I went to IRIS Optometrists in Market Mall - Calgary for an eye exam. After finishing I looked for a frame, but I couldn't find one I liked. When I was leaving, I asked for my prescription. However, to my surprise, the receptionist told me they normally don't give a prescription and if I wanted one I have to speak to the doctor (Dr. Draper). It was urprising because before making the payment ($120) no one mentioned anything about not being entitled to a prescription. Dr. Draper came out to see me and she asked me to sign a consent saying IRIS will not be responsible in case if anything was wrong with the glasses if they were done elsewhere! It was the first time for me to see that you do not get a prescription for an eye exem and I did not want to sign the consent. Dr. Draper explained then that signing does not mean she will not take responsibility of her eye exam and confirmed she will see me, if needed to recheck. I signed and left the store. I had my glasses done in another store according to her prescription, but I couldn't see and my vision was blurred. I went back to IRIS where I was told Dr. Draper moved to another location and they refused to rechek the prescription unless I pay an additional $50. The manager said it was mentioned in the consent I signed. Again, I was not told I had to pay additional money when I went for my exam!. I had a new eye exam, which was significantly different from the one Dr. Draper did and the store had to redo the lenses. I went back to IRIS store at the Market Mall to show the manager the new prescription, but she was rude and stated it was the company policy and I already signed the consent! I wrote a letter to IRIS Regional Manager and I enclosed copies of IRIS prescription and the new prescription. She never replied, but Dr. Draper called me and tried to convince me that she was right, she also offered to see me again, but I already had another exam done and I also did not want to tell her that I did not trust her anymore! In my letter to IRIS Regional Manager I asked for a refund because the eye exam was not correct, however Dr. Draper refused to refund me when she called.
Unofrtunately, it seems to me that consumers have no rights in Calgary, and business owners manage to get away with whaever they do! I have never seen before that you have to sign a consent to release the doctor and the company from any liability in order to get the prescription that you paid for!