I had 2 cataract surgeries done at Northwest Eye Center. The staff always stayed professional and cordial, even when there were a lot of people in the waiting room. My surgeon, Dr Dilmon, clearly explained the details of my procedure, and answered all of my questions. The attitude of the staff and the doctors there helped dispel my nervousness. I'm glad I selected Northwest Eye Center, twice! read more

I'd give 0 stars if I could. Shitty doctors extraordinary backlogged worst doctors experience I've ever had.

I had a problem and was told it would be corrected free of charge and now I can't get anyone to respond to voice mail left for managers (supposedly). They are disrespectful of their clients. I will lot go back, not that they seem to care! read more

Arrived at 7:30 AM for a 7:45 AM appointment with Dr. Boris Dilman in Barrington, IL. The first appointment of the day is 7:45. I was instructed to complete eight sheets of paperwork as a new patient even though I had previously been to this practice, albeit a few years ago. No problem. I expected to do this and arrived early to my appointment. All paperwork was completed prior to my appointment time of 7:45. At 8:15 I questioned the office manager about why I was still waiting when I had the first appointment of the day and at least 6 other patients had been called before me. She inquired with the "back" and another individual came out and rather curtly told me "if you have somewhere else to be, you should probably reschedule because it's going to be about an hour and a half." That would be a total two hour wait time for my 7:45, first appointment of the day. No apologies, no explanation. Needless to say, I walked out and will never be going back. Clearly this is how this practice conducts business. A very similar two hour wait occurred during my last visit a few years ago. Although, for that visit, I did not have the first appointment of the day. It's quite clear that overbooking and poor time management are standard practice at Northwest Eye Center in Barrington, IL. What's most frustrating isn't simply the delay....it's the complete lack of respect for patients' time. The actual care may be decent, but it's overshadowed by a system that treats patients like an afterthought. Until this office learns basic scheduling discipline and accountability, I would strongly recommend taking your business somewhere that values your time as well as their practice. read more

Made an appointment a month in advance. Confirmed the appointment 48 hrs in advance. Show up for scheduled appointment and am told I'll have to reschedule because the appointment was moved to a time slot 30 min. Earlier and I missed it. They say they left a voicemail the night before advising of the change. I got no voicemail. One would think for a last minute change like this. They would text - call and email so they made sure I was notified. Nope. Taking my business elsewhere. This was the second visit to this practice. First time met very rude staff and doctor. I get it they are busy. But I think this doc is likely just greedy read more

While I understand the office may have been busy, I felt the reception staff could have communicated more clearly and respectfully. 1:30 pm appointment saw Dr. at approximately, 3:00 pm read more

Short version: Incorrect diagnosis of narrow angle glaucoma, pushing of unnecessary testing and surgery, not paying attention to the correct eye under his treatment for episcleritis, not getting facts before unnecessarily lecturing/scolding, and excessive eye rolling. Longer version: I went to a further ophthalmologist for eye glasses & regular health check. I later had a flare up of Episcleritis in my left eye so I only went to see Dr Dillman at Northwest Eye Center because it's closer. He told me I had narrow angle glaucoma and needed in office laser surgery soon. My other ophthalmologist said nothing to me about me having glaucoma. So clearly I had to get a third opinion as a tie breaker. The third ophthalmologist agreed with the first doctor and I definitely do not have narrow angle glaucoma or any form of glaucoma. Regardless, I had to go back to Dr Dillman for a follow up on just the episcleritis since he prescribed me steroid drops for my left eye. I was supposed to see him 2-3 weeks after treatment but his office canceled my appointment and the earliest I could get in was about a month after that canceled appointment. Luckily I stopped taking the drops when my first appointment was supposed to be. So at this new follow up date, the tech told him in front of me that I refused the test for the glaucoma (which I nicely explained why to the 3 other techs- and it was more a "because I don't need it"....not a "refusal" but I digress). He said my right eye looked better. I tried to save him the embarrassment of getting which eye he was treating wrong because as long as he looked at my left eye and said it's good, what would it really matter. And when he was pushing the idea of surgery in the next couple months or so, I tried to nicely as possible tell him about the third opinion and that I was back only for the Episcleritis issue. Perhaps he was embarrassed, but Dr Dillman scolded me for not seeing him sooner after my initial visit for the Episcleritis. When I tried to tell him his office canceled, he rolled his eyes. He then proceeded to scold me that even if I later had similar symptoms in my other eye, that I can't take it upon myself to put the drops in my other eye without being examined first, which I didn't because I called his office and they said he said not to do that. So when I tried to explain that part to him, he rolled his eyes again at me and told me to let him finish. Fine, maybe my trying to stop him from humiliating himself came across as me interrupting his berating speech. So I patiently let him finish. After the awkward pause of silence, I asked may I now speak. Que doctor's third eye roll. I kept my calm and in a low somewhat admittedly shaky voice (I hate confrontation) I said, you can roll your eyes all you want but it was your office who cancelled my perfectly timed appointment so perhaps you should speak with your front desk staff rather than wrongfully scold me. And that I also called the office about my other eye, and that since you had them tell me not to put drops in my other eye, I followed your directions and did not self treat my other eye. He looked at me and simply asked do I have any other questions to which I said no. And he walked out saying have a nice day. Maybe then I should have said by the way, it was my left eye, not my right that has gotten better. But I left telling the tech I would not be rescheduling and that it's sad he couldn't accept the truth better than he did. This review is only to warn others to go at their own risk. Good luck. read more

