I have recently ordered a pair of high power (minus + astigmatism) high index bifocals. The optician I am working with had given me a quote on the lenses several months prior to my placing the order. When I came back several months later to place the order, I asked the optician about any changes in cost. She said that the lab that she uses did raise their prices. When, right before placing the order, I asked her to give me an exact quote, she simply said that she would honor the original quote and that she would give me the best price she could. When the glasses arrived, the price tag (and this is just for the lenses!) was $600 as opposed $400, which was originally quoted. Furthermore, I feel that one of the lenses is not centered perfectly because the dispersion and limited visual acuity (due to high index) is greater when I slightly turn my head to the left than when I turn it to the right. To be able to see clearly, I basically have to look at the object straight. I have a comparable pair of high index glasses (same power), and I don't have this problem when I wear them. I have brought up the difference in cost and the abnormally limited visual field on one side with the optician. Her response was:
1. She will not take the glasses back under any circumstances because they were custom made and her own costs were very high (I understand her costs were around $200).
2. She is willing to cut the price down the original quote only if I take them as is and walk away.
3. If she has to send them back for a remake or any adjustments, she will charge me the full $600.
I am obviously not happy with the price-quality combination of the product. I have tried to find a compromise. I offered to cover her entire expenses related to the glasses if I could return them and get some of my $ back. I suggested exchanging the glasses for a pair of contacts (which would be cheaper and I would be at loss anyway). The optician would not even consider any of those option.
Bottom line: I pay $600 if any changes need to be made to the glasses, or I pay $400 and walk away with the product I am not happy with and not sure I can wear.
I am trying to work this out in an amiable way because the optician, supposedly, is the best in town at fitting gas perms, which I would like to get.
On the other hand, if I am being taken advantage of, I would like to know so that I won't sink another $400 on the contacts (yes, her quote for gas perms, including the contacts cost and labor was $400).
I would appreciate any feedback/advice, especially from other opticians who are familiar with the intricacies of the trade. Thank you!
Is my optician taking advantage of me?
You should be property fitted/adjusted to your new glasses, or a refund.
You can purchase gas perm contacts online with a prescription at
EYE CARE FASHION dot COM
No labor costs involved with contact lenses... your eye doctor should fit you for free.
