My name is Gerald Barba. Doctor Richardson was referred by my internist. He thought I had dry eye and that's why I came to the San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates.
I had never been to an ophthalmologist before. I came in not knowing what to expect. When he dilated my eyes, I couldn't see very well but he told me that was done so that he could really look inside and give me a thorough examination; and he did. I've never been through so much before.
I was just used to an eye test looking at a chart on the wall, but he looked into my eyes. He looked with all these magnifying lenses and he looked thoroughly all around inside of it. He said everything looked fine and he recommended some eye drops which I used and it was amazing!The next day, it just practically cleared up overnight. I came back for a follow up and I told him. He mentioned a couple of other things I could use. It was just over the counter and it's just like a fog was lifted off my eyes. I was really concerned.
It was funny because my eyes were producing a lot of moisture --they were tearing-- but he said it was going by so fast. He explained thoroughly what it was. It was going by so fast that it wasn't lubricating my eyes. I guess as you get older, as I am -- as you can see, my hairs turning white -- it happens. So you have to accept that and I did. I started using recommended over the counter drops.
Then, I guess about a year later, it started getting a little worse. He gave me a prescription and again, after a few days, he says there maybe some burning and I didn't even have that. Same thing, it was like a miracle. It just really worked great. I could really see and I thought I needed stronger glasses but he explained that wasn't the case. My eyes just were not being lubricated. It wasn't my eyesight. It was just lubrication that I had to have on my eyes.
So, I have been coming here ever since and when you walk through the door, it's like you're one of the family. The receptionist greets you with a "Good morning. How are you?" I always come in the morning. I'm an early riser. Usually they have me come and my eyes will be dilated when I come early in the morning.They take you in, they look at your eyes and they even have a TV. You can sit and watch or read. It's hard to read because your eyes get a little blurry as times goes by when you're dilating. Your pupils get wider so they can get a better view of your eye inside. They take you inside an exam room, take a good look and then you are on your way.
They never keep you real long. They are very prompt on their time, and never had to wait. Doctor Richardson usually has a lot of patients but he always taken me on time.
He answers my questions. He is never in a hurry. I have been to doctors where they have one leg out the door. He is not like that at all. He explains thoroughly and he makes sure that you understand. If you have questions, he answers them and like I say, he is never in a hurry.He is always smiling and he answers your questions so you can understand them. He doesn't use these big words that you don't understand. He is very thorough.
He makes you feel very welcome and he always gives you samples to try out.In case it doesn't work, you don't spend 50 bucks and find out it doesn't work. He is always generous with the samples and he always tells you what side effects may be. It may sting, it may burn, your eyes may get blurry. He always tells you this.He is a great guy and the staff, you just can't say enough. They're very accommodating when it comes to the appointments. They always manage to work you in.
Just a few months ago, I was foolishly cutting my grass with my weed eater and I got hit in the eye. Doctor Richardson was not available, but the nurse said, "Just come right in. Somebody will take care of you." And they did. I didn't even wait five minutes. Another doctor took over, looked through my records and just took care of me right away.Followed up with it, and then Doctor Richardson followed up with it. I'm fine. Luckily, I learned to wear my safety glasses. He gave me a little bit of a lecture and he said he even did it at one time, so I just can't say enough. That's a very nice group. They are all very nice and I really enjoy coming here. read more
