LensCrafters Reviews

Pros

Good benefits, including 401k and pension for full time; free pair eyewear annually; discounts for family and friends; good people to work with at store level.

Cons

Since I began working for LensCrafters more than 12 years ago, a lot has changed, most of which has not been beneficial. When I started as a Lab Tech, we had separate hours set aside for training hours that did not interfere with productive hours. We had 4 full time and 6 part time lab associates. I recently got a promotion to Lab Manager at a new store, but when I left my original store, we were reduced to 1 full time (lab manager) and 4 part time lab associates, and everyone is expected to be cross-trained to retail.

I have more than 25 years experience in the optical field and feel I should be able to run my lab in the most efficient manner if I was allowed to stay strictly in the lab. I was hired to work in the lab, not retail, and I have no desire to work retail, but all lab associates are expected to be cross-trained on retail, even though retail associates are not expected to train in the lab.

I'm very disappointed in the direction this company has gone. And, unfortunately, most of us that have worked for the company for more than 10 years are not in a position to find another job that will give us the benefits we're already receiving, so we're kind of stuck.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop spending money on gimmicks like Accufit. Any lab person can tell you that even if the measurements are "digitally precise", the lab equipment is not set up to be "digitally precise". Stop wasting time and money rolling out "new" sales methods. It's a waste of the associates' time and a waste of the company's money. Really listen to employees on the store level.

Pros

I believe that you have the ability to learn a lot at Lenscrafters if you want to, great place to work especially if you are interested in the health field.

Cons

It can be very automated at times, you feel more like a car sales man than a health care provider.

Advice to Senior Management

You need to follow through with your "employee promotions" the contests etc. are often presented as the newest greatest thing, and then we never hear back.

Pros

great benefits and good if you boss was cool

Cons

This company puts the dollar before the employee

Advice to Senior Management

Go back to your roots and have a people culture

Pros

No sales of product. Easy way to start an Optometry practice.

Cons

Non medical people deciding on patient's healthcare and pushing of product on consumers.

Advice to Senior Management

Leave the Optometry side alone. Set a base rent/lease and leave the OD side alone. Let the OD side have keys to the office they pay rent on. Keep out of the business of the leased Optometrist.

Pros

Other than working for a paycheck and if your passion is to help people in getting prescription eyeglasses, than this place is for you.

Cons

Having worked for LensCrafters for some time, I didn't realize that this company, Luxoticca, was more into about selling expensive lenses to their patients because at the time I was working there, we got commision on what we sold.

Advice to Senior Management

Management should attend classes on how to handle employees in a professional manner, not like little kids. I know that if I am spoken to in a certain way, I will put up my defenses and not listen to what I am being told

Pros

great benefits
very rewarding
not as bad as other retailers

Cons

its retail so lots of black out periods
annoying and spoiled customers
company does not back you up when customers call customer service line

Advice to Senior Management

Its a great place to work if you want to be in retail. Senior management expectations are a little much sometimes. Its hard to get an insight on what you are to focus on because they are all over the place with their focus.

Pros

Flexible scheduling except during holidays.
Potential to learn about the eyeglass industry.

Cons

An extremely sales oriented environment.
Hours are thin so it is tough to train associates correctly and thoroughly.

Advice to Senior Management

Respect your associates and trust them to do their job.

Pros

Helping customers see
good benefits
Free glasses once a year

Cons

Incompetent Regional Manager

Poor compensation for scope of position and duties

Advice to Senior Management

Ask your GMs for feedback

Pros

Most of the people who work there are extremely polite and there is a fair amount of room for advancement within the company.

Cons

The commission structure for LensCrafters is poor, it is very tough to make good commission. The company changes everything every few months.

Advice to Senior Management

There should be a better support system for a good job. They not berate you for sales numbers being when there is awful marketing.

Pros

Free glasses, flexible schedule, hands on experience ,It feels great when you can help someone see better with their glasses.

Cons

Unrealistic expectations of sales associates. They tell customers they can return glasses for any reason then you are held accountable for returns. Not enough time for training. Staff learns the job then leave because of low pay. Few full time positions, part time keeps the company costs down. When the store is busy it is hard to take any breaks, not even a thanks from management.

Advice to Senior Management

Pay your associates more and you will have happier employees, less turn over, better productivity, less mistakes and remakes, more profits for you! Acufit is not a practical tool in many situations. Stop spending money on gimmicks and invest in people. Customers are not coming in for a digital image, they want service and competent, knowledgeable staff.