Bought a pair of glasses. They needed to be adjusted. Several times I went in and no problem. I've been trying to get it adjusted again. I tried 3times to go in for adjustments. Oh she's not here. Leave your number and she'll get back to you. I did. She returned my call the next day and left a message. Just come in and I'll adjust it. I have not seen her yet...I have gone and guess what???draw your own conclusions. They wanted me to call to see if she was there..you know what their phone system is like. They are too busy. It's hard to reach them by phone. I would not recommend going there for glasses or else it'll take time to adjust them. read more

I absolutely love them. They took such great care of me and definitely made me feel very welcomed and very comfortable. I definitely recommend coming here to get your eyes checked. read more

I had cataract surgery done here about a year ago, and the result was not good. I have something called disphotosia, it's when light reflects off the lens that was implanted. Driscoll hasn't even taken the time to see me in person. He lets his optometrist deal with all the failed surgery that he's done. He has a factory assembly line in which patients are lined up in a room, and he quickly moves from one patient to the next with very little interaction. In fact we were told not to talk to the doctor about anything by the anesthesiologist. My total time spent with this Dr was about five minutes before the surgery and during the surgery it takes about 10 minutes. This is about making has very little anything other than the cash and his . read more

My mom had cataract surgery done here. Our optometrist Dr. Camblor referred us here. Dr. Driscoll was wonderful in our initial consultation and had great bedside manner; he was kind, a good listener, patient and explained things in a way where I did not feel rushed. The surgery went well and there were no complications. The surgery staff and anesthesiologist were lovely and helpful because my mom has dementia. The procedure takes about 4 hrs of waiting to prep to surgery to resting to check out. This facility is very large, and architecture is a bit cold and unpleasant. So many rooms and doors! Someone said it reminded them of Squid Games. Everything is new and clean though, and it's reassuring to see the latest equipment. I was in need of special protective eyewear for my mom so she would not rub her eyes. No one could help me with this and said I should just go to the hardware store to find goggles. I bought some but they didn't look comfortable enough for her to wear all day. Just before we left though, one of the surgery assistants that I talked to, found the perfect pair of eye protection with foam under the frame! I believe these were some promo samples she found in a drawer. Because these were so comfortable, it made a huge difference in the aftercare! My mom wore them every day for a week. I would recommend they order many of these to help elderly people with cognitive impairment. Or if they actually carry it, inform all the staff. I was really grateful to that assistant for finding these. The key area where they can use improvement is with creating a consistent professionalism within their office/front staff. Getting the younger ones to be more knowledgeable and pro-active, teaching the supervisors to have a kinder and more compassionate TONE when speaking to clients, and making sure the channel of information and documents are given out in timely fashion, would make the experience here much more stellar. read more

Hawaii Vision Specialists - Protective eye wear with foam padding, for post cataract surgery protection - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

I was extremely nervous and anxious since my previous cataract surgery from another provider, on another island, did not go well. Dr. Driscoll and Dr. Wright, and their team were absolutely amazing! All went extremely well! Everyone was kind, caring, knowledgeable, compassionate. I am very grateful for the impeccable service I received! I would suggest anyone needing eyecare to travel from outer islands to see Dr. Driscoll and his team . It was certainly a five star plus experience. read more

I stopped by today, 4/14/25 to fill out paperwork and was immediately helped by pleasant staff in a very clean and professional setting. So if you are looking at reviews, mine isn't about the Dr, just the office experience, which was fine. The office is clean, spacious, comfortable seating - not crowded together, the building relatively new, calm atmosphere, friendly desk person, parking is ample and nicely landscaped with native plants-(smell the miniature tiare!) (I'm from Hilo, not sure why it says review is from San Francisco?) read more

Stay away. ZERO stars. I went here for an eye exam and the whole process was terrible. The office staff were inconsiderate and useless. For the exam I first met with Dr. Souza who after briefly looking at my eye said I needed surgery. After a while I was wondering when the surgeon would come in to look at my eye, and it wasn't until I asked that Dr. Souza reluctantly went and got Dr. Driscoll. He seemed annoyed to have to see me and briefly looked at my eye and said I needed surgery. I asked him the usual questions - he even stated that after surgery he wouldn't need to see me again and I could go to my usual optometrist (????). No follow-up visit after surgery? I left with a really bad feeling from this exam. The whole visit was a waste of money - felt like I was inconveniencing everybody. Read the other bad reviews on here and believe them - they are true. read more

