Long review but I felt the need to be very specific in hopes that others won't fall for their sales tactics like I did. When initially looking for an optical store, I saw that this location had no reviews. I took my chances and decided to go in person being that it's walking distance from where I live, and wanted see for myself. I am a contact lens and eyeglass user. I've had contacts several years back and know what works for me and what doesn't work for me.
Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by the sales team. I inquired whether they accept NVA vision coverage and they said yes. I went ahead and proceeded in supplying them with my NVA member ID and later took all my information to add to their patient file. About 5-10 minutes later I was called in by Dr. Eugene Orloff, he was knowledgeable and professional until he inserted contact lenses into my eyes without my consent and he didn't offer to allow me to do it myself. I was taken aback because I personally don't like anyone touching my eyeballs. However, I didn't say anything and chose to let it slide.
Fast-forward to my experience with the sales team after my vision exam. I'd like to make note that I have very little knowledge about my vision coverage and was hoping that the sales woman would better explain being that they know and deal with vision coverage all day long. I specifically told her that I was unsure whether I wanted contact lenses or glasses but that my ultimate goal on this day was to get my vision tested. To my luck my prescription hadn't changed from the previous year. Therefore, I can comfortably continue using my two pair of glasses that I already had. It was minutes before 7 PM and I asked the worker if they were closing, she responded "yes but it was okay". I really didn't mind returning another day so I can take my time in making a decision. She went ahead and started to write a whole bunch of numbers on a piece of paper and started to do the math then told me that I needed to pay roughly around $650 for a 12 month supply for Acuvue Oasys Hydraluxe (according her best brand in the market). Last lenses I tried was Acuvue Oasys Moist about 2 years ago. She did explain to me that my vision coverage only covers the exam and $100 allowance towards my purchase of contact lenses. I told her that I was not prepared to spend that kind of money and I definitely didn't plan to wear contact lenses all year round. Additionally, she went ahead and told me to get the blue light on my glasses (which is something I would have to pay out of pocket). Again, I told her that I wasn't ready to make that purchase and I was content with my current glasses. She mentioned a payment plan with some credit card and I told her that I did not need to get myself into debt. She attempted to persuade me to get the punctual plugs (covered under my medical insurance) and stated that all staff at this location had it and works great for everyone. She then switched the topic back to the contact lenses and said I could do 6 months of contact lenses, still I wasn't pleased with their price and I told her that it's inconvenient to pay that much money knowing that so many online sites are providing the same exact brands for less money. The store manager, Jasmin overheard the conversation, walked over and asked what was going on and the sales girl told her that I may need time to think about it. Jasmin started to press buttons on the calculator and later told me that I can go home with a 90 day pack for $260. They did all this math so quickly, writing it down on paper but they didn't explain the breakdown. With both of them there staring at me waiting to make a decision, I felt the pressure and immediately said yes and handed over my debit card and went home with the lenses that were already inserted into my eyes. Four hours into wearing them, my eyes felt so dry and I had to take them out.
I went back the next morning and spoke to Jasmin and explained to her that I was not comfortable with the lenses and was completely unsatisfied with the fact that I was convinced into spending $260 not knowing whether it was going to work for me or not. I was more upset with myself because I normally don't fall for sales tactics but this time I did. Jasmin told me that they don't do refunds, only store credit. So, I told her that optical stores normally send their customers home with samples for about 3-5 days then ask them to return to place a final order and pay. They didn't give me that option. She said, "I thought you was sure you wanted them". She saw how displeased I was and decided to refund me $180 out of the $260. The remaining $80 was for the vision exam. My question now is, what is the vision coverage for then? Because of their store policy I now have no prescription because they refuse to give me what I paid for and I have no contact lenses. I have contacted Better Business Bureau and now I'm waiting to see what happens next. They will take your money!! read more