LensCrafters vs. Visionworks: Comparing Vision Services

Eye care is important for everyone, but it's especially crucial for older adults. As you age, your vision changes and you are more susceptible to certain eye diseases. That's why it's important to find eye care providers you trust to give you the best possible service and care. When choosing an eye care provider, several factors, such as customer service, reviews, pricing and convenience, come into play. 

Let's take a look at two of the most popular vision centers in the United States, LensCrafters and Visionworks, and how they compare.

LensCrafters Vs. Visionworks: What Are the Qualifications of the Eye Doctors?

LensCrafters advises that all physicians are medical doctors that specialize in the eye. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has attended and completed medical school and a residency in ophthalmology. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) who has also completed four years of optometry school and passed state licensing exams. However, an ophthalmologist can treat diseases and perform surgeries, while an optometrist cannot.

Visionworks refers to its doctors for eye exams. However, its website only mentions optometrists and not ophthalmologists. You may need to speak with the individual location to inquire whether an ophthalmologist is available.

Most people with Medicare Part B can get a glaucoma screening with their standard eye exam at either location. But more extensive services must go through a different medical provider.

What Types of Eye Care Services Do LensCrafters and Visionworks provide?

LensCrafters and Visionworks provide comprehensive eye exams, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and screen for conditions common in older adults, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Both companies also sell a variety of eyewear, sunglasses and contact lenses. Neither service offers specialties, such as cataract or glaucoma surgery.

How Accessible are LensCrafters and Visionworks?

LensCrafters has over 1,000 locations across the United States, making it one of the most accessible eye care providers. Visionworks reports more than 700 locations in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

Walk-in services are available at both LensCrafters and Visionworks. Both companies offer online ordering for contact lenses and eyeglasses for people who can't get to a store.

How Do Customers Rate LensCrafters and Visionworks?

Ratings depend on the location for both providers. LensCrafters isn't BBB accredited and has a D- rating. Visionworks isn't BBB accredited and has a C- rating. Both have customer reviews based on the location.

The best way to learn about reviews for your local LensCrafters or Visionworks is to check Google, Yelp or another review site using your zip code.

What Is Pricing Like for Services and Products at LensCrafters and Visionworks?

Eyeglasses, including frames, lenses and prescription sunglasses, fall within the national average. LensCrafters doesn't list pricing information on its website. However, All About Vision reports that a routine eye exam without insurance costs $77 to $80.

Visionworks doesn't list pricing information on its website either. However, based on customer reviews, pricing seems similar to LensCrafters.

What Discounts Do LensCrafters and Visionworks Offer?

LensCrafters offers a variety of discounts, including several AAA discounts on lenses, frames, contacts and eye exams that range from 10% to 50% off products or services. Also, for older adults, it has AARP discounts for eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and special pricing for eye exam co-pays. The company also offers a variety of coupons on its website.

Visionworks doesn't list any discounts on its website. The company has an offers page with coupons and other savings for customers. However, asking about discounts when you call or visit your local store is a good idea. Many cost reductions are available with specific insurance providers, such as United Healthcare.

Many insurance policies offer discounts on vision services. This benefit can be a significant source of savings, especially if you or a family member need vision correction. Be sure to check with your insurer to see if any discounts are available to you.