They hung up mid sentence on my 80 year old father while he was calling to ask why he never heard back about an appointment they said they would get back to him about days earlier. Arleo himself is a skilled professional, but some of the people here have a serious personality deficiency. read more

I'm puzzled by the negative reviews here. I've been using them for many years and have always found the front of house staff to be friendly, courteous, and helpful and Dr.s Arleo and Stockwin are very experienced professionals who not only obviously know what they are doing, but are also clear in their explanations of what's going on w/ my eyes and what they are recommending and why. Likewise with the technicians. I recommend them without reservation. read more

I wish I could have met a doctor here but unfortunately, I didn't even get that far. As soon as I walked in and sat down with the woman at the front desk, I was told that my visit for a routine eye exam would be $220. I have insurance, and I am covered for an annual routine eye exam. Mind you, the woman did not even ask to see my insurance card. At no time did she ask to see my card or offer to help me figure out a solution. When I asked her what my insurance does cover, if not this, she told me " you should know what your insurance covers," and that was it. I could tell right then that this was a business that did not hold its employees to any customer service standards. Forget this place. And, just for the record, I called my insurance from my car in the parking lot and sure enough, I am covered 100% for an eye exam. I don't know if they were just trying to get $$$ out of me or if she just didn't care enough to look further into my insurance but wow, what a horrible way to start the day. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. The staff employed here--not the doctors--are the worst I've come across. Incredibly rude and unprofessional. Arleo should be ashamed. read more

I would like to say the Arleo Eye Associates are very amazing people. I had the best ever experience with them. If I could I would give them thirty stars. read more

Take your business elsewhere, I have never been so upset after an appointment. I visited for a stye and was forced to do vision tests. I asked to not have my eyes dilated since a stye does not have to do with my vision, but rather my eyelid. As a student, I cannot miss hours of work due to dilated eyes, especially when I had them dilated just a few months prior at a home clinic. The doctor refused to see me unless my eyes were dialated. I was seen for a total of 3 minutes by the doctor after getting my eyes dilated. An absolute waste of my time and money and an extremely frustrating experience. read more

Had my yearly exam with Dr. Arleo. Hate paying extra to get a prescription for new glasses but didn't want to go without. The prescription was used to get new glasses but turned out to be wrong so I couldn't read small print with the new glasses but still could with the old. Went back to the office and was told I would have to pay for a new exam to get a prescription that would allow me to read. I'm looking for a new eye doctor. read more

I have been going to Arleo Eye Assoc. for years. I recently purchased a new pair of glasses. Carey Reeves was extremely helpful, professional and made the experience very pleasant. I would definitely go there again. Thank you Carey! read more

We're new in town and the whole family needs eye exams. My husband was up first. Unfortunately, he works in health care and had an emergency at work (it happens) and missed his appointment (it happens). They sent a bill for $50 for the missed appointment (totally fair - we knew the policy). Our mail service is not great and we got the bill about 2.5 weeks after it was mailed. I put it with our bills to be paid, but before it could be paid it was followed by a second bill for $60 now with giant FINAL NOTICE lettering and a threat to send us to collections. Collections for a $50 bill barely 30 days old. Now that I'm not ok with. Calm down. This struck me as vengeful and predatory, so I was not surprised by some of the other reviews here complaining about their staff and billing practices. We won't be using this doctor. read more

In 2011, Arleo gave me a wrong prescription, which I used to order a pair of $400 glasses from them. At the first eyeglass fitting, I told the Arleo that these glasses made me very dizzy. I was told to wear them more to get used to them. Weeks later, my eyes were in so much pain that I was dizzy both walking and driving while wearing these Arleo eye glasses. They refused to refund me, and or do a new eye exam until I spoke with their Office Manager, and told them that what they are doing is simply illegal. After so much hassle, I got my eye exam, and a new pair of lenses. What happened next was more interesting. I was late on a $3 payment, and as a result, Arleo was going to fine me a $20 late fee. The billing person told me that I am simply the kind that does not want to pay my bills. This is after I have spent and paid for well over $450 in exams and glasses with Arleo. I have never been so humiliated in my life! Again, I had to drive to their office and demand to speak with the Office Manager. At that point, it was about my dignity as a consumer and a person, and really not about the fee any more. Recently, I also found out that Arleo charges $25 to patients who ask for their own PD value (distance between pupils). The receptionist was very polite and professional, and apologized to me after telling me about this fee. I told her that this is not her decision, nor her fault. However, I will be at fault if I do not share my experience with consumers out there --- Yes, it is a clean and professional looking office; Yes, they are very much capable of doing to the right thing---- But not until you have suffered through much wrangling, verbal abuse, humiliation, and time-wasting hassles. read more

2 cataract surgeries and my vision is now 20/20 for the first time in my life. Dr. Arleo is the best, precise eye surgeon you can find.

