Page 6 of 7 for Optical Express Reviews

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Postal Service

“Leaving a 1 star review which is beyond generous! I'd leave 0 star review if possible. This company's customer service is beyond shocking. I raised concerns on the 27th November and received an automated reply saying I would be contacted in 20 days! Yes DAYS! If they really cared about their customers it would not take them 20 days. It is now the 13th December and I am £149 out of pocket because of terrible service and still waiting for a response. I never normally go public with complaints but the public need to be aware of this "customer service". Please take my advise and go elsewhere! I will begin by stating I had laser eye surgery 10years ago with optical express but in recent months my vision has really declined. My issue started on the 27th November when I left the London Westfield store feeling unsatisfied and quite frankly upset. I first visited this store on 25th Nov for a consultation for laser eye surgery. Unfortunately following the review I am not a candidate for laser eye surgery at this moment in time but I am due back for review in a few months. In the meantime I was told I needed glasses and I have also chosen to get contact lenses. On this visit to the store I was initially extremely satisfied with everyone who served me - they went over and beyond to make me feel comfortable from start to finish. On tuesday 27th November I returned to this same store for a contact lens fitting and to chose glasses. Once again I was greeted with amazing customer service when arrived and when I went for the contact lens fitting. When I finished the lens fitting the lady brought me to another employee on the store floor and explained my situation and to please help me with choosing a pair of glasses. I have always hated the thought of wearing glasses and before coming into the store today I read on your website that part of your customer service is to help customers choose glasses that are right for them and their face - for the first time I was a little excited to get glasses! I was told to browse the glasses on display and someone would be with me. After a few minutes of browsing a young man came over and told me he would be helping me today. I explained I am only going to be wearing the glasses for a few month so I wanted an inexpensive pair and that in the past I had worn thin barely noticeable glasses - does he have anything he would suggest? To my shock he then proceeded to pick up the thickest black frame glasses I have ever seen in my life - the complete opposite to what I said. Maybe he misunderstood? So I repeated it was thin I was looking for. Again he proceeded to pick out another pair of grossly enlarged thick black framed glasses and said 'I like these'. He did not say why these would suit me just his personal opinion on glasses he liked. I was frustrated at this point and replied 'no'. With that he said "OK let me know when you need me' and walked away. I watched him walk over to another colleague and sit at a glasses fitting desk and have a chat to his colleague. I was shocked - what happened to the custom fitting and advise from an expert? I was by myself and extremely self-conscious about even trying a pair on and looking in the mirror. I walked back and forth lost for about 10minute when the same young man walked back and asked if I had found anything yet, I replied 'no' and he walked away again! Honestly at this point I felt like walking out of your store and going to Specsavers where I usually get my glasses from as I know I always have good customer service there and extremely helpful staff. But my eyesight has really gone down and the thought of having to wait another few weeks to get a pair of glasses to help me see again was just about enough to make me stay. I reluctantly choose a pair of glasses - not knowing if they suited me or if they were the right size glasses for my needs. I looked for the young man who had been 'serving me' before and he was still sitting chatting. So I had to queue at the main desk for service after a few minutes he eventually came up to the desk and I said I had chosen a pair that I wanted to go ahead with. He brought me to the glasses fitting desk and asked was I happy with my choice and I replied 'somewhat'. He looked at the glasses and said 'is this the best you could choose?'. I couldn't believe what I was hearing - my confidence was low enough and then to be told that! He then proceeded to tell me that he doesn't like these types of glasses - my confidence even lower. All while telling me why he doesn't like these glasses (all personal reasons may I add) he never once mentioned what might suit me better. As my confidence was so low I had no energy in me to ask what should I choose instead. So now I have paid for glasses which I thought were OK when I picked them but now I know I will never want to wear or have the confidence to wear due to his unthoughtful comments. Throughout the fitting my confidence in his ability to do his job correctly was at an all time low. And I can only hope he has ordered me the correct lenses and lenses for my glasses as he was