TLDR: Visionworks (VW) in Leominster is a spacious, clean office, and is fine for eye exams. Everything else seems to be a needless circus.
Details:
I went to VW in May of 2025 because my previous optometrist retired and the new doctor wasn't great. I liked how I could schedule and do the forms online so that's a plus.
The attending doctor was fine. Eye exam went as I expected. I changed the brand of contacts and was issued a new prescription (Rx). After trial contacts, I would get a copy of the new Rx.
The trial ended, I was happy with the contacts. I figured I could call and get a copy of my new Rx emailed to me. Of course I have to deal with an AI attendant who does everything possible to stop me from reaching a human. Fine. I'll go to the store.
I get to the store right after they opened. The man at the desk informs me the doctor needs to sign off on the new Rx before I'm given a copy. Standard protocol, so I'm fine with waiting. I ask how long of a wait thinking 10-15 minutes tops.
I'm told about 30-40 minutes as the doctor is with a patient. I'm then offered to have a copy postal mailed to my home. Confirmed the address and went on my way.
About five days later no Rx arrived. Back to the store again. The lady at the counter was able to pull up my Rx, print off a copy, and that was that.
June 2026 comes. Time for my annual. Again, the attending doctor is fine and my eyes have not changed, including the Rx. Since literally nothing is changing, I should be able to walk out with a renewed Rx for contacts since everything is staying the same.
Nope. Here's two sets of contacts from two brands; my previous brand that I was not fond of and my current brand. Try them, report back, get the renewed Rx. I was confused and said that nothing has changed in terms of my Rx and I'm not interested in changing brands. I simply want my Rx renewed and given a copy.
I'm told to trial the contacts and report back. They gave me a copy of my expired Rx "for my records". What? Annoyed at the idiocy, I agreed to do the trial and left.
A week later I go back to get my renewed Rx. After a 30 minute ordeal of them initially not finding me in the system and confusion over why I was given two sets of trial contacts, I'm handed a hard copy of my Rx.
For glasses. Not contacts.
I said I have the glasses Rx. I need a copy of the contacts Rx. About five or six more minutes of "verifying my Rx" nonsense, I'm given the Rx. I quickly glanced (keyword) and it was correct. I leave.
I get home and was going to scan the Rx into a PDF so I can order contacts online when I need them. I noticed the expiration date is end of May 2026. This is the expired Rx, not the renewed one for June 2026-June 2027.
It's on me for not checking the Rx more closely, but why should I have to? An optometrist shop should be competent enough to pull up a patient's latest exam and issue me a valid Rx in minutes.
The eye exam experience is fine at VW, but everything else is a mess. I don't see that changing as this is a chain/franchise. Your milage may vary, of course, but the takeaway is you have to be on top of your game. Know your Rx. Know when it expires. Be clearer than polished crystal with what you need/want. Verify everything...twice.
It'll hopefully save you some hassle, but don't be surprised if you experience chaos like I did. read more