Crown Optical Ripoff, Overcharge, Unnecessary Service Columbia Missouri
Offense #1
First, when I called to ask if they took my vision insurance, I was assured I would get a certain discount. When I got there it was, "they'll probably give you a discount." When I paid it was, "we don't accept your insurance."
Offense #2
I was getting an exam for new contact lenses. Because I have astigmatism, the optician told me I needed toric lenses that correct for astigmatism. Never was I told that just about everyone on the planet has astigmatism, most don't need correction for it, and for some that really do need it, the lenses don't always work out. Most people can get by without toric lenses.
So, I had to pay an extra fee for my "toric lens fitting." I was given some trial pairs. I came back in a week as they were not working for me. Another trial pair. I couldn't see out of these, either. Another trial pair that, lo and behold, helped me see.
Given the exhorbitant prices at Crown, I had them send my prescription to Walmart.com. I spoke with a representative to order my contacts and, come to find out, my prescription was NOT for toric lenses. They were for regular lenses. I was a little confused. I had paid for a toric lens fitting, and then not gotten toric lenses. Hmmmmm.
So I called the store. The little girl I spoke with was very polite but assured me I was out of luck. I asked to talk to her supervisor - not so polite, so on to her supervisor. We haggled back and forth for a while, I eventually had to threaten contacting the BBB and or having this optician's license reviewed.
I went through several channels, people, and depts. and they finally agreed to give me $40 or some free sunglasses. The "lens fitting" cost about $100, but I realized this was the best I would get without going to a lot more trouble.
So basically, a service was pushed on me that I didn't know was optional. I went through a lot of trouble (several visits and trial contacts over a few weeks). Then I ended up with non-toric lenses. They don't seem very honest or forthcoming with your options. Another eye doctor I went to told me he had "seen some of their work." Meaning, their tactics for luring unwitting customers into paying for things they don't need.
Stacy
Columbia, Missouri
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
S.
N/a,Georgia,
U.S.A.
You may have been ripped off
#2Consumer Suggestion
Tue, December 06, 2005
I have worked in the optometry field for years.
Astigmatism is a tricky thing. Contact lenses and glasses both correct vision but in different ways. In other words, you may need astigmatism correction in eyeglasses that you do not need in contact lenses. It sounds like your trial pairs and follow up visits were to determine which contacts suited you best. You did receive a fitting for toric lenses. My guess is that was because your RX suggested toric lenses would work best for you, and yet they did not in your case.
My problem with the whole thing is that I have never been charged (I wear toric lenses)or worked with a OD who charged more for fitting toric contacts than regular ones.
I think that may be where your ripoff lies.
As for the insurance thing, employees are sometimes instructed to do whatever it takes to get the patient in the door, so yes, they may have lied about accepting it. But they also could have made an honest mistake there too.