248 West 116th Street
New York, NY 10026

The Benjamin Optical Store

Benjamin Optical

Benjamin Optical, a second generation optical store, has been serving the Harlem community for over 60 years. Opened in 1950 by Irwin Benjamin, a World War II veteran optometrist, our store was created on the foundation of family, service and customer satisfaction. Benjamin Optical is now run by Dr. Benjamin's son, Richard Benjamin, who believes in the same values and service as his father. We have a large selection of affordable eyeglass frames for adults and children, as well as a great selection of designer frames including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Sean John, Timberland and Christian Dior. Our staff has a great deal of experience in helping our customers select frames that suit their individual style, and our opticians are top notch at fitting your lenses to the frames of your choice. Our store uses a state-of-the-art computer system and our spacious examination rooms provide comfort and convenience. Our staff members are fluent in Spanish, French and Creole to further serve our patients. Benjamin Optical is located close to Columbia University and St. Luke's Hospital.

Flexible Spending Accounts- It may be time to spend!

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) you are allowed to deduct pretax dollars from your paycheck and get reimbursed for health-related expenses up to an amount set by your employer.

There is a catch to the FSA, they operate on a "use it or lose it" basis, many plans expire December 31st.

Eye exams prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses qualify for these programs.

Don't get caught leaving your hard-earned benefit money on the table when you could be enjoying better vision with a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses!

Insurances Accepted

At Benjamin Optical, we accept most insurance and union plans. Below is a list of some of the plans we accept. If your insurance or group is not listed below, call us and ask, as we probably accept it.

We accept the following groups:

1199	Fidelis	HIP (glasses only)	Medicare
Centercare	GHI	Local 7 - Tile Workers	Metroplus
CPS Optical	Guildnet	Local 237	UFT
Davis Vision	Health First	Medicaid	Visiting Nurse Service
Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield		Patrolman's Benevolent Association

Financing Options

CareCredit is here to help you pay for treatments and procedures your insurance doesn't cover. We offer No Interest* financing or low minimum monthly payment options so you can get what you want, when you want it. You can even use CareCredit for your family.

With three simple steps, including an instant approval process, it's easy to apply for CareCredit. After you're approved, you're free to use CareCredit for whatever services you choose.

Now you don't have to worry about saving up for the procedures you want and need. With CareCredit, the decision is in your hands to get what you want, when you want it. For more information or to apply online, visit carecredit.com.

CareCredit Application (English)

CareCredit Application (Spanish)

Convenient Location

Benjamin Optical is located at 248 W. 116 Street, Harlem, New York. The office is conveniently located near the M7, M10, and M116 bus lines as well as the 2,3, B and C trains. Please click here for directions to our office.

 

Where it all Began

Benjamin Optical has been serving the residents of Harlem for six decades. It all began in 1950 when Irwin Benjamin returned from World War II after serving as the optometrist for the soldiers abroad. Once home, Irwin saw that the Harlem community was lacking a first-rate optometrist and decided to open his own optical store on West 116th Street. With his dedication to service, compassion for his customers, Irwin built a business that people trusted and loved. He volunteered at local fundraising events and genuinely cared about his fellow neighbors, a trait which he passed down to his children. It is this compassion that has formed Benjamin Optical's loyal staff and customer following, a loyalty that is still alive today. The store was formerly located at 201 West 125th Street but has returned to its original location. The new store is managed by Irwin's son, Richard Benjamin and continues to serve the community with the same principles and values as its founding father.