America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses

The short story = The staff was great, the finished product just so-so.I was treated kindly upon entering. My presence was acknowledged and without me feeling as though someone was going to «babysit» me while I was there. When I found the frames that I liked it took seconds for someone to help me with the rest. They checked my insurance info and explained what it covered and what it didn’t. I was able to get an eye exam within minutes of requesting it.
The first pair of glasses that I received were not right, just a little off. I was given a second eye exam and it was determined that the first prescription was incorrect. They replaced the glasses without hesitation but the second pair took more than double the time it took to get the original pair (a little over 3 weeks).
I’d possibly consider going back when I need glasses again but I can’t say that this first experience wowed me into any sense of customer loyalty.

After reading so many horrible reviews America’s Best, I decided to share my experience. Buying glasses normally takes weeks from purchase to completion, so I’ll keep updating my posts. The following is letter I posted through the company website on March 31.
I just purchased two pairs of glasses at your Westminster Md store yesterday. Cody assisted me and I just want to say he was charming and extremely competent. I broke my glasses and have a +11.00 bifocal prescription which means I am limited to glasses that are a 52 PD (pupil distance) or below for best fit. Cody was so patient helping me pick out frames. He made a call to the lab to ensure what size they felt would best work with a high power lens. I can’t see anything right now and it’s not like eye stores organize frames by PD size. We really had to do some searching. I found a lovely pair of discontinued Armani frames marked down (Ax 3008) for single vision and Commotion Assertive for my bifocals.
For 45 years I’ve used private optometrists but they (Levin) quoted me a price of $ 430 for one pair which was more than I was prepared to pay in an emergency. Cody fit me with two pairs for $ 297 and the service was as good as my privately owned optometrist. So, now all I have to do is squint my way through the next two weeks (thank God I don’t drive a car, right).
I have never used chain type stores for my eyewear because of the high prescription, Vision Works, Zenni and Warby Parker turned me away. I usually have to keep my glasses until they break (my last pair was 8 yrs ago) because of the expense and then I only have one pair at a time. If your company can successfully fill my prescriptions you will change the health of my eyes forever. Now I will always have to go to an Opthamalogist for my prescription, but even without the free exam it’s still a really good deal.
Sincerely
Eleanor
April 12, 2016
Hi just picked up 2 pairs of glasses this morning. Cody was there and it was nice to finally see what he looked like (really cute). My glasses are fine. The High index with the Verithin make them the thinnest glasses I’ve ever owned. Well worth the price. I will need some time getting use to the bifocal line… Both prescriptions are clear and accurate. Thank you Cody and Americas Best. See you in two years. Maybe sooner. I’m thinking of getting sunglasses next month.

You guys are a scam. Why advertise cheap glasses if you’re just gonna charge out the A** for lenses? I’ve been wearing glasses for 6 years and I’ve never had such bad customer service. Your warranty is extremely expensive, you don’t take insurance, your lenses are expensive, your frames are expensive AND break easily, and you won’t replace broken frames without warranty even if they were bought under 6 months ago. I will NEVER buy from you again, and I will suggest the same to everyone I know. Thank you for wasting my money.

I have had nothing but problems getting glasses. First time the glasses were so bad I couldn’t see at all. Turns out the first eye doctor gave me wrong prescription so they have me another eye exam and ordered new glasses. I went in to pick up my glasses that they told me were ready. When I got there it was actually my sunglasses that they hadn’t sent in for repair yet. 3 weeks later I got the new glasses, still wrong. Here we are 4 months later and I still don’t have my glasses, yes, they have been paid for.

I’ve been wearing glasses for 14 years – since high school – and this was the worst eyeglasses buying experience I’ve ever had. I don’t even know why I came here and it’s the first time I’ve gone somewhere without doing some research/​reviews of the business first. Lesson learned!
My advice:
1. Go to a ophthalmologist and get an eye exam and prescription
2. Get your frames (or contacts) online. If you MUST go to a place in person then go to place that has a lab on site (preferably NOT a franchise) so if there are any problems they can fix it right away.
Mark my words, don’t bring your hard-​earned money here. Franchise eyewear/​contact stores are the worst.