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CB Glasses and Lenses Review of Eye Doctor's Optical Outlet
Eye Doctor's Optical Outlet

Eye Doctor's Optical Outlet review: I'll never go back to Optical Outlets 18

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Author of the review
9:37 pm EDT
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This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Here is my experience at Optical Outlets in the Seminole Town Center Mall in Sanford, Florida. Absolutely horrendous customer service experience (quite possibly the worst I've ever had). I had an exam at Optical Outlets and the prescription the doctor prescribed was different than the one I had last year, which was done at a different eye doctor office (-1.0 at Optical Outlets vs. -1.25 at other place the year before). As soon as I walked out I noticed that my vision was not as clear as with the earlier prescription. But I thought it was maybe that I just had to get used to it. Then I had to go out of town on business and realized that it wasn't getting any better and there was definitely something wrong with my contacts. My vision was blurry in the distance. So, as soon as I got back from my trip, the first thing I did was to go back to Optical Outlets to tell them about my vision problem. The lady I spoke to (unfortunately, I don't remember her name) told me that the -1.0 was the right prescription for me since the doctor did a "full" exam and that's what he prescribed. I kept telling her that I couldn't see clearly (but I could just a week ago with my old contacts), but she kept insisting that there was nothing wrong with the contacts from Optical Outlets. She told me that the prescription can change from year to year… blah blah blah… and I kept telling her that I couldn’t see clearly. She finally ended up consulting the doctor, who also insisted that the prescription of -1.0 was correct. I then, again, mentioned that my prescription was -1.25 last year and I could see just fine then. The lady told me that she couldn't help me and told me that if I wanted another exam, I would have to pay for the exam again. I really couldn't believe my ears when she said that. She refused to give me a follow-up consultation (which should be included in the initial exam my insurance company covered) and had the nerve to tell me to pay for another exam with a doctor who couldn't get it right the first time. I told her I would go somewhere else then and have another eye exam so I could at least get contacts that fit. Her coworker then informed me that I could exchange the boxes of contacts that had been ordered for me already (with the -1.0 prescription that wasn't right for me) with another prescription as long as it was the same brand. I then left and made another exam appt with the same eye doctor I went to last year. He did the exam, and as expected, my prescription was -1.25 on both eyes, with my right eye being borderline -1.50. AND…. VOILA… I could see clearly again with my new contacts! At this point it became very apparent that I had been lied to and cheated out of my insurance money by the place in Sanford, so I called my insurance company to explain what happened. I told them that I did not ever want to set foot into Optical Outlets again, not even to exchange my correct prescription for the ones that they were holding for me (with my insurance funds tied up). They informed me that I just needed to call Optical Outlets in Sanford to release the funds for the materials so I could get my contacts at the other eye doctor office with the correct prescription. That’s exactly what I did, but whoever answered the phone at the Sanford outlet was giving me the run-around and again wasn’t trying to help me, citing that the store manager would have to make that decision and he/she was in an all-day meeting. That’s when I sent an e-mail through the Optical Outlets Web site and a few hours later I was contacted by someone at the corporate headquarters telling me that it was taken care of and my insurance funds were released. WOW! So much time wasted on trying to get this corrected and now I have to file an appeal with my insurance company to get reimbursed for my second, correct exam… only because the incompetent people at the Sanford Optical Outlet refused to help me get the correct prescription. UNBELIEVABLE. Needless to say, I’ll never go back to Optical Outlets and I’ve informed my coworkers, friends and family members to stay clear of the Sanford place at all cost should they have any vision issues. The insurance company rep., my other eye doctor, as well as everyone else was also baffled by the way I was treated and couldn’t believe that there is a company out there that engages in shady business practices like the one I experienced.

