First off, I think John Krebsbach is a good doctor when it comes to diseases of the eye and diagnosing your vision needs. He is very friendly, knowledgeable and personable, and so is his staff.
HOWEVER, I wouldn't get glasses from him, unless you don't mind spending a lot of money and/or have really good insurance. My son and I went to him and normally we both have distance glasses (mild prescription of -1 in each eye for both of us). He told us we both need progressive lenses, and signed us up for the best of everything. By the time we were done, I was out almost $800 for both pairs of glasses, which I thought was really weird.
After talking to some people, I decided to go to Costco and get the glasses there instead. I went back and got a refund and canceled my order, and when we went to Costco I said, "I don't really think we need Progressives.." And the girl at the counter said, "Dr Krebsbach? Yes, he's notorious for overprescribing and a lot of people come here.. somehow, a lot of young people and kids get Progressive lenses that don't really need it." And to top it all off, he also makes it difficult for people to get their glasses elsewhere, as he wrote the prescription for progressives and certain types of materials and checked "No substitutions". Also, they already billed my insurance, so now I have to wait for that to undo and clear and then go back to Costco and order my glasses. But, the price difference? $80 for both pairs of our glasses vs. almost $800 ordering through him.
I understand a small business wanting to make the most money possible, but I think I would have been SO happy to refer people to him based on his knowledge, expertise and affability, if they didn't try and milk their patients for things that aren't necessary. He also told me not wearing glasses all the time would "ruin my eyes". That's an old myth that just won't seem to die, because wearing or not wearing glasses, or eye strain, doesn't actually "ruin" your eyes. I'm glad I was skeptical and looked at my other options, but I'm kind of sad because I liked the hours, convenience and technology he used (the eye scanner was cool, and no air puff thingy!) But I guess if you can avoid his sales tactics, go ahead and use him!
**Update** WELP, I guess I really can't even recommend him for an exam now. Costco called me back as they had called him to take off "no substitutions*. He had some special lenses on there that were very expensive that only his office does and when she asked him if he would take that off to allow us to get it filled somewhere else to get either single visions or progressives, he said absolutely not. If this was just about the prescription itself, I could possibly understand, but seeing as he insists on the type of expensive, high tech and (I think) unnecessary materials, I think it's more about $$$. A. at Costco told him I would call him and he said he would just tell me to find another doctor. SO I will, next year. And I guess this year I'll just order what I want online. She said she had never encountered this kind of behavior from a doctor before. Very strange and unprofessional. read more