Awful experience with the doctor. Supporting staff were fine. Doctor Dilman was combative, dismissive, rude, and seemingly unknowledgeable of what should be standard treatments. I felt that I was being pressured into a treatment that is not covered by insurance. When I asked for clarification on his recommendation, he didn't give one, and just scolded me and lectured me for not coming to see him sooner. I wouldn't recommend this doctor to my worst enemy. read more

Was a patient for decades with Dr. Millnan! Never an issue. Never waited long for my appointment. Loved the guy. Milman retired and I have had 3 visits, all with issues. They now run really late. 45-60+ minutes, even in the AM. How are you an hour late @ 10AM? (Emergencies in eye care are rare.). The practice now has absolutely no respect for patients' time. When they take you, you wait in the examining rooms forever, sometimes as long as the waiting room. I also drove there for a nonexistent appointment b/c they kept changing it and say they left a vm somewhere. And I am still waiting for a return call for a billing question. Have called 3 times. The worst part of it for me is that Dr. Dilman is incredibly condescending. I am an educated person and do not care to be talked down b/c my area of expertise is different than his. He really thinks he is amazing, Such a shame to see this practice self-destruct. Consumers, we can do better than this! read more

Treats the symptoms, not the cause. I had a corneal abrasion. There was a slew of drugs and drops to take and take and take and take. Even after my eye was better there was a push to continue treating what could be the cause, but not actually investigating it. I sought a second opinion at Premiere Eyecare and was very happy with the service I received there. Their focus was to isolate different options, viral versus bacterial, until they were able to determine the cause and treat it. I do believe if I had stayed at Northwest that I would still be taking medication that I don't need. read more

I highly recommend Northwest Eye care. I had an eye problem on a Sat, and they squeezed me in to see the Dr.Dillman.Dr. Dillman is great. Every one in the office is really nice, especially Jackie who did my preliminary exam. I highly recommend Northwest eye care. read more

if I could give negative stars I would. Test took less than 1/2 hour. Now waiting to see Dr Dillman fot well over 2 hours. would NOT recommend this doctor. read more

I wish I had heeded the advice I read in reviews to avoid Dr. Diillman. He was, as many have pointed out, dismissive with a poor bedside manner. I have been coming here for years due to a retina disease and my doctor had retired so I booked with Dillman since he was part of the practice. What a mistake. He clearly did not look at my chart or past results as he incorrectly said I should see my retina specialist due to images of fluid in the eye. When I explained I had a hereditary retina disease and asked if this fluid was something new, he said "Tomatoes, to-mah-toes, all the same." No it isn't. I have an eye disease and he's now telling me something else is happening too, something different? Upon a visit the next week to my retina specialist he showed how the images are the same as all the previous years - it was nothing new -- my vision was stable. Dillman had me anxious over someting he did not know. He should have read my charts and file if he wasn't familiar with my condition. Despite being there a full 2 hours as usual for the exams, etc., he spent maybe 5 minutes with me total - rude and dismissive. read more

We have no issues with Dr. Dilmwn and his team, especially Jackie- yes the lobby is crowded, which is expected for an expert in his field treating an aging population. When you have to wait for an appointment, it is generally because there is someone with an emergency need ahead of you. If you were the one with the emergency wouldn't you want to be seen ahead of others? Specialty eyecare is not McDonalds. read more