18 comments
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Gaile Votta
, US
Aug 08, 2016 1:36 pm EDT

I had an eye exam in the beginning of March 2016. Halfway through the exam, the Dr explained to me that he couldn't complete the exam because I had a film over my lens. And I needed to see an Ophthalmologist. He said this film can sometimes happen to cataract patients.
I made the appointment with the surgeon, had the surgery. Now I still need glasses, and the Ophthalmologist did not give me another exam so therefore no prescription. I go back to Optical Outlet in Homosassa FL. The girl tells me since I had an exam in March, they have billed my insurance and I now have to pay for another exam. I explained to her that my previous exam was incomplete, , she then said that I could get 2 pairs of glasses and the exam fee is waived. My insurance only pays for one pair. I said that the glasses would cost a bit more than the exam. And how could you bill my insurance when the exam wasn't completed? She said, , , , well we have a prescription for you if you want to use that one. I asked where did you get that? She said from the Doctor. I wanted to know how could he have a correct or valid prescription when I haven't been here since before my surgery. I made an appointment, , why I don't know, because I knew when I was leaving that I was calling my insurance company to rectify this. They processed a grievance with Optical Outlet and also put a call into them. The problem the insurance company had was that they couldn't find a claim that they paid them for my incomplete exam, but we're going to charge me anyway. As soon as I hear from my insurance company I will be going somewhere else. I also plan on contacting the Corporate office and notify them of the situation.

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Selmac
, US
May 14, 2016 7:48 am EDT

Optical outlets Gainesville FL
Went to the appointment as scheduled, was early. Waited four hours to be seen by doctor. The staff was rude during this time except for the dr. Before leaving asked for a copy of the prescription. She told me that the dr had to sign off for the prescription and he was busy with a patient so could not do it but they would email it to me. I gave my email to her and never received the prescription. I then called about it a month or so later. I was told it will be emailed and still nothing. I went down to the office again and was told the dr. We saw was not in so I would have to come back another day. I gave up at this point. I live an hour from their office and was tired of the Hassel.

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Jo07
, US
Mar 30, 2016 8:27 am EDT

Went into the optical outlets in the villages. The doctor was great and I got contacts and glasses. Went back a year later and the same doctor isn't there any more so I had to see a new doctor. I had an eye exam and needed another rx for my contacts. He told me he was changing my rx from 1.00 to 1.25. I explained that I could still see fine with my glasses etc.. he said I would benefit more from this rx. So I ordered 6 months of contacts and a new pair of glasses and sent my old ones in to replace the lenses. Immediately I can recognize a difference in my sight and started getting migraines. Called the eye doctor and told the girl (unfortunately can't remember her name) and she told me to wait it out let my eyes adjust. It's been 2 months now and I called last Thursday and explained my situation to another girl and she said the doctor wouldn't be in until Monday. We'll talk to him and call you back on Monday. I had to call mom day late afternoon because no one ever called me. Got someone different claiming to be the manager and she put me on hold. Supposedly talked to the doctor and said he would not charge me for another eye exam and to have me come in Wednesday for an appointment. Wednesday morning at 10 I got a call (my appointment is at 2) and the "office manager" (different name) said she needed more info and she had to talk to the doctor, so I explained everything AGAIN and she said she would call back. Got a call back about 20 minutes later and said because it had been over 30 days and they didn't "have record" of me calling before that that I would have to pay to have everything corrected. Due to their doctors negligence. I'm self pay, no insurance. I will NEVER go back to optical outlets.

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Thomas Sadecki
, US
Dec 19, 2015 2:21 pm EST

Went in for an exam and ordered glasses nine days ago. They said they would be ready in a week to a week and a half. Thursday was a week so I decided to call on Saturday morning to see if the glasses had arrived. Lady answered. I asked if my glasses had arrived. She checked and said "Yes they came in two days ago" I said" Why didn't anyone call me and let me know that they were in?" She said"I'm sorry, they should have". I said ok and I would be in shortly to pick them up. This was at 11:00 A.M. I drove there and arrived at approx. 11:30 and there was a sign on the door that said"We are closed and will return at 12:10" I called at 11:00 and she makes no mention that she will be closed for 35 minutes for lunch starting at 11:30. I leave and go on other errands and return at 2:00P.M. There is only one employee and she is working on a person's glasses. There are two other people waiting and while I am sitting there two more people come in. There are now five of us plus the lady she is waiting on. I needed my glasses for a trip I was taking on Sunday so I decided to wait. She finished with the first lady and went to the next person. I sat there for 30 minutes while she waited on this person. After waiting 30 minutes I got up and left. I still don't have my glasses and will not have them tomorrow (Sunday) for my trip so I will need to wear the old ones that are not giving me good vision.

