Court Rules Jury Erred in Award Penalties against Wal-Mart

“A Texas jury erred in levying $3.95 million in civil penalties against Wal-Mart because the in-store optometrists pressed to stay open longer by the retail giant could not prove they suffered economic damages, the 5th Circuit ruled,” according to a post on Courthouse News Service. “Lead plaintiff Doris Forte filed a class action against the retailer in the Houston Federal Court in 2012, after years of discussion between the Texas Optometry Board and Wal-Mart over alleged violations of the Texas Optometry Act.” Read more.

Walmart to Offer Vision Benefits to Employee’s Dependents

“Walmart Stores said yesterday it will offer health-insurance benefits to domestic partners of its US employees starting next year, following the lead of other major companies,” reports the New York Post. “The world’s largest retailer, based in Bentonville, Ark., also plans to begin to offer vision care to its eligible employees and their dependents, according to information the retailer sent to workers this week.” Read more.

Read the Reuters version of the story.

Sam's Club/Walmart Introducing New CL Program

Walmart and Sam's Club are launching an online and phone contact lens program as well as reduced prices on many top contact lenses. The offering includes:

• New Online and Phone Contact Lens Program: Walmart customers can now visit WalmartContacts.com or call 1-800-741-LENS (5367) and Sam's Club members can now visit SamsClub.com/contacts or call 1-800-749-LENS (5367) to place contact lens orders and have them delivered directly to their home. Free shipping is available on orders over $50 for Walmart Contacts and $45 for Sam's Club Contacts.   

• Low Prices on Top Contact Lenses – Walmart and Sam's Club have reduced prices on many top contact lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys (2 week), Air Optix Aqua (monthly), Acuvue Moist (daily / 90 pack), Acuvue 2 (2 weeks), and Biofinity (monthly).

This February, Walmart will also launch its own private Equate brand of contact lenses to give customers even more contact lens options at low prices. Read more.