Despite my stress and frustration over the incident, I'm certainly willing to be reasonable if the owner or manager reaches out in that same spirit. I didn't mean to imply that the office could only make it right with a partial refund. What I would really like is for them to acknowledge it was their associate who made the mistake and apologize for trying to convince me it was my fault, I should have known, etc. I want to have a good relationship with this office. When I mentioned a partial refund, it was just the first thing that came to me when the manager asked about making it right (and, as my review shows, the manager just. became more angry about it.) Really I was mostly upset that I was treated by the cashier and manager, who both told me it was my own mistake. At the time I was offered a very insincere apology. I hope will all heads cooler now, they will be willing to extend a sincere one and we can rebuild that relationship. I am not asking for any money, just a sincere apology. If the owner or manager want to offer that or discuss this, I hope they reach out to me. read more

I have been a patient for awhile. Dr. Mitchell is great. Service, however, has gone downhill for the last two years. I had an appointment last year and they needed to cancel and reschedule but the reschedule date was 2 months off. If I were to wait, my insurance allowance for glasses/contacts would expire. I tried and tried but they wouldn't fit me in over the next few weeks even though they cancelled a long term appointment so I had to go to Johnson and Curran due to timing of my insurance. However, I went back to BEA because of Dr. Mitchell. She is awesome and is easy to talk to and takes time with you. I visited recently and my appoint with her was great as usual. However, the fees they add and keep talking about (I signed more paperwork and had conversations about fees more than my medical care) is distracting. I was quoted a price for my contact lenses in Nov and was told it was good until the end of th year but when I called to order them Dec 20, the price went up and there is a fee for a credit card and another fee. I was told that the technician who told me the price would be good through the end of Dec did not document the file and I was questioned, did I ask her to? (No, why wouldl I think of telling her to document the file?). They said costs go up at the first of the year and when I asked why not honor the price then since it was Dec, I was told they actually "up" them earlier than Jan 1 and dont wait. I spoke to Allen, the store manger who raised his voice and didn't listen well to my concerns. He blamed me and said the techician I am dealing with is doing a good job considering she was thrown into this since another was out on maternity leave. He transferred me back to the technician who disconnected the phone call and never called me back. I went in to the store and got taken care of but when I asked to speak to the manager, they said he is busy, email him, it is better that way. I wanted to share with him I was doing a review and wanted to be fair. I do not think he knew I was cut off and felt maybe he hasnt read this site or knew how he came off to me. Some of the same experieinces I had I see notated on this site and other sites so I hope BEA takes note ad improves. There is a shortage of providers in our area but they still should strive to be the bext they can be. Dr. Mitchell is awesome and the reason I will go back. I also like they will text with you which is a bonus. read more

I love this office! Dr. Hempelmann is always wonderful. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel comfortable. The office itself is very clean and well maintained. read more

Take your check book! They are charging hefty fees (is it legal?) for using a credit card to pay in the moment!!!! I mean HEFTY!!!! We were gobsmacked. read more

Staff is very professional aand friendly. Dr. Dovie is as well, and he's very thorough with reviewing all test results. He was able to identify very early plaquenil toxicity signs on my exam and sent me to a Retina specialist for evaluation and follow up! read more

The prices for eyeglass lenses seem pretty predatory in my opinion. I think they are taking advantage of students who don't know how much glasses should cost. You be the judge...here is their cost roll-up to consider before you go in: Eye Exam: $165.00 Fee to Re-use my existing glasses frames: $20.00 Base cost for lenses only: $199.00 Polycarbonate material (all lenses are polycarbonate now): $70.00 Polished edges (not an option to decline): $25.00 Anti-reflective Coating (not an option to decline): $179.00 UV Protection (not an option to decline): $25.00 Discount for No Insurance: -$100.00 Total for exam plus lenses only (re-used my frames): $583.00 !!! Do your homework and get a quote before you get your exam and feel pressured to buy from here. You are entitled to walk out with your prescription and go to Costco or any place else to have them made for half the price. read more

