If you are thinking about going to this Doctor,DON'T! My husband and I went to Dr Bywater and I bought 4 pair of glasses for us and paid cash for them Cost a lot of money .The glasses came back wrong so we went back to get them fixed right. Took 3 1/2 weeks to get them back the second time. And they were still WRONG, all of them. I asked for my money back. He sent me a letter in the mail saying he wound Not refund my money. Wasn't even man enough to call me on the phone about this. And to top it all off we know this man from when he first got in town many years ago. So now I am stuck with 4 pair of glasses we can't wear and $1500.00 in a whole which took me almost a year to save to get us glasses. And we are not young people we are seniors. read more

The atmosphere is not pleasant and several of the doctors need to work on their bedside manner.

I scheduled my eye visit as a shot in the dark with Highland Optometry. Now using a Medicare Advantage plan with UHC, it was difficult to find a doctor that takes my vision plan. I was delighted with the outstanding service provided by the doctor. One of the most thorough exams I have had as a normal routine yearly exam. Far more extensive than any other place I have been to. They did not attempt to up-sell anything including the eye glasses. Honest and professional. I highly recommend.. read more

avoid! I canceled work for an appointment here. I got stuck in traffic and was 12 minutes late. they canceled my appointment and would not see me or even discuss it. I also tried calling them before to tell them I was late but every call went to voicemail. When I arrived at the office it was totally dead - no patients no nothing - but apparently they are too busy to answer their phones or give someone a 10 minute appointment. read more

I had an eye emergency after hot oil burned my eye. Dr. Bywater kindly returned my call at an early hour of the morning and was able to assist me right away. The treatments he prescribed made the injury more comfortable and prevented infection. He has been a patient, attentive doctor for me for many years and my family and I can highly recommend him. read more

First off - zero stars if I could. Not me but my spouse went here to renew prescription. Girls front desk rude!! He went to use his well made french frames with new lenses. Took 3 weeks!!! Came back and they did not bother to adjust. Got home , one lens was not fitting right in frame ! The frameless bottom hide that the nose piece was not connected correctly. While watching tv- it popped off ! Annoyed since he waited 3.5 weeks to get them - he drove back next morning. Jessica was rude and " fixed" with un matching nose guard - different size!!! He asked about the fit and that it was not lined up correctly - she blamed him for not ordering a " thinner lens" was this option??? Because never was asked nor ever had issue with these frames past prescriptions! Long story short- - over 3 weeks longer to re do lens and never bothered updates . Rude . Inconsiderate staff that actually blocked him on social media to complain . Pathetic read more

I'm giving them one star because the doctor is competent. Other than that, the office staff is rude, condescending and inflexible. The doctor is impatient, and as someone remarked below, kept telling me when I asked a question that I was interrupting him -- which was because he didn't give me any opportunity to ask questions or state preferences. I was, however, VERY specific about what I needed, and even so, the glasses came back wrong. Instead of apologizing, they were nasty. I live 45 minutes away, so I had already traveled there twice, spending time and money on gas and tolls, once for the exam and ordering glasses and then again to pick them up. Someone gave me a bigger computer monitor and we hoped that would solve the problem, but it turned out not to be compatible with my system, so the glasses didn't work out. When I called to inform them, they demanded I drive back yet again to drop off the glasses. They have the SAME FRAMES right there and could have easily ordered a replacement and popped them in so I could come back one more time instead of twice ... but no, instead they sent me a letter telling me that I was demanding them to commit Medicaid fraud, which is absurd. In the interim, before receiving that letter, I already mailed the glasses back (which was an obvious solution to the problem of me driving there again) and have no glasses at all. Now I'm worried that I mailed back the frames and Medicaid thinks I already received them. Will they be willing and able to adjust that paperwork? I have no idea! Also, I have a service dog with conjunctivitis and after my exam I asked the doctor for some further suggestions, as I've already been to the vet. He deflected my questions suggesting instead that I view a video on his timeline to learn more -- but the video gives no useful information other than a basic description of the condition and "go to a doctor." DON'T PATRONIZE THIS BUSINESS! read more

Dr Bywater is terrific. He is very thorough, and calm, and explains things very well. I had a blood vessel break in my eye. I was very scared about what was going on. Dr. Bywater was thorough in his testing, and in his notes to other doctors, and in his explanations of the best way to move forward. I was very reassured. read more

Gave a 1 because you can give a zero. Been to this office 3 times and the staff is rude and atmosphere extremely uncomfortable. Spending money elsewhere from now on read more