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Jffv1017
, US
Oct 29, 2015 8:03 am EDT

I schedule an appointment for myself and both of my children at the clermont location, I went to pick them up automatically my son told the clerk My vision is blury from far I see better from far with my old glasses.she proceded to tell him he needed to adjust to the new prescription, I question it because he has been wearing glasses since he was 3 yrs old and he never had this problem before. The clerk told me we needed to wait a week for the eyes o adjust. Well my son cannot see fom far at all.he had them on all day at school on Tuesday and came home with a headache. He keeps saying they are ok to see objects when they are near but he sees very blury things from far specially the smart board at school. I call the optical Tuesday afternoon and explain the situation, the clerk keeps telling me to wait. My sons eyes are getting really red when he wear this glasses.i call yesterday and was schedule for an appt for 4:00pm we arrived 15 minutes or more early.since I walk through the door I was getting treated really nasty. The clerk name Sharon was very rude. I am on the waiting room she told me sit and wait to bee seen.i waited until 4:45 no body ask me anything the glasses were not check they just told me to wait.almost at 5 Sharon told me you need to go and come back another day, We cannot see your son now doctor is leaving.Are you kidding me! I been waiting for an hour I have an apptment. She started to yell at me in front of everybody I told you over the phone you could not bee seen. I never talk to her on the phone I was schedule by a lady named of Theresa. This girl sharon kept yelling at me scolding me like a 3 yr old and telling me to leave and come back another day. This place is horrible I paid in cash for his gladess$200.00 and now he cannot even see. There was another lady at the office the day that I pick up the glasses and she was been treated exactly the same way. I should have RUN when I saw how nasty these girls were to this lady because she was having issues with the glasses. Do not come here go y
To lense crafters or some where else but here. I always get my kids glasses from lense crafters but unfortunately I thought I would be cheaper to get them here, unfortunately I paid the same and my son cannot see. Live and learn.

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Tony LaMora
Riverview, US
Aug 11, 2015 3:02 pm EDT

I purchased a pair of glasses for my son at Optical out let. Modern Launch Black and Grey.

Within the first day the arm came loose out of he plastic. We called optical outlet and they covered it since it was less then 30 days (reluctantly)
Its now been 2 months and the frames broke again in the corner where the lens are held. Normally I would just walk away and chalk this off to a cheap brand of frames. However I spent over $200 plus on transition lens and got less then 90 days of use. Keep in mind these frames were not abused or used for sports. These broke in the house under normal circumstances as in taking on and off, nothing stressful! Is there a manufactures warranty on these? I cant see buying another pair to have them snap in 2 months. I will not go back they sell dollar store glasses for $200 plus.

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DIANE227
, US
Jul 29, 2015 5:26 pm EDT

Optical Outlet, 1150 E Vine st, Kissimme, FL.

All same story. Instead of Bi-focal issued cheap single vision glass on cracked frame. Returned the product but refused to make

refund. Terrible bussiness. Manager and all associates no body want to talk. All turn their face other way and deaf.

Brought a pair of glasses paid $484.00 didn't have them two weeks the lens fell out as I was boarding Amtrak on my way to visit my grands in North Carolina needless to say my vacation was a disaster no glasses. Thanks Optical outlet 1150 E vine street Kissimmee Fl

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AnnoyedParent
Lake Wales, US
May 05, 2015 2:49 pm EDT