I spent a lot of money on glass frames. BEA has the semblance of high-quality, high-end service with their individual booths (and credit card charge machine!) on each table. The outside of my high-priced frames started fading, but not on the inside. I was told it was from my sweat! (Hugh, sweating on the outside on not on the inside of the frames??). I was told that I was beyond a one-year warranty period, and that --besides-- frames should be replaced (according to who? them? so they can sell you more?)-- every two years. No one buys tortoise shell like design frames only to have them turn a milky white. When I reiterated my claim to the clerk "Just to be clear, these frames faded on the outside and not on the inside, and you are not going to either replace them, offer me a comparable replacement, or sell me something at YOUR cost?", she kept repeating, "If that is why your think sir." I repeated whether what I was stating was factual, and in a snarky tone, she said again "If that is what you think, sir." When I called their national distributor in Calinfornia, I was told that 1) they are wholesale only, 2) take it back to the local retailer (Blacksburg Eye Associates), and 3) I was stuck with the glasses. I reiterated that I was told that I didn't pay good money for frames that fade beyond recognition. Summing up, don't be seduced by the apparently high-quality front-end service at BEA. Moreover, you have to go up and request from a receptionist, to speak with someone. Then, when someone does come out (usually 3-5 minutes even when no one is the store), the female clerk 1) did not introduce herself and 2) asked me my name (this, after the receptionist looked up my name). While asking for a date of birth is okay for private security, BEA can dispense with the appearance of a streamlined check-in. Terrible customer service, super high prices, and you get pitted against the wholesaler. Go to Wal-mart or give some small business with fewer aesthetics/amenities. Avoid these folks at all cost. read more

I had gotten shingles in my eye. I needed help so bad. They took so much time with me and was so careful to explain everything to me and made sure I was comfortable. I honestly can't say enough about them and the staff. Everyone has been just awesome. So glad I started coming here. read more

The contact tech and doctor were good, but the front office and orders were terrible on a number of occasions. I understand supply issues, but missing dates and never giving updates, getting defensive about questions and turning them into a big process, and having difficulty giving updates are unacceptable. They even promised more samples of something different but didn't give any until pressed multiple times. I was without contacts for weeks. Our whole family needs eyewear and we will avoid using this place unless it is for a doctor specialty that is hard to find around here. read more

They don't take your order seriously. Delay making your glasses without explanation. When you call them to ask why, they either let you waiting for message or say don't know why. read more

Doctor was very nice . Front office staff was a little rude. Glasses and lenses are very expensive. For just the lenses for an old pair of glasses we paid over $400. Been close to 3 weeks and they have not come in yet. Called today and said they were shipped to Amazon??? Not even sure what that means. I think they are sneaky with the add ons and I'm not sure I will go back after this visit and experience. It's a shame . read more

Terrible!! Overpriced glasses that are unusable. They don't tell you about their refund policy. And to make their glasses usable theyll charge you more money. Don't go here. read more

Finally took the time to get my eyes checked last week; it had been so long that I didn't have any specific doctor to go to, so after asking around I decided to give Dr. Dovie a try, and very glad I did. From the time I set the appointment to the time I walked in the door, the office contacted me a few times to confirm details, make sure I didn't have any questions, and to remind me of my appointment. When I arrived they had everything ready to go; no waiting around, and very efficient. I found Dr. Dovie to be very personable, and he took the time to explain what we were doing, why, as well as to *gently* remind me that I probably shouldn't wait 10 years between eye exams. Got it, Doc. Once we were finished up, the staff was ready and waiting to process everything, and they followed up after the appointment to make sure all was well. Definitely a fan, can't recommend enough. read more

Good doctor, nurses and therapist. But very unprofessional and rude front staff. They do not like feedbacks.

Wonderful staff! Easy online appointment scheduling and staff very helpful while answering my questions. Thanks to Sierra who helped me pick out my new glasses. read more

I have always had issues with my eyes and usually I get so annoyed by how hard it is to find good glasses/contacts that I give up and just go with the bad eye contacts/glasses. It is really unfortunate because it impacts all aspects of my life as I cannot see well. I think over the years this has made my vision worse, impacted my school performance, and my happiness in general, but I have had some doctors really work with me to perfect my vision and that is what my experience here was like. Some doctors would just get annoyed and tell me that they can no longer help (I have had this happen), but here, Dr. Mitchell has been working closely with me to make sure I leave with contacts that I can actually see with. While we are still in the process of perfecting that, I know we are so close and I am so appreciative that I haven't been made to feel like a burden at this office. I did have one really bad experience with a receptionist, but I can deal with that if someone can help me with my vision. I am glad I found Blacksburg Eye Associates and will continue to be a patient there! read more

