I work at UT and FWO came up on my list of in-network providers. I needed an eye/glasses and contact exam badly, despite covid, so I made an appointment for a couple weeks after calling (it was the soonest they had due to limiting patient volume for covid). Whilst on the phone with them, my daughter insisted on screaming like a banshee the entire time, and the scheduler was so patient and understanding. They have a great text reminder system. My appointment rolled around and I expected to be in and out in time for another unrelated (phone) appointment, as in the past I've been whisked through other exams elsewhere. The staff was fantastic and friendly, and the office was spotless with clear social distancing protocol (of course everyone was properly masked as well). Granted, it's impossible to do an eye exam from six feet away, but I'm really glad they took temperatures and used PPE. Dr. Coldiron is fabulous. She was very thorough and led me through the visit with clarity and patience - and when I told her about my impending phone appointment she was warm and understanding. She didn't rush through the visit, and allowed me to use the room we were in for my private call, then afterward we discussed some important new concerns she found. I'm so glad I chose FWO and everyone made me feel comfortable and like I mattered as a patient. Shout out to Linda and the front office for great work. Highly recommend. read more

Far West Optical does not care about your wellbeing. I went in for my eye exam in February and ordered my annual supply of contacts, I still do not have them. Tomorrow is AUGUST. Far West has had numerous opportunities to make this situation right yet they continue to make me wait and use my old contact lenses. Here is the timeline below. After my eye exam, they order my contact lenses to the wrong address. The contacts are returned to sender and the office reaches out to me. We verify my address and they mail them again. This time, UPS was the courier and the contacts were marked as delivered with a blurry photo but they were not at my door when I checked. I communicated this to Far West and they refused to help, saying it was out of their hands because UPS had a confirmation of delivery. So, I opened a claim with UPS and they quickly admitted fault to my package missing because the blurry photo was not proof of delivery. This happened back in May. The problem now is that the claim has to be processed through the shipper's account for reimbursement, per UPS policy. Therefore, Far West needed to fill out and submit a 2 page document provided by UPS. Instead of doing that, Wendy at the front desk sent that paperwork to me and said it was not their responsibility. So, I filled out the paperwork for them and emailed it back on May 21st. I called on May 24th to confirm they had submitted it and was met with hostility. I was told I had to submit the paperwork to UPS, they would not do anything. Then they gaslight me stating that the blank paperwork they sent to me that I filled out for them was originally given to them by me, despite me having proof via email they sent me the blank paperwork. I called them out and they were rude, unaccountable, and hung up on me when I tried to add a UPS representative to the call. The next week, they agreed to work with UPS and submit the paperwork only after I escalated with UPS. After a slow back and forth of a few weeks waiting, UPS mailed a reimbursement check on June 13th for the contacts. At this point, it probably would not surprise you that Far West did not check the address the check was being mailed to and it went to a World Wide Express office in Dallas, the 3rd party company they use to create courier labels. It took over a month after the check was sent for Far West to get back to me and they are offering no solution forward, saying I will have to start the whole process over. They could contact their World Wide Express agent and find out where the check is, but I can't even ask them to do that because my calls and voicemails are not being returned and UPS cannot get in contact with them. This is a horrible office that will lie, drag their feet, and take no responsibility for their mistakes. I begged to have them order me the replacement contacts nearly three months ago when UPS admitted fault and agreed to a reimbursement but Far West refused. They will not order the contacts until they receive the reimbursement, a process they have dragged out for months. Their payment is more important than your healthcare. Wish I could recommend this place because Dr. Erik Haselhorst is wonderful but it is not worth dealing with the office at Far West Optical. I would look elsewhere, don't make the same mistake I did as a returning customer. read more

do not go here! they are so rude! i literally misplaced my note of my upcoming scheduled appt. when i called to double check it the lady was so rude in the first place saying that it was hard to look up my appt if i couldn't remember the date. then when she looked up my number to try and find my appt. she said i did not have any appt. will be going elsewhere!!!!!! so unprofessional! read more

I tried to get a emailed copy of my contacts prescription (after filling out a release form) and they were trying to tell me that they didn't have one on file when I went to the exam distinctly asking for a new one FOR CONTACTS... so that was a lie. I went back and forth via email and voicemails with the incoherent receptionist until finally got a copy after a week. I will not be returning here ever again. read more