Too bad you cannot give negative "stars"!!! This review is for the tremendously RUDE, MEAN & UNPROFESSIONAL Optician, Richard (DICK!) Nast. He does not want anyone touching the readers unless they are paying for it immediately!! He wont let you try them & you certainly cannot have a tech help you with the strength you will need. As I was taking a pair to the counter to check out ( that's all I came in for that day!), he actually blatantly hollered "Oh no, no, no, you are not using those in the waiting room for reading!" Sayyy whuuutttt? He was SO astonishingly loud & mean that he took me by complete surprise and had this 78 year old senior in tears & shaking in disbelief. It took a long time to recover from that shock, as the sweet girl behind the counter gave a sympathetic ear. I think she also was in complete shock at his rudeness and unprofessional manner. It was REALLY BAD! I think I was a marked woman from the moment he spotted me this day, because the week earlier when I was in for post-op check (cataracts), it was so successful, I now only need readers & I had the audacity to have the mistaken impression I could actually try a pair before buying. At that time, he was RUDE enough, he asked "are you purchasing those?', as they were in my hand." I politely told him I don't know yet, just checking them out. JEEZ! One would think I had million dollar pair in my hands and not a cheep (but 3xs the price of Walgreen's finest) pair of readers. WOW! Still am amazed & hardly can get past it. Such drama! I almost did not buy the glasses but not letting him win. If they are that precious to him, let's take them away! Besides I came in to get them because I liked the style & wanted to treat myself. Not going to let this Dick ruin that! THIS IN NO WAY APPLIES TO ANY OTHER STAFF MEMBER AND NOT THE DOCTORS THERE. ONLY THE OPTICIAN, R. (Dick) NAST(y). read more

Worst experience I've ever had at an eye care facility. Walmart has better customer service than this place. I waited TWO HOURS with no doctor being seen. I had an appointment at 2:15, I got here by 2 and since I was a new customer I had to fill out some paperwork. I called the day before and explained my whole situation with workers comp and the lady apparently didn't put anything in the system saying that I was going through that so it was a huge deal to the lady up front since I didn't bring my insurance card since I didn't need it. Finally after that was all figured out I handed in my paperwork at about 2:20 and there were 3 people who walked in after me and were seen before me. It was about 3:15 when I finally got up and decided enough was enough and I said something. All the lady did was say she was going to ask the doctor. She came back and told me that she can't guarantee they would be ready to see me by 4!! Wtf!! I just said I was going to reschedule then and I called my mother on my way out at about 3:35 and the lady came running out saying that they would take me back. I needed this done so I bit my tongue and went back and now I'm waiting in the exam room I was brought to at 3:55 and it's currently 4:20 and still no doctor. They close at 4:30! This is the absolute worst experience I've ever had at a supposedly "professional" building. Update: doctor came in at 4:22 spent a whole 4 minutes with me and wrote me a prescription. All he said was there was some irritation in my eyes. The ER that I went to literally told me I had chemical burns in my eyes! I'll definitely not be returning for the follow up appointment nor will I ever recommend this place to anyone. read more

Ridiculous Despise this office.., 1:15 appt- signed in here at 1:10 Patients rolling in after me, taken ahead of me. However, they may also be waiting in a frigid room 1:50 - moved to room to check eye pressure - 60 seconds w/employee 2:00 - moved to back waiting room 2:15 - moved to another room to look at screen to check both eyes - 2 minutes w/employee 2:45 - still sitting in the frigid room 2:46 - doc walks in 2:48 - appt finished. Even when I request first appointment of morning or afternoon, this occurs. read more

These people have no respect for their patients' time. I always have to wait a minimum of 1-1/2 hours to get in a room - and then a minimum of 45 minutes in the room. When I complained to Dr. Dillman he said "You should have to wait at least one hour to see a good opthemologist." I was beyond shocked! He then had an attitude for my entire visit. A simple apology from him would have sufficed. A truly despicable doctor. I will be going elsewhere. Diane Langer read more

I was First time patient, waited 1 1/4 hours and still no doctor. Only update was when I asked. I left and reminded them I would not pay any charges. They will not see me again. Very poorly organized. read more

I have been going to Northwest Eye Center for about 20 years and never have to wait long to be seen by Dr. Milman and his staff. They are always professional and hand me my prescription for glasses when my eyesight has changed. There is never pressure to purchase eyeglasses from them. But, do yourself a favor and order your glasses and lenses from Northwest Eye Center. They may charge a bit more, but you will love your new glasses, especially if you wear progressive lenses. read more

