I had an extremely frustrating and unprofessional experience at the Warby Parker Garden State Plaza location. I went in for my annual eye exam, mainly because my insurance had recently switched and I needed to update my contact lens prescription. From the beginning , the staff repeatedly pushed the $39 digital retinal photo. I explained that I had just had retinal imaging done in December and did not feel it was necessary for me to do it again since everything came back okay and it’s been less than a year ago. The helpful man then said I’ll let her know so she doesn’t have too. The girl called me for my test and said this is the photo it is extra. I explained my situation and she asked me to step out to talk to the doctor. I was then told that “due to licensing, we have to do the photo.” I work in the field and knew that explanation was not sound accurate. When I declined the photo, I was told my eyes would HAVE to be dilated instead. The way this was communicated felt more like pressure than education—I was told I would need someone there with me, wouldn’t be able to see properly, and wouldn’t be able to drive, essentially making it seem like I had no reasonable option other than paying the additional $39.
To be clear, I had absolutely no problem having my eyes dilated. My issue was the way the entire situation was communicated. Had I been told ahead of time that dilation would be necessary if I declined the photo, I would have simply arranged for someone to come with me. That is exactly why I called the day before my appointment—to make sure I had everything I needed, knew what to expect, and could be properly prepared so the appointment would run smoothly.
I asked to speak with the doctor because I wanted clarification directly from the provider. I was told she was busy. Mind you, I had an appointment with this doctor. I even said I was willing to wait, yet my concerns were completely ignored and the doctor never came out once to answer my questions.
Instead of receiving clear information when I called ahead, I arrived and was put in a position where I either had to pay an additional for a service I had recently received or undergo dilation that I had not been told to prepare for.The cherry on top was the reasoning was a complete lie. As a result, my time was completely wasted.
The following day, I went to the Warby Parker Wayne location with someone so I could safely have my eyes dilated if necessary. The experience was completely different. They simply asked whether I preferred the retinal photo or dilation and explained my options without pushing the $39 photo as a licensing requirement. When I told them what I had been told at Garden State Plaza, they were also confused and told me that was not the case.
My appointment in Wayne went smoothly from beginning to end. The staff and doctor were attentive, respectful, answered my questions, and I was even able to receive my updated prescription the same day. 10/10 experience at the Wayne location.
Garden State Plaza should take note of how the Wayne location treats patients. Customers deserve clear and accurate communication so they can make informed decisions and properly prepare for their appointments—not feel pressured into paying for an additional service because they are told it is a “licensing requirement” when another Warby Parker location and the state of NJ says otherwise. That is just a flat out lie
The lack of transparency, poor communication, dismissive customer service and refusal to allow me to speak with the doctor despite having a scheduled appointment were extremely disappointing. I would not return to the Garden State Plaza location, or recommend to my own patients/friends/ or family
Response from Warby Parker
August 18, 2026
We are very sorry you did not have a great experience, Amaya. Reach out to us at reviews@warbyparker.com if you would like to discuss further — we would love to connect.