This review is in regards to the shop, not the doctor inside. Horrible. Very few options to begin with, cost me $500 for a regular pair of glasses and after 2 weeks of waiting they came out defective. Returned them, waited another 2 weeks and they came out defective AGAIN (lens kept popping out because it wasn't cut right). When I consented to have them worked on again for a 3rd time(!) and asked for a frame to borrow, the grumpy old lady said they couldn't lend me frames because "they had just been bought out by another company" or some nonsense. I ended up just ordering a new pair online from Zenni for like $35. They look great and the quality seems really solid (I was surprised). The crappy $500 ones from those thieves at FarWest Optical sit in our junk drawer. read more

The Far West Optical Optometrists, Technicians, and Staff are an amazing team of people offering cutting edge technology and friendly & efficient service. Give your eyes some rest and look no further than Far West Optical for all your vision care services and products. These people always go the extra distance for their patients. Thank you!! read more

Dr. Coldiron is excellent but I ended up switching to another optometrist because the office staff could never seem to get their act together. Just one example - I went in to pick up my glasses. The optician was with someone so I sat down to wait. When she was finished she went to help someone who came in after I did. Front desk staff hadn't bothered to tell her why I was there. Also lots of issues with lack of knowledge on insurance, etc. Really a shame. read more

A coworker referred me to Far West Optical because she loved Dr. Coldiron. I ended up making an appointment with Dr Weaver and have been seeing him for the last 4-5 years. Dr. Weaver is thorough and nice and my glasses prescriptions have always been great from the first try. But I especially recommend him if you have really bad eyesight and toric contact lenses. I've always had HORRIBLE night vision with my contacts and every previous optometrist/opthamologist had just acted like it was because of my toric lenses. But not Dr. Weaver... He patiently tried 5 different prescriptions trying to get the halos and starbursts to go away and .... I can now see clearly at night! There is a extra fee that you pay when you're first being fitted for toric lenses and it seemed like kind of a lot... maybe $150?... but after I went back for 6 extra appointments and they'd ordered me 5 different pairs of trial lenses, I felt it was totally worth it. And honestly I would have paid $400 to be able to see clearly when driving at night. Even 5 years later, I get excited about it :) read more

Dr. Coldiron is very good at her job, and has an excellent bedside manner to boot. She just seems extremely thorough in addressing whatever issue is at hand as well as answering questions. I'd feel confident in recommending anyone to her, including those with special eye needs. Some of the equipment in the office seems dated, but I'm sure it's all in working condition. Unfortunately, the receptionists seem like they don't really know what they're doing or how to talk through your insurance options. I've had multiple miscommunications with them. The staffer who sells glasses also doesn't seem very thorough in helping you choose glasses either. I don't buy my glasses here, honestly. I just like Dr. Coldiron. The huge head cutout on the building is a little cheesy, but at least it makes Far West Optical easy to spot from the road! read more

The doctor I saw was Doctor Coldiron and she was nice. She was very attentive to my needs but in the end the selection of eyewear that they provided was just so minimal. Also in order to look at their glasses, they keep insisting that you provide your information. Sometimes it is just nice to be able to walk in and look around or be asked what we are looking for but asking ALL of my personal information just in order to look at some of their stuff seemed a bit over-the-top to me. read more

Far West Optical - Optometrists Near Me - Austin, Texas

If I could give less than one star, I would. I'd give the optometrist five stars. My nine year old needs glasses and that is already a hard pill to swallow for her. Zero help from the glass fitting lady, would not take a measurement, after we went there for the exam. Because we weren't buying the glasses there. Now I understand you need to get the measurement from the manufacturer, but it's just a measurement. they told my daughter the glasses she likes looks bad. I've been going there for a few years and have enjoyed my experience. The optometrists are great. As a doctor myself... better go in here not expecting much from the fitting department.. I will be bidding them adieu. I got home from work and took the measurement myself. read more

I was referred to Far West Optical (Dr Coldiron) by a friend. I called to ask about cost of eye exam since I don't have vision insurance. Easy to schedule appointment, 2 reminders by text too! It's been years since I've had an eye exam but I know from plenty of experience what it means to feel "processed" (in/out in no time) vs examined while at dr office. Dr Coldiron and staff are sooo different! All very nice, sense of humor, easy to talk to .. Dr C answered all my questions, no trying to rush me out, explained cost of test since no insurance. Only downside was sticker shock of cost of glasses .. but, like I said, it's been years since my last eye exam. They are GREAT!! Highly recommend Far West Optical! read more

The best thing about this place is the expertise they provide. The exams are thorough and the Dr. explains everything as they are doing it. Unlike some places, the Optometrists are very helpful and Helen actually picked out the perfect frame for me. She nailed it on the first try. I was also offered other choices, but settled on the first pair she suggested. Beats me looking at dozens of pairs not knowing would complement my face. She also noticed the ones I was wearing at the time were ill fitting so she fixed them for me right there. If you want to have a great fit, and excellent service after the sale, go to Far West Optical. read more