Once you get into your appt it's very good care. However if you like to wait an obscene amount of time to see a doctor then this is the place for you. We've been waiting over 30 minutes. They don't give enough time per patient if any problems arise like an eye pressure issue. Don't waste your time, find a Center where they respect your time by scheduling properly. read more

How about zero stars? My daughter had a 1:45pm appt and she wasn't seen until 2:30. ( the tech was the ONLY nice person in the place) I had to take off work to be there. When making the appt, I relayed that she is T1 diabetic and having troubles seeing during night driving ( the lights look like bursts or blobs of light) The Dr. finally came in and said she was totally fine to which I said, ok well what about the driving and light issue? He looked at me like someone didn't tell him my concern. He looked again and said she was fine. Then when I inquired about yellow lenses or something to correct this issue he told me those types of lenses are a gimmick and, like blue light glasses, they " don't do anything"- Then proceeded to question why I thought they would work. Worst experience I have ever had. Absolute ZERO regard for patients time. One man got up and walked out after giving office staff a talking to regarding his lengthy wait. Just ridiculous and all around rude group of people. Couldn't even get a friendly response when asking for the wi-fi password so I could do the work I needed to. Acted so inconvenienced. This place sucks. Sure hope my daughter is safe when she's driving. She doesn't feel confident and now we will go elsewhere. Biggest waste of time! That Dr. should put his night glasses on because he couldn't find his ..... in the dark with both hands. 5 THUMBS DOWN read more

I had the worst medical experience of my life after having cataract surgery by Dr Dillman. I ended up with an abrasion an my eye that took weeks to heal and my farsighted vision is now worse than it was before the surgery even though I paid almost $2,000 for a "special lens" and laser surgery. Due to the abrasion I had to see Dr Dillman four days in a row and had to wait at least an hour for each appointment. I will never go back to Northwest Eye Center and wish I had seen all the negative reviews which would have convinced me not to have my surgery done there in the first place. read more

This is my third visit and I have been consistently waiting in the reception area for an hour. Unless you have THE 1st appointment of the day, the schedule is horrible and the tardiness has been consistent with minimum 45 minutes wait. Why not schedule patients to come in an hour late? Please respect patients' time read more

Albrecht is a great doctor. They streamlined their operation. In and Out very efficiently.

Had an appointment schedule at 245, take off work to get here on time. Been waiting hour and 15 so far. They charge you if you cancel. But no call if they running behind. Just very inconsiderate. read more

Just took mom in for a 2pm appointment and walked out at 345 without ever seeing a Dr...should've read the reviews before hand...

Dr Albrecht is a great doctor and has a special bedside manner. He talks to me in normal speak which is easy to understand. I especially like his manner of discussing my problems and choices. His office staff is super also. Charles Terry read more

I have received wonderful treatment by Dr. Robert Albrecht for decades, but I checked on line to see if they had moved in the past 8+ years since I had been in for a check up (Ykes!). They had. They gave me an appt asap because I am now old enough that I need a retesting of my vision for renewal of my driver's license. That was very kind and much appreciated. While on line, I was shocked to see that some had given negative reviews, so I thought I should set the record straight. During yesterday's visit, I was treated very politely and cheerfully by every team member whom I encountered. During the examination, all my questions were answered clearly and pleasantly, and Dr. Albrecht was extremely warm and cheerful as always, and gave me an easy to understand, and very thorough, report of his findings. I couldn't be more satisfied with the Barrington location of Northwest Eye Center Jerry P. read more

all as I have to say is if you have nothing to do for a half of day it could be a nice place to visit, bout you may want to pack a lunch. I got there 15 minutes before was there for 2hrs.and 15 min never seen the Dr. but I guess he makes a lot more money then I do so his time iv more valuable then mine. don't see why anybody would go back there Richard Z. read more

If only I could give no stars to this poorly run medical facility. These medical doctors have some lovely employees that realize the place is so poorly run but they just keep on trying to do a good job. The office manager is unavailable to explain the almost three hour wait in the office with an elderly patient and the manager refuses to return calls. They have no regard for the life minutes they squander rudely expecting people to sit for hours in both the waiting area and the examining office. The doc was so condescending when we voiced our complaints and had no apology for the inconvenience we go thru at every appt. We regularly wait over two hours to be seen for a two minute eye check. It is absurd that they can stay in business. HIs suggestion was to make the appt for 1 pm where we can be the first to be seen after the all- important lunch break. I did that and the day before they cancelled me and moved us to 10:30. We exited the office at 1:10. I wish we could charge them for our time because it is valuable!!!!!!! read more

