LS
Lindiwe S
1 reviews | Active since Apr 2026
13 Apr 2026, 19:08
Unsatisfactory service and unfair resolution.
Unsatisfactory service and unfair resolution taken. I would never advice anyone to use Mellins.
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Replies (1)LS
Lindiwe S's updateReviewer Update
13 Apr 2026, 19:15I went to Mellins in Kroonstad, Free State, on 29 May 2025.
On the day of my visit, I clearly informed the attending optometrist, Lucia, that I only required an eye test and a prescription, as I intended to purchase spectacles from a different provider due to affordability. Despite this, I was encouraged to consider Mellins’ lay-buy option and was persuaded to proceed with selecting a frame. A rough monthly payment plan was then discussed, which I already found to be significantly more expensive than my intended provider.
When the spectacles were later prepared, they were uncomfortable, even after multiple adjustment attempts. I subsequently received several calls from head office, during which I explained my dissatisfaction. At one point, the optometrist advised that I should pay for the lenses only. I explained that this was not a viable solution, as lenses alone are of no use without a suitable frame.
Efforts were made to match the lenses with alternative frames; however, I was unable to find any that suited me. After a prolonged period without resolution, I revisited the branch in 2026 to seek clarity. I was then informed of a new option to customise frames, for which I was quoted approximately R7000. This amount is excessively high.
Despite not receiving usable spectacles from Mellins, I have now been informed that my account has been handed over to attorneys for collection. I find this deeply concerning and unfair, as I did not receive a satisfactory product or service.
On 7/04/26 I called the branch and the optometrist was not in that day and I left a message asking that she calls me back, she called the following day and I asked her to put everything in writing and today is the 13/04/26and there is still no communication from their side. I believe it is unreasonable to be held liable for the full amount under these circumstances, particularly given that my initial intention was only to obtain a prescription.
On the day of my visit, I clearly informed the attending optometrist, Lucia, that I only required an eye test and a prescription, as I intended to purchase spectacles from a different provider due to affordability. Despite this, I was encouraged to consider Mellins’ lay-buy option and was persuaded to proceed with selecting a frame. A rough monthly payment plan was then discussed, which I already found to be significantly more expensive than my intended provider.
When the spectacles were later prepared, they were uncomfortable, even after multiple adjustment attempts. I subsequently received several calls from head office, during which I explained my dissatisfaction. At one point, the optometrist advised that I should pay for the lenses only. I explained that this was not a viable solution, as lenses alone are of no use without a suitable frame.
Efforts were made to match the lenses with alternative frames; however, I was unable to find any that suited me. After a prolonged period without resolution, I revisited the branch in 2026 to seek clarity. I was then informed of a new option to customise frames, for which I was quoted approximately R7000. This amount is excessively high.
Despite not receiving usable spectacles from Mellins, I have now been informed that my account has been handed over to attorneys for collection. I find this deeply concerning and unfair, as I did not receive a satisfactory product or service.
On 7/04/26 I called the branch and the optometrist was not in that day and I left a message asking that she calls me back, she called the following day and I asked her to put everything in writing and today is the 13/04/26and there is still no communication from their side. I believe it is unreasonable to be held liable for the full amount under these circumstances, particularly given that my initial intention was only to obtain a prescription.
LS
Lindiwe S's update13 Apr 2026, 19:15
Reviewer Update
I went to Mellins in Kroonstad, Free State, on 29 May 2025.
On the day of my visit, I clearly informed the attending optometrist, Lucia, that I only required an eye test and a prescription, as I intended to purchase spectacles from a different provider due to affordability. Despite this, I was encouraged to consider Mellins’ lay-buy option and was persuaded to proceed with selecting a frame. A rough monthly payment plan was then discussed, which I already found to be significantly more expensive than my intended provider.
When the spectacles were later prepared, they were uncomfortable, even after multiple adjustment attempts. I subsequently received several calls from head office, during which I explained my dissatisfaction. At one point, the optometrist advised that I should pay for the lenses only. I explained that this was not a viable solution, as lenses alone are of no use without a suitable frame.
Efforts were made to match the lenses with alternative frames; however, I was unable to find any that suited me. After a prolonged period without resolution, I revisited the branch in 2026 to seek clarity. I was then informed of a new option to customise frames, for which I was quoted approximately R7000. This amount is excessively high.
Despite not receiving usable spectacles from Mellins, I have now been informed that my account has been handed over to attorneys for collection. I find this deeply concerning and unfair, as I did not receive a satisfactory product or service.
On 7/04/26 I called the branch and the optometrist was not in that day and I left a message asking that she calls me back, she called the following day and I asked her to put everything in writing and today is the 13/04/26and there is still no communication from their side. I believe it is unreasonable to be held liable for the full amount under these circumstances, particularly given that my initial intention was only to obtain a prescription.
On the day of my visit, I clearly informed the attending optometrist, Lucia, that I only required an eye test and a prescription, as I intended to purchase spectacles from a different provider due to affordability. Despite this, I was encouraged to consider Mellins’ lay-buy option and was persuaded to proceed with selecting a frame. A rough monthly payment plan was then discussed, which I already found to be significantly more expensive than my intended provider.
When the spectacles were later prepared, they were uncomfortable, even after multiple adjustment attempts. I subsequently received several calls from head office, during which I explained my dissatisfaction. At one point, the optometrist advised that I should pay for the lenses only. I explained that this was not a viable solution, as lenses alone are of no use without a suitable frame.
Efforts were made to match the lenses with alternative frames; however, I was unable to find any that suited me. After a prolonged period without resolution, I revisited the branch in 2026 to seek clarity. I was then informed of a new option to customise frames, for which I was quoted approximately R7000. This amount is excessively high.
Despite not receiving usable spectacles from Mellins, I have now been informed that my account has been handed over to attorneys for collection. I find this deeply concerning and unfair, as I did not receive a satisfactory product or service.
On 7/04/26 I called the branch and the optometrist was not in that day and I left a message asking that she calls me back, she called the following day and I asked her to put everything in writing and today is the 13/04/26and there is still no communication from their side. I believe it is unreasonable to be held liable for the full amount under these circumstances, particularly given that my initial intention was only to obtain a prescription.