Eyeglass, Lasik shops settle with Florida for $1 million
State of Florida has reached a $1 million settlement with two eye care companies which it said failed to comply with an earlier consumer protection settlement.
The attorney general's office said its investigation revealed non-licensed Eyeglass World personnel were calling themselves opticians and dispensing eyeglasses which is supposed to be done only by licensed medical personnel.
"Not only did this place numerous patients at risk, but it was also a direct violation of a previous settlement signed by Eyeglass World in 2000," the state said. "Other terms, including the requirement that office locations possess written leases with optometrists and that the company's no-refund policy be clearly displayed, were also repeatedly violated."
Additionally the state said the company was refusing to honor a "buy one, get one free" offer.
The second pair of "free" glasses usually had additional charges for materials already bought with the original pair, the state said, such as scratch protection and UV protection.
A third problem, the state said, was an advertisement for a $299 laser surgery procedure. The fine print made it virtually impossible for any consumer to qualify for the low-cost surgery making the average price paid by consumers substantially higher.
"We are not going to allow consumers to be deceived or placed in potentially harmful situations," said Attorney General Charlie Crist. "Settlements are worthless unless both sides abide by them. In this case, additional steps were necessary in order to protect consumers."
Terms of agreement
Eyeglass World is to make 10,000 pairs of glasses, with an estimated retail value of $800,000, available for donation.
An additional $200,000 is to go to three charity organizations: the Tallahassee Community College Foundation, the University Area Community Development Corp. and the Seniors vs. Crime program.
Eyeglass World is also to provide consumer restitution and pay $1 million to reimburse taxpayers for action investigation and prosecution.
Filed under Eye Treatment, Lasik Eye Surgery
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