After waiting an hour past my appointment time, I was literally pushed into the exam room even though I walk with a cane. I asked repeatedly for eyeglasses and was ignored. My questions and concerns were also ignored. Dr. Dillman was fine, but the staff is so rude and unpleasant I dreaded going back and will get my eye care elsewhere. With such long wait times, one staff member said loudly so the entire waiting room could hear," Don't worry about double booking appointments. We'll accommodate." read more

Dr. Albrecht and his staff are rude, unprofessional and unsanitary. Not only do they seem to just want to pocket money through poor medical advice, but they use racist terminology like "Chinese looking eyes" to describe smaller eyes. Additionally, the older nurse kept coughing into her hands and then touched my eyes without washing them - talk about disgusting. Dr. Albrecht seems unqualified and unprofessional given the way he treated me and his inability to get the prescription right. I have never had such a horrible experience in my entire life. read more

After wearing glasses for severe nearsighted-ness and astigmatism for 55 years, I then developed cataracts. After waiting 1 year, I found the courage to see an ophthalmologist. I was referred to Dr. Dilman at Northwest Eye Center in Barrington IL. At my first appointment, I knew I was in good hands. After a thorough examination by Dr. Dilman and his staff, I realized I waited too long before having my cataracts expertly examined. Dr. Dilman educated me not only on what cataract surgery involved but also of the various types of new lenses available for folks with my nearsighted-ness, astigmatism, etc. He went on to explain what a symphony turic lens was and how insertion of these newly FDA approved lenses, could very possibly mean I might not need glasses again! Having worn thick glasses since I was 10 years old, this possibility was exciting! After 2 plus months of surgeries and post op treatments, I am enjoying excellent eyesight with no need for glasses at all. Dr. Dilman and his entire staff have always been courteous, answered any and all questions, and truly made me feel comfortable through their excellent bedside manner. My eyes were never correctable to what they are now even with glasses. Considering the many years of wearing glasses and becoming a creature of habit, admittedly I still find myself reaching for my glasses first thing in the morning and trying to remove them last thing at night. However, I am really enjoying that there are no glasses there!!! Dr. Dilman is diligent, up-to-date on the latest developments, and determined to provide the best outcome possible for his patients. John M. Zomchek read more

I have a concussion-causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, eye flutters and my vision sees sparkles (the only way I can describe it). My Dr. suggests and of course I go to were she say. The front desk acts as if we are disturbing them and should apologize. My car service gives more attention to my car than these two receptionists. Oh, I did ask one a question and was told: "I don't know!". Until I pushed the issue did she finally, with obvious disdain start searching returning with the advisement that person will be out soon.... Question answered (by the only person who shows concern) eyes dilated and ready to leave when I notice sunglasses for those that have had their eye dilated, like me. You would think that the receptionists would have suggested I take one but they are more concerned with other things... Dr. Delman, someone who truly has no personality, warmth of a bass, and as far as I'm concerned, just doesn't care. Equipment... I'm used to professional office's having disposable paper under your chine and your forehead as so to keep it as sanitary as possible but, I guess NWEC is above all that. The only positive review they have is from an advertisement... Do NOT GO read more

I have been coming to this dr. for about 5 years. The doctors themselves have always been very professional and helpful, but it's the other staff members that need help. The rudeness is unbelievable! I dread coming every time, because each time I run into issues. First of all the eye condition I have requires me to get eye pressure checks 4-8 times a year. The pressure check is something so simple that should take 5 minutes. However, each time in an here the minimum wait is an hour and I have waited over 2 hours before. The women behind the counter at check in and check out are unbelievably rude. They call you up to talk, but talk loud enough for the entire waiting room to hear your conversation. Since I need referrals to see this dr, I always call my GP in advance but they NEVER seem to have them when I come and make a huge issue out of it. How embarrassing! They are not patient and their tone when talking to you is just not right. I would avoid this office because of these reasons and I will be looking into finding another place asap! read more

I love my doctor, but not worth waiting over an hour each time I go to see him. I have an upcoming appointment on a Saturday, (because to go during the week I miss way too much work) and I am dreading the anxiety of waiting there. I think these doctors should have more respect for my time. read more