Vision Express UK

Just a review on the service as I didn’t actually use any of their services.
I went in just to see how much to replace the screw in my partner’s cheapie sunglasses would be. The fellow who served me was super nice, said it would be free, and gave me a small talk on the importance of UV filters. It was nice to be served by someone who cares!
I tried on a few frames while I waited, glad they weren’t all locked up like some places.
When I need my next eye/​glasses appointment– I will be going here!

I ordered some glasses and paid for them on 12^th May 2013, for a total of £260.
I was told it would be 2 — 3 weeks (so 2^nd Jun at worst).
After 1 week of waiting I was told I couldn’t get the product I want and asked if I like a differ colour/​lens. I didn’t want a different option, so Zebbie (who seemed to be very helpful at this stage) said she would get the frame from one place and then send to Oakley to get sorted. This would take probably 7 – 10 working days for the frame then 2 – 3 weeks to get back from Oakley, which would mean they arrive at latest, week commencing17th Jun.
I called during this time (29^th May) and was told they are on the case with it and «not to worry» and «I know you are there, i was told there was an order due in which it should be on and she would send off for lens so should be just around 2 –3 weeks, so I was thinking the 19^th Jun at worst. She also mentioned she would let me know if there was a problem
I called on Fri 21^st of Jun and told by a variety of people they dont know what is happening, the girl who ordered it is off and they will get someone to call back. This was foloowed by the whole weekend of this happenign and getting no call backs of info.
Finally on Monday 24^th Jun, just over 6 weeks after initial order I got a call saying she doesn’t know what is happening and she is chasing the vender for frames. She apologised for delay as she was off sick, but her colleagues should have told me that. She said she didn’t want to call without an answer, but really at this stage a courtesy call would have been expected surely?
Zebbie then called me back to say that she had spoken to distributor and they have a record of it being sent on the 2^nd Jun, which is the week that Zebbie was expecting the delivery when I called on 29^th May. She then told me that they had not received them in to the store. This is very frustrating as it means she did not look our for them as promised, nor had she even checked for them any time after the 2^nd Jun until today (24^th Jun), she had forgotten about me and the order. Despite telling me that someone had checked for them. If they had checked she would have found this out sooner she could have rectified it or at least told me as she said she would. She said she would order them today if I wanted. This would mean expected delivery of 8^th Jul at the latest, then send to Oakley for a 2 – 3 week turn around. This would mean I could expect my glasses to arrive at the latest 30^th Jul which I originally ordered and paid for on the 12^th May which is more than 11 weeks!
What a wast of time the whole ordeal was.
As much as I hate to think is terms of advertising I can help but think «should’ve gone to specsavers».

went to change my frame as my lenses were pretty much scratched. last time i was there was 2010 january loved the experience, ended up buying 2 branded frames, one oakley and tagheuer. so when i went in the staff asked my name and got details from their system. i said my lenses have been scratched due to rough use and it might be a good time for a style change. the staff said we will book you for an eye scan since its been 2 years, do a free checkup and i can choose my choice of frame. the day i went in this thursday got my check up done, wonderful staff, made me smile, nice experience but then when it was time to choose frames they charged me 28 pounds for the eye test. since it was nearing the closing time i was rushed through the frames, they gave 2 options, get 1 frame or 2 frames with 1 branded and second frame 99 pound free. for the thin lenses with scratch proof and antiglare coating with my prescription would cost additional 143 pounds on an individual branded frame, but if im to choose a second frame they could offer the lenses for 63 pounds each and the second frame should be on the 99 pound price. 99 pound frames wasnt appealing, felt bad quality and design, wasn’t up to my liking and due to closing time i said i will come another day so i can choose properly with no pressure. i made my payment and since i was upset about 28 pounds they said they will refund when i make purchase. this was thursday evening. today i nipped down to central opticians in hendon central. looked like a small independent shop saw some brand names so i checked in. i said what my intensions were, they were more than accomadating, i ended up spenting just 125 pounds for a stylish polo frame with the thin prescription lenses with anti glare included. they even offered me to give another frame as i liked it too at a good deal even on a later date if i decided to buy whenever in the future. now thats service. i was sold by that very instance. bought me a genuine smile. to my amazement its just a independent local shop but they actually care for their customers. i used to have likings to vision express but henceforth i dont think i will be walking to that place anytime soon. its a huge thumbs down to vision express brent cross, i feel i been rescued from a rip off. this has reinforced my thoughts for online shopping looking for better deals and avoid whenever possible the retail shopping experience, its also brought a soft spot to support local shops who give higher importance to customer satisfaction and many times for better price and quality products. the one star i gave is for the lady who tested my eyes in vision express and for the staff who was patient with me. thats all the positive i can give. negatives well i feel ripped off my 28 pounds because i was told otherwise. not even that they even showed me my records of 2 years ago and said you paid 28 pounds for the eye test back then and we only charging you the same 145 pound price of 2 years ago for the thin prescription lenses. it made me think their offer for me today was based on how much i had spent 2 years ago and if it was a new customer completely the company would have given a completely different price offer; atleast thats how i felt it came across. i see they have lost their spark and charm they used to have, thats what bought me back to the same place 2 year later. its high time the company realise its a competitive market and customer is always king. its as i said i wont be coming to you anytime soon and i believe my vision express card is soon going to the shredder where it rightfully belongs!