I was very pleased with my visit to BEA. This was my first visit after years of going to another local practice. I felt I received highly progressive and efficient care. I 'look' forward to seeing better soon (need to pick up glasses first). Very open and clear communication throughout the eye exam. Pay attention and hear what is being said to avoid any add on costs. Only issue I have, and its at every eye doctor I've been to, is picking out frames is like buying a used car. You find frames, fall in love with them, then find out they are a ridiculous price. This is the retail side, I get it, but be up front with frame prices. Maybe have a good-better-best price point selection process. read more

Not the place to get your glasses unless you want to spend a fortune. Pricing is set so it is not economical to reuse your perfectly good pair of old glasses. read more

My eyes were so dry and my contacts just felt so uncomfortable to the point that I couldn't wear them for longer than 1-2 hours. That's when I decided to go to another optometrist. Switching to Blacksburg Eye Associates was one of the best decisions ever. Dr. Mitchell checked out my eyes for my first visit and told me what I needed to do to make them better. Apparently my old doctor had prescribed me contacts that didn't fit my eyes correctly, so they were a scratching up my eyes! After two weeks, I came back for a contact lens exam. Dr. Mitchell have me some to try on and I came back two weeks later for a contact lens check up. They checked to see how I liked the lens and how they fitted my eyes. They feel great! For all the work they do, everything is very reasonably priced (poor college student here). The office is also filled with very nice people, and I definitely recommend if you're looking for an optometry office to go to. read more

Great place, friendly and courteous staffs Highly recommended for diagnosis The frame prices are high Easy appointment scheduling Good doctors read more

The first time I came to this office I had a so so experience, not great but not bad either. I saw dr dovie and he changed my proscription from what I was used to and gave me some updated version of the contacts I wear. This year when I came however, I've had an awful experience. When I saw a different dr I explained that I wasn't crazy about the contacts I had been switched to and she recommended daily contacts. I explained at several points in the conversation that I wasn't willing to pay much more for my contacts and she gave me a couple of options (rebates, etc). I came back to the office twice for contact checks. The first time I was stuck in traffic on 81 and was 10 minutes late. I called the office and could not get through. I tried to explain to the receptionist that I tried to call and she was very rude, stating that I would have to wait over an hour to be seen. On the second visit I found daily's that actually work so I called to order them. Turns out, they were over $1200 A YEAR. I was so confused because I was very explicit that I was not willing to pay that much, but that clearly fell on deaf ears. When I asked for help on the phone call the girl was extremely unhelpful and unprofessional. I asked to speak with the manager and had to leave 4 messages in order to actually speak with him. Finally, after a completely useless call with the manager, I asked to speak with dr dovie, the owner of the practice. I have yet to hear back over a week later. In short - go somewhere else. This place is a joke and the people are rude. read more

I was very pleased with the appointment. Good service, all the latest technologies were available for my diagnosis, and Dr. Dovie is extremely open to questions and great at explaining the images he showed me of my eyes. The optic exam was also very efficient. I highly recommend Dr. Dovie and Blacksburg Eye. read more

Went in for refraction & new eyeglasses. Was given "comprehensive ophthalmic exam ($300) even though I see a specialist 4 times/yr and didn't need eye exam. One pair of eyeglasses came to almost $700 after my $300 insurance discount. The woman who helped me gave me lenses, & coating from the the most expensive tier without any discussion of the cost. I cancelled the order and got the glasses at Blue Ridge Optical for $450. read more

Phenomenal practice, they are like family! Professional, innovative and the best service. Hands down the BEST!

The customer isn't always right, and if you've forgotten this fact, the receptionists at Blacksburg Eye Associates will be happy to explain to you in great detail why any issue you may have with their care or service is entirely your fault, and never due to any negligence on the part of Blacksburg Eye Associates. read more

This is the best eye care possible. From the time you walk in, until you leave. Dr. Dovie discovered that I had narrow angle gloucoma. This condition was caught early and is able to be treated. Dr. Dovie let me know that I could contact his office at any time with questions. Believe me, I did. Each and every time my emails and phone calls were answered. They literally, saved my vision. Thanks and gratitude. Susan Jones read more

I m not happy about my experience. staff asked if i want to learn how to wear contact lens，however，they did not tell me that for "contact lens training" I should pay $45...... read more

