If I could leave 0 stars, I would. I have an astigmatism, and have only required prescription glasses for my night vision. I had my first eye exam at Pearle Vision - Hamilton Vision Center on 2/12/26. The Optometrist, Kristian Mostert, advised me that in addition to glasses for my night vision, I would benefit from a "plus 1", and so he suggested progressives. I didn't think progressives were appropriate, and then he suggested new magnetic clip-ons. I am ignorant when it comes to prescription eyewear, so I trusted his recommendations. He also advised that based on one of the tests, I have mild "dry eye". He suggested using eye drops 3-4 times/day and using a warm eye compress. I asked if a warm washcloth would work, and he recommended an eye mask that they sell at their location. He said to make a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks.
By the time my order was processed, the total was $622.65, and this was with my VSP discount. The representative explained that I would get two magnetic clip-ons for my glasses. I was also saving money by using my own frames. He told me the lenses needed to be cut by a lab tech, and they should arrive in about 1.5 weeks. I made my follow-up appointment, and opted to purchase the eye mask on Amazon.
The day before my follow-up appointment, (scheduled on 2/24/26), I received a voicemail from the front desk advising me that my appointment wouldn't be covered by insurance. I called back to clarify and was told that the follow-up was considered "medical" so my VSP would not cover, and my health insurance was out-of-network. I was told I could cancel or I could self-pay, and that if I did, it would be $115.00. I agreed to keep the appointment and self-pay since I had been doing the at-home treatment for close to two weeks.
I asked for an update on my lenses, and was told that the "promise by date" was 2/27/26. The next day, the front desk representative told me that I needed to pay $115.00 for the exam and $25.00 for imaging. I was upset that now there was an additional $25.00 fee, so I refused the imaging (but he clarified with a co-worker that the $25.00 was included in the $115.00).
I got the repeat testing/imaging, and then met with Kristian Mostert. He showed the imaging results and stated that although my results improved, I still had mild dry eye. He suddenly went into "salesman mode" and recommended low level light therapy (LLLT), which they conveniently specialized in. He said I needed to have 6 sessions to start, but they would give me the 6th session free. The sessions are 15 minutes, and $150.00 each, done once/week, for a total of 6 weeks. He said I should get it done at least once (but possibly twice) per year for maintenance/prevention. As I was processing, he asked, "I cannot remember, did you have a prescription?" I responded that I did, and when he pulled it up, he replied, "Oh, it's nothing." I felt a pit in my stomach, because if my prescription was "nothing" why had I already paid $622.65? I opted not to schedule the therapy.
I called on 2/28/26 because I hadn't heard about my lenses. The lenses were in, and I was told the tech would be in Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-4pm, the following week. I received a text on 3/3 confirming the same. I worked remotely on 3/6/26 and went during my lunch break. When I got there, I was told the lab tech wasn't there. I was livid and the front desk representative chimed in, "Well, he's not usually here on Fridays". I showed her the text and asked why I wasn't notified he wouldn't be there, and she could not answer. I demanded a refund, in addition to a print out of my prescription. I was so upset and deflated and felt I was taken advantage of (I cried all the way home). I'm a recent widow, and unexpectedly down to one income, and this experience was extremely frustrating and traumatic. If you have worn prescription glasses your entire life, you will probably do just fine at this location. But if you are vulnerable, and most importantly naive to prescription eyewear, I would strongly advise to avoid this location at all costs!