I am shocked by how rude the front desk staff member was. She was unhelpful with my insurance, and not willing to try to help. Unfriendly, unprofessional and a little mean. read more

Stay clear, They are not truthful in what they do or bill. I had a stye and made an appointment. Since I do not have vision insurance I asked how much to treat my stye. They told me it would cost $400.00, which I agreed to. They proceeded to give me a vision test ( which I did not ask for) and a technician looked at my eye and said yup its a stye, come back in several weeks if it doesn't get better. Then they billed me $400 for that appointment! And said future appointments to remove the eye would be more. They were untruthfull about the cost to treat me stye. I will not pay them $400 for an office visit to tell me I have a stye. Since then I have removed all my kids from getting contacts there, as even the office girl said yup its cheaper elsewhere....goofs read more

So normally I don't review places other than food on here but after picking an eye place to go to in Ithaca without any recommendations I felt that this place needed a review as I was really pleased with everything here. The front desk was a bit informal but that was okay because honestly I could care less, they helped me out, were nice and got me an appointment same day as a new patient. The doctor I saw was Dr.Fazzary who was very nice and seemed to actually care about being there rather than the normal doctors I am used to who are rather unhappy which you can tell when they are asking "is it better in 1 or 2?" in a monotone voice. She was very nice, patient and let me know everything which was nice. I also like that this place doesn't do the blast of air into your eye for the glaucoma test, they have drops and some blue thing that is way better, I hate that air-blast stuff. Overall this is my new eye place and would definitely recommend this to everyone! The only thing I didn't like was their eyeglass selection was more than lacking, though I hear they have an online store, will have to check that out in the future. read more

Awful place, awful service on behalf of front desk staff and doctor. The only pleasant experience I had was with a young technician who's name I don't remember, unfortunately. I went here for eye pain, which after four visits (and they tried to schedule me for more visits because their machine was broken) was never officially diagnosed. My GP was incredibly more useful than these people and I guess I should have gone there first instead of wasting $80+ in copays to go here to be treated poorly. The doctor was very short with me, dismissive of my pain levels ("it shouldn't still be hurting that doesn't make any sense," "I don't see anything in the eye so the pain doesn't make sense to me," - it was ocular nerve pain BEHIND the eye, by the way.) and seemingly brushing me off completely with very valid concerns and a fairly serious issue, as proven and diagnosed by my GP. The front desk staff misrepresented the forms I was signing to me, which were digital and never shown to me. I was told I was signing a basic patient privacy form and a form that would allow the eye doctor to send information to my GP if necessary. This IS partially my fault as I never demanded to read the forms, but I was not anticipating being blatantly lied to. Apparently, however, what I signed was a waiver agreeing to undergo tests that my insurance did not cover and that I would pay out of pocket for - and that the doctors or technicians would not even have to INFORM me that that was happening. Of course, I was then subjected to tests that were not covered by my insurance and billed for them. When I received the bill via mail, I did not call to complain or to try and fight it. I simply accepted that I would pay the bill and sent them a check for partial payment. This was not good enough for them. I was immediately charged a late fee and then sent a very threatening letter informing me that the bill was to be paid in full within 15 days or would be sent to collections. When I called the front desk to just pay the full bill (even after they accepted and cashed my check for partial payment) and I inquired about the late fee when they RECEIVED a check before payment date, the woman on the phone became incredibly irate and hung up on me. This is an awful place and you could not convince me to come back here even if they were the only place in the state open and my eye had fallen out. read more

I normally don't take the time to write reviews unless I'm upset about the quality of service and care, however, I feel now is a good time to comment. I've been in the care of Dr. Arleo for 18 years and he and his staff has always been friendly, knowledgeable and efficient throughout my exams and thoroughly explains my issues with documentation and communicates with my personal physician....Art Y read more

Excellent experience, highly recommend. Receptionist on phone and in-person was courteous and helped me get an emergent appointment on a Saturday. Professional staff persons were friendly, knowledgeable and top-notch. I've been to the chain stores for eye care in the past but will happily switch to the full-service, customer-focused care I received from Arleo's group. Thank you! read more

My family & I have been coming to Dr Arleo's office for years & although we've been very pleased with Arleo & Conroy, the wait time and way people are herded is beyond ridiculous. Common is 1.5-2.5 hours for actual exam times of 20 minutes. If I could find someplace else to go that had competent people and treated people as customers & not cattle, we would change. read more

