What Makes a Visit to Harvey and Lewis Opticians Different
There are plenty of places in Connecticut to buy glasses. So why have generations of families trusted Harvey & Lewis since 1890? The answer comes down to a few things you will notice from the moment you walk in.
Family Owned Since 1890, Four Generations and Counting
Harvey & Lewis is one of the oldest continuously operating opticians in America, and we remain privately owned to this day. The company is led by Jim Lewis, a fourth generation owner who carries forward the same standards his family has upheld for more than 135 years. When you walk into one of our offices, you are visiting an independent Connecticut business, not a chain.
That independence matters. We are not owned by a lens manufacturer or a corporate group, so no one dictates what we sell or how we care for you. Decisions are made here in Connecticut by the family and the people who know your community, and every recommendation is based on what is right for your eyes. It is a big part of why many of our patients have been coming to us for decades, often across multiple generations of the same family.
Our Own Lens Lab
Most optical shops send your lenses to an outside lab and wait. We manufacture lenses in our own in house lab, which means better quality control, faster turnaround, and craftsmanship you can see every time you put on your glasses. If something needs adjusting, the people who made your lenses are part of the same team helping you.
Licensed Opticians Who Really Fit Eyewear
A great prescription only works when the eyewear is fit properly. Our licensed opticians take precise measurements, help you choose frames that suit your face, your prescription, and your lifestyle, and adjust your glasses so they feel right, not just look right.
Comprehensive Eye Exams, Not Quick Screenings
Eyewear is only half the story. Our affiliated doctors of optometry perform a thorough 21 point comprehensive examination that goes well beyond a basic vision screening, checking eye pressure, eye health, and your exact prescription. Many locations also offer advanced retinal imaging, so small changes in your eye health are caught early.
Real Answers on Insurance
Insurance questions should not be a mystery. Our team works with many vision and medical insurance plans and will help you understand exactly what your benefits cover, from your exam to your lenses and frames, before you commit to anything.
Frames for Every Style and Budget
From everyday favorites to designer and luxury collections, including our own 1890 Collection, we carry frames you will not find at big box retailers, backed by people who stand behind what they sell.
Bring Any Prescription, No Appointment Needed
Already have a prescription from another eye doctor? Bring it in. Our licensed opticians will fill any valid prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and no appointment is needed to shop frames at any of our nine Connecticut locations.
Nine Locations Across Connecticut
With offices in Downtown Hartford, Hartford Hospital, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Canton, Enfield, Kensington, Farmington, and Cheshire, expert eye care is never far away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harvey & Lewis a chain?
No. Harvey & Lewis is a privately owned, independent optician led by Jim Lewis, a fourth generation owner. We are not owned by a lens manufacturer or corporate group, and decisions are made here in Connecticut.
How long has Harvey & Lewis been in business?
Since 1890, more than 135 years, making us one of the oldest continuously operating opticians in America, now in our fourth generation of family ownership.
Where are Harvey & Lewis lenses made?
In our own state of the art lens lab in Connecticut. In house manufacturing means tighter quality control, and when the lab is running at full speed, glasses can be ready in as little as three days.
Do I need an appointment to shop for frames?
No. Walk into any of our nine Connecticut locations during business hours and browse with help from a licensed optician. Outside prescriptions are welcome.
Which insurance plans does Harvey & Lewis work with?
We accept vision plans including EyeMed and Spectera, and we work with Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage. Bring your insurance information and our team will verify your benefits before you commit to anything.
Experience the Independent Difference
Big box retailers sell glasses. Harvey & Lewis has spent four generations caring for Connecticut's eyes. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, new glasses, or just an honest opinion, stop by your nearest Harvey & Lewis location and see what a privately owned, independent optician can do for you.
