Dr. Kristen Hawthorne is an excellent Doctor. She diagnosed my problem as cataracts and has performed cataract surgery on both my eyes. First one three years ago and my other eye recently. I was given excellent care at Howerton Eye Clinic in Austin, Texas on the days of the surgery. Dr. Hawthorne was extremely attentive and was concerned about my comfort on the day of the operation and on the next day for my follow up appointment. I can see so clearly! Dr. Hawthorne has my eternal gratitude!! read more

There was one code on the referral for this year's visit which was used for last year's visit but HEC didn't use it causing $60.50 to come out of my pocket that shouldn't have. They then proceeded to tell me this second visit was LONGER than the first visit which explains the different billing codes which is incorrect because it was THE EXACT SAME TYPE OF APPOINTMENT; same length, same treatment. read more

When I made my appointment with Howerton clinic, I got a 'service' that makes their appointments, not the actual office. They do not send out any reminders or texts of upcoming appointments. I went to my scheduled appointment at 10:30 today only to be told I missed it and that it was at 8:15. I would NEVER schedule an appointment at 8:15 as I live far away and that's too early for me. When asked if they could accommodate me, they said, no, the doctor was gone. It was only 10:30am! Also, the first time I went to this office, the optician's assistant (that sets things up and does a few tests before the doctor comes in) smelled so bad I could hardly breathe. I almost complained then but I didn't. I will not be going back there ever again. read more

I made the poor choice to have Platinum LASIK. by Dr Hawt. I spent $7300 plus office visits copays. After 6 months my vision was still not clear so I had to go back for procedures to remove scar tissue she left on each eye in hope of getting rid of cataracts and clear my vision. I had to pay two more times for use of facility. I have been busy and distracted with my scoliosis pain and surgeries. So far I have had a neck surgery with more to com so this has been on back burner. As of now I still have cataracts and terrible night vision and blurry vision when looking down even during the day time. If I go back to howerton eye clinic I will have to pay yet another copay for visit plus whatever is needed in her opinion. Another procedure to correct her mistakes yet again, no thank you!! I'm an artist, my vision is very important. Whose isn't, right? I am so disappointed. What a waste of my time and money!! Choice someone, anyone but drs at Howertons, especially dr Hawthorn. read more

The doctors don't spend time, this is "cattle call" place. Don't go there if you want trusted, professional care. They told me I had mites in my eyes, I had Austin Eye do a second exam, no mites! The doctor did not discuss the exam or what I needed, just in and out and pay them. Horrible place STAY AWAY!!!!!! read more

I just finished my annual check up (post cataract surgery) and I didn't have to wait more than about 10 minutes to be called back, after the testing and then drops, I waited maybe 5 min then I was taken to the exam room for Dr Kelly. He came in after about 5 min, he did his exam, we chatted about how things were going (very well) and suggested I could get some special glasses to help with night driving, if I wanted. I was done in an hour and a half total, very little of that time was waiting. I just wanted to say, I did not have any problem with wait time. And they have taken very good care of my eyes. Thanks! read more

I recently had my prescription for glasses re-evaluated by the Howerton staff. They are very professional, compassionate, and helpful. I strongly recommend Howerton for anyone who has concerns about their eyes and vision. Every location provides the same positive, rewarding, compassionate experience. read more

Several patients are scheduled at the same time and an appt that should take 30-45 minutes, ends up taking 2.5 hours as you wait. There is one Dr at any given time with lots of patients waiting. I won't be taking my Mom back here again. After a very long wait, my Mom was denied a prescription and told it would not make a difference and she probably won't wear the glasses anyway. read more

Note that this review is not about the doctors but the office staff and techs. The doctors are great. The receptionist did not greet us, just a sign in here. No please or thank you. The tech that took us back initially did not greet us and barely spoke. They have a posted policy that masks are required along with pictures of how to wear them appropriately and the receptionist has hers under her nose the majority of the time. The receptionist is incredibly loud and everyone can hear everyone's business, including her speaking across the waiting room to ask someone how they will pay and how much they need to pay. Not exactly a PHI breach but very unprofessional. Now the receptionist has asked a patient for their date of birth across the waiting room. She could have walked the 5 feet and asked in a quiet professional manner. It also seems that it does not matter which Howerton location you are going to, you will be there a long time just waiting. We have been to the main location on I35 and the Kyle office and the amount of time you have to wait is not okay. 45 minutes in the lobby so far at the Kyle location and still waiting. It seems the average time you need to plan is 2-3 hours which is beyond ridiculous. Schedule appointments in an appropriate and timely manner. Everyone's time is important. The lack of concern about other peoples time makes it feel that it is ALL about the revenue and it's just cattle being pushed through. read more