Absolutely terrible experience thanks to Dr. Souza herself. She is beyond rude and demeaning. It's very obvious she's simply riding on the success of her husband. I would recommend any other doctor. Don't waste your time. read more

I totally agree with the other reviewers about the admin staff, very unprofessional in their dress and attitude toward patients. At first I thought their staff person was someone off the street and wondered why he was calling me! It was hard to get a clear answer about billing and payment. It was also very expensive; I had another cataract done in another office and it was a lot cheaper. The cataract surgery itself was fine, quick and painless. But the whole experience was not something I'd recommend to anyone. I don't understand, with all these reviews saying the same thing about the staff, that they don't do anything about it!!! Some basic training on professionalism and courtesy, hello??! read more

My eyeglasses are not useable. I have called so many times and I have gone to the clinic in person 4 times and twice I was ignored and twice I was told it's my brain not seeing well with the new glasses and not my eyes. I spent nearly $900.00 on glasses that I can't use. read more

I am AMAZED at how well I can see again!! After wearing contacts for 50 years, this is life changing! Thank You Dr. Driscoll and HVS! I went for cataract surgery--one eye the first day & the other eye the next day. I was nervous understandably and the staff was friendly, reassuring and professional. Dr. Driscoll is great. He listened to my concerns during the consult and explained everything in detail. I did not feel rushed or dismissed at all. During surgery he explained each step as he was doing it. It felt very comfortable & safe. The outcome was even better than I expected. Everyone is different and so are their experiences but mine was exceptional! read more

After a challenging experience with L eye cataract surgery and then R eye surgery being canceled last minute by Dr Carpenters surgeon, Dr Siapco, because I was in atrial fibrillation (AFIB) while at the surgery center. This was not seen on monitors by anyone so unknown until I mentioned I felt I had wonky heartbeats to the anesthesiologist 10 minutes before I was to have surgery. I asked for and received a referral to Dr Driscoll for the R eye surgery. I was able to meet with Dr Driscoll on very short notice, my concerns were heard and addressed, all preliminary testing was done at that time, and he was able to squeeze me in for surgery 4 days later. The surgery could take place in the same location where I met with the Dr. That was a blessing for me. As I had concerns about the long time without liquid prior and nausea after surgery on my L eye, he had his anesthesiologist call me the morning of the surgery. He asked me how I was doing, told me I could have clear liquids up until 2 hours before the surgery. He said he would add in some anti-nausea medication for me and said if I had any issues with wonky heartbeats come up (I had a regular pulse at the time of his call) he would be able to help me with that. I also had concerns (as my L eye surgery was postponed 1.5 hrs) if the surgery would be on time, so I called a couple times the day before and also asked the anesthesiologist. Yes it was on time even tho I was being squeezed in. The anesthesiologist also mentioned that Dr Driscoll ranks in the top one percent of surgeons in this specialty. He did a great surgery for me. The surgery went well, I could see well immediately and I felt way more at ease and relaxed before, during and after the surgery. Very grateful to have heard about Dr Driscoll from a friend in time for me to have my R eye surgery with him. Some drawbacks I would like to mention: *First appt my eye was evaluated by all the machines-- the young man working with me was in a tee shirt and jeans with holes-- not at all professional and he was not at all friendly. * It is rare to call and have someone answer, lots of being sent to voicemail. * I was sent off without an eye cover put on my eye, just handed a plastic bag with the eye cover inside and a roll of tape. * Also was sent off without a follow up appt scheduled or a simple pair of readers provided to use with the distance vision lens that is the basic lens covered by insurance. All they had was a couple pair priced $15-- * So maybe 2** or 3*** star before and after care by Dr Driscoll's support staff and front desk. read more

The doctor was alright. But getting glasses is another story. They only have someone on Fridays and after two . So I live 50 miles away and have made two trips. I called and they said someone would be there to get glasses. Made the 50 mile trip and the woman behind the desk said no one was there, when I told her I had called she didn't seem to care. read more

