Really disappointed in the quality of service here. It was my first eye exam here, and also did a contacts lens fitting, where they informed me it would be extra for having astigmatism. No problem, things usually cost more when you have extra problems. They told me my preferred Lens was going to be discontinued after end of 2022, so my order would be the last and then I would need to switch to another brand. I ended up also getting some samples of a different brand to try. I was promised 2 weeks for my contacts to arrive. 2 weeks passed, no contacts, i call and explain what's going on, they call the supplier, call me back, say another two weeks but they're working on it. Repeat this for another three months or so. I understand delays but the fact that I have to 1) call them EVERY single time to ask where they are rather than be informed proactively that they are delayed again and 2) explain my story every single time I call, I assumed eye doctors would also use patient notes, is ridiculous. Then, I tried the samples, unfortunately, they didn't work for me and never settled on my eye or were sized incorrectly (blurry no matter how much eye drops). I called about 6 months after my eye exam to see if I could try another brand. They told me I would have to come back in and get resized and pay another $100+. I ended up going to another provider where I walked out the door only payed $20 for a new exam, under $50 for the lens fitting, and no extra charge for astigmatism. AND they gave me two different samples to try from the beginning, followed up how they were feeling etc. Th difference in level of care at Steer Optical and my new vision center is night and day. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. read more

I visited here last year and the doctor, Dr. Steer was great. The front desk experience was mediocre and that's being generous. This year, same thing. We had appointments at 12 & 12:20. They didn't take us back until almost 12:20. They did the initial screening and sent us back to the lobby. About 20 mins later, the doctor saw is. She dilated our eyes and then sat is in the lobby for an 30 minutes. We sat for almost 2 hours just to get a routine eye visit. I understand that things can get hectic but there were about 4 doctors in the office and definitely a shortage of patients. All to say, it shouldn't have taken 2 hours for the appointment. The doctor was friendly but I know I could have gotten this visit done in an hour or less elsewhere. Suggest to you plan your time accordingly if you decide to go to this location. read more

Steer Optical - Front Desk entrance of Optometrist office - Optometrists Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

My wife and I made appointments for our annual eye examinations. I was initially satisfied with the services rendered until we paid for the services. With insurance coverage, we were told we owed $147. We then went into Lens Crafters and as I was waiting for my wife, I noticed we were given the prescriptions for glases/contracts and the credit card receipt for the payment made but not an invoice for breakdown of the charges. I went back into Steer Optical examination office to request an invoice, and the receptionist stated that they needed to refund for the Optomap retinal exam, which my wife did not receive. My issue is why did I have to request an invoice for the refund to be recognized by the receptionist who accepted the credit card? The total should have been $49 for the contact lens fitting for my wife, but we were each charged $49. read more

I went to Steer optical forever ago. Since then, I cannot seem to stop their constant harassment. They send frequent texts accusing me of missing eye appointments that I never make. I've opted out of emails and texts, which they ignore. I've asked via phone, which they ignore. I would happily pay triple their fees to go to any other practice. Stop contacting me! It's you, not me! I wish them a long and agonizing bankruptcy! read more

I highly recommend avoiding this office - and please look elsewhere for an eye doctor in Arlington/Northern Virginia. I went in for an appointment at the Ballston location to sit in a waiting room for 25 minutes because there was an internet/connectivity issue. Me and the other paitient in waiting room were told by the reception staff to "wait around to see what happens or reschedule." I've never experienced anything like that at any doctor's office. Also - weird practices and policies at this office too-I wear both glasses and contact lenses - and for 19 years get a perscription update for both at my yearly eye doctor visit, but at this "visit" the receptionist told me I had an appointment to update my glasses perscription only. I never indicated this when booking the appointment - and have never needed to indicate this when booking an eye doctor appointment. Also went to the Pentagon City location last year - was able to at least see Dr. Steer then (as a doctor I had no isseues with him). But again, my order was screwed up and received way less then a year supply of contacts (and the lens crafters they are affiliated with next door did not do a great job with my glasses). Like I wrote earlier, I've been going to the eye doctor for 19 years (9 of those years as an adult with my own insurance) and I have never had any of the above issues. Please save yourself the hassle and look elsewhere. read more

I know several people who have come here before and they all gave positive feedback. I am no different. Visited in July 2021 to schedule an appointment for August. I forgot to bring my insurance card at first, but the expert staff members found my benefits data immediately. I was amazed. They explained their policies without haste, and I understood that keeping my scheduled appointment was important. The exam itself was more time effective and precise than many I've had elsewhere in the past. The ClarifEye system is very advanced. Make sure you come for this experience. The team here at Steer Optical provides professional and efficient optometric care. read more

