I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. Do not visit Walmart Vision Center, and especially Dr…read more Sam Baker!
I called around to a few places to find out how much it would cost for an eye exam for contact lenses, and if that included regular contacts and color contacts or if colored would be extra. I was told that it would be one cost for both, and it would b $75. Great, the cheapest I could find by at least $10, and they could get me in sooner. I booked an appointment.
Once I got through my appointment, I asked for a copy of my contact prescription; I purchase them online. I was told that the dotor would not give me a copy of my prescription until I returned a week later; I had to wear the contact lenses for a week, then come back so he could make sure they fit right or something. To get a prescription for the colored contact lenses, I had to do the same thing - wear the contacts for a week, then come back so he could check them. The fitting for the colored lenses wouldn't include actual colored lenses, but clear lenses of that brand.
I think I've been a bit confusing, so let me be clear: I would have to wait 2 weeks to get my prescription, because I had to wear each pair for a week.
My problem lies with the fact that I'm not new to contact lenses. I've worn them since I was about 13 years old... so about 14 years. In fact, I've worn the EXACT BRAND of clear contact lenses that he re-prescribed for over a year with no problems whatsoever. If I had never worn contacts before, and *possibly* even if I was switching brands, then I could see him wanting me to come back. However, every time I've ever had my eyes checked, the doctor tells me to come back if there's a problem with them. I think I even would have understood if he wanted to check the colored contact lenses, because it's been several years since I've worn them.
When I returned for my final visit, for the check and to get my prescription, I was told he couldn't give me a prescription unless I tried on colors. What does the color of your contacts have to do with the power of the prescription? Nothing. But he said, "What if you don't like them?" I explained that I'd looked online and found what colors I wanted, and if I didn't like them it was not going to be HIS fault; additionally, there was more than one color I wanted to purchase. Unfortunately, he refused to give me the prescription until I tried on colors. I gave in.
I tried on the colored contacts, and they slipped a bit in my eyes. I told them that I had called earlier that week with this concern - the base curve of my eye didn't match that of these lenses, and I didn't want to have to go through the entire process another time if I couldn't wear these contacts. The girl who I spoke with told me that it wouldn't matter because they were the same brand, which apparently isn't quite true.
All in all, I was completely driven insane by this place; they gave me the run-around and no one there seems to know what they're doing or talking about, even the doctor. I would never return to this place for an exam (luckily I'm moving into Chicago in a few weeks, so it won't be an issue), and though the exam I had last year was at a Walmart - with a guy who was fantastic and handed me my prescription as soon as we were finished - this experience has made me feel like these people are totally incompetent.
Oh, and remember how the major reason I went here is because it had the lowest price, which is all I could afford? They told me $75 on the phone, then charged me $85. Too bad the discrepancy didn't dawn on me until after I left.
