To: bovik@CS.CMU.EDU
Subject: Glasses - American's Best
Date: Sat, 13 Apr 91 11:14:08 EDT
Message-ID: <2776.671555648@CIVE.RI.CMU.EDU>
From: Fang.Zhao@CIVE.RI.CMU.EDU


Here is a summary of the replies I got about American's Best.

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I used America's Best when I was in Philadelphia.  I got glasses and contacts,
plus a 5-year "eye care plan" that allowed unlimited free exams, a discount
on glasses, and contact lens replacement for a $25/lens flat fee (these were
for gas-permeable lenses - I think it was cheaper for soft lenses).  I don't
know if they offer this plan anymore, but I was impressed that I could transfer
the plan to the Downtown Pittsburgh office without any problem.  I recently
got a new pair of lenses and a pair of glasses (which were wonderful, but I
unfortuately left them in a rental car in Dallas, and the car rental place
was never able to find them....) from them.

The only complaint I have about them is that you tend to spend a large
amount of time in the waiting room - if you have an N o'clock appointment,
don't expect to get in to see the doctor before N+30 minutes.

And if you're going to the downtown office, don't be worried by the fact
that the doctor is named Dr. Tesla - at least, I didn't see any huge spark
coils or anything while I was there... :-)  He's actually a pretty good
guy.

--Pat.

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i bought contact lenses from them about 4 years ago on a similar
amazing deal.  i think they do a fine job.

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Guide to Living in Pittsburgh says they are the "least bad of the discount
contact lens busnesses."

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I have my glasses and contact lenses from that place. The work is good, the
service not the best. The 39.9 deal is about the simplest type glasses. Other
on display are more expensive.

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I took advantage of the $39.99 deal.  They have a dozen or so
frames to choose from (they have many more that are more
expensive).  They will try to talk you into the more expensive
frames & packages.  They will try to add in tinted lenses &
insurance.  For $39.99 it's worth it to not by any insurance.
I've been wearing my frames for 2 yrs now.  The hinges are
starting to wear out (I keep tightening them but they keep
coming loose).

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The last time I looked in Bovik's files I remember reading to STAY AWAY from
America's Best at all costs!  I don't remember the exact reasons, but know
that several people agreed.

My wife has had good luck with "Eye & Ear" downtown.  They also offer
incredibly cheap prices, but seem to do a decent job.  Expect to end up
paying $20-40 more than the advertised price by the time they tack on things
like service contracts, scratch coatings, and plastic eyeglass lenses (things
you probably DO want).  They are still a much better deal than other places
even with the add-ons (which also cost extra at other places).  Look in the
Donnelley Directory for coupons and their phone number.

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No comments on quality of work, but at least a few years ago when I
tried them, their wait time was consistantly 1/2 hour, sometimes as
bad as a whole hour.  Factor in the inconvience and consider the value
of your time before going with them, or perhaps bring a journal or book and
plan to catch up on your reading.   :)

Ken

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Subject: No!  Don't Do It!

I got tricked by America's Best also.

1) The eye exam was totally useless; I got a prescription I literally could
not see out of.
2) Only certain frames are two for $39.95.  In particular, only *very* *small*
frames are that cheap.  They wouldn't even fit on my head; I wound up buying
1 pair for $79 ... once you drag yourself downtown and actually get into their
store, you're not likely to change your mind.

So;  if you have a small head and don't mind ugly glasses, you might try it.
But I suspect you won't find anything useful there, Fang.  If you *do* go,
ask to see which frames are 2 for $39.95 BEFORE you take the eye exam, fill
out forms, etc.

Hope this helps.

	-Peter

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