This eye specialist office is outstanding. Ten times better than Eye Associates. The doctors and techs are amazing. Best in Albuquerque.

Great experience with cataract surgery. Dr. Gillette was very efficient and effective at improving my vision with corneal implants. Staff is professional and no-nonsense. - Jerry C. read more

I recommend Dr. Sanchez and Southwest Eyecare with no reservations. From my initial consultation for cataract surgery through post-op checkups, I had full confidence in this practice. Dr. Sanchez thoroughly explained my diagnosis, walked me through the surgical procedure step by step, and answered every question with patience and clarity. The surgery results exceeded my expectations. Not only has my vision improved dramatically (I not longer need corrective eyeglasses), but the entire experience was handled with professionalism, expertise, and care. Dr. Sanchez combines exceptional surgical skill with compassion. Additionally, the staff at Southwest Eyecare are professional, and knowledgable. If you are looking for a highly skilled eye surgeon for your cataract surgery, and a medical practice to care for your vision, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Sanchez and Southwest Eyecare. read more

A horrible experience. My mother needed surgery, and they made her visit her primary care physician three times just to obtain a clinical note; each time she went, they told her that the document she had brought was not the correct one--even after she had provided her complete medical history. I consider the level of professionalism displayed by these individuals to be mediocre. read more

I had my cataract surgery done with them and the results were as good as I could hope for. Not only did my distance vision improve but as a bonus my reading vision also improved from needing glasses to no longer needing readers. read more

Southwest Eyecare is a very good place to receive eyecare. I initially wrote a 1 star review due to a problem not with the doctors at Southwest Eyecare, but with the Optical department connected to the business. Since that initial review, we have received an excellent outcome for our problem. Thank you Southwest Eyecare for being such an honest and conscientious business. read more

I initially scheduled surgery at Southwest Eye Care, but the experience was extremely disappointing. When it came time to pay, the CFO, "JO" rude as can be, refused to work with my HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement). To make matters worse, the customer billing specialist informed me over the phone that I needed to find another practice, allegedly at the direction of the doctor who owns the practice. Thank goodness I decided to go with another practice, widely regarded as the best in the city. They worked with my HRA without any issues, and the payment process went smoothly. I'm so relieved I chose a provider who values their patients and makes the effort to accommodate their needs. If you're considering Southwest Eye Care, be cautious about payment flexibility and their customer service--it was an unnecessary headache for me. And ignore them saying to reach out to Paula LOL. The office stated , if there is anything we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to contact us at (505) 346-0500; however I was told over the phone that Sw eye care would did not want me as a patient . Also the CFO does not follow HIPPA policies as when she called me she did not even ask me to identify myself nor did she even know that I was a patient but I was discussing before identifying. JO needs customer service training as others have also complained about her ways read more

I was here twice. On the first visit, I have an early a.m. appt and arrived early. I hoped I would get in but that did not happen. I waited patiently. My appt. time came and went. It was about 30 minutes past my scheduled appt and I asked when I would get in. The reception person said they were entering my details as I was a new patient. I asked to be rescheduled for the following week since I had already been waiting 90 minutes - again I arrived too early. We got that scheduled and I left. On the second visit, I arrived a few minutes early and was glad when my name got called about on time. I was told it was great that my details were already on file. So the vision tech that led me through the exam was very kind. We walked from machine to machine and there was a bit of a wait at some stations because of all the patrons that they have. It's like an assembly line process. I felt like a number not a person. With that said, when the doctor (I don't want to say who) came in and completed the rest of the exam, he said I definitely need cataract surgery - no surprise. He asked if I had any questions and I asked one - his response was that my question is covered in the reading material that they would give to me. I felt a bit dismissed to be honest that the doctor could not be bothered to answer 1 question. I had others but I decided then and there that he was not for me. Before leaving, I asked about whether insurance would cover the surgery center that they use. I was told that after my next appt. my eyes would be measured and a surgery date would be scheduled and then insurance and other costs would be spelled out. This too did not work for me since I am on medicare, a fixed income, and I can't have mystery medical expenses. Overall, I felt it was like a cattle call here - so many people. I don't blame the staff - they are clearly overworked. I blame it on corporate greed - the business... the owners. But hey, we can all choose where we find our health care. I did find a place that I love, but this was not it. My advice, use your gut instincts and intuition and don't settle for being just a cog in the wheel. read more

Great experience. Took enough time each appointment to find my vision needs. Dr Adams is an excellent practitioner.