This is a state of the art vision center, yet flawed in the delivery of service. The qualified medical doctor is impressive, yet the overall experience could have resulted in deadly consequences on my drive home. Starters; I called to get an estimate for eye surgery. I was told I needed to come in for appt to receive that info. I agreed, appointment made. I waited literally two hours to get the bottom line, $5,000.00. Reasonable. Unfortunately, the eval included eye drops which were administered by an unqualified person. I said I needed to drive home and was not made aware there would be dilation, just to get a cost associated with service. No worries I was told, will wear off in half hour. Led me to another half hour wait for doctor eval. I booked appt for surgery and was prescribed post surgery eye drops. Prescription cost were not explained, $350.00 at pharmacy! I drove home and my sight was impaired since assistant dropped six drops ot more of solution in my eyes because she kept missing my pupil. My drive home was impaired and because of my experience I cancelled surgery and still have $350 worth of unused post surgery medication. Whats worse, I have called 3 times to speak with a doctor to express concerns and no one has called back to clarify or care. Thus, Here is my negative review. Maybe the owners (husband and wife) will respond. The doctors are qualified but need an experienced medical office manager and some quality control measures to get this beautiful, state of the art business on the right track. Better to go here than fly to Honolulu for surgery. read more

Hawaii Vision Specialists - Beautiful full service vision center - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Very Disappointed!!! In Pre- Evaluation for Cataract Surgeries, there was a review for sequence events. Surgery- Post Op follow-up. Was informed at final Appointment, according to my Ins. Plan - glasses would be provided for corrected vision, at their In-House Optical Store- same office. Upon final Appt. however I was informed they would not provide my glasses as promised initially, but handed me new vision Prescription and informed to get glasses elsewhere. Upon contacting Ins. Company- was informed a Voucher cld be submitted for them providing my glasses. Dr Driscoll's Office wld/did not. (They however, did not have issue with requesting payment for Cataract Surgeries, 2 times- for thousands of dollars and for the Blepharoplasty Surgery.) Dr Driscoll also performed Eyelid Lift Surgery (Blepharoplasty), both eyes. It has been 8 months since Surgery. I have red scars extending from eyelids down towards cheekbones. Left eyelid still droops and skin hanging down on eyelid. I called Offices 2x to maybe discuss my concerns and never received any return call. Find another Dr or spend money to fly to Honolulu!! read more

BEWARE!!! BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS!!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY HERE!!! Will definitely NOT RECOMMEND this place to everyone we know!!! Customer service is horrible!!! Reception staff is unprofessional (sassy)!!! When you try to call nobody answers. Even if you leave a message, they don't respond!!! When I arrived there the staff was on their phones, they weren't busy at all. I was promised a two week arrival on the glasses I ordered. It's been over a month!!! Didn't even get an apology from the front office staff. Too much negative details to list I don't know where to begin!!! Just BELIEVE ALL THE 1 STAR REVIEWS. It would have been a big fat ZERO or even in the negatives but yelp doesn't let you go below 1 star. Save yourself some stress and go somewhere else!! read more

I am just exhausted dealing with this place. I agree with many comments about the unprofessional staff (ripped jeans w/lab coats, on personal cell phones while patients waiting to be seen, LONG wait to see optometrist while paperwork contracts the patient to pay if late to appointments). My major concern is that I left my glasses to be recalibrated & I am using a 6 year old pair in the meantime! I was promised the upgraded glasses in NO MORE than5 to 8 days. Today is day 34 without my new Rx! Although Shay has been helpful in communicating, the overall experience has been stressful. I calked to inquire on or about the 12th day & asked when I could expect to pick up my glasses. I was told not to call back as I would be called when they were ready for pick up. I mentioned that they were past due & I was again told not to call I would be called. I did call again after 2 weeks passed, left a message & my call was not returned. I contacted Shay via the "contact" portal on the website & got a quick response. She said she would check into it & apologized for my experiences with the staff. She later called back & said that my glasses would be ready at the end of that day. BUT, about an hour later she called to say that the quality of work done in Oahu was not to their standards & the glasses would be sent back to be redone. When I asked how we got from day one to day 23 (at that point) there was no reason given, just that they were doing their best. Again, it is day 34 without proper reading & driving (bifocal) glasses. It is 2 pm on Friday before another long weekend. I am beyond exasperated! The only reason I have given ONE star is that Shay has tried to help. read more

