scratching. For fingerprints, smudges, and other minor cleanings use the dry cloth provided.
What is a Flex Spending Account and how does it work?
Flexible Spending Accounts provide you with a tax-free way to pay for out-of-pocket medical and health-related expenses, such as vision care. An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of their earnings to pay for medical expenses. Money deducted from your pay into an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes, so you can realize substantial tax savings. If you have enrolled in an FSA program at work, apply those accumulated funds towards the following vision care services at Grand central Optical: Eye Examination, Prescription Eyeglasses, Prescription Sunglasses, and Contact Lenses. Flex Spend savings can be realized all year long. You don’t have to wait until the end of the year to take advantage of your vision care service. If you don’t have a Flexible Spending Account, you may want to see if your employer offers this benefit.
Learn More About Flex Spending...
How do I get a Prescription?
If you would like to schedule an exam at one of our two convenient locations please give us a call at 212-599-1221 or online at:
https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/grand-central-optical-13708?lock=true&isNewPatient=false.
Any Optometrist or Ophthalmologist can do an exam for a prescription. By law, they are required to release your prescription to you at your request. If you need help getting the prescription, feel free to have us call your doctor's office for you.
How do I choose the right frame?
In our store, we have top-notch frame stylists who will walk you through every stage of the process to make sure you get a frame perfect for your face shape and prescription. If you are worried about selecting the right size frame online there are size measurements on each frame's page. If you have any questions or concerns, we can be reached at 212-599-1220 or by email at GCOweb@grandcentraloptical.com.
What do I do if my frames need an adjustment?
We would also be glad to adjust your glasses for free at either of our two convenient locations located at 340 Madison Ave and in the Lexington Passageway of Grand Central Terminal. If you don’t live near us most glasses stores offer free or low-cost adjustments.
What is an Anti-Glare Coating?
An Anti-Glare Coating is a coating we put on the lenses that reduces glare and reflections. With an Anti-Glare Coating, you will have less tired eyes at the end of the day and your vision will be sharper and clearer all day long. It is especially useful for night driving and computer work but is recommended for activities.
What is Transition?
Transition lenses are lenses that turn darker when exposed to UV light. So when you are inside or at night they work like regular lenses, but when you are outside during the day they darken for a more convenient wearing experience.
What is Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a lens material that is thinner and stronger than the traditional CR-39 lens. It is strongly recommended for anyone under the age of 18 because it doesn’t shatter when it breaks.
What is High Index?
High Index lenses are a thinner and stronger lens material than the traditional CR-39 lens. Lenses made with this material are significantly thinner than polycarbonate lenses.
What is Polarization?
Polarization is a method of darkening sunglasses that substantially reduces glare leading to a much clearer vision.
Are my glasses checked to make sure nothing is wrong before they are shipped?
Yes, for any pair of glasses to be dispensed by Grand Central Optical it has to go through multiple inspections by our trained opticians at every stage of the edging and dispensing process.
Can I order a frame without a prescription?
Yes, we are glad to sell you a frame only either in-store or online. If you wish to purchase a frame only online just choose the "No Lenses" option.
What do I need to be able to place an order for prescription glasses?
All you need is your glasses prescription and a credit card or PayPal account. We take care of the rest!
Can I use my glasses prescription to get contacts?
No, unfortunately, those are two different prescriptions so we're unable to dispense glasses from a contact lens prescription or a contact lens prescription to get glasses.
How do I measure my Pupillary Distance (PD)?
You can either use the Pupillary Distance we have on file for you, let us know your PD when we contact you, or use our convenient "PD Measurement Photo option".
Do you ship internationally?
At the moment we do not ship internationally through our website. If you would like to get glasses from Grand Central Optical shipped to you internationally email us at GCOweb@grandcentraloptical.com and we will make sure that you get your glasses.
How do I know if a frame I see online is in stock?
All the frames on the website are in stock, if there are any delays you will receive a prompt email informing you of any issues.
When will I get my glasses/contacts?
Glasses and contacts take 3-5 business days to arrive using standard USPS priority mail. If you would like to expedite your order or if you need your order by a certain day make sure to put that in the "Order Notes" box of the Insurance/Prescription step of the checkout process.
I made a mistake on my online order; can I make a change?
If the job hasn't been shipped yet we are glad to make any changes you would like just give us a call at 212-599-1220 or email us at GCOweb@grandcentraloptical.com.
Do you make the lenses or are they done by a third party?
We have a lab located at our Madison Avenue location that does all of our work using the latest technology unless your insurance company requires us to use a third-party lab.
Are you authorized to sell these frames?
Yes, we are an authorized provider to sell all the brands on our website both online and in our stores. For a full list of all the brands, we carry in our stores check out the “In-Store” page.
Do you sell prescription sunglasses?
Yes, all of our frames can be made into prescription sunglasses. If you would like an optical pair of glasses you see on our website to be made as a sunglass that is available as well by clicking the “Tint Grey” or “Polarized Lenses” options after selecting “Single Vision” or “Progressive” in the add to cart process.
Do you sell Bifocal lenses?
We sell progressive lenses with the latest technology. If you would like a lined bifocal lens please email us at GCOweb@grandcentraloptical.com or give us a call at 212-599-1220 and we will discuss options with you.
Can I put new lenses in my old frame?
We can put new lenses into your frame! If you would like to use your frame please email us at GCOweb@grandcentraloptical.com or give us a call at 212-599-1220 during store hours and we will discuss options with you.
Do you have stores?
Yes we have two stores, one is located in the historic Grand Central Terminal and our other store is located on Madison Avenue between 43rd and 44th.
How do I order multiple pairs of glasses with different prescriptions?
If you would like to use different prescriptions please do separate orders for each prescription. If you paid for expedited shipping just put a message in the "Order Notes" box of the “Prescription/Insurance” section and we will not charge you for the second order’s shipping.
My prescription is very strong, can you still make my glasses?
Yes, we individually make all of our lenses so we would be glad to make any prescription that you may need in either sun or optical glasses. For very strong prescriptions or prisms, it may take additional time.
