I had an appointment here on Tuesday, March 25th at 2:00 PM, scheduled through the Veterans Administration. I arrived 20 minutes early as instructed. The woman who greeted me at the door was wonderful; genuinely the only bright spot of the entire visit. From there, everything went downhill. I was directed to a waiting room and sat there well past my appointment time. When staff finally called me in, they got my name wrong, and actually brought in another patient by mistake using my name.The PA ran me through a full eye exam, which was unnecessary, as I had already completed one just a few months prior and I was not here for glasses. That information is in my chart. A simple but telling error. Once in the exam room, I waited over an hour before the doctor arrived. I actually got up to leave. Only then did things start moving. When the doctor finally came in, he spent about 10 minutes with me. He outlined his available surgery dates the first or last week of June and then mentioned he'd be on vacation for the rest of July. He also made an offhand comment that I found unprofessional: he said it didn't matter what they charged because the visit would be free to me (the VA is paying for it). That kind of remark has no place in a patient consultation. I was then sent to the scheduler. After waiting another 25 minutes, I was taken to her desk where she never once made eye contact with me during the entire interaction. I told her the first week of June was the only time that worked for me. She told me those dates weren't available and that the earliest she could schedule me was July. That contradicted exactly what the doctor had just told me. I left without an appointment. Between the chronic wait times, repeated name errors, redundant testing, contradictory scheduling, and a complete lack of basic patient engagement, this was one of the most frustrating medical experiences I've had. I would not recommend this practice to anyone and as a veteran relying on the VA for care, that's especially disappointing. read more

Disappointed today. Was told that they had received a current Authorization from VA. Then Carter, who was not friendly at all, insisted I must sign an authorization for them to bill me $45 for Refraction procedure, which is necessary or they won't provide an eyeglass prescription. I told him the VA authorized it, then he (as well as front desk personnel) stated that the VA usually does not pay it. I am 100% Disabled Combat Veteran and the VA provides for all my healthcare needs. Then the front desks personnel stated I could always forward their bill to the VA. NOTE: The VA does not pay for anything that was not preauthorized. As I have already had three surgeries on my left eye and received eyeglass prescriptions the past two years through VA authorization to Baptist Eye Surgeons, I asked to speak with the Doctor. After all, I had an appointment to see him. Carter replied, "No, he is busy". To top off the complete waste of time, I asked for a copy of the VA authorization. What they provided me was an authorization that expired in 2023. My Service Animal and I left before the extremely frustrating scenario got the best of me. read more

This review reflects my personal experience and opinions. Surgical care was fine, but disappointing billing transparency. Be sure to ask detailed questions about insurance coverage. I had cataract surgery in February 2025. From a medical standpoint, everything went smoothly. The surgery was successful, and I have no complaints about the medical care itself. However, I would encourage future patients to ask detailed questions about insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses before committing to any premium lens options. I was advised by both the doctor and staff that the premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) I selected were not covered by insurance and would need to be paid for upfront. I was presented with several lens options--some were basic models that would be covered by insurance, while others offered additional medical benefits but would require out-of-pocket payment. I ultimately chose the premium Toric IOLs, which provide astigmatism correction. I was charged $1,750 per lens, a significant markup from the $505 cost to the practice that I later discovered through documentation provided to me. After the procedure, I unexpectedly discovered and was told by my insurance company, that my insurance did, in fact, cover the lenses I had selected. Since the practice declined to file the claim--citing that per company policy we do not have a billable code for specialty lenses in our system--I submitted the claim myself. The insurance company reimbursed $80.51 per lens, confirming that the lenses were considered at a minimum a partially, if not fully eligible expense, albeit far below both my out-of-pocket cost and the documented price the practice paid for each lens. Had the practice filed the claim--as I have been informed is typically expected under insurance agreements--I likely would not have incurred the $3,340 out-of-pocket cost, especially since I had already met my deductible and coinsurance. I was never provided documentation showing the lenses were ineligible, and I believe the information I received was misleading. This left me feeling financially disadvantaged and disappointed in how the billing was handled--which I believe fell short of the clarity and accountability expected in medical billing. While I'm grateful for the positive medical outcome, the financial and administrative experience was frustrating. I hope others can learn from this and advocate for clearer communication and transparency when it comes to insurance and pricing. This review is based solely on my personal experience and understanding. Others may have different outcomes. read more

Dr. Darin Smith I cannot recommend, Dr. Darin Smith highly enough. He is not just an exceptional eye surgeon - he is a fine person with a fantastic personality who truly cares about his patients. Dr. Smith's credentials are impressive. He earned his BA from Indiana University (1986-1990) with a double major in biology and chemistry, graduating 7th in a class of 1,538. He went on to earn his MD from Duke University (1990-1994), completed his internship at Roanoke Memorial Hospital (1994-1995), and finished his residency at University of Texas Southwestern/Parkland Hospital. I first met him in 2000, and he has cared for both my wife and me ever since. Over these years, he has performed cataract surgery on both of us, lens implants for both of us, and laser surgery on me. When there was a minor complication with my lens implant, he was reassuring and supportive. I told him I wasn't worried at all because I knew he was standing in my corner. Dr. Smith takes extra time with his patients. My grandfather went blind in later life due to diabetes, and Dr. Smith is particularly attentive to my eye health because of this family history. He carefully monitors me and provides reassurance that I'm healthy with no signs of diabetes in my vision. He is very professional, a Christian involved with his church, and brings genuine warmth to every appointment. After all these years, I consider Dr. Darin Smith not just my doctor, but my friend. If you're looking for an ophthalmologist who combines exceptional skill with genuine compassion, look no further. read more

I had some kind of lid surgery and my doctor ANDREW ANZELJC, MD was outstanding. He was so kind and all his team of nurses were so kind. I never want to have to get surgery, but they made me feel so safe and cared for. The entire atmosphere there feels good. CMK read more

Virtually impossible to contact billing and scheduling nurse. I was satisfied with my office visit, and I liked Dr. Nave.