A bit snooty of a place. The office is in the middle of nowhere. Also the doctor failed to diagnose my astigmatism which I only just found out about months later. If you have insurance, it's probably ok, but at the time I didn't have eye insurance and it felt like a whole lotta money for not that much. read more

Those uptight receptionists forgot to tell my husband to stop taking the eye drops . He suffered excruciating pain and then the opthamologist blamed him and scheduled a quick surgery because the pressure in his eye was too high. When he was about to travel, he was told they had sent his prescription to the pharmacy. Once he got there, the pharmacy said they never received a call from Arleo's practice. He spent more than two hours in that pharmacy while they tried to find his medication at another pharmacy because thy were all out. Luckily, the pharmacist was a human being willing to help. Front office staff leaves a lot to be desired. read more

Yes, Arleo Eye Assoc. Is a big practice and can feel a bit impersonal, but they did a great job on my cataract surgery, and are following up on my pretty complex vision issues. Arleo was open to my vision therapy plans too. I would recommend the practice especially if you can get in to see Arleo himself. read more

When going to Arleo, definitely make sure your insurance is taken. My friend called and they said they took Humana insurance. She had cataract surgery on both eyes. She received a bill for over $600 and when she called about it they said she wasn't in the right network. When she tried to set up payments they refused to take it. They sent her to collections and then added another $200 to the bill. read more

Dr Arleo is has a sarcastic humor that is not helpful when the patient is truly worried and concerned with her sight. Do not recommend.

My experience with Arleo Eye associate has been disappointing. They accepted my insurance and confirmed that my insurance will cover comprehensive eye exam, and treatment, but after the procedure they sent me a bill of $1800; stating that they were out of my insurance network. This situation was nerve racking, and financially devastating for me. Arleo associate quickly sent this bill for collection, I was able to make payment of $1,250 into this outstanding. And the remaining was reported to my credit profile through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. And the condition which he claimed to have treated returned back after two years. I will not recommend any one to this office. read more

They are very professional and competent, and I feel like my eyes are in good hands. I find it a little formal and impersonal, it is such a busy office. At the same time, that they are so busy reflects the quality of their care. They accept most insurance and are easy to work with. read more

e prepared to wait, and wait, and wait. Everyone says, "We'll be with you in a moment, but they aren't. I waited 45 minutes to get in to the room where they do the eye drops before the actual exam. Then I waited another 15 before the doctor came in. And, then I waited 10 minutes to check out. I was with the doctor for less than 10 minutes. Let's see: an hour and 10 minute wait for a 10 minutes appointment. I kept hearing them tell others the same thing,,,we'll e with you in a minute. NOT TRUE. They need to get organized. read more

Go somewhere else. I have vsp and they don't take it. They don't disclose charges and fees you are responsible for at the time of service, but expect you to pay it. If they submit to insurance and it gets denied, then they come after you for double. What eye doctor doesn't take vsp? It's one of the best plans out there. Really shady business practice. Had I known I would be responsible I would've paid their bs 25 dollar cancelation fee on the spot to cancel that appointment I had set 15 minutes later. P.s. they charge you for a copy of your prescription. Pretty sure this is illegal. read more

This place could be the best in town and is not. I needed a replacement set of glasses, they said no problem. I called a couple weeks later to check and they hadn't yet ordered them. When they did come in I still didn't get a call, rather I called them after I waited longer than the promised time of delivery.They didn't seem to take any responsibility, were defensive and didn't seem to understand that getting glasses replaced quickly was important.. read more

I was not to pleased with the office, they kept me waiting for over 30 min. after I saw the nurse but what really surprised me is how they charge $30.00 to write out a new prescription for glasses. No Dr. of any kind has ever charged me to write out a prescription. No more Arleo! read more

Would NOT recommend this practice! Reception is loud,obnoxious and extremely unprofessional. The technicians are not trained properly and have no clue as to what they are doing half the time.You can get much better care at a much lower price elsewhere in Ithaca. read more

Doctor C is irresponsible. Do not choose her. She hit the wrong button so I did not get my prescription in time. I told them I was moving and that's the service I got. The doctor was not helpful at all. She refused to do any treatment for me. Plus she didn't explain to me what's going on with my eyes. Not mention she didn't even tell me how to care my eyes. She just came in. Typed some stuff on the computer and left without saying anything. This MC Doctor makes me feel uncomfortable. I'll never go back to this clinic. The check out lady was rude too, got miffed when I asked her if I can have a paper prescription. Overall they don't even worth 1 star here. read more

