In 2017, a class action lawsuit was filed against eyewear company LensCrafters concerning its AccuFit digital measurement system. This AccuFit class action lawsuit alleged that LensCrafters made misleading and false claims about the precision and quality of AccuFit, calling the company’s integrity into scrutiny. 

At Sparrow, we help claimants discover and reach favorable settlements for class action lawsuits. We specialize in guiding potential plaintiffs through the complexities of legal proceedings, from eligibility criteria to claim filing. With our years of experience, we know the critical role of holding corporations accountable for their actions.

We’ve crafted this blog as a comprehensive guide to understanding the AccuFit class action lawsuit leveled against LensCrafters. We’ll discuss the allegations, the settlement, and the lawsuit timeline in detail. We will also delve into LensCrafters’ defense and how you can stay updated on lawsuits like this so you can seek the compensation you deserve in the future.

LensCrafters: Company Background Overview

LensCrafters is a prominent eyewear retailer based in Mason, Ohio and is a subsidiary of Luxottica Retail North America, with over 1,100 stores across the region. LensCrafters introduced the AccuFit digital measurement system in 2011, as they began to depart from their long-standing trademark promise to manufacture customers’ glasses within one hour. AccuFit was intended to use advanced digital measurement methods to enhance the precision of fitting prescription glasses. 

The ultimate goal of the AccuFit system was to provide customers with “clearer and crisper vision” with five times more accurate optical measurements than traditional methods. This advanced software takes precise measurements of the distance between the pupils, lens tilt, and frame wrap to ensure optimal lens placement. 

However, the plaintiffs of the AccuFit class action lawsuit allege that it failed to consistently deliver on these promises. This led to poorly fitting lenses that were severely of lower quality than what was advertised. As a result, customers who trusted that LensCrafters would deliver revolutionary visual quality with AccuFit ended up spending more money on a subpar product.

Case Details: AccuFit Class Action Lawsuit

The AccuFit class action lawsuit alleges that LensCrafters overstated AccuFit’s benefits, thus misleading customers into paying more for poorer-quality products. The class provided evidence that LensCrafters heavily advertised AccuFit as the definitive way to gain the best lens measurement, enticing them to spend more money. 

Allegations

The main allegations in the AccuFit class action lawsuit against LensCrafters involve false and deceptive advertising for their AccuFit Digital System. Key allegations include:

• False Advertising: LensCrafters was accused of making deceptive and unsubstantiated claims about the AccuFit system’s ability to provide “clearer, crisper vision” by measuring pupil distance down to “a tenth of a millimeter.”
• Inaccurate Measurements: Plaintiffs alleged that the AccuFit system was not able to consistently deliver the promised level of precision with their measurements. This resulted in poorly fitting lenses for many customers.
• Deceptive Practices: Along with the false advertising and misleading claims, LensCrafters was also accused of never actually updating their manufacturing process to produce the more precise glasses they promised.

These allegations argue that customers would not have paid more if they had known that LensCrafters was overstating how effective AccuFit was. But since LensCrafters kept advertising AccuFit as essentially a must-have for better visual quality, the company is potentially in violation of commercial laws in three separate states in the United States. 

Company’s Stance on the Case

LensCrafters has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that it stands behind the quality of its prescription eyewear and the AccuFit system. The company claims that it did not make any material misrepresentations regarding AccuFit or its manufacturing process. Furthermore, LensCrafters highlighted that the AccuFit service was provided free of charge and thus did not lead to a loss for customers in the form of a price increase.

Settlement Details

The proposed LensCrafters settlement included a $39 million payout to LensCrafters customers who purchased prescription eyeglasses between September 2013 and September 2023 and opted into the AccuFit system. Eligible claimants can receive up to $50 per pair of eyeglasses. The settlement was overseen by Kroll Settlement Administration LLC.

