Stanton Optical

Great experience at Stanton Optical in Gastonia, NC. We had three vision exams done and the entire process was quick, smooth, and efficient. The exam is a little different from a traditional eye doctor because part of the eye exam is done through a live chat screen with the assistant, but it actually worked really well. As a self-pay patient, I liked this process better than traditional offices because it was fast and straightforward. There was no upselling or pushy sales tactics, which I really appreciated. Carlos was amazing and took the time to explain all of the options clearly and helped us through everything. If you're looking for a fast, affordable eye exam in Gastonia, I highly recommend Stanton Optical

It's a scam. I went in and specifically asked for the $79 advertised special. I asked mulitple times if there were any other charges or fees. Once in the exam room, I was told the exam would would be $118 because of a new machine they had to use. I was told that it was required and i could not opt out. This means there advertised price is fraudulent. I walked out. EDIT: Evidently the $79 price is valid. After posting this review the store manager called me to apologized for the confusion, and offered me the $79 price. I was then told the "new machine" was not required and I could get the exam and 2 pair of glasses for the advertised price. I politely declined. Then was offered the exam and glasses for free (I assume to remove this review). I don't want anything from this company, but I do not want other hard working people to be taken advantage of. I was LIED to by the person that was performing my exam, it wasn't miscommunication or misinformation, it was a lie. How can I trust anything from a company that would allow their employees lie and take advantage of their customers to make commission. Carlos (the examiner) told me the $79 was old pricing and not an option and that they were waiting on their new signage to come in. These was no confusion, just lies.

Love them! The actual exam was fast and easy. Yes the dr visit was virtual but it was convenient and hassle free. Then I walked over to the glasses area where I was able to choose from a ton of options! They were so affordable that I was able to get two pairs. I got normal glasses which were ready in about an hour and I actually just picked up my second pair which took about two weeks and are prescription sunglasses. Yes I got two pairs since they are so affordable and one are actual sunglasses! I'm so excited about driving in the daytime again because my old transition glasses were not working as they should when driving in the daytime but now I got me some prescription sunglasses which I love! I definitely recommend them and will be back when I need more pairs.

My experience at Stanton Optical in Gastonia was extremely disappointing and frustrating. From the moment I walked in, the process felt rushed, unorganized, and more focused on sales than actual patient care. The "eye exam" is done virtually, which already feels impersonal, but it also felt very quick and not thorough at all. There was little explanation, no real connection with a doctor, and it did not feel like a proper medical exam. If you're expecting a traditional in-person optometrist experience, this is not it. The pricing is very misleading. The advertising makes it seem affordable and simple, but once you're actually in the store, the costs start adding up fast. Lens upgrades, coatings, thinner lenses, and "recommended" add-ons quickly turn a "cheap" deal into a very expensive purchase. The promotions feel like bait to get you in the door rather than real savings. Insurance was also confusing -- what's covered, what isn't, and how it's applied is not clearly explained upfront, which makes the final price feel like a surprise instead of an informed decision. Customer service was another major issue. The staff felt more like salespeople than healthcare professionals. There was pressure to buy, pressure to upgrade, and very little genuine guidance. Questions didn't feel fully answered, and the whole experience felt transactional instead of patient-focused. Communication was poor, and the process felt chaotic rather than smooth or professional. Order handling and follow-up are also a concern. I've seen many people have issues with delays, incorrect prescriptions, wrong lenses, and problems with returns or corrections. When mistakes happen, it doesn't feel like they're handled quickly or smoothly, which creates even more frustration for customers.

The staff was nice but the false advertising got me was over $100 for the exam and two frames and lenses. When online says buy one get one free plus a free eye exam that wasn't the case. On top of that, it says same day glasses are available for single vision prescriptions. Mine was single vision and was told it would be two weeks.

I originally had an appointment with another company but had to cancel so I went here since there was availability and since it was a newer place in town. Everything was fine until I got into the exam room. I sat for 35 minutes wondering what I was waiting on. I was never told anything. My husband went and asked if we were waiting on the optometrist and about that time, the TV flipped on. I don't know if I just missed the part that says it's a virtual visit or what, but I was definitely caught off guard. I was rushed through my exam, not given the option to ask questions, or asked anything about my eyes at all. Just 1, 2, 1, 2 and when I said that I could see it but it was blurry, he snapped at me telling me it was supposed to be. After the exam, I was taken over to the contact counter and asked what brand contacts I'd used before. I haven't had contacts in over 10 years so I had no clue. The girl kept asking questions about my old contacts that I had told her I don't remember anything about 3 times already. She said she'd order my trial contact because they didn't have them, which is fine. We get to the counter and she asks if I want to order glasses or contacts and I tell her not today, that I just wanted to get my prescription. She says it'll be $100. With insurance. My copay is 10%. Immediately I get aggravated because this has already felt like the biggest scam disguised as an optometry appointment but now I'm going to be charged $100 with insurance? The girl asked if I wanted her manager and I said yes. The manager comes over and was very kind and professional. She was able to solve the issue with my insurance in a few minutes and it ended up only being $10. None of the things that happened were any of the employees on site's fault. They were nice and polite. I just feel like maybe they should tell you when you walk in that it's virtual, just to make sure you're aware. I also feel like if you say you're using insurance and for some reason when they run it, it comes back as not covered they should tell you prior to your exam because $100 is a good chunk of money when you're expecting $10-20. I prefer to not be rushed through an appointment and to be able to ask questions, so I won't be back.

I want to start this review by saying the employees that helped me with my eye exam were excellent and I can't speak highly enough with their care. None of this review is focused on the physical employees at this location. With that out of the way, I highly recommend avoiding Stanton Optical at all costs. I was not informed when I arrived for my appointment that the eye exam itself is performed by a virtual employee and this dystopian system must be rebelled against. Stanton Optical does not have a staffed optometrist on-site and uses virtual farmed exams where your most important part of the exam has no human interaction. This experience is frightening as a standard of care. This is not an instance of being too ill to visit a doctor and having to do a teledoc appointment-- the standard of care is now the removal of the human element. Please go to LensCrafters or a local optometrist and over this. Not only was my experience awful with this process, it was flawed. I ordered a pair of glasses with the prescription their "optometrist" prescribed and they're wrong. I went to a separate optometrist who was physically located in a store and paid for a second assessment where the prescription they gave me was different than what I received at Stanton. Disappointing that it was both a bad experience as well ultimately a waste of ~$100

The staff has been amazing while I get used to my 2 pair of glasses. Sunglasses and indoor glasses- Yes, I bought two pair! Our insurance did help with the cost. There were MANY available options to choose from. Look at photos to see my choices. Just stop in and window shop when your next eye exam comes up. I had my eye exam done with my regular doctor, but Stanton had many more brands available to choose from.