Eyes on Madison

Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee members Pauline Brooks and Michaela Walsh interviewed George Carter and Kamal Hossain, owners of Eyes on Madison, and collaborated with them to write their story.

When you walk into Eyes on Madison, you find two very friendly gentlemen ready to help you in your quest for new eyeglasses, make changes to prescriptions, offer recommendations on styles to suit your face, and frequently share a jolly good laugh along the way.

Eyes on Madison is located on Madison Avenue between 34th and 35th Streets and has been there since 2006. George Carter and Kamal Hossain are the heart and soul of this establishment. They previously worked together at Optical Exchange, formerly located at the northeast corner of 5^th Avenue and 35^th Street, and at the Optical Shoppe, formerly at the southwest corner of 35^th Street and Fifth Avenue.

They particularly appreciate the Murray Hill neighborhood for its very friendly people and convenient access to buses and subways. An added benefit is the comparative convenience to the United Nations. When the General Assembly is in session, many international visitors frequent the store and sometimes sweeps of the premises are conducted prior to a visit of a Head of State.

Michaela noted that on one of her visits to the store she watched while George and Kamal wrapped up a sizable package for a customer. She heard the customer mention that he was taking it back to Africa for others. When Michaela repeated this story to George and Kamal, they confirmed that they have many international customers.

The store was closed for three months during the pandemic, but orders were filled by phone. It carries a large variety of eyeglasses featuring styles from several companies, including Christian Dior, Tom Ford, Tiffany and Company, Oliver Peoples, Prada, Paul Smith, Oliver Goldsmith, Celine, and Porsche Design.

There is also an optometrist on hand once a week for customers to get eye exams. During a recent visit, several customers came in and started chatting about various topics with their friends, George and Kamal, before getting down to business.

We are fortunate to have George and Kamal who are experienced and focused on serving us. Many in the neighborhood consider Eyes on Madison as a Murray Hill treasure.

CELEBRATING 65+ YEARS OF

The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association

Better Together

The Preservation & Design Committee’s Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories is a place

to share your memories, anecdotes, surprising encounters, or human interest

stories that charm, surprise, and build our community.

We want to hear from you!

MURRAY HILL NEIGHBORS’ STORIES –

What drew you to our neighborhood?

How long have you lived here?

Why do you love living here?

We look forward to getting to know you better.

Send Your Stories to The Preservation and Design Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee.

Chair: Barbara Gieseler

Pauline Brooks, Susan Demmet, Deborah Landey, and Michaela Walsh

MurrayHillStories@murrayhillnyc.org  We will acknowledge your email and contact you if your submission has been accepted.

Please Note – The Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee does not edit or comment on stories submitted and accepted, except for spelling and punctuation which are then reviewed with the story provider.