BS: Lenscrafters - any good?

Subject: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Zhenya
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 03:43 PM

My health insurance company has a vision program that offers discounts if I use Lenscrafters. I've been using a different vision provider for many years, but they've gotten very expensive and I don't qualify for any discounts there. I've always been very pleased with the quality of eye exam and eyewear there, however.

I'm thinking of trying Lenscrafters but don't know anyone who's gone there. So I'm wondering if any Mudcatters who've gone there have any comments, good or bad. Thanks.
Zhenya

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:00 PM

Use Lenscrafters because they are convenient. Good as any licensed eyeglass outlet.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: GUEST,Buck Loco
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:04 PM

I have used lense crafters on several different occasions and have always been pleased and they are fully guaranteed.

Buck

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: jimmyt
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:08 PM

I think you need to consider how severe your vision problem is. I have a friend who is an independant dispensing optician, and he has told me that for most vision, you can get an adequate pair of glasses there,but with major correction, the more accuracy that is used in making the glasses, the better the results are. He sees lots of people who have had glassed fabricated where the lense is correct but not made custom to their Focal center so they feel a little out of focus. It is kind ofthe same with me. I am a dentist I see a lot of work that comes in from Discount centers that is absolutely fine, however, in the complex cases you kind of have to use a little caution.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Don Firth
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:14 PM

A few years ago, one of the TV news programs (60 Minutes or 20/20, I forget which) had some members of their staff who wore glasses take an eye exam from an ophthalmologist and then take their presciptions to several different quicky places that advertise a lot, including Lenscrfters. About 50% of the glasses they got had the wrong presciptions or were generally off in some way. What was really telling was that the same person would come back with several pairs of glasses ground to different presciptions, all wrong.

I don't have any experience with Lenscrafters, but whenever my ophthalmologist gives me a new prescription (not often, happily), he invariably gives me the cards of a couple places and says, "Don't get this filled at Lenscrafters or any of those other cut-rate places in the malls."

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Tinker
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:14 PM

I used Lenscrafters for several years. They were very good about replacing broken children's frames. Over the last year our local outlet has taken on a clinic like atmosphere with long waits and rushed service. Often the frames that break are no longer available which means picking out a new one at the same price point ( which is often a time consuming process with kids).

The breakage problem is not their problem. I have one child who has even broken his sports safety goggles, and they've always been gracious about replacements. It's the rushed impersonal service which has finally made me look for another provider.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: NicoleC
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:27 PM

Lencrafters is okay, but usually overcrowded and the salespeople don't know much. I suspect their other employees are probably similarly inexperienced.

I've had better luck at Pearl, and Pearl gives discounts to people with many kinds of insurance plans, even if there's no vision coverage. I get 50% off frames and 20% off lenses and accessories without any formal vision coverage. Not bad.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: jimmyt
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:43 PM

That is what I was trying to say, that if you have eyes that require only slight correction, any small innacuracies in pupal distance etc is rprobably not noticable, however the greater the correction the more subtle inaccuracies will be noticed in your glasses

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Jim Colbert
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:50 PM

As mentioned before, I think it depends on the strength and comlexity of your prescription. I cringe when I have to go to the optometrist and think of the price, but I've got horrible eyesight, astigmatism, borderline glaucoma and fairly thick lenses where the centre point (whatever that's called) is fairly critical; I simply have not had as good a luck with lenscrafters.

That being said, my ex-wife, with a mild, simpler prescription had no complaints whatsoever. My thought would be try 'em if the discount is good enough- and if anything is wrong just fight to get it corrected. I would guess for the majority of people most LCs- and it also probably varies by location since they make things on sige- do a great job.

jim

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:39 PM

Geeze...here comes the fly in the ountment. You are all probably right but for us, we haven't had any problems with Lenscrafters. Perhaps this store just retains people better or has a better manager or something, but we have used them for years without problems.   Karen and I both require major correction. I can see the point however and you all make sense.

What they do have is a great guarantee! Michael now wears glasses and does a pretty good job of caring for them, but they do require adjustment as any active 10 year old's might. In my case, I know ALL about the guarantee! In one year they replaced 4 pair for me!!! Then because of the extension, two additional pair. At the time the replacement was $35 except in the first two cases where it was free. In other words, 6 pair replaced for $210.00.

This begs the question "Why?" doesn't it? One of my Weimaraners, when young, would aggressively do a "Search and Destroy" on my glasses. I hid them when I took them off, but all I had to do was be the least bit careless and he mangled them. What makes this sorta' funny is that he NEVER has been a chewer! Oh he likes bones and ears and all, but not too much. Weims are very "soft-mouthed" dogs and his first favorite stuffed toy lasted 3 years and his next is still going strong at 5 years! He loves to get one of my T-shirts and carry around or some other piece of clothing belonging to one of the family. He has NEVER put the first hole in any of these things......but for awhile, my glasses were some kind of target.