Timeline of Action: AccuFit Class Action Lawsuit

The AccuFit class action lawsuit follows a critical timeline that defines who is eligible for a claim and when to submit claim forms. However, some dates are yet to be decided. Here’s how the timeline of this lawsuit has transpired so far:

• Filing Date: The AccuFit class action lawsuit against LensCrafters was filed in the Eastern District of New York in 2017, alleging that the company made false claims about the AccuFit digital measurement system.
• Claim Deadline: Customers who purchased prescription eyeglasses from September 2013 to September 2023 after opting into AccuFit were required to submit their claim forms no later than 30 days after the Final Approval Order.
• Final Hearing: The final approval hearing for the settlement transpired on February 26, 2024. The hearing resolved all plaintiff claims and the proposed settlement was approved, but there is yet to be a Final Approval Order.
• Payout Date: The date of distribution for the total settlement fund of $39 million is yet to be decided. A maximum of $50 for each pair of prescription eyeglasses purchased during a specific timeframe mentioned in the claim deadline above is expected to be given to each eligible class member. 

Although there is still no definite claim deadline, customers who are eligible for a claim are advised to submit their claims forms as soon as possible. This is to ensure that each valid claim gets processed before the deadline of 30 days after the Final Approval Order.

How to Stay Updated on the Lawsuit Proceedings

If you missed your chance to make a claim on the AccuFit class action lawsuit, you can stay informed on developments in future cases by following a number of key steps. Late claims could lead to unclaimed money reverting to the defendant or granted to the state. Follow these steps to receive timely updates on lawsuit proceedings like AccuFit:

Step 1: Monitor Court Updates

The majority of important updates on lawsuit proceedings can be viewed on the court’s official website, which in the case of the AccuFit class action would be the website of the Eastern District court of New York. This includes announcements on settlement approval, distribution timelines, and changes in the status that could affect potential claims. Changes that could impact your eligibility or the payout process will most likely be covered on official court outlets first.

Step 2: Visit Official Websites

This settlement is handled by the Kroll Settlement Administration. You can look up the specific lawsuit on the official Kroll Settlement Administration website. Regularly checking official sites, like the settlement website and the official AccuFit class action website, will allow you to stay up-to-date on any changes to the timeline and other new information regarding the settlement.

Step 3: Subscribe to Email Notifications

Signing up for email updates from the settlement administrator will give you timely information directly in your inbox. This will ensure you don’t miss any important announcements or deadlines. However, email newsletters may not provide all of the information surrounding the case, so it’s still advisable to visit the site and other news sources for more information.

Step 4: Follow Trusted News Sources

News media can provide valuable coverage on the developments in high-profile class action lawsuits, including information that may not be publicly available at the time of publication. Make sure to follow reliable news sources, particularly those that cover legal and consumer rights issues. Aside from established news outlets, specialized legal blogs like Sparrow blog can give you quality updates and overviews on class action lawsuits.

Step 5: Contact the Settlement Administrator

If you have specific questions or need detailed information that isn’t covered by any of the above outlets, it may be best to contact the settlement administrator. They can provide personalized assistance and clarify any concerns you may have about the settlement process. They can also help you understand any documentation required for your claim submission and provide updates on the settlement’s progress.

Following these steps will allow you to stay on top of court proceedings and ensure prompt compensation. However, keep in mind that there are certain risks involved when joining a class action lawsuit. If you’d rather not go through the claim submission process yourself, Sparrow can provide an efficient claim submission process by guiding you all throughout, eliminating frustrations and setbacks.

Key Takeaway

The AccuFit class action lawsuit against LensCrafters highlights a form of deceptive advertising similar to the class action lawsuit against Amazon. The plaintiffs’ main grievance is that they would not have lost money if LensCrafters had not positioned AccuFit as a practical necessity to gain the best quality of vision possible. It failed to provide this, and thus, the plaintiffs argue that they are guilty of unethical practices.

Despite choosing to settle, LensCrafters steadfastly defends the efficacy of AccuFit and the quality of their services. AccuFit remains in place as part of their main eyewear solution offerings. However, being forced to settle for $39 million may be enough to compel them to improve the system so it actually delivers on its advertised precision and visual quality.Are you unable to file a claim in the AccuFit class action lawsuit due to a missed deadline? Sparrow can still help! We provide resources for other ongoing class action lawsuits where you might be eligible for compensation. Our team offers tools and support to help you make claims from these lawsuits efficiently. Explore the Sparrow blog for more information, or reach out to our team at contact@usesparrow.com for personalized updates and support.