Complaint Review: Eyeglass World

As the Ex-Assistant Store Manager of Eyeglass World Store #50 in Chattanooga, TN, I can truly state that Eyeglass World is the most unethical, inequitable, unconscionable, and disorganized company I've ever known. They had better straighten their act before they are shut down. I had thankfully been warned by someone who overheard the area manager interviewing for a new assistant manager, and I was able to resign before they could fire me.

When interviewed for this position, I was lead to believe that this company offered great opportunities, training, future advancement, etc. Promises were made and hopes were built regarding a career with Eyeglass World. With high anticipation of starting a prosperous career, I was sent to an out-of-state branch to be trained in what I was told would be management. However, when I arrived, the statement was made in my initial meeting with the store leader, I'm not going to train you how to be a manager or how to perform management duties. I'm going to teach you how to sell. As per my resume, I have much sales experience already and needed more management experience/training.

Immediately, I contacted my area manager who promised that she would spend at least one full week with me, showing and teaching me the ropes of being a manager for Eyeglass World. This was not done. Most of what I learned was by trial and error on my own or by offered assistance from sales associates currently employed. The 45 to occasional 50 hours a week (promised in my interview) turned into 55+ per week as I attempted to learn and manage a store almost completely on my own. Management advice was given via phone or the occasional area manager visit for a few hours every few weeks.
Also, in the beginning, I was informed by a fellow applicant that the area manager made the statement in the interview that she has an informer at Store #50 who reports to her on every move made.

This is completely unethical and shows absolutely no respect for management positions. Obviously, this informer has more seniority than pair managers. The area manager also made the statement to me, If I don't like you, I'll find someone else to replace you.

This, along with many other factors, should have warned me as to what type of employment in which I was entering. Never in my history of employment have I encountered a more disorganized, inequitable, and unconscionable company as Eyeglass World. False accusations and attempts to discredit my person were made with no apparent effort by management to verify truth and facts. In several situations after waiting for the area manager to address particular issues, I myself had to approach her in hopes of clarifying and receiving advice imperative to my job.

I was informed, as well, that associates who have been terminated were rehired constantly. Since when was this a correct policy in the corporate world. Just within the two months that I worked, the area manager fired or forced to resign four associates. We only employ three sales associates, two doctor's techs, a receptionist, and a couple lab workers. This played a large part in leaving me stranded with little help when I started. Perhaps it is not the company that is causing these problems. It may very well rest on the shoulders of the area manager. Complaints were heard on a daily basis from customers and former employees of how ruthless, unorganized, and unprofessional she has shown herself to be.

I, myself, had the unfortunate experience of having customers address me in an irate manner regarding issues in which the area manager had been involved. Because of my lack of training, fumbles were made in my attempt to correct these issues where after I was blamed for being rude, unprofessional, etc.

After having to pull Stacy aside to receive advice, I made a great effort to polish my professionalism, even resorting to outside sources. Later, a customer contacted corporate with a complaint against a rude, curt, and overall arrogant gal at Store #50 whom the area manager automatically assumed was me and even stated so to the store manager. When I appealed for verification on the matter, it was refused. I came to the full realization that there is no security in working for or with this company. Management does not back its employees and has proven they would rather be rid of them than try to aid them in their career.

So much more could be added, but I feel that this is indeed sufficient. Lest one think the experience was a complete fiasco, I would like to express my appreciation to the staff under me at Store #50. There were such a pleasure to know, always eager to assist and encourage me along. I found a deep satisfaction and joy in learning the field of optics and helping patients find their perfect pair of glasses. In my short time there, I sold over $85,000 worth of glasses with an average sale of $360. These particular moments will not be regretted and will hopefully be an aid in finding my career elsewhere.

A few days ago, I asked the new store manager if the area manager was in the process of recruiting an assistant manager to replace me, and she said, Yes, I believe so.. A former employee of EGW had warned me that this was a regular practice with this company and turnover was extremely high.

In my interview, I asked why this was so and was told the previous managers moved on to better positions. However, this was not true. I found out later that they resigned or were fired. Regrettably, I did not heed the warnings in the beginning but at the time had great hopes of finding my career with this company.

Therefore, it was with great disappointment that I tendered my resignation as of April 13, 2005. A two weeks notice was not given. I have been witness to several associates who offered a two weeks notice and was either denied and told to leave immediately by Stacy or attempts were made by her to change their status (in order not to accrue their deserved vacation pay) or terminate them.

