Pros
Shifts were short (but very intense) which left some time for family. My coworkers were mostly friendly. Enjoyed learning how to give eye exams. Loved talking with my patients/customers and getting to know them (even though I knew I was about to screw them).
Cons
Odd hours, constant barrage of irate customers, always under pressure to work faster and sell overpriced and unnecessary packages to customers who clearly couldn't afford it. Company pretty much has a monopoly on the market. They own Pearle, Sears Optical, Target Optical and Sunglass Hut. There is no alternative unless you go to WalMart, CostCo or a private practice (where your wallet will get raked over the coals). Had a very difficult time reconciling my conscience with my manager's sales plan. I felt sleazy talking people into glasses and packages they didn't want and I loathed watching the manager manipulate people into buying glasses everyone in the store knew they didn't need. These things aren't cheap. I left this company because working here made me feel awful about myself.