I'm usually not one to write a negative review, but my recent experience left me frustrated. Let me first say that I've been a patient for awhile (since back when they were across the street on West Road). That doesn't make me special, but it has given me an expectation for customer service and unfortunately it's declined. I was hesitant to go back after a similar experience last year, but didn't want to start somewhere new and Dr. Swanson is AMAZING, hands down the best doctor. It's a shame I can't stay the same about (some of) the other staff at this location...
Here's the story: I'm leaving my current employer and haven't used my benefits yet this year, so I wanted to use them up while I still had them (my plan pays almost $200 for frames, covers all lenses, and also pays for contacts AND computer glasses each year. I don't wear contacts but the rest is top notch) and maybe spend some leftover money on my HSA card on some nicer frames. I came in for my exam in mid-August and realized I forgot my HSA card, so while wrapping up the exam I mentioned this to Dr. Swanson and asked if since I was an existing patient, would I be able to order my glasses and then pay when I returned to pick them up. She wasn't sure, but called in one of the opticians (a dark haired woman, I didn't get her name but she reminds me of Maleficent), explained the situation and asked her to help me out. I swear to God she rolled her eyes. So we go to the desk and before I can sit down and say anything the absolute crab apple of a human being says with an irritated tone, "so what do you need to do?" I explained again and she told me I'd need to pay for my glasses when I order. I figured as much, so that's fair but worth the ask for my convenience. I said I'd pay the exam co-pay with my debit card and then come back another day to pick out glasses. As soon as she knew I wasn't going to stick around to give her a sale, she told me my exam total and silently got up, returned with my receipt and handed it to me and walked away without saying anything. I was just a number to her and it made me so uncomfortable, I didn't even realize the total until I got to my car. I was charged $54 dollars (my co-pay is $10). I came back the next day and while I was waiting to be helped an older couple came in. The woman wanted help getting her glasses adjusted and the man who helped her was awkward and a little rude. I felt bad and hoped he wouldn't be the one to help me, but sure enough I got stuck with Robert. I asked him about the extra charge from my exam and he said "oh yeah, we include photos but most insurance doesn't cover it. It's standard with our exams." It would be great if RX tells patients that BEFORE the exam... total money grab!!! Anyway, I took some time trying on new frames while he was visibly impatient. I get that they were busy but the whole vibe was off and made me uneasy. I landed on a pair I liked and we sat down to pull up my insurance info. I told him I also wanted to look at computer frames, but he told me I didn't have that on my plan but tried to sell me a "better deal". I even pulled up my insurance plan on my phone to read to him, but he was right on the edge of being condescending with me, told me I was wrong and it really pissed me off so after some back and forth I told him I'd call and have them send authorization, but in the meantime let's just wrap things up with my regular pair. I left and called my insurance company and the lady laughed when I told her what happened because I AM 100% COVERED. Well, Robert and RX lost a sale because I decided to get my computer glasses from somewhere else that was nothing but happy to help me. For my regular pair that I did order that day (spent almost $50 dollars extra) I was promised to get them by 9/1. They told me they were delayed and finally I called on 9/7 to ask if they'd come in and they just did. 3 weeks after I ordered them... Unbelievable.
As much as I like Dr. Swanson, I won't be back again next year. Not the end of the world, but it's been consistent and thats not how to treat people. read more