Fresh from an appointment with Dr. Steele, I am writing to highly recommend him and his team for your optometry needs. Steele Vision is the independent optometrist associated with the Costco in Manchester, MO. This is my third visit to a Costco-affiliated optometrist in a third different state, and by far this was the best experience (all were very good, this was best). Mr. M. was in town for a brief time and desperately needed to get a post-COVID eye exam in before subsequent travel. Setting up an appointment over the phone was easily facilitated by his polite, friendly, and efficient team. $70 for a non-contact lens examination (I believe it is $99/$100 for the contact lens exam). The team observed COVID precautions, all wore masks, seating inside was limited while the hand sanitizer was abundant. Check in was a snap and within minutes Dr. Steele had finished his prior appointment and I was being seen on time. Things started out really well, when Dr. Steele turned to acknowledge me while he was wrapping up with another patient and told me he would be with me in a quick moment.
The exam features a standard battery of eye tests (such as glaucoma "puff-test," slit lamp exam, which I won't get detail), I will note that the test did not require dilation (where dilating drops are instilled and you have 20-30 minutes of impaired vision after the exam). I am assuming that the equipment used is of the newer sophisticated variety that obviates the need for dilation. If having your pupils dilated is important to you, definitely ask about this because it was not given as an option (not that anyone would want this option...it is uncomfortable).
What was very impressive about Dr. Steele's style were his: fast and efficient pace or work, his friendly attitude, his interest in explaining eye anatomy and answering questions, his clearly conveying options, and thoroughness.
Point 1 Time: I was in and out in 15 minutes. 20 if I include my getting to check in, waiting at the front door, and then my time paying/checking out. Dr. Steele had everything efficiently running and his workspace was very clearly and cleanly organized, allowing him to efficiently move around and conduct the examination without it being too cramped.
Point 2 Friendly: Whether it be his friendly comments about us all battling through COVID or his casual chatting about where I live in Virginia. If you're at all uneasy about visiting a health provider, Dr. Steele is the one you want to visit with a calm, chill, warm attitude that comes across right from the get-go.
Point 3 In-depth explanations: Though he was clear to point out that he won't explain if patients are not interested, he was quick to efficiently and clearly explain eye anatomy and variations in my eyes. His explanation of variation in nerve anatomy and distinguishing between variable physiology and pathology were solid. Though he was speaking in technical terms after being asked a few technical questions, I got the distinct impression that he could clearly explain potentially complicated ideas (such as astigmatism) in everyday clear language.
Point 4 Q&A: It was easy and great to be able to quickly volley questions to Dr. Steele and he hit them back like Federer. Super efficient, open to fully helping me to understand.
Point 5 Options: When it came time to understand my options for glasses, he carefully and clearly described three different options to meet optimal needs, budget, and ease of use. You got the feeling Dr. Steele really wanted to be sure you got the best glasses set-up.
Point 6 Thoroughness: As is should be, Dr. Steele performed a thorough pre-exam health screening asking about a family history of eye disease, current prescriptions, and any precipitating factors that brought me into the office. Throughout the eye exam he was taking time to demonstrate different eye settings and highlight differences, being certain that I had achieved the best prescription.
There are people who do their job and go through the motions. There are others who have found a great niche work environment. Dr. Steele recounted how he used to work at a large group practice where he felt rushed, but now found a better place where he could spend a bit more time and have better patient outcomes. Similarly, his team of support staff (both clinical and administrative) are fantastic and worked really efficiently to assist patients in a friendly manner. Shame on me for not asking their names, they were fantastic and deserve credit too! If everyone had the same pleasant demeanor and attitude about serving patients and promoting health as Dr. Steele and his staff, we all wouldn't mind visiting the doctor. read more
