(TOLEDO, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today filed a lawsuit against two Florida companies that operate Stanton Optical, which has three stores in Ohio — in Toledo, Miamisburg, and Beavercreek. The lawsuit charges the businesses with multiple violations of Ohio’s consumer laws.
“Dozens of consumers reported a variety of problems with these stores,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Businesses have an obligation to treat consumers fairly, and when violations continue without correction, we will step in and take action.”
Stanton Optical sells eyeglasses, contact lenses, accessories, and eye exams, which are performed by third-party optometrists. It advertises special promotions, including “buy-one-get-one-free” offers and free eye exams, on its website, in print ads, and on billboards.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, 78 Ohio consumers have filed complaints about the business with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Better Business Bureau, or the Federal Trade Commission.
Consumers report a variety of issues in their complaints. For example, consumers said they waited months to receive their glasses after paying for them, received glasses with incorrect prescriptions, or did not receive refunds they were owed.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, charges Vision Value LLC and Marcarius, Max & Daniel LLC (which operate Stanton Optical stores in Ohio) with multiple violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. Specific counts include shoddy work, failure to deliver, and misusing the word “free.”
In the lawsuit, Attorney General DeWine seeks to stop the defendants from further violations and to obtain full restitution for consumers, civil penalties, and other costs.
Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to research businesses carefully before doing business with them. To research a business, consumers should check with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the business, and they should do a basic Internet search for additional information.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840