When my son was born, I went to doctor downtown. After spending two minutes with us, she told us he had a serious condition, scheduled an MRI and sent us on our way. I requested a referral for a second opinion from my pediatrician. I was referred to Dr. Busse who reassured me that his condition was not serious and told me to cancel the MRI. He is knowledgable and so reassuring. He is great and I would not go elsewhere. read more

Dr Busse was wonderful with my 19 mo old and 5 yr old boys this morning. Excellent bedside manner as well as patient education. She explained everything that she was looking for and spoke directly to my children instead of talking down to them, which was very appreciated. Excellent toys and things to occupy children in waiting room. Minimal wait time. Staff was straightforward, nothing bad to report. Her assistant was great with initial exams and made boys feel at ease and completed thorough eye exam. Both were new patients seen for evaluation to rule out strabismus. Would happily refer parents to this clinic for any eye issues. read more

After being referred to Dr. Busse from a friend I called to make an appt for my daughter and the receptionist, I believe Amanda was very short and told me I needed a referral from her pediatrician and when I asked if it was for insurances purposed she quickly snapped that it was to see if my daughter "meets the criteria." I didnt find her helpful or feeling that she was the least bit interested in explaining their process or wanting to help me. read more

If I could put 0 stars here I would. For a clinic that claims to be a "Pediatric" Medical Office, I have never witnessed a more unprofessional, negligent, and incompetent staff behave in such a way in the presence of children. My adopted daughter recently suffered her first seizure and is going through a plethora of appointments with different doctors. She was seen today at Dr. Busse's office by a different Dr. Our concern is not so much with the Ophthalmologist as it is with the office staff, in particular, their Office Manager, Sonya Sepeda. We have had some insurance confusion after our daughter's recent adoption, and as we are not professionals in the insurance claim processing field, my husband and myself were treated as incompetent insurance frauds. We became frustrated in not understanding the needs for primary and secondary and did not receive an accurate explanation. (The words "insurance fraud" came out of Sonya's mouth in front of our 9 year old daughter). This could have been an easily handled situation by calmly educating the clients of how insurance claims work when you have both private insurance AND adoption provided insurance. Instead, our daughter became visibly upset at the situation and there was an evident lack of any customer service skills or training. Promptly, we requested her medical information as we would not be continuing her medical treatment at this clinic and needed such reports for her Neurologist appointment. Their response to that was "That's fine. We have plenty of other patients here." In their last petty effort to passive aggressively "punish" us as clients, Sonya initially told us that she could only MAIL a release form to us for her medical records. We promptly responded that our daughter has a few Neurologist appointments today that she would need those records for. Magically, she could suddenly "e-mail" that form to us. Are these small, petty issues? Absolutely. Are we going to let this ruin our day? Absolutely not. Did this entire situation embarrass and stress out our daughter during her time of medical crisis? Yes. I am appalled at the lack of care, compassion, and dedication they provide their tiny-human patients. This is not an acceptable form of customer service and they should not be trusted with our little ones. Don't be fooled into thinking this is the only Pediatric Ophthalmologist in Austin, there are plenty of other specialists that have a decent staff and won't make you feel incompetent when you are at a scary moment in your child's life. Dr. Busse's office has made it VERY clear that their patients are merely numbers to them and there is no attention to the actual care and well-being of their patients. I have requested a call back from Dr. Busse herself and will keep this review updated as to their response. read more

I've been taking my grandson (he's autistic) to see Dr. Busse for over 2 years now and have only good things to say about her. She's sensitive to his fears and goes out of her way to make sure he is comfortable. She limits his time in "the chair" and watches him closely as he moves about the room interacting with the toys. Wait time is reasonable and office staff is helpful and friendly. We especially like Dr. Busse's brother. read more

My 7 month old had an appointment today with Dr. Busse. He was excellent with my son and made us feel comfortable. It was a wonderful experience! read more

Our visit today was just great. We had emergency appointment for my 15 mo old and everyone, from the desk clerks, Dr's Assistant and Dr. Busse, they were all very attentive and educational. We couldn't be happier to have someone answer our questions. Highly recommended ! read more

