**Ok, so I got pretty effusive in my enthusiasm and to spare folks looking for a quick-and-dirty rundown from a giant Wall Of Text, here's a summary: Great modern facility, incredibly helpful and friendly staff, you won't be rushed and they treat you more like a buddy than a random patient. Experienced, knowledgeable and willing to work out an approach that works for YOU. They've got everything you need in-house, and they make sure you can contact them with questions later. Go there if you need to see better, or even just to see how vision care is done right.**
I was referred to Dr Catalasan by a ophthalmologist after reconsidering vision correction surgery. In the past year, I have seen a lot of eye specialists - surgeons, optometrists, ophthalmologists, you name it. They were all pretty typical for medical experiences, slightly irritating in the usual expected ways, but not so much I'd take to the internet to grouse about it. I don't write many reviews.
That said, my experience at Lakeline Vision Source has absolutely destroyed my expectations for vision care, and if I'm ever forced (and they will have to force me) to go elsewhere, that office has an intimidating bar to reach.
Let me tell you a little about why.
First off, in typical old-guy fashion I mistakenly arrived an hour early because I put it in my phone wrong. They said they would try to get me in ASAP, but everyone was on their lunch hour (Right, I thought. That means it'll only be 20 minutes after my actual appointment time instead of 45). No big deal, I have an obnoxious little game on my phone I'm hopelessly addicted to, so I settled in and started tapping away. Plus, the facility is extremely pleasant. Modern, clean and open. Very comfortable.
But they did get me in early. EARLY early, not DOCTOR early. Cut-their-lunch-break-short early. Huh.
The tech/scribe (I'm not sure of his exact role or title.. or name, forgive me sir) took me through the usual preliminary testing. The equipment was up to date and the tests were thorough. Rather than be put out by my early arrival, or bored with running another patient through the same tests, he was really friendly and engaging. He answered questions, laughed at my awful jokes, and made a few of his own. He established rapport effortlessly and the tests flew by. He proactively anticipated solutions to improve not just my visit, but the aftercare and evaluation period for new contacts, like finding extra samples to tide me over until my order arrived.
I saw Dr Catalasan for my actual exam. Aside from being really friendly and willing to pretend my jokes are funny, she's extremely knowledgeable and seems to genuinely love what she does. She took the time to answer every questions and concern I had, and even double checked a test here and there to make sure she was offering the best possible solutions. She worked WITH me to put together a care plan for my dry eyes and terrible vision, a refreshing change from being handed papers and told, "Do this." In between, she chatted about her own experiences and why she recommended the things she did. I never saw her check her watch, and she made sure I knew how to get in touch with her directly if I had any concerns or questions. Wow.
I was really impressed, but I admit I wasn't really looking forward to the optical department and looking at frames. I figured it would be a small selection of bland overpriced frames and I'd have to come up with polite excuses to escape. I should have known better. Immediately on entering the department with my tech/scribe/escort (I was never left to wait alone, not once.. if there was a wait it was never more than a minute or two and they chatted with me until it was time) we were met by another very friendly member of the team (I wish I could remember names, again, please forgive me ma'am) who escorted me to her work area. I was surprised to see how many there were. She sat with me while we discussed what I needed, my usage habits (I like to fall asleep on my glasses), and style (I have none, I was literally in sweats, bleach-stained Superfriends t-shirt and SLIPPERS), and then she was off. She returned with a full tray of frames, and we talked about each one I tried on. She figured out quickly what I liked and didn't like, and each time her frames picks were getting really tough to decide between. In the end, I ended up with three frames I absolutely love, an exceptionally pleasant conversation, and a sense of relief that I'd found a vision team that does it all and is happy to do it.
I can go on, there's other nice conveniences like keeping the products they recommend and common prescriptions in stock. The effortless courtesy and respect that seems to stem from actually liking their job and people. But if what I've already laid out doesn't convince you to give them a visit the next time you need your vision checked, then you're just not the type who likes to be spoiled rotten and Lakeline Vision isn't for you. read more
