If you don't mind being called out for being a "good consumer" or if you enjoy stressful interactions with salespeople, then you can give this place a try.
I eventually bought glasses and had an eye exam/contacts fitting done at this location. However, the entire process has been quite a hassle and less transparent than I would have liked. I can't say I was all too surprised but I guess it's my tendency to hope for the better.
1) The Search
It started out nice enough. The first guy, out of the three employees (all male) that I've interacted with, showed me a selection of frames and invited me to come back whenever and said there was no pressure. Since I had vision insurance, I also asked stores about how that would affect the cost of lens/frames/contact lens. Be careful, know your insurance well, and ask until you get a clear answer - I got a variety of answers including insurance not accepted, insurance accepted but not these particular conditions. Ironically, I get the sense that you're treated more poorly with insurance - you can bargain for lower prices even without insurance, and the second guy in this store said that since I was using insurance, there was no return/exchange.
I talked to this first guy several times about costs include exam/lens/contact lenses but I was getting contradictory answers. He wanted me to come into the store to discuss. When I walked in, I was handed off to the second guy.
2) The Purchase
This second guy said he knows I have been going to different stores and "I know you're trying to be a good consumer but we don't want to start a trade war." He didn't acknowledge that I was getting different answers from this store about insurance, and I was already feeling uncomfortable/guilty even though of course I am supposed to do my research and of course it is a salesperson's job to answer questions. He proceeded to calculate the costs and gave me a "final" sum like he was holding back from saying, "take it or leave it." He also rescinded the additional supply of contacts that the first guy offered, saying, "It's store policy." Store policy is whatever you want it to be. I should have walked out without buying anything in this charged situation.
3) The Exam
This was a pretty awkward and unpleasant experience. Lin, the optometrist, was passive aggressive in asking if anything was bothering me and said that he would recommend getting contacts/glasses with the new prescription, "but I seemed to have my own ideas." He also said he had to get to his next patient as I was trying on the eye contacts. His annoyance flashed across despite his gentle speaking voice - yeah, it was weird.
After the exam, when I was paying, the second guy - ever the business man - asked if I wanted to buy contacts. I declined and he responded with, "even though it's only this much". After leaving with a nagging feeling, I called asking if I could just get the frame without the lenses but the second guy said the order was placed. This smelled like BS since I called only about half an hour later so it's not like the lenses were made yet or the order was even processed.
4) The Follow-Up
I called asking about my glasses because I hadn't heard back. I quickly notice that the glasses are off since the floor was curving up at me. I meet the third older guy who adjusts the frame and says I should give it a few days. I go back after a week when it hasn't improved. So he adjusts it again.
Even though I dread coming back, I return a month later wanting to snap my glasses in half. I cannot wear them without strained eyes and a tension headache. I do my research beforehand about these symptoms which are common signs of an incorrect prescription or a poor fit, and that stores will offer a refund/exchange. Instead of addressing my issue, the older third guy first tries to relinquish any responsibility. It takes much too long for him to reveal that I have a 3 month warranty to replace lenses. I mention that there could be an issue with the frame or lenses. He wanted me to come back with my old glasses but I have to tell him to check my records for all the relevant info. He does not take my concerns seriously and says that it seems like I don't know where the problem is so I am questioning everything. He mentions using the computer or reading too much, among other things. I had to continuously emphasize my symptoms, that this did not happen with my old glasses, and that I cannot wear these. On top of this, he says I have to use the same optometrist if I want a repeat eye exam...for insurance purposes.
It's a bad sign when a salesperson/provider tries to convince you that your concerns are not legitimate. Next time, I might do what the smart kids are doing and purchase prescription glasses online for less than half the cost and hassle. This whole process and this review took way too much time, but I guess I'm just a good consumer, sharing my experience with other customers with brains. read more