Be Aware: this office does not treat your appointment time with respect. They apparently believe you have nothing better to do but drive miles to their office only to be told "we are running an hour behind". This is not the first experience Ive had with their lack of concern and incompetence. You may want to think twice before using or I should say trying to use their services. Very unprofessional front desk staff that giggled about bumping me back an hour. read more

I injured my eye and was worried it was damaged internally. They were able to see me same day, I was so thankful! Now, I did have to wait a long time to be taken back for initial assessment, went back to the lobby to wait some more, then went back into an exam room where I waited some more. I needed more dilation eye drops which meant I had to wait some more. I think I was there for over 2 hours, but since I was there due to trauma and they were working me in, I was thankful to have been seen same day and for the reassurance my eye was only bruised. The lobby was full the entire time I was there, which either means they are very busy or were very far behind. read more

I went in to the new Kyle location to pick up a pair of glasses for my mom earlier today. We got a call a few days ago saying that they were ready and that some one will be there until 5 pm. To our surprise, there was no one at the optical shop and the front desk didn't know when they would be back. They weren't out to lunch either, there was just no one there for the day. I asked the front desk if they had a phone number we could call and they didn't have one or when anyone would one back. My mother is mobility impaired and it is very challenging for her to move. She was looking forward to getting her new glasses and was very disappointed when she couldn't because of their lack of professionalism, lack of communication, sheer disregard and ZERO compassion. I was more than disappointed. I was very irate since I had taken the day off to get my mom her new glasses. This is absurd that you claim to have an optical shop but the front desk said "thats a separate business and we don't control them". Don't claim to have something in house if it is not part of your business. This is misleading to say the least and definatley disrespectful, especially to your elderly patients. read more

If it was possible to give zero stars I would. I am an established patient here. I came back in July for my annual visit and when I walked in the door it was complete chaos during the height of Covid. I had to reschedule because I work at an assisted living facility. There was no temp taking, no social distancing and no sanitizer at the door. Again I work at an assisted living facility taking all the precautions. Today I took off work two hours early and I don't get paid if I'm not at work so I lost two hours of pay to come to my appointment at 3:30 PM. Upon check-in I was told I would have a two hour wait! I seriously thought she was kidding me. She then told me that Dr. Hawthorne double books her appts every 15 minutes and that this is why it happens. This is all absolutely ridiculous. Somebody should've let me know ahead of time. Now I've lost two hours of pay and need to find a new eye doctor! read more

Very long waits and attention was not individualized, IMO. Appointments are overbooked with many people given the same time to arrive and then having to wait for hours. read more

Front office staff was pleasant. COVID protocols in place and being followed. Front lobby was clean as was the restroom. Appointment was scheduled for 3:15pm on a Friday afternoon. As of 4:15 still had not been called back. Was anticipated to be another 30 to 45 minutes before anyone could see me. Appointment scheduled was supposed to last 1.5 to 2 hours per email received and confirmed by front desk. Meant I would have been in their office until 6:30pm or 7:00pm. I left. read more

Whish I had read the reviews before scheduling my appointment. This is my experience: at 10:35 I arrived and was told to put my name on the list and then have a seat10 minutes laterI I was called to fill out paper work in order to be checked in, I fill out the paperwork then have to go back to the front dest to return the paperwork which is when I am asked for the usual: ID, Insurance and Payment. All this could of been done when I first arrived and put my name on the list. I get called to the back 20 minutes after my appointment time and get my eyes checked as well as putting drops in my eyes, no not the once for dilating the eyes, which takes about 10 minutes then I get told to have a seat and wait for an exam room to open up so that I can see the doctor. It's been almost an hour since my original appointment and I'm still waiting to see the actual doctor. What a waist of my time. Don't let this happen to you don't come to the location on IH 35 by Oltorf you will be kicking yourself for not heeding my warning. So I brought this up with Dr. Hawthorne and she states that it's normal to take up to an hour and a half before you can consult with the doctor because if I was the one needing that long of a consult I should be given the time, (granted the consult with her was less than 10 minutes minus the time it took for her to tell me all this so about 6-7 minutes) and stated that if I wanted to go somewhere else to have a visit that would be quicker I should go elsewhere. No, I'm not making this up. Thank you Howerton Eye Center. read more