I went to Blacksburg Eye Associates because I wanted to support a local business and keep my money in the local economy, as opposed to spending it at a national chain like Lenscrafters. Well, No good deed goes unpunished! About a month ago, I visited this shop and worked with a very friendly and helpful young lady who helped me pick out a pair of Oakley sport glasses. I paid for the glasses at that time, but was told that Oakley had to make the lenses and ship the glasses back to Blacksburg. I was told the glasses would be ready to pick up in "About a week." Their prices were a little high, but then again, I was supporting a local business. So, I accepted the time and expense, and agreed to wait for my over-priced glasses to arrive. I didn't need them for a few weeks anyway. Here we are, one month later, and I have heard every excuse in the book for these people. "The first pair of lenses broke and had to be re-made." "The frames are on back order." I have no idea what the truth is at this point, and the credibility of this business is such that I wouldn't trust them if they actually told me the truth. The reason I bought the glasses has passed, and I am beyond fed up with these people. Save yourself the time and the money, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! Although they have always been very friendly and apologetic, there is something wrong with this picture.... read more

Suzie is always very friendly and helpful. Wait times are short. John is extremely informative and polite. Admin staff are very friendly. Would recommend to anyone looking for friendly, helpful, efficient staff in a comfortable atmosphere! A++! read more

I'd give 4 1/2 stars if Yelp would let me. Dr. Dovie is very much "of my generation", not like the old-fashioned, more "patriarchal" kind of doctor. I really liked his down-to-earth character and willingness to take A LOT of time to explain everything to me. He didn't talk down to me or withhold information, the way I'm used to a lot of doctors doing. He's a very likeable doctor. (As I was sitting in his office listening to him talk, I kept thinking about the new "leadership styles" at companies like Google, "bottom-up decision-making", democratic management models, etc. I think that stuff is starting to trickle down to doctors. Dr. Dovie is very much "on your level".) There were only three things I was a little uncomfortable with: 1) I had to wait about half an hour, even though I arrived early with all my paperwork already filled out (I had downloaded the forms from the website and filled them out at home). I wouldn't change Dr. Dovie taking his time with patients, as he does. I would perhaps just schedule the sessions longer. 2) Some of the staff were actually OVER-friendly. I'm not a super-social person, so when I can feel people are trying really hard to be friendly and talkative, I feel uncomfortable. It's the "American waitress" phenomenon: It comes off kinda' fake. Some of the staff might tone it down just a touch. (What I suspect is happening is this: Dr. Dovie is naturally likeable and friendly and easy to talk to; some of his staff may be less so, but are trying to imitate his style, cuz hey, it's his office. Some succeed better than others.) It's probably just me; I really am more asocial than most. 3) The selection of glasses is small compared to what I'm used to, and I think all of them were over $100. I do think that, even if most patients use contacts, there should be more "lower-end" and "middle-range" frames. I found most of them much too expensive for my budget, and was considering just buying online when I happened to find one pair I liked, by luck Overall, though, this is definitely the best eye doctor I've ever been to--and ranks up in the top 3 of doctors in general. He's really outstanding. I'll definitely be going back, and am recommending him to all my friends. read more

Dr. Dovie is very friendly and he does a great job explaining everything and making sure you understand what is going on, he is always happy to answer any questions that you might have and you never feel rushed. To me, this is especially important when I take my son to the appointment, I want to make sure I know and understand what is going on and know what to do. The staff is very nice and friendly, and they all seem to get along great. I really do like the atmosphere in that office! Making an appointment is very easy, they always try to work with and think their scheduling process is very effective - I never had to wait more than a few minutes, normally when you go to a doctor you can expect to be waiting for at least 20 minutes. I think they try really hard to provide a great service and I really appreciate it. read more

I saw Dr. Mitchell. She was very nice and spent a lot of time listening to the issues I've had. Though it wound up being a bit pricey, I'm confident that my glasses will actually help, unlike when I've gotten other eye exams. read more

It wasn't until I went here that I realized how much my previous optometrist was dropping the ball. The number of eye health diagnostic machines (which have actually increased between the two times I've gone) gives me great confidence that they are checking everything possible. Great staff, young doctors that are up to date with eye checks and technology. I have recommended this place to all of my friends. read more

This was the second time I had my eyes checked with Dr Mitchell and she is extremely professional and competent. I hate having anything near my eyes, but she helped me feel comfortable throughout the entire exam. They already had my contacts order from last year so all they did was update my prescription and order them for me. I would definitely recommend visiting them, especially if you have AETNA insurance. The exam cost me only $15 and I used the $120 from AETNA towards my new contacts. read more