This is the worst place ever..Meaning the custormer service and the lies i was told repeatedly. My son needs glasses so we went to the Optical Outlet in Lake Wales @ the Eagle Ridge Mall on the 24th of April. Well they told me that my sons lenses would need to be thin ones so they would contact the insurance company and let me know within 24 hours if they were to be approved. Never got a phone call so waited a week and called to see if my sons glasses were in as He desperately needs His glasses, His vision is not well at all. Well alas on friday when we called. They stated they had not gotten approval from insurance. I was upset i asked why they wouldn't call and tell me such so i could contact the insurance company. They said that wouldn't be advisable and then another associate came on the phone and said the insurance had approved it and the glasses would be here Monday. We called Monday to see if they were in. Told that the shipment for day hadn't arrived yet and they would call us. Well no call so alas today *Tuesday* i call again @ 11am..They said they were looking into things and would call me back. We waited til 3pm and called back because had gotten no call. When we call we are informed that they hadn't ordered them yet and were doing so today so they would be there tommorrow. Amazing the ability of the associates to lie. So i got upset and they got really really rude i asked for Corporate Number. They refused to give it to me. They Refused. I was so upset i went online to find another location to which gave me corporates number. They gave me the District Managers Number. I called Him fully explaining my upset and told HIm of the rudeness and inconsideration in the manner to which we were treated. He is trying to take care of by giving my son a extra pair of glasses. I don't even care about that but atleast He is willing to try to do something to take care of it. We are to take my son to pick out another pair of frames and alas He will overnight order it so they will be in Thursday but i am angry. I told HIm i would NOT EVER return there for any reason so my Husband will take Him down to pick out lenses and get them sized but i told Him again i would NOT go and see those rude lying women. That i don't know how they can even have jobs with their lies and rudeness that i have been in customer service my entire life and they were beyond rude. That they don't deserve jobs at all in the manner they behave. I would rather get my sons prescription and go elsewhere because the treatment of us was insulting and rude. I will never return to them ever again. DO NOT GO TO THESE OPTICAL STORE>>>>>Go Anywhere beside these guys. Especially Lake Wales...>They are the worst. I have worn glasses for 40 years now and been to many many many Optical places. Never in my life have i had such a bad experience.

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Thomas K Varghese
Kissimmee, US
Dec 08, 2014 11:37 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Optical Outlet, 1150 E Vine st, Kissimme, FL.

All same story. Instead of Bi-focal issued cheap single vision glass on cracked frame. Returned the product but refused to make

refund. Terrible bussiness. Manager and all associates no body want to talk. All turn their face other way and deaf.

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LouA..clrwtr
Clearwater, US
May 09, 2013 2:21 pm EDT

I agree the Opitcal Outlet should be Investigated for poor quality and horrific customer service, and no morals.. When a Dr and a company can not get your prescription correct, there is a company that needs to be investigated. Be Aware of the Optical Outlet in CountrySide Mall. They are working on trying to get my prescription correct for the third time, I wanted to cancel my order and go somewhere else, however, although not posted, they refused a refund and stated you can only receive a credit, and who wants a credit from a Company who does not even give a correct prescription. I am reporting them to the Dept of Health, my Insurance Company, and anyone else who will listen and investigate this Company...It is wrong that an Insurance Company sends you to such an horrific Company - Hopefully this will keep you from making a mistake by giving your business to Optical Outlet..

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kobe2469
Indian Pass, US
May 06, 2013 10:29 pm EDT

You are all a bunch of stuck up haters! I've been to every eye doctors office in my area..Sears, Jc penny, pearl vision, eyeglass world...Optical Outlets was the ONLY place that could help me and meet my needs. I am legally blind, and i have to have shots in my eye every month. Optical Outlets was the ONLY place that could help me see to the very best of my ability. I will recommend everyone i know to them. I spend a lot of money there, and every year they continue to help me more and more. GO TO OPTICAL OUTLETS DO NOT LISTEN TO THESE ###S ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ :)

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mamacat
, US
Nov 19, 2012 4:19 am EST

The blurred vision originates from the eyedrops you have been given before your screening with the vision-machine. It is common knowledge that after this precedure with the Eyedrops that you WILL have trouble focusing on things as Reading, Writing, Watching TV and Operating a Motored Vehicle. The drops usually work about 1-2 hours before you can focus again. Those Eyedrops are made to relax the muscle during the eye exam and was designed to help doctors to get a 100% clear reading on your vision. After all that was why you came in for right?! The Person that administored the Eyedrops should have mentioned to you all "facts" before giving the eyedrops! The vision itself does NOT change from the Eyedrops as it is only temporary to relax the muscle during the exam. I have to stress that patients should be more questioning if something feels odd or confusing BEFORE doing any kind of medical exams. I agree that a patient should be upset about things but to be fair... the patient should take the time and inconvinience that comes with it and pay attentions to every little detail. It is your Body and you have to live with it for a very long time. Make the time for yourself even if it means to be a horroble nosey patient. At least you'll know what you need to know for your own health and piece of mind.

