Brooklyn Eye Doctor Prescribes Beer Glasses

An optometrist in Brooklyn's trendy Park Slope neighborhood has devised a plan to help patients relax before eye exams: he offers them a drink. Dr. Justin Bazan, 34, who opened Park Slope Eye in 2008, says that "after 5 p.m.. it's happy hour." Not everyone is happy about it. “I was offered a beer on my first visit,” complains one patient, Mark T., on Yelp. “Seriously, alcohol before an eye exam? And in a medical environment?” But Dr. Bazan says he's got his patients best interests at heart. "We are beer lovers," he says. "We have beer/wine tastings all the time. Heck, if its been a rough day and you need a something strong just ask. We got you." He insists, though, that "none of the team is drinking! We are not a sterile hospial. We are friendly, helpful and like to have fun!" The business is evidently geared towards a younger crowd; customers have also reported offerings of candy ring pops, Park Slope Eye-branded lip balm and an iPad to browse while waiting. And of the "Top 5 Signs Park Slope Eye may not be the best fit for you," Bazan includes: "You still call a travel agent to book a flight" and "You don't know what a txt msg is." He says overall, the liquor-and-eye-exam combo has received rave reviews: “Everybody except that guy ‘Mark T.’ has loved it.”