If you like being ignored and treated like a 2nd class citizen then this place is for you. After packing up my brother, attaching his travel oxygen and driving around the Island for our 10am follow up appointment. We brought in my brother in a wheelchair and waited patiently at the counter while 3 employees ignored us. Eventually we were asked our business. Told they double booked our appointment and this one was canceled. We were not contacted about this cancellation. No apologies, no attempt to get us squeezed in since the fault was theirs or even concern for my brother 3 hour roundtrip drive, health problems & discomfort. Never again! read more

They gave great customer service when they answer your phone calls and during my exam for my cataracts. They even helped me get my surgery scheduled and went through what I needed to do step by step. Now here's the bad part, they are partners with Alphaeon credit for those who don't have the money right away. I applied and only got qualified for a certain amount. Shay went online and said that I got approved for $6743.27 and that I needed to bring in cash/credit no checks for the amount of $586.57. Wait a minute! I called Alphaeon and they said that you took my whole amount of the credit of $7750.00!!! Hey! That's a whole $1006.73 OVER!!! That you took and said that you didn't. I even texted them the statement from Alphaeon showing them that you took my whole amount of $7750!!! Whose crooking who now!!! I'm sorry but if I'm going to get bad juju like this coming in, why should I trust them to do my eye SURGERY! A friend said that billing and eye surgery is two different departments. I get that. But it's been a week, yes a week, and Shay from Hawaii Vision (her department) never got back to me about anything. My surgeries, my credit back, because I'm not paying for anything that I didn't have and most of all an apology for her miscommunication! Not on my part, also because Dr. Souza tried to explain and you know what, Dr. Souza seemed liked a genuine person trying to help me but if Shay isn't going to follow through and call be back and explain to me about what's going on, then I'm not going to go through them. Follow me for the update. 5/3/22 9:15am I called to cancel. Let's see how long they take to get my credit loan cancelled and see what they do from here to help me(?) from here to know if YOU should go through the same thing as I did. And yes, I'm upset! Wouldn't you be? Also, call on someone's else's phone, they monitor whose calling. I used a friends phone and they answered right away. Worse part, my friend who works there, just got fired for helping me. Really??? I guess I'm calling the Better Business Bureau to report this business. SHAME ON YOU! read more

Hawaii Vision Specialists - Amount that was taken from me with no service rendered. Let's see how long it'll take them to credit me back. - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Didn't even get as far as making an appointment. Called on 3 separate occasions and was connected to a voice mail box. Left multiple messages to receive a call back and never got a response.. waited weeks. Finally got through after weeks of attempts to speak with someone. The receptionist sounded like she was 12 years old and very unsure of everything. Left me on hold for over 15 minutes. Couldn't answer a single question I had and couldn't figure out how to schedule an appointment. Finally spoke with someone who sounded like they were actually trained for their position and didn't get a single apology. Instead was treated like I was being a nuisance. Please god don't let this be our only Glaucoma specialist on the island! I can see by their already low rating that the service is "take it or leave it" instead of actually caring for the patient and their concerns. read more

Excellent results with fast procedure. Only one suggestion-receiving personal phone call instead of impersonal email messages would be preferable read more

They do not answer their phones. Even going in person they offer little to no help. The only time they respond is to verify any upcoming appointment. The actual visits are fine and helpful but ever other aspect needs improvement. read more

Dr. Dick, Bennett Eye Institute referred me to Dr. Driscall, Hawaii Visiion Specialists. I went for my first visit with Dr. Driscall regarding a cataract in one eye. I couldn't have been happier. From the first moment we arrived, the front office staff was welcoming and helpful. The technicians who conducted several tests were also friendly and efficient. Dr. Driscall was friendly, warm, and after examining my eyes explained my options in a clear manor and helped me make my decision for treatment. I am scheduled for surgery in a few weeks. I couldn't have been more pleased with my care and service provided. Their facility was clean, beautiful and comfortable. read more

