Direct Optical

Eye exam portion of this business is good. Customer service is decent. The real issue is the quality of lenses. Not sure how they can make such bad lenses, but they managed it for me two times in a row. In both cases, one of the lenses in each pair of glasses, bought separately in 2004 and in 2008, developed cracks by itself. Had numerous glasses from various places for 40 years, never saw anything like that happening with lenses. Manager said to contact owner, which was done, but owner didn't reply to my e-mail. I guess they don't care and are not looking to improve or resolve serious issues. I didn't go to court, like Ian M did, I have no time for this sort of stuff, but I'm certainly going to remember not to do any business with DO in the future, no matter what, and do not recommeded DO to anybody looking for a quality pair of glasses. more

My experience with Direct Optical Superstore started great but is ending in small claims court. The woman I made the appointment with over the phone was very friendly. The Ophthalmologist was great and provided a much more comprehensive exam than I received in the past at Pearle Vision. And the “stylists” in the store were great. I worked with Marina (?) and someone else who helped me select frames that I really love.\r \r But in less than 3 weeks, the lenses were scratched and gouged. I went to the store and spoke with Robert. He said that the scratches were so severe they were not covered by their warranty. I explained that I’ve worn glasses for nearly 30 years and that I’ve never had any lenses get so scratched, period, let alone within only 2.5 weeks of ownership. I asked to speak with a manager. He said she would call me the next day.\r \r As promised the Owner called me the next day. Mariana repeated what Robert told me—that the lenses were so scratched that they would not be covered by warranty. I suggested that if the lenses were in such a defective state, that would be exactly what the warranty was for. I asked how it was possible that I could wear numerous other glasses for 30 years and never get such bad scratches. I also asked what would cause such terrible starches and she had no idea. She eventually offered to replace the lens at half price. I paid $584 for the glasses and this meant I would need to pay another $100+ to return them to non-defective condition. \r \r I continued to leave messages for Mariana with the store manager Pauline. I said I wanted them to replace the one lens at no charge to me or I would dispute the charges with my credit card company. After a few days of no call back, I filed the dispute. \r \r The dispute is still on-going and is wasting my time. So I posted a note on Facebook and LinkedIn saying that if Direct Optical didn’t replace the lens at no charge that I would tell my colleagues and friends about my bad experience—I should spare my friends the hassle. Within a few hours, Mariana called me at work and threatened to tell my employee that I was threating her. I tried to reason with her that I wasn’t threating her, but that I was just being honest. She told me to never contact them again or go into their store. I replied that her decision left me with only one other option—small claims court.\r \r All I want is for Direct Optical to stand behind their merchandise and replace the defective lens at no cost to me. I’ve tried to be reasonable and patient, but they have forced me to take greater action than I would have preferred. \r \r UPDATE: As promised, Direct Optical followed through on their assurance to call my employer. On June 21, Dennis Chaiken (the owner) called my office and asked for my supervisor. He was transferred to my business partner. Dennis left a voicemail requesting that my ‘boss’ call him back immediately as he had ‘something very important to discuss regarding one of your employees’. I’m glad Dennis has the time to call my colleagues, but not call me or fix my lens. more

Upon entering the Farmington Hills location I was warmly greeted by Cathy she was friendly asked questions about my visit. Told her I was interested in employment opportunities. She told me a Mgr would be with mw shortly. I have an Extensive resume and was dressed for success. Was looking forward to meeting the Mgr thx to Cathys initial greeting. I met Lakeshia she was disinterested in meeting me seemed to me like I was a total waste of her time.I probably have years more optical experience and the stretch pants didnt impress me. This is a medical and fashion industry, we as professionals need to reinforce that. With the short time spent she asked me no questions or offered any information about the business. Unfortunity she let a superb possible employee leave with a bad taste in her mouth. I am considered thru out the optical industry as an outstanding professional and person. I feel bad for the employess who have such unenthusiastic managers. I will not recommend this location to my friends and family members. When I get gameful employment I will contact Cathy for a future posistion. I generally dont write this type of review but this was my experience . more

AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE. Every time I have been in the store, the manager and staff were always professional and friendly and a real pleasure to deal with. On Sat. June 14, 2008 the owner of Direct Optical, Dennis Chaiken, went over and above to give me the most exceptional customer service. He exceeded my expectations. Mr. Chaiken is a professional who truly cares about his customers. I highly recommend Direct Optical. Wonderful place to purchase eye glasses. \r \r more

I've been wearing glasses for over 35 years and always felt buying them was like buying a car from a used car salesman. I walked in just to browse, check out prices, and liked what I saw. They were able to get me in to see an Optometrist for an exam within 20 minutes. He was very friendly and helpful in getting the right prescription; a vast improvement from my current one. The woman that helped me pick out glasses was also great; friendly, professional, and patient. She also helped me with sunglasses that meet all my needs. I spoke with a couple other employees who showed the same friendliness and desire to be helpful. No pushing to get little extras that aren't necessary or wanted. \r Not sure what problems others had as they're not very specific, but I found it to be a positive buying experience, and believe me I'm very picky and conservative about what I put on my face. Pros: Frame selection and prices to fit any budget more

I would not recomend going here. The people who work do not know what is going on, doesn't matter who you talk to, on the phone or when you come in person. They also don't tell you that all the so called ""free frames"" are discontinued either. Not much of a deal if you ask me. The owner also doesn't kinow who he deals with as either does the staff. I was in there a few weeks ago with a problem, the girl who was taking care of me went & got the owener. He came out & talked to my sister, the girl who waited on me didn't say anything. When my sister spoke up he just sat the looking dumb, no apology & then talked to me. They don't honor their agreement & they have no clue of what anybody is doing. There is no follow up of anything, very disappointed.\r Pros-none\r Cons-don't waste your time or money Cons: Only one nice person in store who knew what they were doing. more

STAY AWAY FROM THESE SNOTTY BROADS AND JERKY LITTLE MAN! STAY AWAY FROM THESE SNOTTY BROADS AND JERKY LITTLE MAN! STAY AWAY FROM THESE SNOTTY BROADS AND JERKY LITTLE MAN! STAY AWAY FROM THESE SNOTTY BROADS AND JERKY LITTLE MAN! STAY AWAY FROM THESE SNOTTY BROADS AND JERKY LITTLE MAN! Cons: TOO MANY TO LIST more

After shopping around for glasses elsewhere and becoming increasingly frustrated with hidden costs and misleading advertising, I decided to just stop in Direct Optical to see what they had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised. They have a great selection of designer frames at excellent prices. I ended up getting a thorough eye exam, and 2 pair of glasses (reg and Rx sunglasses) at 50% off the lowest price I found elsewhere. Because I had a weekend appointment and the store was quite busy,I didn't get my glasses the same day but I did get attentive, pleasant, fast and highly professional service in spite of the number of people in the store. I particularly appreciated the fact that the walls of frames contained the full price of the glasses, including the lenses. I also was very surpised to find that they had a walk-in special. The exact terms were outlined and the selection was phenominal. I usually don't write reviews, but I felt compelled to pass along this 'find'. more

You can get name brand frames with clips, lenses and so on for 1/3 of what others charge. They also have wall after wall of frame designs. There are no 50% off sales because they are always low in price. They can also do eye exams and make their glasses on site. Try them, you won't be disappointed. Pros: Huge selection of frames Cons: Always busy, may not be able to get same day glasses. more