Walk into the Glastonbury center and you'll see a lot of things change, but there’s a specific kind of reliability at 140 Hebron Avenue. It’s Harvey and Lewis Opticians. Honestly, in a world where we’re all being shoved toward buying medical devices from a TikTok ad or a giant warehouse club, there is something deeply grounding about a place that has been doing this since 1890. That is not a typo. They have been around longer than the lightbulb was a common household item.
Most people think buying glasses is just about a prescription and a frame that doesn't look weird on your face. It's way more than that. It’s about the "bridge fit." It’s about whether the temple length actually reaches behind your ear or just kind of hovers there, waiting to slide off the second you look down at your phone. Harvey and Lewis Glastonbury handles this differently than the big chains.
What Actually Happens Inside the Glastonbury Office
When you head to the Glastonbury location, you aren't just getting an eye exam. You're entering a local ecosystem. Dr. James Lewis and the team have built a reputation on the "Comprehensive Eye Exam."
What does that actually mean?
It means they aren't just checking if you can read the bottom line of a chart. They are looking at retinal health. They’re looking for signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration. They use high-level tech like digital retinal imaging. It’s fast. It’s painless. But the data it gives them is basically a map of your internal health.
The selection of frames in the Glastonbury showroom is—to put it lightly—curated. You won't find 4,000 pairs of identical plastic rectangles. Instead, you get brands that actually care about hinge construction. We’re talking about names like Maui Jim, Ray-Ban, and Oakley, but also boutique designers that you won’t see on every other face at the grocery store.
The Problem with "Online" Eyeglasses
We have all been tempted by those $20 glasses online. You snap a selfie, the website "digitally" places the glasses on your face, and you hit buy. Two weeks later, they arrive, and you have a headache within twenty minutes.
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Why?
Pupillary Distance (PD). If the optical center of the lens is even two millimeters off from where your pupil actually sits, your brain has to work overtime to compensate. Harvey and Lewis Glastonbury opticians take these measurements manually. They use actual tools. They look at your face. It sounds old-school because it is, and it works because physics doesn't care about your convenience.
Insurance, Costs, and the "Hidden" Value
Let's talk money. Because glasses are expensive.
Harvey and Lewis takes a massive range of insurance plans. We’re talking VSP, EyeMed, Cigna, Anthem, and Medicare. But here is the kicker: even if you are out-of-network, the "lifestyle" value of a pair of glasses that lasts four years versus a pair that snaps in six months is a real math problem you should solve.
They offer a pretty solid range of lens technologies too.
- Digital Progressives: These aren't your grandpa's bifocals with the visible line. These are surfaced by a computer to give you a smooth transition from reading a book to looking at the TV.
- Blue Light Coatings: Essential if you spend eight hours a day staring at a spreadsheet.
- High-Index Lenses: If your prescription is "Coke bottle" thick, these thin it down so you don't look like an owl.
The Glastonbury lab is part of a larger network that Harvey and Lewis maintains in the Hartford area. This matters because it means quality control isn't being outsourced to a factory in a different time zone. It’s staying local.
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The History You Probably Didn't Know
The company was founded by First Selectman of West Hartford, Foster Harvey, and Richard Lewis. They started in downtown Hartford. Over a century later, the fourth generation of the Lewis family is still running the show. That is unheard of in modern retail.
When you go to the Glastonbury branch, you’re interacting with a legacy. It’s not a corporate vibe. It’s a "we know your neighbor" vibe. They’ve survived the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the rise of the internet. That kind of longevity only happens if you aren't messing up people's vision.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Parking is easy. That’s a small thing, but in Glastonbury, it matters. The office is bright. The staff doesn't hover, but they are there the second you look confused by a display of titanium frames.
You'll start with the pre-test. This is where they do the "puff of air" (which everyone hates, but it’s necessary) and the digital mapping. Then you see the OD (Optometrist). They’ll talk to you about your lifestyle. Do you drive a lot at night? Are you a competitive gamer? Do you garden? These things dictate what kind of lens coating you actually need.
Don't let them upsell you on things you don't need, and honestly, they usually don't. They’d rather you come back in two years than be annoyed today.
Making the Most of Your Vision Care
If you want to get the best experience at Harvey and Lewis Glastonbury, don't just show up and wing it.
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First, bring your current glasses. Even if you hate them. The doctor needs to see what your eyes are currently adjusted to. Second, bring a list of your medications. You would be surprised how many common prescriptions cause dry eye or blurred vision.
Third, check your HSA or FSA balance. December is always a madhouse at the Glastonbury office because everyone is trying to spend their pre-tax dollars before they disappear on January 1st. If you can, book your appointment in the "shoulder seasons"—like April or October. You’ll have more time with the optician to pick out frames without someone breathing down your neck.
The Contact Lens Factor
If you hate frames, they have a massive contact lens practice. They do "hard to fit" cases. If you have astigmatism or need multifocal contacts, this is where the expertise pays off. They won't just give you a sample pack and send you home. They make sure you can actually get them in and out of your eyes without a panic attack.
Moving Forward with Your Eye Health
Getting your eyes checked at Harvey and Lewis Glastonbury isn't just a chore to check off your list. It's a foundational part of your health.
Next Steps for Your Vision:
- Audit your current eyewear: Look for scratches or stretched-out hinges that are causing the glasses to sit unevenly on your face.
- Verify your insurance coverage: Call the Glastonbury office at (860) 659-2020 before your visit to ensure your specific plan is active and to find out what your frame allowance is.
- Schedule during off-peak hours: Aim for a mid-morning Tuesday or Wednesday appointment for the fastest service and the most undivided attention from the styling staff.
- Prepare your medical history: Note any changes in your night vision or increased frequency of headaches, as these are primary indicators that your prescription has shifted.
- Bring your sunglasses: Ask the optician to check the UV protection levels on your current pair to ensure they are actually shielding your eyes rather than just darkening your view.