I had to see Dr Driscoll today by referral. The whole staff was so kind!! Everything was explained completely to me. Dr Souza was very nice as well. I would highly recommend them. They should have a 5 star rating!! read more

Be forewarned, you might come out with worse vision after cataract surgery like I did. Was told by both doctors that I might need reading glasses only. Couldn't see clearly past 5 feet for 2 months till I got glasses. Also still wear reading glasses but at a lower level. I think the wrong power IOL was placed in eyes. Now, after 6 months I have to wear prescription distance glasses, [I never did before.] Probably will get Lasik surgery to correct vision, but not there. [Dr. Driscoll quoted me $5,000.] No apology. Research what you want. Get other opinions! Maybe someday I'll see you! read more

I have never in all my of 50 + plus years have been so insulated and demeaned by his wife (Dr. Souza) and staff. I was belittled and made to feel like I wasn't even a person. I'm not sure what the hell is going on in that office but not following through or being in the "aloha" spirit is very disheartening. I absolutely adore Dr. Driscoll and how professional he is, but his staff including Dr. Souza are horrible. Staff along with his wife gossip and talk about a patient immediately after they get off the phone. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE SELECTING THIS CLINIC! read more

I am confused by the awful reviews... With that said my boyfriend received Lasik from Dr. D and he is seeing better even after three days post surgery. I am so grateful to this entire team for giving him 20/20 vision!! He's going to have an awesome surf season. Do not believe these awful reviews this team goes above and beyond!! Disclaimer: Not paid at all for this review just a super happy girlfriend :)!! read more

Find another vision center. These people waste you time and they don't do a good job. I've been here 4 times because they didn't do it correctly. Then the doctor schedules me then they said they're too busy. I drove 2 hours and now I have to wait 3 hours and come back when he has time. What a joke. They're so rude in there. read more

My mom took my grandma, who is in her 80's, to this clinic. My Grandma waited 6 weeks for this appointment. They didn't tell my family beforehand that my mom couldn't assist my grandma inside, so my grandma wasn't prepared with a cane or anything. This would have been sort of okay if the people who worked there would have helped my grandma in or out, but they were rude about it and said that they had to keep 6 feet away. My grandma instead leaned on the walls for support after her eyes were dilated. There was no apology or sign of remorse. So sure, it's a nice new building, but treating our Kupuna with respect is far more important. If they had at least let my mom help walk my grandma in or out, or been at LEAST friendly and kind, there wouldn't be this one star review. Thank goodness my grandma didn't fall! read more

Awful, awful, awful service. Don't go. As a first time patient I had hoped for competence and courtesy. I received neither. Dr. Souza and I decided to part ways after only a few minutes. Very unprofessional place. read more

The staff is sooooo untrained, unprofessional, cold, lacking in communication skills... technically. What's more, they played Christian music but the whole experience there was so unchristian-like. The owners or management should really hire an outside objective professional to train the staff... to do better. I liked the building. Live Aloha read more

The Best! Eyesight is so important. Hawaii Vision Specialists are Big Islands most trusted & thorough,professional Opthamologists. Dr Driscoll,Dr Souza & staff offer a state of the art facility; excellent diagnostics; treatments & Surgery center. Whether you need a checkup; want to learn to protect your eyes; corrective lenses;or more -youll be pleased w/care & top quality brand affiliations. Most highly recommended -I wouldnt go anywhere else. read more

The worst medical office I have ever stepped in to. I spent several hours over 2 appointments asking when I was going to see the doctor, and never did. I was shuffled around from one trainee to another and none of them knew what they were doing. When a trainee told me she didn't know what I was doing there, I finally just walked out. Then they had the nerve to send me a bill, for doing nothing! These are the most unprofessional idiots. Don't let them touch you. Find yourself a real doctor and stay away from this place. read more