I stopped in yesterday without an appointment because I had an issue. Not only were they nice but they took me in on the spot. Who does that anymore! Everyone was friendly from the receptionist to the intake, to the doctors. Kudos Arleo! Thank you. read more

I saw Mary Conroy. Her general interaction was okay at best, she seemed somewhat arrogant. Most importantly, she got my prescription wrong. My eyes were also messed up after being dilated (it took over 24 hours for one of my eyes to return back to its normal size). When I called about it, I spoke to four people, including the office manager. All of them were rude. I will not go back and, as a result, if I want a correct prescription, I have to decide if I, willing to pay out of pocket or wait a year to get new lenses. read more

I have gone to A.E.A. (Ithaca, NY) three times in the last several years -- and my experiences varied from unpleasant (but competent) treatment with the first, acceptable (but with some difficulties) with the second (mostly due to some of my own "quirks", which were not all well-accommodated), and the truly and entirely excellent experience with the recent third visit. In this last visit, I explained to the excellent receptionist my particular and unusual needs that must be accommodated, and she selected Matt to work with me for the preliminary eye checking procedures. Matt was superb with permitting and helping with what were necessary changes in the procedures to enable me to then meet with, and to talk with, Dr. Arleo for the remainder of the eye examination. Good communication (on both sides, and with all of the participants) was the key, and when this was provided, it resulted in a very satisfactory visit to A.E.A. read more

Professional, well maintained office! Great attention to detail and specific about what my insurance could cover when I wanted a routine exam. I was informed of my fee IF my insurance did not cover and was given the choice. This is a MEDICAL office with trained staff, not your average one stop shop. read more

I tried to make an appointment at their new Watkins Glen location, but after leaving four messages with staff members who told me they were unable to book an appointment but promised to call me back (and never did), I can only conclude that they are much too busy to need my business. It's a shame--I really liked the practice when Dr Fazzary owned it, but I'll need to go elsewhere now. read more

Was referred to Arleo Eye Associates while at a routine eye exams Vision Works and had problems from the beginning with this office. The doctors were okay but the office staff were not helpful while making this appointment and were borderline rude in person. We were also billed for two copayments for one visit. When we called for an explanation we were told that one copay was for the visit (showing up, I guess), and the other was for the examination. We were not happy with the service or two copayments. read more

This office is very unprofessional with regards to their business practices. My daughter was referred for a medical evaluation and was charged $406 for the visit, which they claimed was routine. A routine visit is only supposed to cost $160. This wasn't routine and my insurance will pay the entire bill if it was billed correctly but they are refusing to correct their error, instead sending my daughter to collections. Why did they charge $406 to start, I have insurance they told me. Does this sound like fraud to you??? read more

OMG these reviews - most of them just make me shake my head!! First off it is a doctor's office! What office do you go to and never wait? Stop and think about the fact that maybe an emergency may come up and you may have to wait or reschedule all together!! If it was you or your family member and an emergency came up, you'd want the doctor to take care of your issue and not rush you! Does it suck that you have to wait of course it does!! But seriously some of the reviews I read make it sound like this is the only office it happens at. And seriously - people complaining about the office not taking a certain type of insurance? Should they take every possible insurance? Give me a break! It's a doctor's office. They are in business to make money! If they don't take your insurance and you don't have the $$ to pay for it - go somewhere else!!! It's your responsibility to find out if they take your insurance! And if you ask and they say yes on the phone - when you get there - check again!! I've been going to Arleo for a few years now and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Do they take my insurance -yes, and I'm lucky/glad they do, but guess what - if they didn't I'd still pay the bill and go there over anywhere else!! And it's something I'd know/ask about ahead of time! You can't find a better selection of frames and anytime I've had an issue with my frames/lenses, they will help you out and try to fix them. Don't base your decision to go here on some of these reviews, make your own decision! They've always treated me with respect and the staff that I've dealt with have been polite and very helpful!! read more

When I bought my glasses I purchased the warranty the employee Carrie (sp?) sold me on -- she specifically told me that if I dropped my glasses or my 1 year old got them and scratched them, that those things would be covered -- This is not true of the warranty. I guess this is something they tell you so you'll buy the coverage and spend more money. When I came in to ask about the warranty, Carrie was short with me and somewhat rude about the matter, even though I was polite. Now I am trying to order new glasses through another company that is less expensive but I need my prescription from Arleo. They gave me the script but said they do not give you the DP (pupillary distance) which you need to order new glasses -- even though they have that information, they require you to come back in and pay another $27 in order to get that info again. Glasses are expensive -- I spent a great deal of money ordering from Arleo, including buying a useless warranty under false claims. For the money you pay, customer service should be truthful, polite and helpful -- I experienced none of those things. read more