Very friendly and professional people! They are fast and friendly with very intelligent associates and Doctors that explain in detail what I need to know about my eyes with the most up to date equipment. read more

As far as the doctor went, this establishment is fabulous. I havnt had glasses before and she walked me through every step, was very kind, and explained everything. As soon as my eye appointment was over and it was time to pick out my glasses it went downhill. I was brought to the front of the shop to pick out my frames. I was a little overwhelmed and disoriented (I had never experienced my pupils being dilated before). I picked out some frames (no one explained the price was on the lens, not that I would have been able to read it anyway due to the dilation) and went back to the associate. She had me try the frames on and then told me to hold on bc she had frames that would better fit my face. I liked them and then she very quickly went over some charges explaining I had very good insurance. Then looked at me and told me it would be $500! I was taken aback and asked for a breakdown. The frames she had picked out for me were $600! The ones I had picked out for myself were $299. We switched them out. I for sure felt a little swindled and taken advantage of. Especially when I found out some of the charges for my lenses were optional, which she did not explain, just went ahead and charged me for it. It being the first time I have gotten glasses I had no idea. I was told my glasses would be in in a week. When it hit two weeks I finally called them, considering I had already paid for these glasses. I was told that the lab had cut my lenses too small and then scratched one of my lenses. And they would be in next week. It would have been nice if someone had called and told me. I'm currently waiting for them to open so I can go pick up my glasses, it will be three weeks since my apt tomorrow. All in all the eye apt itself was wonderful. Next time I will for sure get my prescription and buy my glasses elsewhere. read more

Professional and knowledgeable doctors and support staff; easily the best optometrists in the NRV.

Dr. Dovie is great. Couldn't ask for better. In total contrast, their billing processes are awful. We put up with them sending incorrect info and to the wrong insurance companies over the years because we were otherwise satisfied; until now. Our son developed scratches on his eye from his contacts, and met with Dr Mitchell who wrote out a prescription and asked him to come back in 2 weeks for a follow-up. Once at the pharmacy, we found out she prescribed an upsell medicine, costing more than $250. Luckily our pharmacist contacted her and determined that a $20 alternative would also work. Then we find out that we get charged FULL PRICE AGAIN for the 3 minute follow up visit! Four calls to the office to get an explanation of why we were charged full price for a (as it turns out unnecessary) follow up visit went nowhere. We went in today to get resolution and met with Sarah Dovie. She came out with an attitude, and specifically told us that they did not have to provide any objective evidence of when, why and how much they intend to charge. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I put up with the insurance incompetency, but double billing and high upsell charges is completely unacceptable. We asked for our files as we were going to find another eye doctor. Sarah told us that the doctor would have to review the files before they were released. Fair enough; but I just had to ask if they were going to charge me for the doctor's review time. Turns out they don't charge for this service....But somehow I still expect to see a new bill show up in the mail. read more

MANY ISSUES with Blacksburg Eye Associates. The front desk staff is either very uneducated or very sneaky about the costs of exams, glass, contacts etc. They were not transparent about the true cost of my coming in over the phone. I left paying double what was quoted to me. Be very clear about what type of appointment you want!! Also, if someone tells you that you get a free pair of glasses with your exam - YOU DON'T. During my first ever exam with them, my eyes were too damaged to get a good read on my prescription. I was told to come back at a later date and they would look at them again NO CHARGE TO ME. Sure enough, I was charged a follow-up fee! Ridiculous. WILL NOT BE RETURNING read more

The facilities and physician services were of a quality nature. However, for those reading this before trying them yourselves, BEWARE! When beginning to look into purchasing glasses, the assistant assumes you will use "premium quality" services and prices your product accordingly WITHOUT EVER ACKNOWLEDGING THAT ANYTHING LESS COSTLY EXISTS OR OFFERING YOU, THE CUSTOMER, AN OPTION! Only after persistent questioning did I get the truth and received a more reasonable quote. EVEN THEN, my estimate contained services I did not request or need! This happened to my family on more than one occasion. (Once we were quoted a price of $900+ for progressive bifocals AFTER the insurance payment.) It certainly smells of the sales associates receiving commissions. Whether that is true or not, I consider it very, very deceptive! read more