My husband and I both had cataract surgery with Dr. Downes, and our experiences were both SPECTACULAR. He is a caring, kind and patient doctor, and the staff at Southwest Eyecare and the Physician Surgery Center are just topnotch. I walked away with 20/20 vision at age 71! I was also pleased to observe Dr. Downes speaking in Spanish to some of his patients, which just adds to his diverse skills. Thank you, Southwest Eyecare! read more

I had such a negative experience at the eyecare facility. It is concerning to experience the unprofessional behavior, especially in customer service. It is important for businesses to provide quality service and address customer concerns with professionalism and respect. My feedback was stiffled by Jo in billing. My time and money are valuable and should be taken seriously by the facility to improve their services and customer interactions. Jo was so rude and condescending it's a shame. I will NEVER trust this establishment and so not recommend it. read more

Harsh personality The Dr. Was affended because I didn't know if optometrist or optomologist I wasn't sure. She was harsh and seemed above her patience. I had issues understanding her and she was shirt answering me. I will not be seeing this Dr. Again. I'm super sensitive and had to hold back from crying. Unprofessional Dr. read more

Just find a different business. The receptionist refused to give me an appointment because the doctor wanted to see me in 1 year. I wanted new glasses, another prescription, but she refused. When I asked her name, she put me on hold without saying so, then hung up on me. Then so-called opns manager denied every single complaint I had. 1. Refused my request for an appointment, 2. Refused to give me her name, 3. Hung up on me. read more

I have nothing but positive things to say about SW Eyecare, with a special thanks to Dr Gillett but honestly everyone has been great. My husband almost lost his eye and most likely would have if not for the care he received. We are forever grateful! read more

Excellent experience! I had an emergency appointment, an apple hit me in the eye, but that's a whole different story, and was able to get in for an appointment quickly. The service I received was exceptional! The staff member that I spoke to on the phone to the front desk staff to the technician was excellent! Very friendly and pleasant and welcoming. The technician that did my work up was so pleasant and professional and Dr Sanchez was great! I was concerned about having a detached retina, I have been in the optical field for 40 and that was my concern, and he put my mind at ease with the great news it was nothing serious. His personality and mannerism made me feel relaxed and when it comes to your sight that is very important to me especially being in the industry and know the worst possible outcome. I can't say enough about my positive experience and would highly recommend them for your eye care! read more

This practice was able to give me a good idea of what was going on with my vision. I had previously had an eye exam at a warehouse store and purchased glasses. As it turns out after seeing this doctor I do not need glasses and have a condition that eye drops will resolve. The only thing negative about this practice is their billing. They took their time getting my account correct with Medicare and then sent me a bill threatening collection referral if I did not pay the 35.79 fee for services. Any business that takes their time billing and then turns around with threats of collection without at least a phone call is far too profit focused for me. I have no problem paying my bills and do not see the need for threats after 30 days of you figuring out how much I owe for a visit. I tried to pay at time of service and was encouraged to wait for a bill in the mail so things would be rite. If I go back I'll just insist on paying at time of service. read more

First visit with this company. I believe this company is in the business of surgery not general eyecare. I didn't know that going in. The eye exam was very thorough and everything done by a tech. She was excellent. As others have said it is kind of a cattle call where you go from room to room. Seniors beware that you may find the exam processes and movement rather tiring. I think this has become the normal way of "big medical business". The tech leaves and you wait for the doctor. The doctor finally came in after I had been waiting long enough to read every piece of printed material in the room and study all the posters and eye model and start eying to floor to lay down since my back was hurting. I got the feeling they overbook (probably typical of insurance requirements these days). The Doctor was pleasant. She spent a very few minutes with me, but I definitely felt like I was putting her out by being there. My understanding of what she said was, "they have so long for each apptment and wasn't interested in talking to me about any symptoms other than what I may have mentioned when I made the apptmnt and that I would have to make another apptmnt to talk about any other problems". I have seasonal allergies that make my eyes itch and burn, and she claimed I didn't. I am so tired of doctors who are too arrogant to listen to their patient's concerns. I will not be returning and cannot recommend. I have a feeling this is all about surgery money. If you do go here you need more than 15 minutes to do the volumes of forms so go at least 45 minutes ahead of your first apptmnt. The place is clean, professional and easy to find and the front desk folks were very nice. read more