The people at Lenscrafters were always just fine. They got to know me there for awhile. The first couple of times, when they asked what had happened, I put on a stern, accusatory, face and said, "These glasses don't stand up to the environmental conditions at my house."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Mudlark
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:40 PM

I am nearsighted in one eye, far sighted in the other, have an astigmatism which needs a prism to correct, and macular degeneration in one eye. Cheapo eyeglass places are my first and last choice (I use Walmart myself, the only time I go in the store...but I can get an adequate frame/lens for less than $50). The main thing with ALL of these places is to take your new glasses to opth. and have them check the perscription. If the lenses haven't been ground right, take them back...usually the 2nd time is the charm (but check again just to be sure).

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Amos
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:55 PM

We used LC for years and I am still wearing the lost pair -- and they're going strong after three years. Their service was good and the personnel were knowledgeable. But it sounds like this varies from place to place. It's a little more regional than, say, making Mac-fries.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 01:26 AM

They are crap - my left eye was blue and my right eye was green - now they are reversed.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Mad Tom
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 05:11 AM

*OT*
I have a button that says "ZENCRAFTERS - Total enlightenment in about an hour!"

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Zhenya
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 01:48 PM

Thanks, everyone, for these detailed comments. This was exactly the kind of information I was looking for.

I think I have a fairly strong prescription. I've been nearsighted enough to wear glasses since about age 9, and last year got to the bifocals stage, for which I'm wearing progressive lenses. I also have astigmatism in one eye. And I'm an avid reader, so it's really important for me to have as clear near vision as possible. So it would really bother me if the glasses were " a little out of focus."

Then again, some of you, even with complex vision situations, sound like you've had a good experience. I may go to the local LensCrafters to look at frames (not a strong point of my current place) and get a sense of the place. And perhaps try them first for prescription sunglasses which I don't wear as often. (With the various discounts and coupons hopefully these won't cost too much.)

I think I'll also try to look into other sources. (including Pearl vision.) My insurance company lists several individual practitioners as well, but I never heard of any of them. I may try to investigate that further though. Although it might unfortunately by the case that any place accepted by the insurance company is going to be of lower quality…

Thanks again for all the advice!
Zhenya

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 01:56 PM

I used Lenscrafters several times before I stopped wearing glasses entirely (as a result of cataract surgery...not a recommended solution). The only negative experience I had was that they insisted on putting the bifocal line right in the middle of the lens...where I look out...rather than lower as I asked. They did fix it, w/o charge.

Definately ask around about discounts. JC Penny optical, for example, offers over-50 and AAA discounts, but they don't advertise them.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Fortunato
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 01:58 PM

ZHENYA

I HAVE GLASSES FROM STERLING OPTICAL (DC AREA, CHAIN STORE LIKE LENSCRAFTERS) FOR A PRESCRIPTION THAT SOUNDS A NEAR DUPLICATE OF YOURS. EXCELLENT VISION. NO PROBLEMS.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 07:23 PM

It probably depends a lot on the particular local shop you go to.

I've gotten good service from Lenscrafters, with the only real complaint being the flood of advertising you keep getting after you've been there once. Note that anyone who walks in off the street can get a "discount," so haggle with them a little - even if the insurance is paying.

Depending on your vision (and other health) problems, you may want to get your examination from someone other than their "team optometrist," although I've had no complaints about the ones I've seen. For some people, a full ophthalmological exam (by an M.D. ophthalmologist) is desirable, although sometimes the only way to get your insurance to pay up for that is to see the optometrist first and ask him to refer you. If you have a condition like diabetes that can affect vision, you may be able to get a referral from your regular physician, too. Consult your insurer on that.

One of the things I like about Lenscrafters is that (at least here) they use only hard polycarbonate lenses, which are much more resistant to scratching or other damage than some of the other common materials. Although they offer "hard coating" and other extras, with the lenses they use (here) these are really not needed. The polycarb material also has a slightly higher refractive index than some other common materials, so that for moderate corrections the lenses may be a little lighter - again without paying an extra fee for "ultralight" salesmanship. (It's also a little "denser," so for thick lenses you may lose that advantage.)

For those who've run into an "assembly line" atmosphere, in most areas where Lenscrafters (or any other chain) operates there is likely to be more than one shop. You may be able to find another outlet in the same chain that gives better service. Ask a friend who's been there.

I'll note that any competent optician or opthalmologist will usually measure the prescription on your current lenses as a first step in the exam. I've asked them to write down the prescription that they measured (a friendly quiz), and compared it to what I got when I was originally examined for the lenses in question, and have NOT found an inaccurately dispensed pair from Lenscrafters yet.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: philgregg
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 05:23 PM

Question from a Brit, sorry, slightly askew from the topic:
I take it you can't get your eyes measured at Lenscrafters, but have to use a visit to an ophthalmologist to get a prescription.

How much do you pay for that examination?

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: NicoleC
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 06:40 PM

Most (all?) Lenscrafters have an Eye Exam 2000 doctor's office next door or inside -- technically a separate company, but no one is fooled :) A basic exam will cost about $40 up to $100 if you get retinal photography, etc., but it probably varies from place to place. Real docs of Optometry, too, although a technician will do the pre-exam stuff.