Dr. Smith is phenomenal, and if you need eye care, most of the doctors are top tier. My family and I have been going to Baptist for years with very few issues on the ophthalmology side. However, good luck getting contact lenses through Dr. West. She seems nice, but after my consultation appointment, it's like I'm non-existent. Leaving voicemail after voicemail or a message with her assistant clearly gets you absolutely nowhere: no calls back, nothing. The receptionists at both the Chapman Highway and Sevierville locations are SO RUDE! Avoid these locations and go to the Capital Drive location in West Knoxville; everyone is much nicer. read more

Baptist eye surgeons in Morristown TN: There's nothing even close to Baptist in this office. The STAFF is cold, callous and completely lacking in compassion. We saw a senior citizen wheel in his wife, who was crying and in obvious pain with an eye injury. He literally begged them in tears to prioritize her due to her excruciating pain. But they were cold and absolutely refused, placing her at the end of the line (8 patients in front of her) which would have taken probably 2 plus hours of waiting. One lady even sunk low enough to remind them they "were lucky" they're even fitting them in. I never saw such lack of empathy in a medical building. Yes I kept my appointment but I'll never go back there again. read more

When you have the first appointment of the day, and their still 45 minutes late seeing the Dr, this is unacceptable

I saw Dr. Carrera recently and he was so nice and took his time to listen to my issues and concerns. Dr. Carrera did my cataract surgeries a few years ago and I have been so pleased with the results. I would highly recommend Dr. Carrera and Baptist Eye Surgeries - Karen Wilson read more

Went to see Dr. Angelij for a consult regarding my lower eye area. The person who did the intake was kind, observant, and caring. She understood what I needed. When I was handed off to this doctor, he asked what I wanted, I told him, and then he told me that insurance wouldn't cover my needs. Just like that. He asked if I had an eye doctor, and I responded that yes, I do have an ophthalmologist, and I just needed to see him (Dr. Angelij) about fixing my particular problem. Once I told him that I did have an eye doc, he became totally disinterested in me and exited the room quickly. To make matters worse, the billing for this consult was $519+, after I had already paid my copay. (My part of the bill is not that much. I am furious out of principle.) The billing department has already called me twice, even after I told them that there was a problem with the billing, and the payment isn't even due yet. I am waiting for a response from my insurance company, with whom I have filed a complaint for improper billing, because they were charged too much. I will not see this doctor again for any reason. read more

I moved to TN three years ago and dreaded the thought of having to find a new eye doctor. I went to Dr. Darin Smith at Baptist Eye Surgeons and knew I had made the right choice! Dr. Smith has gone above and beyond to help me when I had a puzzling eye problem and immediately found a solution. I'm so thankful I found him and Baptist Eye Surgeons! read more

Baptist Eye Surgeons - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I had eye surgery in 2022 and found the staff to be uncommunicative when I called ahead for information (they said twice they would call back and never did), and the front desk was borderline rude when I asked what time they expected to start my surgery when they were apparently already running late and never informed me. I had my grandmother waiting on me and was only trying to update her with details. I got the sense that the business just wanted my money and didn't care about me as a patient. The surgery went okay and without complications, but I wouldn't choose this business again. Others I know said they had positive experiences there. read more

Dr. Andrew Anzeljc did an upper and lower Blephoplasty on me. I couldn't ask for a more competent and caring eye surgeon. He worked hard to make sure my eyes looked as good as possible. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience with Baptist Eye Surgeons. read more

When Dr. Murchison was recommended to us by my husbands retina specialist, we both started going to him. It is nice to have a doctor that care, explains what is going on, and is invested in the patient. In addition, I realized that I had used this group in the 1990's for RK surgery (Waaay before Lasix). Loved them then, love them now! read more

Dr. Smith is the most amazing doctor. I have total trust in him. I have been a patient since I was a teenager with this practice. I am now close to retiring so you can do the math. Dr. Hall was my original MD ( now retired ) I took a fall several years ago and sustained a hit to my face which resulted in me haviing a mis aligment in my eye. On exam with Dr. Smith, it took him probably less than 15 seconds to see that I had a vertical mis aligment and sent me straight away to a eye muscle specialist. But again, I think this practice is amazing and I would not trust my eyes to any one else. read more

Marc Bodenheimer is very good doctor who took care of my eyes real good , Thank Marc Andrew Anzeljc is so best doctor who took care of my eyelids and eyelashes real good . Thank Andrew read more

I've been a patient here for about 5 years now and can honestly say that all the staff here are extremely helpful and friendly. The doctors I've had the pleasure of meeting are the most competent I've ever had, with my new glasses and contacts always helping me. You can't go wrong with this group. read more

If you need Eye Surgery this is the place for you. Both my wife and I have had cataracts removed. My wife a few yrs ago and I this December 21. We are both seeing much better . I was pleasantly surprised at how well I could see even the next day , and my vision continued to improve in the next few days. As a Medical Professional I was very impressed with the efficiency of the team lead by Dr Mark Bodenheimer, from the Anesthesia, to the Nurses to the clerical staff. I was in and out for each eye in less than a hour. No I'm Not kidding you even with the Covid 19 Precautions . I was also very impressed that both my wife and I were called by the Surgeon to check on us post op. I f we need any further Surgical Care for Our Eyes we will go to Baptist Eye Surgeons . PS filling out your paper work before you get there will save you a lot of time. Thanks for the View. Sincerely , Mike O. read more