I am writing this review to let all who are scared and apprehensive about cataract surgery, no need to worry. I was so afraid of having it done. The expertise staff and Doctors at Southwest Eyecare are excellent. I just finished my second cataract surgery a week ago and I am so pleased with Dr. Paul Sanchez's amazing care and expertise. Dr Sanchez is awesome. From the very first visit with him, I was so calm and felt very at ease with the way he explained everything about the procedure of removing the cataracts. I can see everything in bright, vibrant, living color now. Even though, it has only been three weeks from the first surgery to my latest visit today post op the second eye, I am thoroughly amazed how clear everything is and bright. Big thanks to all staff and Dr. Sanchez for giving me this fabulous eyesight. Kudos to all! read more

Had surgery with Dr. Valenzuela with fantastic results! They had me well-prepared for it; the surgery encounter went off beautifully; recovery went well and the results are fantastic! Thanks so much to Dr. Valenzuela and her team! Sheryl C read more

Do not go to this practice. Horrible business practices both in care and accounting. Never again

I have been a patient for Southwest Eyecare for 15+ years. The ophthalmologists have always been excellent. However, during my most recent visit, I had a terrible experience with the eye tech, Israel. I am not sure if it was his first day, but from start to finish, he had no idea what he was doing, couldn't work the machines, couldn't put drops in my eyes for the refraction and dilation (I had to do it myself), couldn't figure out my prescription and the whole experience with him took over 2 hours before I even saw the doctor. Someone else had to come in and redo his work. I understand training someone in a teaching hospital or other environment, but this is a private practice - I choose to pay more for this place to see a great doctor, get a good exam, and to get in and out within a reasonable amount of time. 2 hours for a below par exam and wrong prescription isn't acceptable. read more

This facility, all of the people that I have come in contact with, and especially Dr. Truong are really great. They are kind and caring, and very efficient. I am trusting my vision with Dr. Truong as I will be having surgery, first on the right eye, for Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy on January 25, 2023. I'll update when I can. read more

I was told by my Retina dr that I needed Cataract surgery before he could fix my retina. This past July I had an appointment for expadited cataract surgey with Dr. Downes. Cancellation after cancellation from July to November with staffing shortages as the given reason. I felt that I had to leave Dr. Downes and go elsewhere where my vision means as much to my new Dr. as it does to me. read more

I needed cataract surgery and a friend recommended sw eyecare. I couldn't be happier. Dr. Downes was amazing!!! I had my last appointment today. If anyone needs anything done make an appointment with Dr Downes. You won't be disappointed. read more

My eye doctor at DaVita recommended Dr. Kenneth Downes at Southwest Eyecare as he was leaving DaVita for private practice. I needed a cornea transplant in my left eye. I had lost most my vision in that eye and my eye always felt very dry and scratchy. My surgery was on 11/19/2019. I am happy to report the surgery was successful. Dr. Downes is an amazing surgeon. The entire procedure was painless before during and after. I was totally conscious throughout the entire procedure. I never had to take any medication for pain after my surgery. My vision is completly restored. The staff at Southwest Eyecare are both professioal and knowledgeable. read more

Southwest Eyecare - Southwest Eyecare..7110 Wyoming Blvd. NE - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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I was a satisfied customer of Southwest Eyecare until my regular doctor there moved on. Around that time, about six years ago, things seemed to change for the worse. On one occasion, I was kept waiting over an hour after my appointment time and I had to leave due to other obligations. I wouldn't say the staff was unfriendly, but they could've been a little more welcoming. I say that because the eye doctors I now go to provide a welcome contrast. One of the biggest differences is in the price of eyeglasses. My usual prescription is one of progressive bifocals with the "Transitions" feature and a simple titanium frame. For this set of features, my new eye doctors charge at least $200 less than I was paying at Southwest Eyecare. On the plus side, I will say that I was satisfied with the cataract surgery performed by one of the Southwest Eyecare doctors. Nonetheless, I believe there are better eye clinics in Albuquerque. read more

While visiting ABQ for three months I awoke one night with severe pain in one eye. I was able to get in later that day where I saw Dr. Kenneth Downes. He diagnosed a problem with the cornea and proposed a plan for treatment. I felt confident in his treatment. He took the time to discuss the issues with my eyes and the treatment did improve the situation. Everyone in the office was pleasant and helpful. I ended up being seen several times over the following weeks and I never had a bad experience. read more

I've been going to this practice for 20 years, and my parents were there before me. We've had nothing but the best care. I had the bladeless lasik and my vision is perfect, with no need for any glasses. that was 2 years ago. I'm diabetic, as was my father, and Dr. Sanchez takes additional time to look at possible indications due to diabetes. I recommend this practice to anyone, and will continue going in for checkups and any issues I have in the future. read more

