Find Your Neighborhood Optometrist in Bay Ridge and Sheepshead Bay
If you live in Bay Ridge, Gravesend, or Midwood and you're looking for an optometrist you can trust, you don't have to stay in your own neighborhood to get excellent eye care. Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay is just a short drive or transit ride from Bay Ridge, and we've been serving Brooklyn families—including plenty of Bay Ridge residents—for over 30 years. Dr. Julia Sheyko and Dr. Alexander Shlivko offer comprehensive eye exams, designer frames, contact lens fittings, and accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Why Bay Ridge Families Choose Vision Palace Optical
Bay Ridge is a vibrant, close-knit neighborhood full of working families, retirees, and young professionals who value personalized, honest eye care. Many of our patients drive down from Bay Ridge because they know we listen, we don't upsell, and we take time to explain what's happening with their eyes in plain language—not medical jargon.
We're not a chain. We're not a clinic. We've been on Avenue U since 1995, and we know the Brooklyn communities we serve. When you come in for your eye exam, you're seeing a real optometrist who cares about your vision, not a technician working through a script. Dr. Shlivko and Dr. Sheyko both specialize in a wide range of eye conditions—from simple refractive errors to more complex cases—and we see patients of all ages (we work with kids ages 6 and up).
What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
Your comprehensive eye exam takes time. We don't rush. We'll check your vision, measure your eye pressure, evaluate your retina, and ask about your eye health history. If you work on a computer all day—which a lot of Bay Ridge residents do—we'll talk about that too. We can fit you with blue light lenses or adjust your prescription to reduce digital eye strain.
If you need new glasses, you'll have real choices. We carry designer frames from Dita, Gucci, Tom Ford, Prada, Ray-Ban, and more. We also have affordable, practical options if you just need a solid pair of everyday glasses. We work with top lens manufacturers—Varilux, Zeiss, Crizal, Transitions—so your prescription is made exactly right for how you live.
For contact lens wearers, Dr. Shlivko has extensive experience fitting all types of contacts: daily disposables, monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, even specialty lenses. If you've never worn contacts before, we'll walk you through the whole process, step by step.
Insurance We Accept — Coverage Verified Before You Visit
We accept EyeMed, MetroPlus Health Plan, Medicaid, Medicare, Cigna, EmblemHealth, Aetna, Superior Vision, Healthfirst, Davis Vision, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Fidelis Care, 1199SEIU, and Spectera Vision. Coverage varies by plan—call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
If you're on Medicaid or Medicare, we're here to help. Many Bay Ridge residents are covered by these programs, and we work with them regularly. Learn more about how Medicaid covers your eye exam, or ask us about Medicare eye care. No guesswork—we'll tell you what's covered and what you might owe out of pocket.
Walk-Ins Welcome for DMV Vision Tests
Need a DMV vision test? We do those too, and you don't need an appointment. Just walk in. We submit the MV-619 form directly to the New York State DMV, so once you pass, you're set. A lot of Bay Ridge drivers come to us because we're fast, accurate, and no-nonsense.
How to Book Your Appointment
Book through Zocdoc, call us at (718) 998-8400, or just walk in. We're open Monday through Saturday, 10am–6pm, at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay. Parking is easy—there's street parking and a lot nearby. The Q train stops close by if you're coming from Bay Ridge and prefer transit.
We speak English, Russian, and Spanish. If you have any questions before your visit, give us a call. We're happy to talk about insurance, frame options, or anything else on your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Vision Palace Optical from Bay Ridge?
Vision Palace is about 15 minutes by car from most of Bay Ridge, depending on traffic. You can also take the Q train down to Sheepshead Bay. It's a quick trip, and you'll be in a neighborhood full of restaurants and shops if you want to make an afternoon of it.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, EyeMed, MetroPlus, and many others. Coverage varies by plan—the easiest way to confirm is to call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc, which will check your benefits for you.
Can I get an eye exam if I've never had one before?
Absolutely. If this is your first eye exam, we'll explain everything as we go. You'll learn about your vision, your eye health, and what options you have for glasses or contacts. No judgment, no pressure—just honest, straightforward care.
What if I need new contacts, not glasses?
Dr. Shlivko fits all types of contact lenses. If you're switching from glasses to contacts, we'll do a contact lens fitting exam to make sure your prescription is right for how contacts work on your eye. We carry daily disposables, monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses if you need reading help too.
Do you carry designer frames?
Yes. We stock Gucci, Dita, Tom Ford, Prada, Ray-Ban, Tiffany, Silhouette, and many others. We also have affordable, high-quality frames for everyday wear. Come in and browse—no pressure to buy.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Comprehensive Adult Eye Exams.
- American Optometric Association. Optometric Eye Exam.
- All About Vision. Eye Exams and Vision Tests.
Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical—book through Zocdoc, get in touch, or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, open Monday through Saturday. If you live in Bay Ridge, Gravesend, Midwood, or anywhere else in Brooklyn, we're here for you.