I also had a negative experience with Dr. Bywater. He was rude and when I asked any question it was met with him flat out ignoring or telling me I was interrupting. It came to the point where I had to dig out my phone to look up terms he was typing on the computer. He asked me to put my phone away which I was happy to. Later during the visit he told me I had a type of condition with my eye, I tried to type the term in my phone and he told me to put my phone away or he would end the appointment and still charge my insurance. I was infuriated. I've never felt so infantilized! I drove from the Kingston area for the exam, had I known that I would be insulted by this rude doctor I would have waited the weeks that the nearest optometrist quoted for an appointment. For what it's worth, I would not recommend this office to anyone. read more

Dr Bywater is such an easy going doctor and is genuinely concerned about you as his patient. I was able to express all my concerns about my vision and he took his time to explain to me everything. He even explained how my eyes are a little different then most. I had no idea! My other eye doctor had seen me for years and never mentioned that fact. Dr. Bywater is very patient and thorough when doing exams and follow ups. He helped me get new glasses and contacts. He made sure my contacts were the right fit and clarity. He is the prime example of the doctor you want watching over your health. Jessica helped me pick out new glasses while I was complaining about my old glasses (I got them from a mall). She asked some questions and recommended a couple things for my lenses. I wasn't too excited about it but she explained how it works to solve my exact problems. I'm so glad I trusted her because she knew exactly what she was talking about. Driving at night is so much more easier and there is WAY less glare in general. I can't recommend this place enough. I had never received such attentive patient care. I can't see myself going anywhere else but here from now on. Give this team a chance you will NOT regret it!! read more

I went Highland optometry for an eye exam. The staff was amazing. Everyone was very helpful and super efficient. Dr. Bywater took me in for the exam. He explained everything thoroughly so I understood what was happening with my eyes. After the exam I was given a wide selection of frames to choose from.Had a truly wonderful experience. Plus I can see again! Thank you Dr. Bywater and staff! read more

Dr. Bywater and his staff are exceptional. He is thorough and knowledgeable and is great with kids ! I highly reccomend his office for all your eye care and eyewear needs !! read more

Dr. Bywater is extremely kind, attentive, and thorough. The prices are reasonable. The staff is nice and helpful. They periodically adjust my glasses for free. I highly recommend them. read more

I've had consistently wonderful experiences at this office. Most recently, I had a freak accident and called the office to see when I could be seen. They got me in the very same day. Dr Bywater gave the eye a thorough exam and eye drops to ward off infection. Next day, I woke up unable to tolerate light at all and in pain. I called the office again and explained the situation, requesting something for the pain. I expected that he'd just call in a prescription but he asked me to come back so he could examine the eye again because I should not be in so much pain. I was so impressed. He explained what was happening to the eye and gave me an additional eye drop prescription that totally took care of the pain. I greatly appreciated the empathy and concern shown along with the willingness to work me into the schedule two days in a row. Since then I went in for yearly eye exam and was given a clear explanation of the condition of my eyes as it relates to other health conditions. They are definitely top notch in my book. read more

Had been using Highland Optometry for 2 visits over a few years and everything was ok. Recently my glasses broke and I called for my prescription. They refused unless I had another exam. I went to exam only to be told he will not examine because Dr insisted on putting chemicals in my eyes that I would need another driver to take me home. Now I have to go without glasses until I set up appointment with a different optomitrist. Never will go there again, not recommended. read more

Dr. Bywater and all the Highland Optometry staff are just great. The wait time is nothing. I love the selection of frames and the time they spend with you assisting in choosing the best look. Most importantly Dr. Bywater had state of the art eye exam equipment and is always up on the latest in eye health. My entire family uses and trusts Highland Optometry. read more

My Family usedDr Bywater when he first opened for Business! He was very nice but the glasses had to be returned as they were not the right script or made right or measured for the multi lens correctly! Once you went to ask for the glasses to be corrected it all went down hill. It started with rudeness and being accused of harassment. That was enough for my family! No need to continue a relationship with this. Also I warn you if you are told you have cataract that will need surgery down the road get a second opinion from a board certified ophthalmologist when I brought the report to Dr Bywater it went to down right unprofessional and was asked why I went to that guy? Enough is enough. read more