I've never left a less than stellar review before but I feel the need to be honest about our experience here. First of all, when we walked in the place was a MESS. There were children running around everywhere and toys and dirty stuffed animals were thrown around the waiting room. Many parents took one child into their appointment and just left their other kids to wait in the waiting room unattended and it was a mad house. When we got in to see the doctor, who was not the main one listed, she was kind but when we later took our daughter elsewhere for second and third opinions, it became clear that the prescription they gave us here was VERY off. The other two doctors were exactly the same as one another but this doctor was way off. Their equipment also seems quite outdated. The other places had what appeared to be much more advanced equipment. This place is just very messy, seems dirty, cluttered and chaotic. There are much nicer, higher quality eye docs in Austin to see, in my opinion. read more

Dr. Busse is a very intelligent doctor. It's obvious he knows exactly what he's doing. We waited about 30 min. in the waiting room where there are lots of toys. I don't know what everybody is complaining about because nothing seemed dirty at all, and I even tried to find something but didn't even find a spec of dirt or grime on anything. The staff was very heart warming and welcoming. We were first brought back to an exam room by his brother/assistant who did a couple simple eye tests that my 10 year old could do. It doesn't take a Med Graduate to perform this so again, I don't know why it bothered some people that this was performed by the assistant. Then we waited another minute or so and Dr. Busse took us to another room where he performed another few tests. He was extremely polite and great with my 4 year old daughter. After he was done with the exam he first asked us if we had any questions. Then he explained my daughter's visions problems to us and even brought out some literature that had examples. We asked lots of questions and never once did Dr. Busse rush us or act inconvenienced (and he did have other patients waiting). Dr. Busse is very confident in his knowledge and I found him to be one of the nicest, easy going doctors I have ever met and never made me feel uncomfortable. He is the best at what he does. As far as him being "odd", or "strange", or "eccentric", this is a mere personal judgment on him by people who I can only think must be very shallow. Dr. Busse was NOT dressed as a woman, he wore scrubs like every other doctor on this planet and unless you as a parent draw attention to Dr. Busse's personal life choices this has nothing to do with what he does and what you're paying him for, which is Pediatric Ophthalmology. read more

This is my first review on yelp. Because I strongly feel for what I am going to write below: Dr. Busse is one of the only two Pediatric Ophthalmologists in and around Austin. After a couple of months of wait, finally, the appointment date was here and I took my child in early for the appointment. First thing they asked me to do after getting in my name,etc. was to fill a form which I did and submitted it to them - and then they nicely mentioned that "you will have to pay more than $200 amount up-front since your insurance will not cover it!". I mentioned that its not true! So, I spoke to the insurance company and the insurance guy spoke to the insurance coordinator lady at Dr. Busse's office and the insurance guy tried to convince the lady but she was adamant. Anyway, this was my child's eye.. so didn't want to risk canceling the appointment, so I paid up front. But I did mention that they could have called me to warn me about this huge amount! (Note: no-one apologized). Anyway, I waited and waited (since we apparently missed our turn). So first comes the assistant with her tests... and arrives at a random number for visual acuity. Then Dr. Busse confirms the numbers and mentions that my child has Amblyopia...REALLY??!! without any tests? All he did was spray dilation liquid on my child's eyes and look through a hand held scope and then all of a sudden came up with the diagnosis?? I asked for how he concluded that, he mentioned that God made my child that way and other such stuff. Anyway, I immediately knew to get a second opinion and I did that from a Pediatric Optometrist. The Optometrist was nice and we told her the history and how we wanted a second opinion.... which she provided! This Optometrist performed detailed eye exam and she mentioned with confidence that she doesn't see ANY signs of Amblyopia and also explained to us what she was looking for and how my child didn't qualify for that (Amblyopia) diagnosis... Phew!! All in all - Please don't waste your time at Dr. Busse's ... go somewhere else! PS: I forgot to provide an update on all the insurance fuss - Dr. Busse's office went ahead and billed my insurance (even after collecting money from me up-front) and guess what - my insurance approved it!! So, now they owe me money!! read more

