I really hope this review helps improve the experience of this place.
I've been going to this place since 2014, probably had 3/4 visits, my wife goes here and so will my 2 children. Staff and Dr are very nice and polite, no issues with them from that perspective.
However, the staff, just need to learn about customer service. They seem to be very very laid back, to the point where you're not even sure they are working there....
Every time I walk in, I'm never greeted, it's not clear what they expect you to to. They really should think about that and come up with a plan of how they greet patients walking into the office.
This last visit I had a 5:15 apt, arrived at 5:05. Walked in, walked up to the first desk, informed them I have a 5:15 apt. I was asked to fill in my name on a clip board and asked to wait, asked to write my name....on a clip board....surely there's a better way, anyway let's say it's old school.
I decided to have a look at their glasses selection while I waited. At around 5:15 (yes, the time of my apt) a member of staff hands me a tablet and asks me to review the details they have on file and to confirm them. No mention of the Doc running late with her apts. It takes me all of 1/2 mins. I walk back to the reception desks and inform them that I have completed the request. Nothing is said to me (again) about the Dr running late on apts. No indication given to me of when she will see me....nothing. See what I mean by proactive customer service.....it's kind of lacking.
I decide, to sit down and begin the count down to 5:25pm, this is the amount of time I've given this establishment to let me know when I'm likely to be seen or indeed called into my appointment (the way I see it, a customer/patient shouldn't have to ask....they should be informed regardless). While I'm waiting...I can see Dr C dealing with another patient....she's her usually friendly/caring self taking her time to deal with her patients needs (which I'm all for).
In the meantime, I'm looking at the reception desk, that has 3!! members of staff, sitting there pleasantly looking very kind, nice and friendly, but not doing much else. As far as I can see....I'm the only other person waiting, so it's very likely I'm the last patient of the day....so what other pressing matters do they have except to deal with me....but maybe I shouldn't be expecting that, who knows (hint of sarcasm there, sorry).
I was really really routing for any of the staff to speak to me, to reassure me that I will be seen soon or in fact for the Dr to be ready to see me before 5:25 arrived...unfortunately neither happened....
At 5:25 a stood up, walked over to the desk, and said "I've been waiting 10 mins, my apt was at 5:15, I'm leaving". A member of staff at that point told me that the Dr is almost ready to see me lol!
My response "let the Dr know that when she has an appointment where she can see me on time, I'll have one of those bookings please, I'm leaving"
Now, I know 10 mins isn't long to wait, heck I've waited a lot longer for apts, a lot longer. What I can't stand is that there seems to be this expectation that it's ok for me to just sit there and wait, without any information, it seems to be the norm....that's where things need to be addressed.
If I give you the curtesy of turning up on time or earlier (as in my case) to my apt, I should expect the curtesy of being seen on time, if that's not possible, then please keep me informed of how long I will be waiting. The onus shouldn't be on the patient to ask questions...the staff should keep us informed at each step, and constantly re-evaluate the situation as it evolves....I'm rebooking my apt, let's see how it goes on my next visit.
I really hope someone reads this and takes something from it and improves things so that patients have a better experience, because this place could be so much more.... read more