The LensCrafters vs. Pearle Vision comparisons are about choice and competition – choice for the consumers and competition among these optical retail chains, to be more specific. When these chains compete with each other in providing consumers with newer and better products and services, the consumers can directly benefit!
Emphasis must be made that based on recent information, both LensCrafters and Pearle Vision are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Luxottica, the largest optical retailer globally. But these are two different companies and, as such, have differences in their vision and mission, product lines, and customer service, among other aspects.
Crafting Your Eyewear at LensCrafters
The best thing about the LensCrafters chain is that it’s an 850-strong and counting chain so there’s likely one in every major city across the United States; it’s also considered as one of the largest of its kind in the country for this reason. The chain also has an official website where reliable information about locations, products and services, and insurance plans accepted can be found.
Every LensCrafters store accepts both online and walk-in clients, a good thing considering that booking an appointment online may not be possible due to various reasons like an emergency replacement. Whenever possible, nonetheless, making an appointment is recommended because of the convenience, especially during busy days. Most, if not all, LensCrafters locations are open on weekends so buying, replacing and repairing eyeglasses shouldn’t be problem.
The customer service at every LensCrafters store is almost always topnotch, as evinced by positive feedback on review sites. The employees and managers value competence and courtesy as much as compassion for the needs of their customers – and it definitely shows in the way that they deal with their clients. Many customers say that LensCrafters employees have an uncommon dedication to ensuring that their clients’ optical needs are addressed well, if not to near-perfection.
While the prices of eyewear and accessories at LensCrafters stores are on the midrange of the spectrum – it isn’t exactly a discount retailer – there are promotions and discounts at certain times of the year. Plus, customers can also use their vision insurance plans to lessen their out-of-pocket expenses; ask your local LensCrafters store whether your plan is accepted or not.
Bringing Back Your Good Vision at Pearle Vision
Just as with LensCrafters, the employees from the optometrist to the receptionist at Pearle Vision stores are nice, helpful and professional, even for people that only comes once a year for their annual visit. Customers can also either book their appointments online or walk into an open store for their needs in eyeglasses.
The eye exams are usually conducted by an in-house optometrist although there are stores where these tests are conducted by independent optometrists near the store. The fees vary between stores and tests (i.e., depending on the type of tests conducted before a prescription was made) but the application of visual insurance coverage decreases out-of-pocket costs.
Like at its sister brand, LensCrafters, the prices of the products at Pearle Vision are in the midrange although there are also designer glasses available. Keep in mind, too, that you aren’t just paying for the frame and lens but, more importantly, for the professional expertise of the employees. You want to get the best possible product and service for your money so you have to be prepared to pay for it.
Most Pearle Vision stores also have excellent turnaround times. You can get your prescription glasses within the day if the store has it in stock while the standard turnaround time is 2-3 days. This is convenient when you consider that many of the chain’s competitors have longer turnaround times, sometimes 7 days at least.
In a LensCrafters vs. Pearle Vision comparison, the former will likely win but only by a small edge. Both optical retail chains are, after all, in a friendly competition with each other so you, the customer, will get the best deal for your eyewear.