staring into space and watching other people around him half of the time. I also booked in for a contact lens fitting on the 27th nov but there contact lens in my prescription was not available. I was told they would be ordered and I would be invited in for another fitting. On the 1st December I went back to Westfield for my contact lens fitting. When I put the lens in my eyes I felt an extreme discomfort in my left eye and I felt my vision wasn't very clear with the lens. Upon further investigation I was told there was debris on the contact lens in my left eye which was causing the discomfort and that it must be removed urgently. My eye sight was then re-tested and I was told my prescription was wrong and that I need a '1.25' prescription not a '1.00'. I informed the lady I had already ordered glasses in the '1.00' prescription to which she replied that the glasses should still be ok in that prescription. I then needed to learn how to remove the contact lens from my right eye as I struggled with this. I was then told that it would be the same young man who served my on he 27th November. He brought me into a room upstairs told me to take a seat. He then sat down and took out and looked at this mobile phone! After maybe a minute he put his mobile phone on the bin - I felt very uncomfortable to why he had his phone on display. He once again passed a belittling comment about how can I get a contact lens in and not out. He then attempted to show me show me how to remove the contact lens but he struggled himself to explain it. After a very poor attempt he told me to try. I then noted to him it would be impossible for me to remove a contact lens without a mirror - which he had not supplied! He then had to go off and source a mirror. His 'instructions' had left me confused and I really struggled while he offered no support. I then told him to get an optician to remove the contact as I was being tired of trying and no support or proper instructions. He then said he would remove it - there was no way I was letting him near my eye as he couldn't he do a fake demonstration. Thankfully whilst he went looking for the optician I managed to get the lens out. I left the store this time never wanting to return. Following my wrong lens prescription I doubted that the glasses prescription would be right. Thankfully I went to Specsavers that same day for an eye test. And I am so glad I did - the test confirmed I should indeed be a '1.25 not a 1.00'. So now I have spent £149 on glasses that I cannot wear and their "customer service" has not responded to me. All I want is my money refunded I am beyond disappointed and shocked at the staff knowledge in this store and feel the public need to be aware of what they may be greeted with before they spent large amounts of money with this company”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“One of the worst companies around for customers and staff”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“First time ordering from Optical Express. Ordered contact lenses on the 07/11/18 only to be advised 2 days later after querying why order was unfulfilled that at the time of the order these were not in stock. Why wasn’t I told this at the time of ordering? Might be better off going back to original supplier as would receive these next day .”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“I have never used Optical express before and thought I’d try them out. I booked in during a family visit to Belfast as they would be able to send the glasses to my local branch in Brighton. I had an eye test and needed a new prescription, so I ordered some Oakley frames and was told 5-7 working days and I’d get a call from the Brighton store. The girl who served me had tried to upgrade me to laser eye ( I told her my prescription was not that bad, and she actually agreed! worth a punt I suppose to upsell a service not needed) She tried hard to get me to spend up on frames, in the end I spent £239 on one pair. I paid by card and was told I didn’t need a receipt, she then disappeared sharpish to serve another customer and at that point it was a case of got your money, bye bye. So time passes and no calls, I tried the store to no avail, then 3 calls to Head office and was told I’d get a call at the end of the week, this never happened, and no one is willing to help. I’ve emailed Head office and the reply was simply “well will get back to you in 20 days” I’ve already been waiting 3 weeks. I’m disappointed that I have had to chase them, I’ve never had this experience with opticians, I have used independents along with the usual suspects, Specsavers, D&A etc and never had any issues. If you are looking around I don’t think the service is great and they are not great value for money, I’ve asked them for a refund as they have failed at their end to deliver my glasses or at least explain why I’ve not received them. I’m not holding out though for either. So I’m down £239 and need to go elsewhere for another test. I’ll stick to an independent from now on!”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“In my experience the OPTICAL EXPRESS clinical team are less than useless - in my experience downright danferous”