Ok so....l I was trying to get Dr. Busse's address as my daughter and I have an appt this afternoon and has been a while since we were at his office. Then......I saw the reviews and because I am a big review writer I had to say something about this doctor. I worked in the medical field for 25 years and have known a lot of doctors. There are good docs and bad docs but I can say with confidence, and of course just my opinion but he has always been very professional. My granddaughter/daughter (I have adopted her) was born cleft lip and palate and had 3 eye surgeries by doctors in Houston. She was also diagnosed possible with Duane's syndrome. Dr Busse stated that she should have never had 3 eye surgeries at such a young age and I totally agree. He is conservative and that is another thing I liked about him and you should be when it comes to children. We went to another eye doctor and immediately she told us that my daughter had Duane's syndrome. How can she know that quickly with no prior history on her. That is the kind of doctors I am leary of. We have tried over the years to get back into see Dr. busses but due to Medicare/chips always some reason why we couldn't. My daughter is now 16 and still wants to go back to see Dr. Busse. Yes he is a little "different" but that is par for the course in Austin, Tx.. And as far as eccentric well........so is my mom and I still love her, it is what makes her unique. I would highly recommend Dr. Busse. read more

As far as Dr. Busse, I would recommend him. He was great with my daughter. However, because of the problems with his staff, I will not return. I took my daughter in to get an updated prescription for glasses and a contact lens fitting. He examined my daughter and gave us a prescription for glasses. Told me to have last eye doc send over past contact lens prescription so I could save money. I faxed it over immediately. First, they said they didn't receive it. Faxed again, said didn't receive it. Finally, they let me e-mail it to them. It took about three weeks of going back and forth with his staff only to be told that they couldn't help me because they don't keep many contacts in the office so they can't properly do a contact lens fitting. Now I have to go pay ANOTHER doctor to examine my daughter's eyes once again so they can do a contact lens fitting for her to get contacts. Oh, and another thing, sometimes it is hard to hear them on the phone because there is a loud, annoying bird going crazy in the background. If they couldn't give her a contact prescription, then I should have been told in the beginning so I could take my money elsewhere. For some reason though, I have a feeling it is just his staff giving me the brush off because I kept bothering them about her contact lens prescription. read more

Dr. Busse corrected my adult daughter's extremely misaligned left eye and the outcome at the end of 6 weeks is looking excellent. My daughter who experienced loss of confidence because she could not make eye contact with others is a new person. I am so grateful for the expertise of Dr. Busse. This procedure is only successful for adults with a very experienced opthalmalogist and that is Dr. Busse. He was very caring and available for any questions or concerns. Since I am out of state his office staff was very helpful in setting up the procedure as well as providing follow up for my daughter. It has been a rewarding experience and I am so pleased for my daughter. Laurie Hoagland read more

I selected Dr. Busse largely based on these reviews. I'm happy to report that Dr. Busse is a skilled practitioner with a strong acumen for dealing with young children. Her examination of our 4 year old was thorough, professional, and very pleasant. I highly recommend Dr. Busse for anyone seeking a pediatric optometrist. read more

Tried to make an appointment with Dr. Busse, office lady called Tina attempted to force me to disclose my SSN on the phone. I told her I decline to disclose and I have a right to do so, she became rude and hung up on me. Although I called back, she refused to forward me to her superior and hung up again. She was so rude, I decided not to make an appointment with this office. She was so unaware that she was breaking a federal law. They deserve to be sued. read more

My son and I both left in tears today after 5 min with the dr. I was astounded at how rude, condescending and impatient the dr was with my five year old who was in for a scratch on his eye. She didn't acknowledge, greet, or even speak with us after she walked in. She acted very annoyed when my son was nervous and made no effort to ease his fears. I'm amazed that she supposedly works with kids. I got up and walked out after she tried to scare my son by saying he would need to be put to sleep if he didn't open his eye for her to check it. I should have known something was wrong when the doctor was watching Game of thrones in the reception area that was totally visible to young kids. My son was so upset today.I've never experienced anything like it. read more

He is the best. Hands down. And we have been to other doctors. That's what matters for your children, right? Plus, if you live far away he will see you on Saturdays. There are people that fly in from Europe to keep seeing him. We used to live in Austin, and now make the 3 hour road trip from Dallas rather than switch. If you make the effort to get to know him a little you will see he's a very nice family man that goes out of his way to help unfortunate children through his practice and other charities. read more

We recently had an appt for my 9 year old w/ Dr Busse and could not have expected it to go any better. My son was nervous going to a new/ and yet another doctor, but Dr Busse put my son at ease and made us all feel welcomed and comfortable. Unlike many in the medical field, Dr Busse took the time needed to explain what was happening and why and constantly checked in with my son to see if he had add'l questions or concerns. Can't recommend the good doctor enough! read more

