As a disclaimer, I have worked in a private practice optometry office for 2 years before heading back to school, so I do have experience with working in optical (I am not currently affiliated to any office). I know that LensCrafters and corporate optometry receive a bad rap, but I figure don't knock it until you've tried it. Below is just my own personal experience at this LensCrafters, so read however you will.
Like many others have already mentioned before, this place lacks customer service. The first time I walked in, I was not greeted, nor received any help until I asked for it. Lucky for me, I do prefer to browse on my own instead of having someone follow me around. I got to work with Dakota the first time where she helped me price out how much it would cost with the different options that I wanted. My previous lens I had were a specialty lens, and it was the first pair of glasses where I absolutely loved my prescription so I wanted to keep the same exact lens type with the very slight update in my prescription. Unfortunately, LensCrafters does not have the option for this lens type (Eyezen) because they were still being trained on how to work with/order the lens that my insurance covers more. Instead, Dakota recommended LensCrafters' own version of the lens type (Modern Lifestyle), which cost a little more. I decided I wanted to come back at a later time to get the glasses made because I wanted to bring my parents in to check out LensCrafters as well. When I came back the following week the pair of glasses in the color that I wanted had already been sold. I worked with Dan who pulled a lot of strings calling up every branch of LensCrafters in the surrounding area to find if they had the color frame that I wanted (*major claps for him*). Unfortunately, no other store had the frame color that I wanted so I settled for a different color.
Some pros about this LensCrafters:
-lots of selection: literally there is something for everyone! I appreciated that they had "alternative/asian" fit glasses that fit my face! Even my mom who has a hard time finding glasses found something she liked
-reasonable prices: i found that the price for single vision lenses were very reasonable, despite having to pay a little extra for the specific lens type I wanted
-I loved working with Dakota and Dan who were super helpful on my visits
-they do take insurance. if you got it, use it!
Some cons about this LensCrafters:
-lack of customer service: don't expect to get immediate service when you walk in. While I was being helped, I saw someone stand in line for about 30 min just waiting to get her glasses adjusted, which should have been a really quick fix.
-if you like a frame, but want to come back at a later time, ask them to put the frames on HOLD for you. This is a busy location, so the frames do get sold fast and they're not always available to be reordered like mine :(
-make sure you are asking them for an itemized copy of what you are paying for. I noticed that there was a $35 charge for a "One Year Eyewear Protection Plan," which was not explained to me. It was explained to me, however, that if I ever needed to replace the lens, I would only be paying $25. After doing some research online, I found out that the $25 to cover the cost of lens is in addition to the $35 that you pay for your glasses (kinda like insurance). I asked to take this $35 charge off because I'm usually pretty good about taking care of my glasses, and didn't think I would need this option. Additionally, in my experience in working at private practices, they usually cover the glasses your purchase (scratch on lens or manufacture defect to the frames) at no extra cost for up to one year. It's just something to keep in mind about if you are debating between LensCrafters or getting glasses from your local optometrist. read more