Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets Fraudulent practices by optometrist Tampa, Florida

I had taken my son for his eye exam at Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets in Tampa, Florida.  After my son's eye exam we selected his pair of glasses. When we were called up to the counter so his eyeglass fitting could be checked.

Prior to arriving at the place, I had called my insurance company to confirm and make sure that eyeglasses and exams were covered. After the eyeglass fitting was complete for my son, the lady at the counter entered all of my data into the computer, then announced to me a total of $110. I was alarmed. I asked why the insurance was not covering for the whole cost, and she explained that my insurance does not cover the lenses my son needed.

She went on to explain that because of my son's astigmatism, the doctor prescribed polycarbonate lenses which I had to purchase. I told her that at the time I was unemployed and could not afford the $110. I also asked her if I had any other options. She told me that because they were prescribed by the doctor, I had no choice and nothing could be done. I looked and my son's prescription and underneath polycarbonate, which was circled, was the word required written by the doctor. She had also circled UV coating and anti-reflective.   I also finally asked if the doctor could be asked again to see if my son absolutely needed those lenses and she said, "no".

She told me I could pay half now and half upon picking up the glasses to make it easier. So I paid $55. We had arrived at 3:45pm for our 4pm appointment and it was 6:15pm. The place was officially closed. I had seen the doctor walk out and I did not know what else to do.

The next day, Saturday morning, I called the Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets and told them that I did not want the pair of glasses from them. I asked if they could cancel the order. I told them that I had called Walmart and found them much more reasonable for the same type of lenses. I was told that the glasses had already been shipped out the day before and were already made.

I then called my insurance company and asked that they pay for my son's special polycarbonate lenses since they were required by the doctor. I complained and told them that since it was a medical requirement they should cover and pay for it. My insurance company asked that I fax them my bill and copy of my son's prescription so they could look into the matter. I immediately faxed them.

The following day I received a phone call from my insurance company stating that they were not going to cover the $110 because the  Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets told them that I had selected the special lenses and they were never required by the doctor!!! I was shocked, to say the least! I could not believe what I was hearing. I asked the insurance company if they had looked into the prescription I had faxed them because the prescription had required hand written on it by the doctor. The insurance company stated that they had spoken directly to the doctor at the Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets who told them that she had written required on his prescription only because it was meant/required for her to speak to me about polycarbonate lenses and I was not required to purchase them.

I felt so scammed. I could not believe the scenario I had been placed in and the amount of deception.