Expensive services, difficult staff

Expensive and difficult staff. I had four appointments over the course of two weeks for eyeglasses and contact lenses. I just wanted the prescriptions for both so I could order via a separate online store for a third of the Vision Express price. The optician made it very clear how unhappy she was with me that I wasn't going to be purchasing products - i.e. glasses or contacts - through them. She even went as far as to tell me it was irresponsible and dangerous to buy online. It's not. Second, it was very expensive. Eye exam was 25. Contact lens exam was quoted as 35 to me...until it was time to pay and then the price was 50. The reason: because I wasn't buying products through Vision Express, they hiked the price for just the prescription (a simple piece of paper). I felt like I was taken advantage of and I was punished for just wanting my prescription. The optician who examined me was fresh out of school, so she was thorough with the examination process, but she hasn't learned how to be friendly, personable or compassionate. I was confused about several things she was explaining and when I asked her to clarify, she was clearly frustrated and annoyed with me. Third, I had to have several exams over two weeks -- follow-ups, contact after care, prescription printing, etc. Three of those appointments were cancelled and rescheduled on the very day or day before the appointment. I had to be flexible and rearrange a lot of things to make the rescheduled appointments they offered. When I expressed concern to the optician that I was being scheduled and rescheduled and it was hard to keep it all straight, she wasn't interested or apologetic for any of it. All in all, it was just a lousy, difficult process and experience. If I was treated this badly just getting prescriptions issued, I can only imagine what buying products through them is like. It wasn't the right place for me. If you're looking for a professional yet friendly experience, Vision Express will only let you down. FYI: Shop around! I bought glasses and contacts online and saved a ton of money. Even if you shop other High Street opticians, you can get free eye exams and better deals elsewhere. I didn't do my research before choosing Vision Express. Don't let them bully you into buying anything. Shop around!

Skot Harris - 24/04/2015 | report this review