Business office and people in billing department and insurance department are unprofessional and rude. They are extremely unpleasant to deal with and causes me anxiety dealing with them. One woman (Nina?) yelled at me on the phone when I said I didn't understand the issue and for her to explain. I would never recommend going to this facility. read more

I am very pleased with the service and the multifocal lens provided by Dr. Ken Downes. I appreciate his willingness to discuss options and answer questions at length, as well as his ability as an eye surgeon to use the latest technology. I am also grateful for his willingness to discuss and use two different lenses. I chose the Panoptix lens for my right eye and the Vivity for my left. For me, the two lenses work very well together. I read without glasses, use the computer and my cell phone, watch TV, drive, play pickle ball and see distant objects. Yesterday, I threaded a needle without glasses. I only use "cheaters" for very small print or in very low light settings. I did a great deal of reading prior to making the decision to get multifocal lenses. I knew the cost would not be covered by Medicare or insurance. I viewed the cost as an investment in my eyesight and quality of life for years to come The staff at SOUTHWEST EYECARE was professional, knowledgeable and efficient as well as the staff at Physician Surgery Center of Albuquerque, where the surgery was done. I would recommend Dr. Downes and SOUTHWEST EYECARE to my family and friends. read more

I am in my second day post op and my vision is improved and better than the other eye. I can't wait to have my second eye done. Dr Sanchez performed my cataract surgery painlessly, and with instant results. if you have this issue go see Southwest Eye Care without hes. read more

went back to SW Eyecare today I was helped within 5 minutes from there everything went very fast Dr Sanchez was very nice and informed me of everything they were going to do read more

I had cataract surgery by Dr. Downes one week ago. I am very happy with the outcome. My vision is clear and improved.

Dr. Hwang was professional, helpful & knowledgeable at my mother-in-law's appt. Certainly, met our expectations & highly recommend. Yet, it was Justin who truly exceeded our expectations both during her appt & afterward. He was solution-oriented, considerate, patient, & worked hard to accommodate her needs & make her appointment a success. He is awesome & we are grateful! read more

Beware... they made so many mistakes that I wish my ex wouldn't have gone there. I worked at a clinic in Minneapolis that was awesome with patient care from the beginning. This place scheduled my ex for surgery with the wrong diagnosis. I caught the mistake and called the office. The girl went an pulled his file and agreed she read the diagnosis wrong which set him back another month of misery. Then I called dr Trong to explained what happened and he was laughing about it, which I told him I didn't find it funny since once again ex had to wait another month. Their staff lacks responsibility, giving wrong instructions and no compassion for the patient. Unbelievable. This needs to be reported to the State. Post op appointment use to be included in the price given, not with this business. They charge even if you are having issues after surgery. Their excuses are hideous... with no regard for seniors living on a fixed income. Seriously think twice before committing to surgery at this center. It's down right shameful. To be honest they don't even deserve one star. I give them a flat 0... read more

I just completed my cataract surgery this week with Dr. David Truong and his expert staff. The results were more than I could have ever expected. The best way I can explain the optical change in my vision is now I see the world in high definition. The colors are brighter and pure, the images are crisp and clear. It is like someone removed a veil from my eyes. Thank you Southwest Eyecare for your excellent care!!! read more

I made an appointment due to a problem with my vision since having cataract surgery at a different provider last year. The front office and tech were very nice. Dr Truong dismissed my concerns and seemed very condescending. I will not be returning to my follow up appointment with him. I do not think we are a good fit. read more

EXCELLENT in all things! I've been with them for about 3 years or so and not only did Dr. Downes "fix" what FIVE others could not, but they have been completely amazing with their care, concern and caution in each step through several major procedures. Giving me back my vision on a level I never imagined has been the biggest gift of all. If you've ever been anywhere else, it won't take you long to "see" the difference in their professionalism.! read more

I went to an Dr. Sanchez earlier today. For the last 6-7 years my eyes have been so dry.. I guess it's worse here to the degree I couldn't see the medical form to complete in one seating.. the Drs put temporary plugs in the tear ducts to keep the moisture from draining out of my eyes.. by the time I walked to my car they started to tear.. I turned around made an appointment for permanent plugs. What a relief!! read more

Everything about this practice is great, and one couldn't do better than Dr. Sanchez. The techs are well-trained and very personable, and it is actually a pleasure to be seen there. Can't say enough about these folks. read more