This was by far the WORST experience I've had in any eye exam or Dr. visit. Although it was well over a year ago, the experience is very fresh in my mind, cause I had to return at least four times to get my contacts. Moreover, each time I went, I was greeted by a new person that seemed to be in-training and not familiar with the office process or computer programs. This lead to snafus in ordering, delivery, and pickup. I also really didn't enjoy having to go in multiple times to have Dr Weaver check my eyes as well. I found his advice unhelpful, repetitive and unprofessional. Go if you really must, but I would recommend visiting the other Dr. or avoiding it altogether. read more

I've been going to Dr. Weaver since 2006, and I can't think of a better eye doctor. I will admit that's he's a bit quirky, but that's not unusual in Austin. Even though he's quirky, he is the best at what he does. I lived in DC for two years and had to go see another eye doctor there for an emergency prescription and that place didn't even do the right eye exams (I have high eye pressure), and they charged me more! Dr. Weaver always takes the time and due diligence to make sure you eyes are well taken care of. Plus, they sell great frames at reasonable prices. I am fan for life! read more

The lack of customer service at Far West Optical is appalling. In the last several months, myself, two family members, and two co-workers I referred have stopped using Dr. Coldiron due to rude and inattentive staff, long, unexplained waits past appointment times (1+ hours), incorrect instructions to patients, failure to have the necessary equipment in their office when promised (necessitating wild goose chases to other offices to get tests after being given wrong addresses), and left on hold numerous times before being hung up on. Dr. Coldiron may be a competent healthcare provider, but her staff and poorly run operation has run me and several others off for good. read more

Both my husband and I went to see (both) doctors at various times. We had to go back again and again, because the prescriptions were just off. My husband's especially (he is diabetic, which affects the eyes). And don't get me started on the glasses. While the two ladies who operate the store are very nice, I was never and still am not happy with the glasses I received. As somebody else already mentioned, they are very expensive, and the pair I chose just plain SUCKS. I have gone back (fortunately, we live close by) I-don't-know-how-many-times to get the screws tightened (and my husband tightened them many times in-between). No effort was made to get the problem fixed permanently. They just kept tightening every time I went. That's it. As a result of constantly having loose and not properly fitting glasses, I have huge indentation on the bridge of my nose and have even developed some permanent skin tags as a result. The last time I was there, I told them that this is the last time I will ever come again unless they can do more than just tighten the screws. Needless to say, nothing... Neither my husband nor I will ever go to that place again or recommend it to anyone. It doesn't matter how nice the people are, if they are incompetent, and the customer does not receive a good product. read more

Dr. Weaver is great. I had an excellent experience at Far West, he prescribed me some computer glasses and identified something about my vision (that I needed prism) that no other optometrist had spotted. Friendly, convenient, timely... highly recommended read more

I stopped by and wanted to get some general information. The Ladies that work there were extremely rude and provided absolutely "No Customer Service". The lady with the dark short hair (wig) with glasses was extremely Defensive and demonstrated an attitude that she literally hated the world. I live right down the street and lived in this neighborhood for 20 years. The other gal looked me up and down and it just was a wake up call that these girls hated their job! So disappointing. read more

Dr. Coldiron with Far West Optical is the Best! I have been going to her for many years and I am extremely satisfied. She is very thorough and explains everything in order that I fully understand the process. They also have the very latest equipment for examinations. Her entire staff are very helpful, friendly and competent. The office is quite pleasant with a huge selection of frames. My husband also goes to another doctor at Far West Optical and he is also very pleased. You can't go wrong with Far West Optical!! read more

Well. I thought I would give this place a chance, since it was the only place that could get me in as soon as possible, cause I have really been needing new glasses. However I should have NOT! I drove 20 mins to get there. Not a big deal. However I got there I started getting bad vibes. They was asking me about some very personal stuff. They also wanted a copy of my Personal Medical Insurance. Then they saw what kind I had and the did not want it. OK, I get through all of that and get called to the back. The start performing OLD tests that I did as a kid in the 80's. I started getting even more of a bad feeling. Then I go on back to the Dr. Office. I see the equipment and it was for sure old and felt like 1980's. It just felt so OFF!!! So we get through all of that, and eye torture with dropping stuff in my eyes and the lights ugh I left with a headache. So next I am going to pick out my frames. I looked at what they had to offer. Was not happy with the choices or price. The price was crazy high for the frames they was offering. Soooo, I decided to take my prescription and go elsewhere. I end up over at Wells Branch Vision Care. http://www.wellsbranchvisioncare.com/ I go in and find a very nice pair of glasses for cheap!!! I ended up picking some Ray Bans. Cool, I am well on my way to new glasses. I wait 10 days and I get a text saying my Glasses are in. So I leave work to go pick them up. I put them on..... Guess what, I feel like I am in a Fun House!!! Or wearing drunk goggles!!! I could not see out of the right eye at all!. Soooo, My glasses have been delayed! Come to find out my old glasses had a Axis of 5 and the new ones 117 which made me totally blind. I was advised to go back to Far West but I just did not feel like going back there. I called VSP my insurance provider and asked if they would work it so I could go visit Dr. Hamilton at Wells Branch. So this coming Monday 10-6-2014 I will get a proper eye exam! No extra cost either. THANK YOU VSP. To Far West. I well not see them again that is for sure!!! read more

