Sad to say, but I have to revise my initial review (based on my first visit & exam) as a result of the followup visits. I won't be back. The next two paragraphs are from my first review:
Went today for a routine check-up and to order new glasses (I can't wear contacts) if need be. Modern Eyes is very easy to get to with free validated garage parking. Please note they are in the 2200 block of Rio Grande - you must approach from the south as Rio Grande is one way for cars (only) between 15th & 24th.
I arrived on time and after just a minute for doing my paperwork I was in the exam room being prepped by a technician. In less than 10 minutes I saw Dr Franklin, as professional and pleasant an optometrist as I have ever seen (I've seen a lot).
Now, here's the follow-up and the reason for my new (lowered) rating.
The day after my initial visit I was called and told that since the technician filling the prescription at the counter did not realize it was for reading glasses the lens material he was going to have the lab used could not be used. End result, I had to agree to a change in material and pay another $40. Bullshit.
By that Friday, when I was told the glasses might come in (this would prove to be Modern Eyes favorite phrase) I called and checked Friday and was told they were not in. Now, the same tech explained to me, 'sometimes they ship them and email us later so they might already be here and we just don't know it." Okay; I feel good about my glasses now.
They did not arrive Sat or Mon.
On Tues morning Modern Eyes called me and said they had come in yesterday but they did not see them until today. Okay. What does that mean? You can't see things in an optometrist shop?
I go pick them up.
After a fitting and some temple adjustments I take my reading glasses home and sit down to my computer to work. Guess what? I can't see the screen. Everything is blurred and fuzzy. Everything. I see better without the glasses.
Several days later I trek back to Modern Eyes; see paragraph 2 - they are not easy to get to. (PS: Try getting to them as students come back to UT; this charming West Campus location is now a minefield of jaywalking newcomers to Austin. Not fun.)
The same technician I've dealt with from the beginning listens to my story - basically I can't read with these reading glasses - without comment. I tell him the only way they work is if I hold something in front of my face - like trying to read a menu in a dark restaurant.
Well, did you tell us how far away you hold things when you read? he asks.
What? Are you freaking kidding me?
Notice, he didn't say I'm sorry, or that's too bad or let's make that right. He said, "did you tell us how far away you hold things when you read?'
No - I didn't. Since you didn't ask me about that , I didn't tell you. And since you were the one who screwed up the order in the first place and had to call me a day later to explain why you had to change the material - i.e., you "didn't realize they were reading glasses" I am wondering why you didn't ask me about the distance thing when you called if it mattered.
Since the other three pair of reading glasses I've bought over the years from other optometrists' all worked as they were supposed to as soon as I picked them up without anyone ever questioning the "distance" I hold things from my eyes I think this is a bogus excuse. Reading glasses assume a standard reading distance range.
The tech had no answer for that.
There was a lot of dialog about adjusting for power and this and that and I said I don't really care: I want these glasses to work or my money back. Either one.
After some adjustments by the doctor to a pair of goggles adjusting for power the tech said they would send the glasses back and I would have them by Friday.
Friday comes and goes; no glasses.
No glasses Sat. Or Mon, or Tues. Wednesday I called and the same tech said oh yes we have them; they came in yesterday and I was too busy to call you. That's great customer service by the way. I've now been to your shop three times (soon to be four) and I still don't have glasses (although you have my money) and you were too busy to call?
I got the glasses on Wed and they seem to be okay. Am I satisfied? No. Did I feel like Modern Eyes really cared and tried to make things better? No. Will I go back? No. read more