Helpful Report

Posted 7 years ago

“It allowed me to select my left and right eye requirements, however, when I went to checkout only my left eye box was in there. I went back numerous times to try and again and the same thing kept happening. In the end I bought two left eye boxes with different prescriptions”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“P aid £42 pounds (I have the receipt) . Then I received an email confirming that I had payed £30 thanking me for my custom! purchasing 2 boxes of lenses, 5 lenses in each box. ( on my computer) Been with Optical Express in Newcastle upon Tyne for more than 15years, very disappointed!”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“These people are terrible This is the letter I had to send to my credit card company OPTICAL EXPRESS EXETER Dear Sirs The reason I have asked you to help with this dispute is because this company seems to be the most dishonest people I have ever had to deal with. They have now told me the matter is closed and won't answer my calls. I feel I have done everything I can and it is now nine months later with no resolution. I did speak with your disputes team and informed them back in May. I had a consultation with Optical Express in February and decided that I would like to go to the next stage in the process of having eye surgery. In order to do that, they asked me to pay a £500.00 deposit. They explained that it was fully refundable and pointed out that the T&C's stated that. I paid by card which had to be processed at another location and I agreed to that as long as I got a receipt. I have requested a receipt but they refuse to give me one. The T&C's state, and I quote. (If for any reason, following discussion with one of our Refractive Surgeons, you decide not to proceed with treatment, all monies paid by you will be refunded, excluding any Refractive Surgeon appointment fee.) After the free Refractive appointment in Bristol I decided that I wouldn't proceed and consequently asked for a refund. The response was that because I hadn't cancelled within 7 days I was not due a refund. I have been back and forth with emails and phone calls asking them to explain the reason for ignoring the contract that I signed and had a copy of, but they refuse to acknowledge it, instead emailing me new ones which now say something different. They offered me a voucher to the value of £500.00 but I have lost any respect I originally had for them and wouldn't want to go back to them for anything. I have asked numerous times for a copy of the contract that I signed but they just ignore my request and keep saying I have the wrong version. They finally asked me to go to the store with my copy of the T&C'S so the personnel there could copy them and send to the customer services in Glasgow, after another long wait I had a very long badly written email saying sorry the matter is closed, which was surprising because the staff at the store had indicated that it would be all sorted and I would receive my refund. I still have not had a satisfactory explanation as to why they won't honour their contract with me. They must do this a lot, I have found subsequently lots of complaints about them and even Radio 4's consumer program warned about their tactics reporting the exact same problems. I have all the emails if you need I can forward on to you. I have enclosed printed copy of the T&C's I am happy for you to have the original if you need. I will also be seeking compensation from OP for the stress that this has caused me. I look forward to hearing from you Yours Sincerely C A Wheadon”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“Requested payment by credit card. Site asked for PayPal t’s and c’s to be approved although I selected NO to PayPal. Went through as PayPal payment despite not giving any PayPal details. I wait to see how the delivery goes.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“as soon as I had the consultation, I was given lots of paperwork to read through ( which I couldn't because of the eye drops.) I was then relieved of a deposit of £500.00. When I had read through all the paperwork the next day, I decided to cancel the treatment. When I rang to cancel, I asked about the £500.00 deposit and was told it could take up to 28 days to get the refund. Here we are 29 days later, and I haven't even had a phone call or an e-mail. I've just telephoned head office, who informed me that they cannot contact the people I need to speak to and they will ring me back within 48 HOURS. Definitely would not recommend optical express to anyone.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“Bad laser eye surgery experience, even when I went for the most expensive, customised option (iDesign) and the most experienced surgeon in London. The post-op care has been shirking responsibility as well so I feel very regretful of my entire experience and would highly recommend against going with them and going with a more personalised, boutique experience if possible and not a big chain.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“The worst experience I had with them when they come t take payment they phone u every single minute but when it comes to refund they just ignore you . I had my treatment cancelled in Birmingham branch and now when it comes to refund the deposit I paid they don't even speak over the phone . This is the WORST PLACE to deal with .”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“Disgrace this company should not hold a license to sell eye care to the general public , my glasses not 2 months old fell apart and optical express refuse to repair, they said they can if I pay , I of course refuse to do so both on Trading Standards rules and regulations and the manufacturers gaurunteee. They even took my glasses back , said they would look into it as I refused to pay for repair , then they call me twice say they are ready , when I go back today 26 January 2018 at 19:00 the shop assistant was shocked when she opened the box as there were my broken glasses The manage then took over and tried to blame me for breaking this glasses , why would I do that , he said he could repair but I need pay , he also admitted that the glasss had not been sent back anywhere for testing This is a disgrace they have had them many week and I am forced to wear reading glasses damaging my eyes further This company should be struck off from optical care they should not be trading they have no customer care and are an unethical company I will now seek compensation for my glasses , my many visits , the inconvenience and damage that this company is now causing me Please do not us this company unless your ready for a legal fight which I am to receive compensation I will also report to Trading Standards and I urge everyone that had a complaint to do the same No more thane Thieves , the only difference between Turpin and optical express staff is That Turpin wore a mask when robbing you”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I had an appointment on Saturday morning at the Kirkintilloch branch of Optical Express, for 10.45am. The agent that took my booking was called Kimberley. On arrival, Kimberley claimed to have no knowledge of my booking and suggested I had the wrong Company. She checked on her PC and found my booking but it was at 11 a.m. She said they were running at least an hour late and could I return in one hour? Of course this was unsuitable to me and cancelled the appointment. Would it not have been better customer service for Optical Express to phone forward and warn their customers of the delays? I think it was a poor service and doesn't warrant my custom.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I was told I had to pay up front before seeing the surgeon for laser surgery over £4500 . I was deemed unsuitable for surgery. Have been waiting 2months for my refund. Have been promised on three separate occasions but still waiting”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“I requested my £500 deposit back from them, in their contract they say it takes up to 28 working days. We are now a year later & still no refund! I have now received a COUNTY COURT JUGMENT AGAINST THEM so lets see what happens now. DO NOT PAY THEM ANYTHING UNLESS YOUR 100% ABOUT THE TREATMENT. Look on other sites I'm not the only one they have done it to.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“We decided the day after visiting the Laser eye clinic in Plymouth no to have the procedure. They say when they are selling you the deal that your deposit will be refunded but not before 30 days but soon there after. Lots of calls later and 4 months later & we are still waiting!! They just fob you off time and time again !”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 years ago