Dr. Coldiron is awesome. I have seen her for years and her exams are very thorough. She is thoughtful and diligent in her analysis. I wear contacts and have frequent eye issues. She has always made herself available and spent plenty of time answering any questions I had. I recommend her highly. read more

Insurance and billing issues culminated in leaving this provider after 15 years. Unfortunate and a bit disconcerting. Hopefully others will have better luck. read more

This was my first trip to have my eyes checked since the one they do in elementary school as a mandatory thing, so perhaps my insight isn't as valuable, but I was pleased overall. I was given thorough treatment, and enjoyed talking with Dr. Weaver. He was quick to explain what was wrong with my eyes, and to help me understand what he was doing with each step. The equipment was all functioning, and the office is clean and orderly. I was helped promptly upon arrival, and didn't feel like the front desk women were rude or anything close to it. I did find cheaper prices on frames elsewhere, but it was much easier to have them handle the ordering and whatnot, and it places the accountability on them if there's a problem. I was helped out by someone during the frame selection process, and felt no pressure to buy higher priced frames while shopping. Waiting on my glasses to arrive and I will be updating this to five stars assuming that all is well with my first order. read more

I am so grateful to Dr. Weaver for immediate diagnosis and treatment of an infection that was painful and really scary. He was very professional and gentle. He could tell i was absolutely terrified and made me feel comfortable. Thanks again, Dr. Weaver, the antibiotics are working. I really appreciate you making time to see me on just a few minutes notice. read more

Dr. Weaver is WONDERFUL! Front Desk -- not so much. Dr. Weaver is OUTSTANDING! Never have I ever had an eye doc spend over an hour with me. The amount of tests and measurements he took put my past optometrists to shame. While i was misdiagnosed by my last doctor (so my contacts were blurry and my eyes were always in pain) Dr. Weaver found that my eyes did not in fact change, my original prescription was still correct and he sent me home with 4 types of contacts to try. Apparently i have flat corneas which effect my night vision --- something that has deteriorated pretty quickly in the last few years. Also, my insanely dry eyes were remedied with daily contacts instead of the 30 day type. He informed me the solution i was using to keep my contacts was also detrimental to my vision (who would have thought a saline solution would have an impact?) ... He told me I am not a good candidate for lasik and recommended restasis if the contacts he gave me did not provide enough moisture. Happy to report the contacts he gave have been so amazing, i forget i am wearing them! Usually my eyes are gritty and blurry -- but since seeing him I can see and not constantly think about it! I have my followup appointment with him tomorrow. Fingers crossed all goes well! A WORD ON HIS FRONT OFFICE STAFF -- *** On that note however - you have to grin and bear it with his unbelievably rude, standoffish front desk. Not only do they seem entirely bored and apathetic about their job, but they are not welcoming in the slightest. Interacting with them without having met Dr. Weaver yet made me very nervous.. i did not like the atmosphere and was nervous the entire experience would be just as awkward. They treat you as if you have just done them a severe disservice by arriving to your appointment early or on time. The rude manner in which the receptionist called me to remind me of my appointment tomorrow is what encouraged me to write a review. Dr. Weaver is a wonderful, friendly, personable and intelligent individual. His front staff does not properly represent the kind of service you will get with him**** read more

I like some of the Dr.'s at Far West optical but one of the girls who helps with contact and glasses fittings is the worst! She ALWAYS (been going here 4 years) running late and she has these obnoxious conversations with coworkers and customers knowing full well that she is running behind. Once she showed up late and I missed way more work than I intended. I'm switching to a new business this time. read more

