Positives: Good, thorough exam; friendly staff; knowledgeable doctor…read more
Negatives: Disorganization, poor communication, referral errors, bad referral experience, ridiculously overpriced and SLOW glasses
Summary: If you JUST want an exam, you'll probably be fine, but (I cannot stress this enough!) DO NOT order your glasses here. Take the prescription and run.
Initial exam was April 16th. Following the exam, I reluctantly agreed to pay $800 (after insurance) for a regular pair of glasses and a computer pair. The regular pair was to have advanced Transitions lenses in them (the kind that partially darken in the car).
I had major sticker shock, but (1) it had been a few years since I bought new glasses and everything is insanely expensive now, (2) I knew the specialties (like Transitions) could add to the cost, and (3) I thought I was getting the best because I was ordering through an established local business. "You get what you pay for."
I was not informed of an expected delivery time but given that (in 45 years of wearing glasses) I had never waited more than 10 days total, I wasn't too concerned. That is until I called in on 4/28 (nearly two weeks post-order) and was told they always take 7-14 BUSINESS days. I NEVER would have paid that much to wait that long. I asked about canceling the order so I could go elsewhere and was told it had been two weeks already so the order couldn't be canceled.
On 5/12 (just shy of FOUR weeks post-order), I was finally told they were in. The frames had been extremely loosened at the lab so they had to be tightened three times during pick-up before they felt secure. A week later, they were barely darkening in the car and were loose again so I returned.
Stevie attempted to make things right by helping me pick out a different frame and re-order. She apologized for the delay. She also offered magnetic sunglasses 'for free'. Believing these could be used to help my Transitions in the car, I agreed and placed the order. At the time, I felt like Stevie was the only one who actually cared. I felt heard and seen and opted to wait to post online reviews.
That wait ended yesterday 6/4 when I went to pick up the replacement glasses. They were also too loose, but Stevie adjusted, and I left. On the way home, I discovered that the new pair didn't have Transitions lenses in them. I called back in and Stevie said she didn't order them because she thought they would be too dark in combination with the clip-ons. Given that I had paid for Transitions, I don't see this as anything other than theft. Had she stated they were replacing my Transitions, I would have refused the clip-ons.
Not only did the clip look & feel cheap, its extended bridge was causing blurry spots as I turned my head and distracting shadows beneath my eyes. I could not safely drive with them on, and even if I could wear them, without the Transitions, I would have had to carry these with me everywhere to ensure sun protection. I pay for Transitions lenses for a reason so they are ALWAYS with me.
Braving afternoon traffic again, I returned to pick up my original 'new' pair so I could have sun protection. She offered to put Transitions into the replacement pair, and I said that was up to her and I left. I later left a voicemail stating I would not be returning and to do what they wanted with the replacements. I then ordered cheap clip-ons myself to use in the car as needed since the "advanced" Transitions don't darken correctly (less than my five year old pair.)
By comparison, my husband's appointment with Dr. Foley was four days after mine. He opted to go down the street to a competitor because my glasses had been so expensive. He got two pair of glasses as well, for HALF the price, and had them in his hands in five days. He loves them. For me, I have never regretted a purchase more than buying glasses from Dr. Foley.
In addition to the glasses debacle, I was also referred to Dr. Peter Karth for retina care. He was unprofessional and condescending, and his team was rude. After requesting a different referral for continued care, Dr. Foley's team sent the wrong referral to the other doctor so I didn't hear from them for over a week.
I don't hold Dr. Foley responsible for Dr. Peter Karth's actions, but I do think she should reconsider who she uses for retina care referrals because I wouldn't wish my experience there on anyone. Her team also needs better training on properly handling referrals.
We should be able to trust medical professionals. We should know they are being honest, forthcoming, up front about costs, delays, expectations, etc. That has proven impossible with Dr. Foley and her team.
There are dozens of qualified optometrists in the area. I strongly recommend going elsewhere.
