Opticians

[3rd 84]

I know that there are a lot of specific smaller companies that do eye tests and prescribe glasses and/or contact lenses, but I'm wondering if there are bigger chains that you go to or think are good? I had a pretty bad experience at my local Walmart optician, after doing a thorough check he still managed to give me the wrong prescription and I was stuck with 6 months worth of lenses that are pretty solid for my left eye but bad for my right. I didn't think I could get this changed as I'd already used one set, so just have to live with it for this length of time. I'm coming to my last pack and actively looking for a better optician, especially one that can test on a Saturday so I don't have to take time off work.

I've heard through the grapevine that the Costco one is pretty good? Also, would I have been within my rights to return the lenses if they weren't correcting my vision correctly? It's a far cry from being able to pop to my local Specsavers, spend £20 on a checkup, and get exactly what I paid for. I'm not worried about price at this point, just a better standard of care where I'm not worried about talking to my optician if something is wrong.

[Ontarkie 14,222]

I would have taken them back. They messed up and filled it wrong, how are you supposed to know till you try them.

We have been going to success vision here and so far never a problem.

[yuna628 9,676]

I have used Costco, Pearle Vision, and Lens Crafters.. as well as independent persons I know and trust. I once went to a private practice I wasn't familiar with, and they wrecked my prescription. Even though I went back, they couldn't figure out the issue. So I went to Costco where a family member in the business was able to take a look. The doctor understood the issue (it was made too strong) and the family member knew exactly what the previous practice had done incorrectly (the P/D was wrong) to the lenses. I also had them take a look at my husband's lenses from Specsavers.. which were also done incorrectly, so they were able to help that too. They will often say to me that a practice will tell you that glasses/lenses need time to adjust for some people. For me, I know if something is wrong as soon as I put them on. Run far away from Walmart as fast as you can.

[zorus40k 21]

I'm not worried about price at this point, just a better standard of care where I'm not worried about talking to my optician if something is wrong.

For the future read reviews about doctors that practicing at those locations. Sometimes they work from several locations and charge differently too.

You've had bad luck with doctor of optometry.

And honestly you should have contacted office where you've had your prescription made immediately when you found out your prescription was bad or uncomfortable.

I was sceptical at first but doctor of optometry made my prescription at one of walmart locations nearby (for $68) and I've ordered glasses online with it. Everything works fine as I've expected.

[SimonSailor 4]

My wife and I like LensCrafters. Also, depending on the style you like - some Oakley stores now have their own opticians in house for prescriptions glasses and sunglasses, quite pricey, but great selection. I believe they are partnered with LensCrafters anyway!

[3rd 84]

I would have taken them back. They messed up and filled it wrong, how are you supposed to know till you try them.

We have been going to success vision here and so far never a problem.

I seriously wish I had, but I just had a feeling that because I'd opened the pack there would be no option for me to give them back. I should have just tried and the worst they could have said was no! More fool on me I suppose, but in the end they lose out because there's no way I'll go back to them! Worst case I'll just have to visit my optician back in the UK and take contact lenses back with me in stacks.

I wish they had a Success Vision near us, it seems so competitively priced!

I have used Costco, Pearle Vision, and Lens Crafters.. as well as independent persons I know and trust. I once went to a private practice I wasn't familiar with, and they wrecked my prescription. Even though I went back, they couldn't figure out the issue. So I went to Costco where a family member in the business was able to take a look. The doctor understood the issue (it was made too strong) and the family member knew exactly what the previous practice had done incorrectly (the P/D was wrong) to the lenses. I also had them take a look at my husband's lenses from Specsavers.. which were also done incorrectly, so they were able to help that too. They will often say to me that a practice will tell you that glasses/lenses need time to adjust for some people. For me, I know if something is wrong as soon as I put them on. Run far away from Walmart as fast as you can.

I'm so pleased to know you had a good experience with Costco, I'll be trying to get an appointment there when I can. Plus it's a great excuse to go and get some dog food for our gigantic dog! Walmart just made me want to weep. The guy was nice enough, was inquisitive and answered any of my questions but when he started giving me different lenses to try on, I knew something was up. I know sometimes lenses need time to settle, but I've never experienced sight degradation like it. It was fine for a week or so then went bad, like my eyes were adjusting. Can't work out if it's too strong or too weak at this point but I'm hoping the Costco optician can fix it. And if my prescription is wrong this time, I'll make sure I speak up. It's expensive enough as it is without having to pay for it with your sight!

For the future read reviews about doctors that practicing at those locations. Sometimes they work from several locations and charge differently too.

You've had bad luck with doctor of optometry.

And honestly you should have contacted office where you've had your prescription made immediately when you found out your prescription was bad or uncomfortable.

I was sceptical at first but doctor of optometry made my prescription at one of walmart locations nearby (for $68) and I've ordered glasses online with it. Everything works fine as I've expected.

I needed a quick appointment so Walmart was our easiest option. I usually read reviews for absolutely everything but opticians is another kettle of fish entirely. I know I should have done something about it, but it got to the point where I didn't even have the chance to go and correct it, and felt that it was too far along to do anything about it once I could. Lesson learnt and I'll be going elsewhere to check my eyes!

[3rd 84]

My wife and I like LensCrafters. Also, depending on the style you like - some Oakley stores now have their own opticians in house for prescriptions glasses and sunglasses, quite pricey, but great selection. I believe they are partnered with LensCrafters anyway!

Wonderful suggestion! They're pretty close to me and are open on Saturday and Sunday, which is a lifesaver. I'll do some comparing with them and Costco as I definitely need someone I can rely on for regular contact lens checks and to be able to purchase them.