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ABNICL
Ocoee, US
Jul 26, 2012 3:15 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Very bad experience with the Optical outlet in the West oaks Mall in Ocoee. Other then the fact that my mother has gone back 4 times to have her prescription corrected only to finally be told that there was nothing that they could do for her. My 12 year old son was there for an exam because he did not do well on a general exam with the pediatrician and it was suggested that he be seen by an eye dr. On the medical consent form that I filled out, I clearly marked the box that stated that I did NOT want his eyes dilated. My son emerged from his exam in LESS then 5 minutes and the dr. informed me that we needed to wait because his eyes were dilated! Not only that..I was also told that my son has 20/20 vision but yet 2 yrs ago he was prescribed glasses because he was nearsighted! Needless to say I was concerned, but I was VERY upset that the dr. ignored my orders NOT to dilate his eyes. The dr. laughed a nervous laugh and told me that it was no big deal! He admitted to not reading the release form, but that it was irrelevant because eye dilation is standard practice! During the confrontation the regional manager came out from behind and told me to leave the office or he will contact security! Not 1 apology was made. I have since made a complaint with the Dept. of Health, the insurance co., and the corporate office.

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Iconspired2
Parkersburg, US
Oct 04, 2011 7:03 pm EDT

In most cases I would say that if you have a vision plan they want you to have that exam so they can collect your 10, 15, or possibly 20 dollar co-pay, file and get back the 20, 30, or maybe 40 reimbursement from the provider. That way they can pay the OD which is independently contracted his 29 or so dollars, splitting the rest of the profit among the 4 owners of the company. Now if you take 38 locations throw in a few VA contracts and do the math, someone is making a helluva lot of money.

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Navy Nurse
Orlando, US
Feb 09, 2011 9:12 pm EST

Optical outlets on colonial drive is horrible. The Dr. there calls other Dr."s to get the previous rx so they can find out what to do, if they don't know how to do an exam why do one, they couldn't get my old rx and so I wasn't seen because of that. Glad I didn't get the exam I am sure my rx would have been wrong. Optical Outlets needs to screen their doctors credentials

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jenga227
Orlando, US
Oct 07, 2010 10:55 am EDT

@ Aldous Snow.. a quarter of a change does make a difference. Not all Optical Outlets are "well respected company" and perhaps you can help by teaching and/or training these outlets to be more professional - not that you are showing much professionalism yourself based upon your attack on someone's experience. How about you have the life that is expected based on your attitude.

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Aldous Snow
Sanford, US
Oct 04, 2010 7:39 pm EDT

A quater of a change doesnt make a differce in your vision. Possibly it was the brand of contact. Do a little research before you insult a very well respected company. Ill continue to be seen there because they have ALWAYS got my rx right and glassesd back ON TIME! Maybe because i treat them like professionals like they are! They know what they are doing, so quit acting like you know what your talking about bc you clearly dont. Have a nice life insulting other doctor offices.

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DANA KIMBALL
Tampa, US
Jul 26, 2010 3:26 pm EDT

I just left the Optical Outlet located in the Citrus Park Mall location in Tampa, Florida. I got there before the 'doctor'got back from lunch with my right eye completely shut because it felt like a rasor was slicing my eye every time I blinked. I explained the pain I was in and begged to be seen as soon as the 'doctor' got in. When he arrived he was told of my condition and chose to see the appointments scheduled first instead of my emergency. I questioned the person behind the counter if it was there policy to take appointments before emergencies and all he said was that the 'doctor' was quick. I waited till the appointment was done and thought I would be next but no, he took another appointment. The man behind the counter said that I ought to go ahead and order my glasses first and by the time I was done the 'doctor' would be ready for me. I started to do that and then thought to myself, why, why was I straining my eye to be fitted for glasses instead of taking care of the emergency at hand. I requested for my and my husbands perscriptions and told them that this was just not right. No one tried to make the situation better they just let me walk out. I had been going there for years but never again. My eye still feels like a rasor and my nose even hurts from the pain but if it is not better by morning I will look for another place to go. Optical Outlet SUCKS!