I might be harsher than most with regards to healthcare, because technically, anyone with a degree is "qualified" to be a healthcare professional. So a lot of what I judge is based off the intangibles as I have experienced them. I originally went to them in hopes of getting a quick eye prescription so I can eventually prepare for Lasik. Overall, it's been a longer process than I had hoped for, but it hasn't been a life-altering terrible experience. I have had two appointments with them so far.
I want to start out by saying that everyone there is really friendly and all of the administrative processes have been really easy (e.g., scheduling, forms, insurance, etc.). I initially called to make an appointment, stating I wanted to just get the eye exam to prepare for Lasik, basically hashing out my situation/condition. As mentioned, my main goal was simply to get the eye prescription. I was using hard contacts that reshape my cornea, so all I hoped I needed was the prescription to get back up glasses so I could get out of the contacts before the Lasik procedure. Registering into their system and making an appointment was all taken care of really quickly. The main problem has been the communication, or lack thereof, since then.
During my first visit (in which I spent 3 hours in because of backed up scheduling), I had Dr. Garza, whom I explained my goal for Lasik. I had most of the eye exam performed, but because my cornea was still reshaping from the lack of hard contacts, I needed some follow up visits for further testing. They never mentioned getting records from my previous optometrist and I had to bring that up at the end, even though it seems like it would be the first thing mentioned since those records could obviously contain vital historical information to help with a better prescription. I still don't know if they've gotten those records even after following up with them twice. At any rate, they gave me some trial soft contacts to hold me off until my next follow up, but because of my prescription, my cornea changed shape when I came off the hard contacts, and the soft contacts proved to be an extremely weak prescription. I don't want to blame them for the weak prescription, but I could have easily given them my history from my previous optometrist prior to the visit, which I think would have expedited the process.
Anyways, after a week of not-so-great vision, I had my second visit. Here, I had Dr. De La Pena and I had to explain again my goal for Lasik. We did some more eye tests so I could get corrected contacts while I waited for the glasses to be made. The eye testing went smoothly, no complaints there. She did mention some further testing may be necessary as my eyes continue to adjust to life with no hard contacts, which I was fine with, but Lasik was never mentioned again. After the testing, I spoke with another worker to get a frame that suited me. But after getting a quote that included a lot of features which I didn't need for temporary glasses, I had to explain yet again about my goals for Lasik and that I wasn't looking to buy a pair of glasses that cost as much as 4 brand new tires from Autozone. Eventually, I decided not to purchase glasses just yet and to shop around with my prescription, which was my whole intention to begin with.
After the appointment, I had some remaining questions regarding how I should proceed moving forward to prepare for Lasik so I called if there was anything I should do prior to scheduling a general Lasik consultation appointment. However, I was recommended to wait a year or two since my prescription was fluctuating. It's a bummer, but my biggest issue is that I wouldn't have known this unless I had called them on my own. I understand that they're trying to give me the best and safest recommendation, but I felt like I had to pry them for important details when I had brought up so many times of my goal regarding Lasik. This review is starting to sound like a broken record. I don't mind explaining my situation over again (even if it's to the same person), but it felt like they didn't really consider it and just wanted to hurry and get my eye testing done of their own accord. I don't think they're trying to swindle me for money and I trust them 100% with their services, but overall, I didn't feel like I was genuinely cared about as a customer. They were able to perform the minimal requirements for an optometrist, but not a whole lot more. read more
