Stanton Optical

I arrive at 9:15 (for my 9:15 appointment), and go into the Waiting Room for the Optometrist.
The lights are off. The employee from the optician asks me to sign in. I cannot see. He agrees to turn-​on the light.
I wait. .. I go out and pick out 2 of the «Value» eyeglass frames (so I can get 2 pairs for $ 78, their ongoing special). STILL nobody’s there. That optician-​guy told me that the Optometrist was preparing in the back room.
At about 9:35, 2 people (one, who turned out to be the Optometrist) came up to the Waiting Room desk (but nobody talked to me). They chatted for a few minutes. (I wait) At (about) 9:55 the receptionist takes me over to the machine to (1) Look at a Balloon, and (2) Get a puff of air in each eye.
Later, the oriental Optometrist takes me to the Examination Room. He asked me when my last eye exam was … 10 months ago. He said: «Why are you coming back so quickly?» He seemed upset about it, and we talked for 2 minutes about why I am returning TOO early. I felt like I needed to apologize. Finally I asked: «Isn’t everyone supposed to get their eyes examined every 12 months?» He said yes. I said: «OK, I am 2 months early this time.» And, just as I suspected, my prescription on one side HAD changed.
After my exam (with other annoying comments from Doc), I asked for 2 pairs of Reading Glasses: (1) 2 Diopters, and (2) one-​quarter Diopter (to use generally indoors). He REALLY didn’t seem to want to allow me the one-​quarter Diopter prescription. I had to ask for it 3 times. WHEW, I survived the eye exam.
I went out and waited for the optician-​clerk to enter my order. I looked at one of my prescriptions, and noticed that the Optometrist has NOT filled it out correctly. I went back to the Waiting Room, and a couple minutes later, the Optometrist came up. I showed him my prescriptions, and said the 2 prescriptions should be 1.75 Diopters different (2 — .25). This was funny. I explained it to him twice, but he didn’t get it. I asked for a piece of paper. I wrote: «5 Diopters — .25 Diopters = 4.75 Diopters … 5 — 2 = 3 Diopters». He re-​rewote the «.25 Diopter» prescription.
The optician-​clerk REALLY wanted me to get UV protection (a $ 25 «extra»). I explained that Both Pair were for Indoor use only. This did not slow her down. She said that I should protect my eyes from sun damage with the UV filtering. Uh Huh.
Then, she said that the Frames I picked out were «Discontinued» and it would take longer to be delivered. ((Normally, a pair of glasses takes just a couple of days to be made.)) She refused to «Guess» at how much longer it would be. She would «find out» once the Order is processed. When she returned, she came up to my side, and handed me a Receipt, with a one-​month processing time printed on it, and immediately walked off (to go primp her hair in one of the mirrors).
I gathered up my stuff and followed 10 seconds behind her. I asked her to show me which of the «Value» frames were not discontinued. None. EVERY single Value frame in the store was Discontinued. I thought she was kidding, so I asked her again. .. she wasn’t kidding. Hmm, a subtle way to have people purchase the more-​Expensive frames (I guess).
Well, it is difficult to get 2 pairs for $ 78 … … but NOT impossible. Good Things Happen to those who Wait.

I told the sales person that I was shopping around for the best deal to suit my needs. I have seen several negative reviews pertaining Stanton Optical, therefore I prayed for Jesus to give me wisdom, favor, boldness, and to help me advocate on my own behalf in this endeavor. God is good all the time because He did just that.
I went into Stanton Optical as a walk-​in after I called their 877.518.5788 number. I spoke with a woman to confirm that I could still get the two pairs of glasses for $ 68 dollars deal which was advertised on the Internet. I also told her I had a tri-​focal prescription, and I asked three times if that $ 68 would cover trifocals. She confirmed that it did and that I would be able to get two pairs for $ 68. She said that deal would apply at the Stockton, CA store, and that I could just walk-​in.
Well, I found out that the girl who gave me that information pertaining to the $ 68/​2-​pairs-​of glasses was wrong. Upon entering Stanton Optical, I saw a sign that stated $ 78/​2-​pairs-​of glasses at the Stockton, CA location. I was sorely disappointed when the intake girl confirmed that this was the price at this location; in my annoyance, I almost walked out at that juncture, however I decided to stay after the she encourage me to take a look at their $ 78/​2-​pair frames. Nothing suited me in that section as all those frames were too narrow for my wide-​set temple.
I found an optical technician who had a similar face shape as mine: round/​square face with wide-​set temples, and she had a similar coloring: dark hair, dark eyes, and brown complexion. I figured she would be familiar with what frames that would compliment me.
She was able to show me frames specifically designed for extra-​wide temples, and my coloring. I also informed her that I work with active children, therefore my frames needed to be quite sturdy. At this point I knew it would cost me more than $ 78/​2-​pairs since the frames in the $ 78/​2-​pair section were flimsy, and too narrow for me. I was disappointed that I was not going to be able to get that über-​low-​cost deal, but I also understood that no matter where I shopped for glasses, I would have to get extra-​wide frames, and that my prescription would probably cost a little more to fulfill: astigmatism in addition to being trifocal, and needing wider lenses. She showed me a section with more expensive frames that were durable and would suit my wide temple-​width.
After spending approximately 1.5 hours this sales/​optical-​technician to determine what add-​ons were desired/​recommended for my situation, the cost came out to be a whopping $ 350 for my two pairs of glasses, even so, I felt Jesus peace with me and I simply said, «No, that won’t work for me since I am on a strict family-​budget.» She then offered me other payment options, but I told her that those payments were still to high and that my credit would not work for their in-​house-​financing option, albeit I did allow her to run my credit to investigate that route in case I was mistaken.
The sales-​girl went into the office to check my credit and confirmed what I told her: that I did not qualify for their financing. I thanked the sales person for all their time and assistance, and told her I was going to continue my search elsewhere since $ 350 was the best they could offer for my situation, and I was not expecting to pay more than $ 68+tax for 2 pair when I walked into Stanton. She said she understood and proceeded to then ask for my patience while she when into the office to check one last option.
After about 5 minutes, she emerged with the sales manager next to her. He personally assessed my situation and was able determine that I did not need all my desired additional lens coatings, but he left the recommended coatings on. This reduced the price, then he was able to use his manager codes to give me additional discounts that were not available to me. I felt that he went above and beyond to help me obtain these glasses at an affordable price.
My glasses went from costing apprx. $ 350 to about $ 178. They allowed me to put down a deposit of $ 78. and upon paying the balance at a later date, I was able to pick up my glasses. Both pairs of spectacles were ready within 7 days even with all the add-​on and special requirements. My cost was now affordable, and I was able to obtain two pairs of stylish glasses. I love both pairs, and I have had no problems with my glasses except I am still getting accustomed to wearing trifocals.
Overall, I had a good experience with Stanton Optical. I am grateful that I prayed for Jesus to advocate for me throughout this process. I know that He made this a good experience as He helped me to clearly express what I expected and needed, and He gave me favor with the Sales/​optical-​tech and with the manager.
Also, I was able to convey my good experience with the owners who were present in the office. They were approachable, friendly, and attentive which also added to my good impression of this establishment. :) :)