“Everything!!! Most incompetent company with none existing customer care. All I get is lies, lies and lies!!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“I really do wish I had gone elsewhere. I have waited over 20 years to be in a position to be able to afford laser eye surgery. I had my procedure in February of this year with Optical Express at Medowhall, Sheffield 1: The initial consultation is more selling exercise making the appointment last 40 minutes when it could easily be done in 15 (my first wait of many) 2; The day of surgery (I travelled to Sheffield) from the minute I sat in the HOT waiting area ,I felt like everyone was being trerated like cattle 3: I had my pre-tests done, taking a total of 15 minutes & then proceeded to sit there for over 3 hours, nobody lets you know what is going on & it was only because I started talking to another (very unhappy) customer who complained to a member of staff & was told they were "behind" so nice of them not to keep anyone informed. I could have spent the day going round Meadowhall instead of staring at daytime tv & having nothing to think about but the pending procedure & returned when they were ready for me but no, they like you all in the one area – waiting(again) in their hot, stuffy cattle pen! I eventually saw the surgeon who explained things very well & I had my surgery (painless & quick) & left OVER 4 hours after I had arrived when the total of around 1 hour would have been more than ample & that includes the surgery itself. They all give exactly the same readied excuse (as you will read further on). 4: I returned the following day for a check up, once again sat in a very hot room ...waiting...I complained after 40 minutes delay & around 5 minutes later was then seen by an optometrist (in an even HOTTER room which took around 5 minutes. I couldn’t’ wait to get out as I was starting to feel sick & dizzy at this point. 5: Upon exiting the room the saleswoman asked me if I would mind filling in a feedback from, I declined saying I was not feeling well & that my eyes were still sore & blurry from surgery but she would not take no for an answer then sat me down on a chair saying she would fill in the answers for me (I thought they didn’t push??) 6: I told the truth to the questions about my experience but, she got very arrogant, offended & slightly rude. And of course, she sang from the same Hymn sheet as everyone else I had complained to It doesn’t matter what they tell you, you DO NOT need to be there that ridiculous amount of time 7: And the cherry on the cake was I had to go to Boots myself (which was only a few shops away from them so they could have done this themselves) & purchase 2 bottles of expensive eye drops as I was running low & the sales assistant said they had none & when I complained about that, her solution was for me to take a 2 mile round trip to the nearest optical express to my home & see if they had any - Seriously I kid you not!! When I have spent a massive amount on laser eye surgery I DO NOT expect have to pay for my own aftercare that was supposed to be included - what a joke. All in all, If I had my time again I would certainly not choose Optical Express. Not the cheapest & their treatment of customers leaves a lot to be desired. I cannot tell you how upset I am at them ruining the experience for me. If I hear anything back from Optical Express regarding this review, I will certainly update this review as they seem to steer people from these pages to their customer services email address …”

Helpful Report

Posted 10 years ago

“Had my eyes lasered in 2011 cost over £4000 . but before I committed I was concerned about after care should I need them re done in the future , I was told in the Newcastle store that all after care was free for life and should they need re done when I was 75 they were free. So peace of mind !!!!!! Not so as I needed some eye drops and was told to pay as I had no proof of what I was told they said after a certain date it changed don't be ripped off , my eyes are still 20\20 luckily enough”

Helpful Report

Posted 10 years ago

Optical Express Reviews

Phone:

Email: