WARNING THIS IS A TOME
I have had two exams with Dr. Roach. Each was enjoyable. The most recent exam was in November of 2023. My exam diagnosis documentation said that, though my right eye was weaker, I didn't need an Rx for glasses and that my vision should be monitored. I plan to have a routine eye exam every two years. This November I will not be coming to see Dr. Roach again.
Here's my issue: I'm 74 and needed my drivers license renewed before the 1st of July. I tried to renew on-line but if you are over 65 the state says you must provide eye exam documentation, less than 2 years old, in person. It was early June and the renewal was needed by July 1st. I obtained a copy of my 11/23 diagnosis from their medical records team and was told that I also needed a form, signed by Dr. Roach, confirming the appointment, to take to the license bureau. When I called Dr. Roach's office I was connected with his assistant. I explained my need and he said that I required another exam because I probably needed to have an Rx for glasses. When I told him that my most recent exam was less than two years old, that it showed no corrective lenses requirement and that I didn't have time to schedule another examination (i.e. be charged an unnecessary co-pay fee before 11/26) before my license renewal deadline. I could tell the assistant didn't like being told I didn't need glasses. He said he would provide the signed form and that I could pick it up the next day.
I arrived the following afternoon and requested the form at the front desk. I was unexpectedly told that I had to pay $25 for it. I paid and was given the auto-signature signed form. A box saying that I needed corrective lenses to be able to legally drive in Georgia had been checked! Whether it was the doctor or his assistant who checked the box made no difference to me. It was an unprofessional act of vindictiveness. What a waste of my time!
Later that week I went to the license bureau, took the eye exam they administer and passed without even having to squint. Although I had the medical record showing my eye sight was ok it turned out I didn't need it after all.
I had been gamed by Dr. Roach and/or his staff. They had tried to game me even more by saying I had to have another exam before they would sign that form.
As I said, I'll not be using him again. There are lots of excellent, alternative optometrists in Atlanta. read more