A few years ago, I got some great reading glasses from these guys and had no problems. However, in 2016-early 2017, my experience was more like a used car lot, with bait-and-switch sales tricks. The doctor doing the eye exam was fine. The gal who helped me with my frames was very polite, friendly and helpful. I picked out a frame made by "Jack Spade." The sales gal then proceeded to recommend other features, like UV glare resistance, etc. I was hesitant, but she claimed that it would only cost me about $100 out of pocket after my insurance coverage. That didn't seem too bad, so I selected one or two small additional features. A month later, a bill arrives for $350. That's a bit more than $100. Now, another big problem is that these Jack Spade frames were constantly falling apart. Every week or two, one of the screws would fall out. I replaced it myself a half-dozen times, and brought them to Hawthorne Vision once and had them repair it. The problem continued until I finally called them and told them I couldn't deal with the frames anymore. The gal on the phone very kindly offered to "swap them out" for a better pair. I returned to the shop, and she did swap them out for a similar pair made by "ProDesign." I left the Jack Spades with her and left with the new frames. These ProDesigns are much more solidly made and haven't fallen apart once. However... yesterday I get a bill in the mail for $143! At no point during my phone call or my visit did anyone mention there would be additional charges. I call them, and speak to "Elaine" who explains that they made a mistake, and my final bill is actually $93.00. Not good enough. She talks to her office manager and offers me a $4.00 discount. Still not good enough. Again, when you are told that a business will "Swap out" an inferior product for one that actually functions, and when you are NOT told to expect more charges, I don't think it's appropriate to get a hefty bill in the mail.
Sadly, despite having a good experience in 2013 (which is why I came back), now it's all about additional charges. Upsold a lot of junk that was conveniently all "non refundable," but of course they never mention that upfront. In the end, they sold me a pair of glasses that were so poorly designed for someone with complex vision that they had to be completely redone, and replaced with much simpler and less expensive ones. Of course, not a single penny for all the extras was refunded. Dishonest, money grubbing loses you another customer.
I have always been happy with my service at Hawthorne Vision. A patient now for over 4 years, I have found all staff to be very personable, qualified and helpful. Dr Uhlig is wonderful! My eye problems are complex and she has proven her expertise at handling them well, including referring me to the best opthamology surgical specialists when needed. I heartily recommend Hawthorne Vision Center!
I made an appointment here because I was told they were great with kids and are willing to work with children who have disabilities. This is in no way true. They were totally unwilling to make a slight accommodation for my child - something which I made them aware of when I made the appointment. Having waited two months for the appointment and having them cancel it the day before was brutal. I called around to three other offices, each of which was more than willing to accommodate him and each was shocked and perplexed that Hawthorne Vision Center would not.
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