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  • Report:  #51854

Complaint Review: Pearle Vision - ELK GROVE VILLAGE Illinois

Reported By:
- Addison, Illinois,
Submitted:
Updated:

Pearle Vision
914 ELK GROVE TOWN CENTER PLAZA ELK GROVE VILLAGE, 60007 Illinois, U.S.A.
Phone:
847-357-8900
Web:
N/A
Categories:
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Hi,

Beware of Pearle Vision!!!!

I will never ever go to any Pearle in my life again!! I have told countless people of my experience an ill do so for years to come.

The corporate office was totally useless and worthless when I contacted them. They said that it is a franchise location... sounds like they let their franchisees do as they wish, ruining the Pearle name.

On Feb. 20 2002, I called Pearle Vision in Elk Grove IL, asked Alexandra if they accept Humana Insurance and asked her to give me my price, after insurance coverage, for a contact lens exam and for 4 boxes of contact lenses for my wife.

She told me "I give you good price" and to "come on in". I hesitated and asked her to verify my insurance information and that I need a quote from her for my total out-of-pocket expense for the services I requested.

She asked me to fax over the insurance information which I did. She called back an hour later and told me that she checked my insurance information it will cost me $55 for the eye exam, after whatever my insurance covers. She also said that the insurance pays $75 towards eyewear, so at $25 a box, I get 3 boxes covered under insurance and the fourth one will be $25. I then verified with her, that my out-of-pocket cost will be $55 for the exam and $25 for the 4 boxes of contact lenses and she said "yes, come on in". I also asked her if I can get a copy of the eye exam prescription from the doctor and she said "sure."

On Feb. 25, I called Pearle again, talked to Alexandra to make an appointment. I also verified with her the above price and terms and she said "Oh, yes."

On Feb. 27, my wife, Sophia, went for her appointment. I asked Sophia to verify everything with them when she goes before doing anything!!! She talked to Alexandra, who agreed to it all again for the THIRD time. After going in with the doctor for the exam, she went to pay for it, and Connie wanted to charge her $72 for the exam instead of $55. Connie claimed that Alexandra made a mistake. We tried to explain that Alexandra told us otherwise, but she said that Alexandra made a mistake and going back and forth with her for 10 minutes over what happened and what we agreed to 3 times was merely a waste of my time. Alexandra who was right there next to her said nothing. They said the contacts will be ready in 2-3 days.

Six days later, on March 5, my wife called and asked if her contacts were in yet. They said no and that we will call you when they are. She also asked that she will need the eye exam prescription from the doctor, but they said that they are not required to give that out. This is a medical record I paid for!!! This is also something to which they previously said "sure" .

Nine days later, on March 8, Pearle finally called, and Sophia went and picked up her contacts.

All I was requesting was:

1. They refund me back the $17 difference in price between what we agreed to THREE TIMES and the price I was charged. It a matter of principle.

2. A written copy of the eye exam prescription from the optometrist. Please refer to a similar case from the Federal Trade Commission that resulted in a $10,000 fine for violation of the FTC's Prescription Release Rule. (Again, a matter of priciple... Its not like I can't get them online...)

914 ELK GROVE TOWN CENTER PLAZA

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007

USA

847 357-8900

George

Addison, Illinois
U.S.A.


1 Updates & Rebuttals

Tasha

Milwaukee,
Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
A few things the consumer doesn't understand

#2UPDATE Employee

Mon, April 19, 2004

It is your responsibility as the consumer to verify your insurance benefits with your insurance company. They have 800 #'s and web sites that give you a detailed breakdown of your benefit. This information can not always be obtained by the optician or store you are dealing with as it is a violation of the Hipaa laws. As for contact prescriptions until March of this year an optometrist did not have to release a contact lens rx in most states as he/she is liable for the health of your eye. They did however pass a law this year that allows you to obtain your contact rx once the fitting has been finalized. Which means once the doctor has examined you and has verified that the prescription is correct and you can safely wear the lenses prescribed. This process generally takes at least 2 visits. I have been in optics fo 15 years and it always amazes me the lack of respect that patients have for their vision. Just because you are overwearing your lenses now and haven't had problems does not mmean that the long term non compliance will not come back at you at some point. When we do not give you exactly what you want it's not because we are trying to be RUDE or shuffle you out the door, it's because we are concerned professionals wanting you to get the best eyecare that you deserve and we sometimes care about your sight more than you do.

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