Never buy your prescription glasses here. They are extremely over priced. I bought a Nike (model number: 51/18/140) here for $305. Later I found out Sears was selling the exact same one for $187. http://www.sears.com/nike-eyeglasses-nike-satin-black-nike-4246/p-SPM7787596105?prdNo=50 It is a rip-off. I called for cancellation the day after I had ordered them but they refused to do so, saying that the custom order has gone through. Initially they had told me that it was a slow process and it would take 7-10 business days for the glasses to be ready. But after I called to cancel, they said now it's too late. Yeah sure! The sale person wouldn't let me talk to the manager saying that he's always in meetings. And she refused giving me the wholesale company's number so that I could talk to them, maybe they'd accept the cancellation. Lesson: Never ever buy your glasses here. Rip-off! AND horrible customer service. Terrible liers. read more

These people will rip you off. Went in for an eye exam, and was told I needed reading glasses to help my headaches (1.25 strength). After the exam, I was pressured into buying a $250 frame (they don't have anything under $200 in their store!!). I asked why I couldn't just go to a drug store and buy glasses and they said because it wouldn't work the way I needed them to. So I got talked into buying these frames PLUS $300 for lenses. During my week wait for the glasses I purchased readers elsewhere to get me by while I waited for my "custom glasses", turns out..they work just as well and a FRACTION of the cost. I called to cancel my order and was told they were unable to do that, but they could refund me my frames...so now I am stuck with $300 lenses that are useless. They also couldn't ship them to me without charging a ridiculous amount. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!!!! These people are rude and do not know how to handle customer service. read more

The staff was rude and unwilling to help with selecting a frame. I will buy my glasses at another store.

Dr Weaver has been my optometrist about 25 years. I had another eye exam this week. He takes time to discuss the changes in eyes and vision. Several years ago Dr Weaver noted tiny bleeding spots in my retina and immediately sent me to a retinologiist. My eyesight was not affected. Gloria is very helpful with my purchase of glasses or replacement of lens in my frames. read more

Dr. Coldiron is absolutely the most thorough doctor I know. She never rushes and is always willing to answer all of your questions. Her bedside manners are excellent as well! read more

I have been here twice, once for myself and the other time with my infant for the Infant See public health program. Dr. Coldiron is fantastic. She was wonderful with my baby and with me as a patient as well. Everyone in their office is extremely helpful and friendly. I had a great experience and cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

I cannot say enough good things about the people here. From Dr. Weaver to the rest of the staff I have only good things to say. Eye exams are thorough, they take the time to check everything and talk to you. I never feel rushed through an exam or pressured to buy something. My entire family goes here and will continue to do so. read more

LOVE Doctor Weaver and the staff. Yes, it may take a couple of visits to get the fit correct but these are the BEST FITTING CONTACTS I have ever had and I have been wearing contacts for 20 years. read more

My first time here. Overall it was a good experience, other than the rude receptionist that was "assisting" me. Good thing I only interacted with her for a minute. I will return next year, hopefully to new, more friendly, staff. read more

Have been a patient of Dr Weaver for over 10 years, and I have gotten very thorough and accurate exams. He identified a problem that leads to glaucoma and sent me to a specialist for treatment. The optician Helen is excellent. She has a great selection of frames and helps you find a frame that is flattering. read more

I started seeing Dr. Weaver in in 1999 and drove in from San Marcos to continue seeing him through college. I don't have any big eye issues, just a decent prescription of contacts that I check on each year. Last year I started a new job and found out that Far West Optical didn't take my vision insurance... I was so upset! A new eye doc? Ugh! So I did it, went to another eye doc last year. It was fine, no complaints, but as soon as my insurance changed this January, guess who I called... Far West Optical. So my point is, Dr. Weaver has not performed a miracle with me because I haven't requested one. But he has always been extremely professional, caring, up-to-date on the latest and greatest, looking for ways to help me save a $$, on-schedule (within 10 minutes of appt.), patient (when I almost faint), and totally polite - all with a max of 2 weeks waiting time in my experience. I've been going back for 10 years (with a small hiatus) and counting... read more

I have been going to Dr. Weaver for seven or eight years, and I think he is the best. My father was an optometrist (in a different city) so I grew up sort of understanding that field. I can say without hesitation that Dr. Weaver is an outstanding optometrist. He provides a thorough exam, patiently answers questions and is pleasant to chat with during the process. His prescriptions are right on target. Because he is so thorough, he is able to recognize subtle changes in the eye's anatomy and in vision. My husband and teenagers go to him as well, and we are all quite pleased. As long as Dr. Weaver is in practice, we'll be going to him. Be sure to ask him about his dogs. read more

Dr. Coldiron gives a thorough eye exam and explains everything clearly. More recently she did all the followup exams after my cataract surgery. Very reassuring to have her checking my progress. Her support staff are also excellent and the quality of the lenses for glasses is far better than you get from the one hour shops. read more