If you are into rude, dishonest, and arrogant staff, poor medical care, and fundamental Christianity shoved down your throat, this is the place for you! After having me acknowledge, in four places, that I would be billed a large amount if I miss or am 15 minutes late for an appointment, they kept me waiting for over an hour. During the wait they offered zero reading material except for... tons of pamphlets on fundamental Christianity while playing Christian music non-stop. I'm sorry I didn't notice the pamphlets before going in (I was doing work on my cell phone), I would've left on the spot. After the appointment, I asked for my record and informed the receptionist I wouldn't be back due to their self-righteous behavior. I couldn't resist asking her why they felt it was appropriate. She lied straight to my face when she said, "Well no one else has complained!" They clearly read these reviews, as Dr. Driscoll has responded to many. My favorite response is when he arrogantly tells an offended patient, "If you don't like it, go somewhere else." Dr. Dan, stop proselytizing to people who are coming in for a medical experience. If you just can't help yourself, make sure every patient knows what they're stepping into BEFORE they arrive. It is dishonest to lure people - who have their own equally precious spiritual paths - into a medical establishment and then spring your agenda on them. Jesus would not approve. read more

After my experience at HVS, I don't understand all the bad reviews. I'm not Christian, but the Christian thing did not bother me. My husband noticed the Christian music. I didn't notice that, or Christian pamphlets. Maybe I'm oblivious. And certainly no one brought up religion. The waits were long -- 3 hours one day (but I arrived 45 minutes early, so it was only 2 hours & 15 minutes after my appointment time) and about 1 hour the second day. And people who had the same appointment time as me were taken in before me, though I clearly arrived first. (Yes, people talk in the waiting room). If they made this tiny change to their procedure, there would be less resentment. I went for cataract surgery--one eye the first day & the other eye the next day. The staff is not warm and fuzzy, but pleasant and professional. Dr. Driscoll is great. He listened but let me make my own decisions, and during surgery he explained each step as he was doing it. It felt very comfortable & safe. The outcome was even better than I expected. 5 days after the second eye surgery and my far vision is better than it's been for 20 years. I can watch TV without glasses, and I need much weaker reading glasses than before. I can't speak for anyone else, but my experience at HPV was good. read more

Extremely rude staff. Dr was amazing. The staff was very rude.. they are apparently the drs in laws. Idk if they are still working there (I hope not) but this visit was not recent and I was unable to find their business bc I accidentally spelled his name wrong in the search bar. The father was so condescending and impatient!!!! We ended up walking out and never returned. How embarrassing for them. read more

Horrible psycho religious cult office. Took two months to get an appointment then waited over an hour just to see their lame, affectless optometrist. The office was empty, but they lost track of my appointment anyway. Beautiful modern building, but once inside you will be serenaded by awful Christian rock music. Be sure to bring your own reading material because there are no magazines-- only fundamentalist religious pamphlets. Seriously the worst eye doctor I've ever seen. read more

I had cataract surgery on both eyes and my vision is improved, with no complications. That said, the experience at this office was not all positive. I was oversedated on the first surgery and spent the rest of the day in fast asleep. I agree with others that the overwhelming presence of Christian literature was offensive and inappropriate in a health care office. I also had long waits, with only 1 of 4 appointments seen on time. Some of the communications were inconsistent, such as written statements that I would be seen by the Dr. "shortly after," or "the next day" after surgery, when the follow-up appointment was actually 6 weeks after surgery. read more

I have watched this business fail more and more over the past few years. First it was the refusal of Dr. Driscoll to see his patients and instead being forced to only see the Optometrist (with poor bedside manner) for all of myself and my wife's eye care needs. Today, it was a refusal to see me for acute black spots in my vision. I was told the next available appointment for my concern would be in April (2 months from now). I explained that this could be an eye emergency as I am a medical provider who is requesting an emergency visit. I used to work in the ER here in Hilo and am well aware that going to the ER would result in me being sent to one of the Eye Doctors in the community for urgent referral. I was told to call around to the other Ophthalmologists in Hilo to find someone else to see me for my concern. You have officially lost my business and my referrals. I hope this business improves their customer service and patient care or you will be kicked out of this community. Dr. Carpenter came through again and is willing to fit me into his very busy schedule today. read more

Professional? Courteous? Not even close! The staff chooses to ignore us, the patients. Customer service is not in their dictionary! The lady optometrist? Disrespectful and rude. How does this place keep going? They are only after your greenbacks! Listen folks, take your business elsewhere! There's so much bad reviews of this place, hint hint! read more