I've been going to Highland Optometry since moving back to the Hudson Valley last year. By far the best eye doctor experience I've had - and I've been wearing glasses since I was 10. Dr. Bywater is a courteous professional who makes you feel comfortable in the chair, and his staff is excellent. I was recently recommended for Lasik, and he suggested I go to the TLC in Albany -- also an exceptional experience. Dr. Bywater has made my Lasik experience go as smooth as possible and as of today I officially have 20/15 vision -- something I couldn't have dreamed of in my contact lens days. 5 out of 5 -- highly recommended if you're in the Hudson Valley and need a great eye doctor. read more

I had the opposite experience with this office than Dave H. Both my son and I found them to be less than personable, and Dr. Bywater to not be very communicative. The only reason we'd return is because of limited insurance choices. read more

Unfortunately, I am in agreement with Rochelle M. The staff is not friendly or helpful. The doctor is aloof; maybe kind to a child, but not a good bedside manner to the adult; and not fair to the customer. It is a clean, well-lit office with good equipment, but because the staff and doctor are unfriendly, there will be no repeat business here. read more

Dr Davidian has been great. She performed my cataract surgery which was tricky since one eye had a corneal transplant. When an issue arose she dealt with it quickly and decisively. She diagnosed an eye issue my wife had which three other doctors could not resolve. Importantly, she also have excellent support, especially Dr Powell. She was able to fit the corneal transplant eye with a scleric contact lens. It turned what was at best 20:70 vision into 20:20 vision. This is the best I have been able to see out of that eye in 20 years. read more

Find a different doctor! I've been a patient for years at this practice, faithfully purchasing no less than two pairs of glasses a year for my family. The staff are usually quite rude, but they had decent hours and the doctor was okay so I kept going. Today I asked them to fax me my prescription so I could obtain a second paid of glasses online (after buying two pairs at their office in November, exhausting my insurance benefits). They sent me a half complete prescription missing two important details. When I called to get the information I was told they 'didn't have' the first piece and that to get the Pupillary Distance I had to pay $50 for each member of my family! They had just done the measurement in Nov for my glasses I bought. I went in person to ask and was given the one piece of information they first claimed they didn't have, but they still refused to give the PD without my ponying up the cash. Explained I didn't want a new test done, just the measurement they had done prior and was told no, I have to pay for that. I explained that as per the law that it is part of my medical record and as such I wanted a copy with it included. They gave me my medical record, minus that information. The Dr himself even came out to reiterate this fact, very rudely, and told me 'since he isn't an optician' (despite acting as one by selling, fitting and adjusting glasses in his practice) he doesn't have to follow the law about that. Do not go to this practice! The staff and doctor are rude, unprofessional and unaccommodating. Tacking a $50 fee onto a piece of information to prevent me from ordering glasses online, after ordering THREE pairs from them in November, is completely outrageous. I will be seeking care elsewhere and suggest you do too. read more

For the past 30 or so years, I have been getting mine and my children's eye exams and glasses through Lenscrafters, or similar chain practices. After one visit to Dr. Bywater, I see now that the time and attention he spends on his patients to ensure their eye health is as it should be. I know now why it is important to see a doctor who is attentive and considerate how he is, and who also provides personalized care and great attention to detail. Not to mention, there is a great selection of frames to choose from, including designer brands and sunglasses. I will be a returning patient, and also will be recommending Dr. Bywater to all my friends and family. read more

I visited Highland Optometry and Dr. Bywater and his staff could not have been more friendly and professional. I had an appointment and was in and out with a thorough exam in less than an hour and loving my new reading glasses. Thank you again for making this visit so easy for me. read more

I went to Highland Optometry to get new reading glasses. Dr. Bywater and staff could not have been more professional and helpful when I was there. During my visit Dr. Bywater also gave me an eye exam and it was detected that I would need glasses for driving at night. Always on the cutting edge in new equipment and frame selection Highland Optometry can't be beat!! read more

My granddaughter was experiencing eye pain from wearing her contact lenses and i was unable to get an appointment with her local optometrist for at least 2 weeks. I had to get her in to see a Dr somewhere fast that also took her health insurance. I called Dr. Bywaters office at Highland optometry and I couldn't be more pleased or impressed with the speedy appointment and fast caring service from the staff of ladies working there! They gave her an appointment that day! Even though she couldn't make that afternoon appointment we were very happy to be able to see the Dr the very next day. My granddaughter Olivia absolutely loved meeting Dr Bywater and was super happy with the care and genuine concern of the Dr. and she couldn't wait to tell me how the exam (a very thorough exam) went. I am so grateful to everyone at Highland optometry for their sincerity and degree of professionalism that is hard to find these days! Thank you Dr Bywater and your fine staff! You saved my little girl's eyes! read more