Do NOT believe these other reviews. This guy is horrible and completely unprofessional. Very weird place. Not somewhere I would EVER take my child again. Wish I would have read more reviews before coming here. read more

Moms beware. I had a very bad experience with my baby boy. Heaven forbid Dr. Busse wait for you to change a baby's diaper. I had been waiting with my 8 month old for 1.5 hrs along with a woman and her 7 month old who had been waiting 2 hrs. There was no communication from any staff about the long wait, or apology, etc. The woman with the 7 month old was ahead of me in the queue and her son pooped. So of course she needed to change his diaper and asked me to let Dr. Busse know she'd be right back if he called her son's name. When Dr. Busse came out, I told him they went to change a diaper and would be right back. He looked down at his files and then called MY son's name. I was shocked that he was skipping this patient rather than waiting 2 minutes for them to come out of bathroom - remember, this poor lady and her son had been waiting 2 hrs! When he called my son's name I said "I'm his mom but the woman ahead of me asked me to let you know she'd be right back." He looked at his files again and then called the name after ours! Now he was skipping me because I was trying to help this other woman and her baby. At that moment the woman and her son came out of the bathroom at the same time the patient after me was walking into the exam room. The woman tried to enter the exam room and tell Dr. Busse she had to change a diaper but Dr. Busse told her she needed to go sit back down. I was so stunned by Dr. Busse's unprofessional behavior and how he treated me and the other family with disregard. I told the front desk that I was very upset with how we were treated and wanted to leave, asked if they were going to try and charge me for the visit (she said no) and I left. How can a physician who treats babies not accommodate a diaper change? Obviously the moms there are already somewhat anxious waiting to learn if their child's eyes are OK. It's bad enough to leave patients waiting for 2 hrs, why treat them with such coldness? read more

This guy is really creepy. Like in a wouldn't leave my kid alone with him kind of creepy. He has an office filled with his Barbie Doll collection. He didn't even speak with us after he did an extremely serious procedure on our baby. His brother is weird too. He has no medical training but is apparently in on the procedures. We had no idea that he was not the doctor until he finally invoked his brother after telling us how he "helps by holding the children's heads". (Really ? ) We were shocked because he never introduced himself when he took us back so we assumed he was Dr. Busse. The staff is soooo rude and unhelpful. They did not provide after care instructions for my baby and when I called they were very put off that I asked for them. The office is also quite dirty. I wiped down a toy for my baby to play with and the wet wipe came back black with grime. It is beyond me how he has a good reputation with his peers. Maybe because their kids don't have to visit him. Your kids shouldn't either. read more

We've gone to Dr. Busse for five-plus years. Today, at our annual checkup and not before, we were told Dr. Busse wouldn't accept our insurance because we purchased it on the exchange. Denying children care is not an appropriate, or even humane, tactic for making a political statement especially when that child - his patient - has no input into the decision. What other bills passed by Congress might he disagree with that will give him the right to deny care and discontinue treatment? It's a slippery slope when businesses let political beliefs dictate business protocols - something I think Dr. Busse would be especially sensitive to. What's ironic is before the Affordable Health Care Act was passed my son couldn't get coverage because it was classified as a pre-existing condition. This is a doctor who cares more about making asinine political statements than providing care to children. Parents should consider if this is the kind of person they want treating their child. read more

We had been seeing Dr. Busse since Spring of 2011 for My then 3 yr old daughter's outward eye turn. This was after seeing Dr. Rainy, the " other" pediatric eye dr in Austin. He prescribed glasses and patching for 20 min a day. Come back in 3 months. We would go back every three months for 2 years and no improvement. We were not able to communicate what we needed with Dr. Busse. He seemed very comfortable with what he's been doing and I don't doubt his ability but My husband and I knew that we needed to now get a 3rd opinion. So we went to my eye dr. and she referred my daughter to Stars in your Eyes Vision Therapy Center. We went for her first consult last week and we learned more in that one hour visit then we've learned in over 2 years. We can get rid of the glasses and patching that were just a bandaid for our daughters problem. Her eye turn is 100% treatable and we're so excited for her. What Dr. Busse prescribed OUR daughter was a crutch. We trusted him and I feel that had we not sought out further evaluations for our child that we could have really cost her A LOT! We start vision therapy tomorrow and we could not be happier! read more