This was difficult to review. Jahnle has three divisions and two are HIGHLY recommend. So, from best to worst:
1: Ophthalmology: An easy 5 STARS!!! Kelly L. Krespan, M.D. performed cataract surgery on both of my eyes andI could not be happier. Dr. Krespan is a caring and competent surgeon--I can see why my retinal doctor recommended Jahnle for my cataract surgery without hesitation.
2: Optometry: 4 1/2 STARS. Very good. I forget his name but a very good optometrist, both patient and amiable.
3: The Optical Shop: ONE star. So, why one star...
Their prices are at the top, but that's not a complaint. That's on me, no one forced me to go there and pay their high prices. BUT, their work and service are at the bottom. So, highest prices with poorest service; I can't think of a worse retail combination.
Here's what happened: About a month after the surgery, I had my eye exam. I was given my script and made an appointment with Jahnle's Optical Department. Why shouldn't I? My surgery was top-notch and my eye exam was also, so I just assumed. (Those damn assumptions can get you every time.)
I purchased two pairs of eyeglasses--remember, at top prices. Later, I noticed that the frameless pair had a chip on the top edge of one of the lenses. In other words, they sold me eyeglasses with a noticeable flaw.
(Strike one)
I was going to take them back but I figured, 'Ehhh, the hell with it. I'm tough on my glasses anyway.' About a month goes by. I went to visit my daughter who is also an optometrist and has a successful practice in Massachusetts. (She has patients who come as far as California and even one from England--that's what I call, HIGHLY satisfied patients.)
She gave me an eye exam and noticed a slight flaw in the exam given to me by Jahnle--it was a very slight disagreement. When I showed her the prices I paid for eyeglasses at Jahnle she was let's say, a bit surprised. She was nice about it, tried to justify it, but said, "Dad, I could never charge prices like this."
Okay--again, that was on me. But my daughter showed more concerned about the chip. "You couldn't have done this dad," she said. "Polycarbonate doesn't chip like this. This was done at their lab. You better have them put in new lenses because that chip could crack and spider."
(Strike two)
So I called Jahnle and complained about the chip. They ordered a new pair of lenses. Finally the lenses arrived. So, I went and waited and waited. The optician, after wrestling almost 45 minutes trying to mount the lens, came out and said to me--get this: "I put the one lens on, but the other doesn't fit--the holes are too small."
"But THAT'S the lens that's got the chip!!! Do you understand what you're telling me? THAT"S the one with the chip--see it?" I said, pointing at the chip.
"Yes, I see it. I'm sorry," he said. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to keep the frames. I want to send everything back to the lab and have them put the lenses on."
"So, you're telling me that I have to come back? That's what you're saying?" He nods and apologizes again.
"You can't mail it?" He shakes his head, "No, we have to make sure they're fitted properly--believe me, I'm angry about this as well."
"Tell me this something, I'd like to know... WHY didn't anyone see the chip on the lens? You're supposedly professionals, you charge top-dollar, you say that everything here is checked and doubled checked and yet you gave me a brand-new pair of FLAWED glasses. Why?" He had no answer.
"So, in other words, this department is totally incompetent. I mean, I can't see it any other way, can you?" Again, he didn't answer.
(Strike three)
Now, it sure wasn't the fault of this optician. He was in the middle. He was just trying to do his job but was working with a flawed lens. So, whose fault is this? Whoever's running the optical department--the buck stops at Management. That pair of eyeglasses should have IMMEDIATELY been sent back to the lab with a stern message to make good on it--and fast.
In summation: A business or practice is not just about accolades but also about reprimand. I wish I did not have to give one star. Jahnle's a group of excellent ophthalmologists--that's what they do and that's what they're focused on. Their optometry department is also quite competent and I would not hesitate to continue going to Jahnle for my eye health. But there's just no way to exclusively review the optical department with touching the other two being that all three departments are under one umbrella: I regretfully had no other choice and if you look, you'll find similar reviews. read more