Everyone here has a great theme going... That the Lasik Vision Institute stinks. They're all so right. I used to work in their "Corporate" office... I say corporate in quotes because it was more of joke than anything. I was hired for their call center, and then switched to a new call center, in which I headed. Let me tell you something... They treat their employees good one day, and then like crap the next. Don't get it. As for the Eye Glass World branch... here's something that the average consumer has not a clue of. The glasses that they sell, even the high priced ones are about as expensive to them as a # 3 at McDonalds. Not kidding. As an employee at the time, I was of course, entitled to discounts, and found out the actual price of the products. The frames, which a consumer would pay (GOD only knows why) $350 for, in actuality cost about $6.00. The lenses, which a consumer would pay (Once again, God knows why) $120 for are in actuality $7.00 per lens. Now, of course, that can differ, maybe about a whole whopping $1.00 due to prescription strength. But, for the customer, that can actually add up to over another $50-$100 bucks. I don't think the average consumer actually realizes just how BADLY they're getting ripped off. Pathetic. So, next time you decide to go buy something from them, let them know you're on to them. Don't let them give you the typical hit you with the highest price, and then as you walk, they give you the "lower" price... let them know asap what you want to pay. Sometimes, they might just work with you. The manager that mentioned the price gouging thing is totally right. If you look at the sticker on the glasses, check out the numbers. See if they make sense to you. If you don't see it, look again. You'll understand what I mean soon enough.

I am the most recent manager to be axed by EGW, I can tell you that the above comments made be former employees of this company are absolutely true. This company is completely without ethics. They are trying to take the company public & are trying everything they can to show a profit on the books. They do not care about their employees and are greedy bastards out to make a buck. I had a great staff that tried their best to do right by the customer. We all tried our damndest to try & turn around the reputation of our particular EGW location & seemed to be doing this, but the company just saw immediate dollar signs & doesn't care if they create a lifelong customer. Run, RUN, away from Eyeglass World!

I worked for an Eyeglass World in Pensacola, FL. The most awful job I'd ever had. The management was horrible, there was no training. Customers were so angry at the disorganization in the doctor's office and labs. I'm sorry to say that I worked there. I relocated to CA, so I quit, but after I left I heard that many people were fired and new people were brought in, for no reason whatsoever. This is company that needs to get it's act together or go bankrupt, but that won't happen because they make a huge profit for their glasses!!!

AS a very recent x-employee of Eyeglass world (since YESTERDAY), I am here to tell you some of the other things that have been going on since our dearly departed former manager Bryan left us. 1st of all, since Bryan left all they seem to hire are total idiots.

The last manager was always coming and going as he pleased, brought and consumed alcohol while clocked in, slept in his office, and generally didn't do sh**. After SEVERAL complaints were filed to human resources they finally after 2 months fired him. The complaints started the first week he was there. I turned him in for the alcohol and I was written up for trying to cause discord and making the workplace unhappy.

Once I threatened to sue them for whats called "Whistleblowing", it took them 1 week to retract the write up, which was quickly replaced with another the following day. I was written up for not taking the bank deposit that day. Only myself and a totally new person who couldnt even operate the computer were scheduled that day.

I did explain that I did not feel comfortable leaving the store with someone who did not know anything about how the store works. Not good enough. It doesnt matter. That's what they told me. After the manager was fired, they did not replace him. They appointed me and one other person to run the store, which I did most of anyways.

I ran that store for almost 2 months with no compensation and even applied for the position. I thought if I am running the store now, I might as well get paid for it. I was always told that I was in the application pool, but others were being interviewed. I kept getting the run around so I e-mailed the district manager and told her that I didn't want to run the store anymore without compensation.

She told me we would talk later. The next day that I came in, I got a call from "Loss prevention". What a joke that was!! He told me that he put $22 in the register himself (how did he do that- he is in Florida??)and he checked the closing paperwork and we were balanced.

He said that he did that on purpose to see if I would report it. On the day in question, we were not $22 over, we were $22 short in which I put the money in out of my own pocket. He called me a liar a bunch of times until finally I told him to go to hell. I busted my a** for this company and they frame the Managers so they can hire people who dont know sh** about optical.

They use and abuse their employees until the employees tire of the runaround they are given and then fire them. I regret not leaving when Bryan left. Everything went downhill since then. I do however,agree with Bryan that if you are educated about how they work - you can get a great deal. The employees are great and doctors SPECTACULAR - but upper management absolutly SUCKS!!!!!!