Two months after my visit (first and last), I received a $50.00 bill. I called and I was told by the billing person that I signed the paper. Apparently they did a refraction. Before I left the office, I did ask the front desk if I owed anything else, I was told no, you are good to go. You bet, I will never go there neither recommend anyone. I'm also filing a complaint with BBB regarding this bill because I do not recall them doing anything special to me besides normal ey exam which my insurance covers. read more

Scheduled an appointment for myself and my daughter, got a text stating my appointment is canceled. Took time off from work, my daughter starts school next week and when I called to speak to the office to figure out what is going on receptionist was extremely rude. Very unprofessional office will not be rescheduling. read more

I went today to an eye appointment scheduled over 2 weeks ago. I have two insurance and know I have met my primary deductible and know my payment should be a co payment and 20 percent. I arrive have my driver leave wait 20 minutes for assistance and watch the receptionist be so rude to elderly people!!! . My turn comes after waiting and never being notified of their expectations of $200.00 plus co pay. Howetpwn would not listen that I have 5 claims processing and have met my deductibles. I should only pay 20 percent . I get they don't know what claims are processing but I made up my mind I was not going to be a patiet to this clinic the way this lady spoke to people!!'I felt bad thinking if she spoke to my elderly parents that way I would haven terribly more upset!!! DO not allow this receptionlist to speak to your parents so ugly!!! was willing to walk out before my co pay incident!!. read more

i have been to Howerton and I was not comfortable with the treatment. I went to Westlake Eye Clinic. I was asked who was my doctor. I told them Howerton. The doctor looked at her nurse and said, "You are the third person today ( that day) that said they were leaving Howerton. Westlake Eye Clinic is much better. Jill Billimek read more

My family doctor recommended a appointment with Dr Berkotitz to have my eyes tested and he was right. the service was great and the dr very professional and even had a sense of humor . there was a problem with insurance coverage but they helped with that as well , good choice if you are looking for eye care in the kyle area read more

I am very pleased I chose to go to Howerton Eye Clinic as a new patient. The facility is beautiful, all of the staff are wonderful, and I received VERY good care. I especially commend Mandy, the assistant, for her excellent skills and personality. Also, I absolutely love Dr. Dieterichs!! Very knowledgeable with excellent bedside manner. I highly recommend this Kyle facility for anyone with eye needs. read more

After a few falls/scrapes, I knew it was time to see an eye doctor. Dr. Hawthorne was kind thorough and gave me hope. A man made miracle. I can see colors again, but more important I'm able to read.. read more

This clinic is the first listed on my insurance provider's website for Kyle. I called to schedule an appointment for both my husband and myself; and was told they would not see us. They do not accept State of Texas Superior Vision at their Kyle location. The woman who told me this on the phone was condescending and had an arrogant tone. I pay for extra vision coverage for my husband and myself and was appalled at how rude this employee was. I will definitely find another opthamologist to see. In addition, I called State of Texas Vision/Superior Vision and let them know. read more

My husband and I both went to Howerton Eye Clinic with concerns of cataracts associated with age. We were both told we needed surgery as soon as possible. I had ask for a call when they found out how much it would cost but my husband went ahead and scheduled his appointment to have the surgery which he paid for. Then two more costs came up that he wasn't informed about and was told there might be more cost so he cancelled the surgery. He was told they would reimburse him what he had already paid. A month later we are still waiting and they have now decided they aren't going to reimburse the whole amount because their was a balance due which there was not as we paid at the time of the visit. I went to another eye doctor concerned about the cataracts and was told they are not that bad at all and I can go another 3 years before surgery. I would certainly never recommend this clinic to anyone but especially seniors. read more

Great customer service. Didn't wait long and it was a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Berkowitz is great!!!!! I highly recommend this eye clinic. read more