JCPenney Optical

$ 55 + $ 59 + $ 55 = $ 169
I took a gamble with a Groupon ($ 55 for $ 290 on a single lens frame) at JCP Optical since there weren’t many reviews of the place. I don’t have vision insurance, but went because the location is local, and plus I lost my last pair of glasses. Here’s my experience:
SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT
Looked up their website, but there’s no online appointment booking. You pretty much have to call to set up an appointment, but it was fairly easy to do so. I believe their business hours are from 10am-​7pm on weekdays, and less during the weekends (I think they close around 4−5pm).
The optical department is on the first floor, next to the men’s sports section. Try to look for parking inside the parking structure and you’ll walk right in.
EYE EXAM
Dr. Helen Hwee was very personable and explained everything during the exam. One of things I usually hate about eye exams are those wind burst tests into your eyeball. Well, they do that here. Instead, I was given an eyedrop anesthetic which lasts 5 mins and then you look at this blue light, which touches your eye but you don’t get as irritated. All in all, perhaps the most pleasant and comfortable eye exam I’ve ever had. The cost of the exam — $ 59.
SELECTING GLASSES
Their selection is not terribly diverse, which is a negative since my Groupon covers $ 290 for the frame. I think most of the men’s options never reached $ 200. I don’t remember all the brands they carried — there was St. John’s Bay, Stafford, Max Cole… To be honest, most of them weren’t terribly impressive.
I was sad to hear that the Groupon didn’t cover the prescription lenses too, though I kinda expected that. So the sales lady was trying to sell me on expensive lenses, but knowing my track record for losing stuff, I opted for the cheapest plastic lenses. Cost — $ 55.
She said that they would call me when the glasses were ready in 2 weeks, which seems like a long time. Hopefully they are underpromising/​overdelivering, as I know other places can get them done in a week. I will write an update when I receive the glasses.
VERDICT
I wish there were more selection, so if anyone else has this Groupon, perhaps try a different location. The overall price I paid for everything ($ 169) isn’t too bad. I will say that I was very happy with the eye exam, so I may return just for that next time.

Great customer service! Very helpful staff. I actually first went to another big name eyeglass company in the mall and had a bad experience them came to optical center inside jcpenney. I loved their selection. They were even able to get them to me in less time then originally quoted. I highly recommend!