Since 1927, Cohen’s Fashion Optical has been a shining star in the eyewear world, blending top-notch eye care with stylish glasses that make you look and feel great. Starting from a humble pushcart in New York City, this iconic brand has grown into a trusted name with over 100 stores across the United States. Cohen’s Fashion Optical offers more than just glasses; it’s about giving you clear vision and confidence through trendy frames and expert eye exams. Known for its commitment to quality and fashion, the company has stayed true to its roots while embracing modern trends like eco-friendly materials and smart lenses. Whether you’re a student picking your first pair of glasses or an adult seeking designer eyewear, Cohen’s Fashion Optical has something special for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this brand so unique!
The History of Cohen’s Fashion Optical
Cohen’s Fashion Optical began with Jack Cohen, who sold stylish eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street in 1924. By 1927, he opened his first store, and the brand name Cohen’s Fashion Optical was born in 1926. Jack’s vision was simple: make glasses that look good and help people see better. His store became a hit, offering colorful, hand-dyed frames when most glasses were plain. In 1978, the company became a franchise, spreading its unique blend of fashion and function. In 2008, Houchens Industries bought Cohen’s Fashion Optical, pushing it to grow nationwide. Today, with stores in seven states and Puerto Rico, the brand stays true to its founder’s dream while adapting to new trends. From its early days to now, Cohen’s Fashion Optical has been about quality, style, and care.
Why Choose Cohen’s Fashion Optical?
What sets Cohen’s Fashion Optical apart? It’s their mix of professional eye care and fashionable eyewear. They offer comprehensive eye exams by board-certified optometrists using the latest technology to check your eye health, not just your vision. Their stores carry top brands like Prada, Gucci, and Ray-Ban, plus their own affordable $99 collection called The Collective, aimed at younger buyers. Cohen’s Fashion Optical also accepts most insurance plans and FSA/HSA funds, making it easy to afford quality glasses. Their staff helps you find frames that fit your face and style, ensuring comfort and confidence. With same-day glasses and specialty contact lens fittings, they prioritize convenience. Whether you need prescription sunglasses or eco-friendly frames, Cohen’s Fashion Optical delivers personalized service that makes every visit special.
Services Offered by Cohen’s Fashion Optical
Cohen’s Fashion Optical is a one-stop shop for all your eye care needs. Their comprehensive eye exams go beyond vision tests, checking for issues like glaucoma or cataracts. They offer a wide range of eyewear, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from brands like Acuvue and Bausch & Lomb. Need specialty lenses? Their board-certified opticians, like Deborah at the Durante Family Eye Healthcare Center, fit complex contact lenses that big-box stores can’t handle. Cohen’s Fashion Optical also provides cosmetic contact lenses to change your eye color for fun. Their stores offer free frame adjustments and cleanings to keep your glasses in top shape. With a focus on fast service, many locations provide same-day glasses, so you don’t wait long to see clearly. Cohen’s Fashion Optical makes eye care easy and stylish.
Innovations and Trends at Cohen’s Fashion Optical
In 2025, Cohen’s Fashion Optical is leading the way with cutting-edge trends. They’re exploring smart lenses that adjust to light, perfect for people who switch between indoors and outdoors. The company is also going green, using frames made from recycled materials to support sustainability. Their user-friendly website and app let you book exams and browse styles with ease, making shopping simple for tech-savvy students. Cohen’s Fashion Optical stays ahead by blending fashion with function, offering vibrant, trendy frames alongside classic designs. Their private label collection, The Collective, brings affordable, youthful styles to the table. By combining advanced eye care with modern designs, Cohen’s Fashion Optical ensures you get glasses that are as practical as they are stylish, keeping them a top choice for eyewear in a fast-changing world.
Community Impact and Customer Care
Cohen’s Fashion Optical isn’t just about selling glasses; they care about their communities. They offer vision screenings in underserved areas, helping people who can’t afford eye care. This shows their heart goes beyond profits. Their customer service is another big win—staff take time to explain your eye health in simple terms, making you feel valued. Reviews praise locations like the W 34th St. store in New York for fast service and great fits, though some customers note inconsistent experiences at other branches. Cohen’s Fashion Optical works hard to fix issues, offering warranties on glasses and price-matching deals. Their focus on personalized care, like helping you pick frames that suit your face, builds trust. For students and families, their $99 glasses and insurance-friendly services make quality eyewear accessible.
Challenges and Criticisms
No company is perfect, and Cohen’s Fashion Optical has faced some bumps. Some customers on review sites like Yelp and Trustpilot report long wait times or pushy sales tactics at certain stores. For example, a few mentioned feeling pressured to buy expensive lenses or dealing with rude staff at locations like Oceanside, NY. Others complained about coupons not being honored or issues with refunds. However, these seem to vary by store, as many reviews also highlight excellent service and quick delivery. Cohen’s Fashion Optical has responded by improving training and customer support, with corporate contact options like email and phone for complaints. They’ve also rolled out digital tools to streamline appointments and reduce waits. While they’re working to fix these issues, their overall reputation remains strong, especially for quality eye care and stylish frames.
The Future of Cohen’s Fashion Optical
Looking ahead, Cohen’s Fashion Optical is set to keep shining. They plan to expand their store network, bringing their unique mix of fashion and eye care to more cities. Their focus on technology, like smart lenses and online booking, will make shopping even easier for busy students and families. Sustainability is also a big goal, with more eco-friendly frames in the works. Cohen’s Fashion Optical is likely to keep partnering with top designers while growing their affordable private label line to appeal to younger buyers. By staying true to their roots—quality, style, and care—they’re ready to tackle competition from online retailers and big-box stores. With nearly a century of experience, Cohen’s Fashion Optical is poised to remain a leader in eyewear, helping people see and look their best for years to come.
FAQs About Cohen’s Fashion Optical
1. What types of eyewear does Cohen’s Fashion Optical offer?
Cohen’s Fashion Optical sells prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, including designer brands like Gucci and Prada, plus their $99 private label collection, The Collective. They also offer specialty and cosmetic contact lenses.
2. Are eye exams at Cohen’s Fashion Optical comprehensive?
Yes, their eye exams are thorough, checking not just vision but overall eye health for issues like glaucoma. Board-certified optometrists use advanced technology to ensure accurate results.
3. Does Cohen’s Fashion Optical accept insurance?
Absolutely! They accept most major insurance and vision plans, and you can use FSA or HSA funds to pay for exams, glasses, or contacts.
4. How long does it take to get glasses from Cohen’s Fashion Optical?
Many stores offer same-day glasses for simple prescriptions. More complex orders may take a few days, depending on the store and lens type.
5. Are there eco-friendly options at Cohen’s Fashion Optical?
Yes, in 2025, they’re using frames made from recycled materials as part of their sustainability efforts, appealing to eco-conscious customers.
Conclusion
Cohen’s Fashion Optical, established in 1927 by Jack Cohen, has grown from a pushcart operation in New York City to a prominent optical retailer with over 100 locations across seven U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Known for blending fashion with functionality, it offers a wide range of designer eyewear from brands like Prada, Gucci, and Ray-Ban, alongside its own affordable private label collection introduced in 2016.