But you can bring any prescription into Lenscrafters, or vice versa. I go to my regular Eye Exam 2000 doc (she's great) and then take my prescription down to Pearl.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 11:36 PM

They do not carry verilux lenses. The best in the world. But if you want to wait 6 weeks they will do them.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Gypsy
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 12:41 AM

Have had good luck with all kinds of discount places, including Costco. However, i have no dieeases of the eye.......something to consider. An opthamologist is a medical doctor, an optomotrist is a seller of glasses. The latter works fine for me, for my friend with glaucoma, the former is more appropriate.

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 01:12 AM

philgregg -

Most optical dispensaries (the places that actually sell glasses) will be "associated" or a least will have a favored "examiner" that they can refer you to.

Those who dispense "prescription" lenses are typically called "Opticians." In some states that's a licensed occupation, but in many states almost anyone who wants to can be one. If you're in a location where a license isn't required, you may be better off at a "national chain" outfit like Pearl or Lens Crafters, since you can hope that "corporate policies" will be consistent with the requirements where the practice is licensed - or not.

The majority of "eye exams," those intended only at determining what lens gives the appropriate "correction," are done by persons who are "Optometrists." This is almost always a licensed occupation, requiring some minimal training - and in a few places rather extensive training and examination.

In my area, a "simple refraction," i.e. an examination by an Optometrist, can cost you anywhere from about $35 (US) on up, but not usually more than $50 - $70.

People with some illnesses - the standard example is diabetes, although simple high blood pressure is also a risk factor - or those for whom an Optometrist has made a referal because of a "medical condition" found during examination (infection, high interocular pressure, or cataracts, perhaps?) - are generally advised to see an Ophthalmologist, who is a licensed medical practitioner (M.D.) specializing in the treatment of the eye. A visit to an Ophthalmologist will generally cost at least $75 to $90 in my area, and can run as much as $250 - for a routine examination, not including any treatment, but it usually gets you a prescription for lenses as part of the deal.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 03:32 PM

I switched to Lens Crafters when the price just got too high at the place where I used to go. I'll stick with them. On reflection, I think the old place was pulling a scam, saying they took my insurance, but they actually didn't. It worked like this:

The doctor (who I still see) charged the $35 copay, as my insurance allows. Then next door (used to be Pearl, now it is something else, don't remember the name, not a big chain) they would fill it.

The woman at the glasses shop who took my simple Rx last time "figured" the price this way: Since I have insurance, I get no half-price discount, the price is based on all full prices. The coating on the lenses is extra, as is the no-line bifocal, and the frames weren't in the lowest end, so I paid above the "allowance" price on those. Her end figure: $490. I asked her to then figure the price as if I had no insurance at all, were walking in off of the street getting all of the 1/2 price stuff. Her total: $495. Now I pay a enough each year for my vision benefits to not appreciate that $5 savings she was offering, and I realized that she had no intention of sending any claim to the insurance company because they in fact HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP with that insurance company. I walked out of there and straight into Lens Crafters. I'm going to run this smell-test again this year when I get glasses, and this year, figures in hand, I'm going to report them to my insurance company and to the appropriate department at the state attorney general's office that covers this sort of thing. I paid $165 at Lens Crafters for the exact same things I requested across the street, they feel good and are ground correctly. This year I'll bring that price down more for a couple of reasons: I've realized I'm not hard on glasses, so I don't need all of the expensive flexible stuff in the frame. And I've decided that the coatings are sometimes more of a problem than the reflection they're meant to reduce. They scratch easily and then the marks on the coating are more of a nuisance than the reflection ever was.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: GUEST,Al
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 09:43 PM

I would like to clarify the difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists. I am qualified to comment because I am an optometrist, and I work closely with a number of ophthalmologists in my area. Optometrists are doctors with four years of post graduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems and eye diseases. Optometrists in all 50 states can prescribe medication to treat eye diseases. Anyone who says optometrists are just sellers of eyeglasses just doesn't know what he or she is talking about. Ophthalmologists are surgeons who also treat medical conditions and prescribe glasses. As you can see, there is a lot of overlap. Some ophthalmologists who feel threatened by optometrists encroaching on their previously exclusive medical domain will try to spread rumors that optometrists cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions. But, that is just sour grapes from a disenchanted few. By the way, more and more ophthalmologists are selling glasses now as a way to help make ends meet. Insurance and managed care have hurt everyone. In general, if you have a vision problem, an infection, glaucoma, diabetes, or inflammation or just about any eye disease, your optometrist can take care of you. If you need surgery, you will need an ophthalmologist. And your optometrist can help you to find a good one, and avoid the bad ones. Regarding the optometrists at Lenscrafters, they almost never see patients with eye diseases since people with eye diseases rarely consult them. So, even though they are trained for it, their skill are rusty, just like you would be if you hadn't picked up your guitar in two years.

Al

Subject: RE: BS: Lenscrafters - any good?
From: Zhenya
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 01:43 PM

I've been offline for a few days. I just wanted to thank everyone who posted additional comments since I last checked into this thread. I've printed out the entire thread, as I feel these comments have been incredibly helpful. I will definitely be considering the issues everyone raised in my search for good quality/price eyewear. There are many things here that hadn't occurred to me at all.
Thanks again to all!
Zhenya