I have had nothing but positive experiences with Steer Optical at Pentagon City. About a year and a half ago I had an eye exam (sadly I do not recall the Drs name, but she was wonderful. This most recent visit I saw Dr. Steer who I found to be pleasant, professional and thorough. The front desk staff was fine, no complaints as others have cited. The online scheduling system is so convenient. LensCrafters is right next door if you are so inclined. read more

Never come here my appointment is at 3 it's 2:57 and there door is locked and I call there store nobody answer read more

Steer Optical - The store - Optometrists Near Me - Woodbridge, Virginia

THANK YOU STEER OPTICAL FOR DOING A GROUPON FOR PEOPLE WITH CONTACT LENSES!!!! Ahhhh!!! I have been waiting and waiting for one... but it's very rare to see a contact lens exam (as opposed to one for people who wear glasses) And since my butt is on Obamacare, and I don't even think vision is covered, and even if it is.... Groupon is cheaper. So yay. Plus they gave me a great discount on the years supply of contacts. I hope they do another groupon deal in another 12 months. The exam itself was quick and the people working at the front counter were nice. I'm glad I caught this deal. read more

Horrible staff! The doctor is great but the staff is horrible. Horrible customer service. They bombard you with a call, email, and automated message just to confirm and appointment but when your glasses or contacts get in, they don't let you know unless you happen to call. It's horrible. I waited over 1 week for no reason and didn't even know my contacts were in their office. read more

I had an appointment with them on Sunday the 13th when we had a snow storm come through, i figured they would've called to let me know they were closed for the day. I drove out on the terrible roads to find out they were closed. I assumed they'd call me that following day to get scheduled. It was close to 3 p.m. and i hadn't heard from them so i had to call them. I had rescheduled an appointment with them today and was stuck in traffic and I'm fully aware of their 10minute grace period i had called and said I'll be there 2 minutes after that 10 minute grace period and they refused to see me. The woman on the phone was incredibly rude i will NEVER go back to steer optical. This place is unprofessional to the max. read more

I used google gps to get to there and it took me to the wrong Mall entrance, I talked to one of the front desk people as I was looking for parking...they called again as I was walking into the Mall and asked which entrance I was going in, turns out gps had me parking on the opposite side of the Mall. This put me 2 mins over the grace period and they cancelled my appointment. I would have thought that they'd have a little bit of flexibility or at the very least would have told me the correct entrance when we talked as I was looking for parking. After looking at these other reviews, I'm not surprised. Never again. read more

I've been a regular patient of Dr. Steer's over the past three years, but I will no longer go to see this doctor. He has neglected to update his website which still mentions that they are located at Ballston Mall - which is NOT correct, they are now located in Pentagon City Mall. So there's me, not regularly a person who goes to Ballston Mall, in the Macy's trying to find the doctor's office - because reception neglected to tell me they've relocated, and their website still states Ballston. When I called reception to figure out the issue, the woman I spoke with was unprofessional, and kept trying to get me off the line. She kept making suggestions of what I should do, rather than let me think about the options she was giving me. Truly horrible customer service! I will not be back. read more

I've been a customer of Steer Optical in Potomac Mills Mall for about 20 years. They threw that away today with attitudes of indifference and passive aggression. I received a notice to make an appointment several days ago so I responded. There was no follow-up response from Steer Potomac so on May 2nd, coupled with a COSTCO visit, I tried to visit and set an appointment. There was a closed sign on the door with a WILL RETURN time of approximately 2:40. That time came and went. I tried again today and the door was open. The voice behind the plexiglass barrier responded to my presence and the request for appointment. I could be seen but needed to fill out a form. The form needed to be digitally transmitted. At age 72 I don't carry a smart phone. Now, back in the day I spent training and time in Signal Intel and thru my career my waist was cluttered with hi-tech gizmos. I am a free man these days. I requested a paper form. The voice behind the plexiglass barrier said that paper forms were not available. I knew that a printer existed in the office so why not print one? That was the last bit of patience I could muster. About that time another woman appeared behind the barrier as I was turning to depart. Passive aggression from the 2nd woman bounded out from behind the barrier by wishing me a "good day" but the real meaning was very clear. I went over to the nearby competitor and was greeted by two ladies with warmth and delight. The atmosphere was open and bright without barriers and foreboding. Steer Optical at Potomac Mills was OK but for the past few years has been on a precipitous decline. My shadow will never darken Steer's at Potomac threshold again. read more

The doctor himself is a good man, however I've little appreciation for his staff, especially over the phone. And by that I mean they routinely annoy me. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Happens once, whatever. Happens twice, probably still whatever. Happens thrice and beyond, and you officially suck as a representative of the business. The latest of which was being hung up on abruptly after answering my question. No response to my "thank you" just *click*. Really?? Poor manners, man. Just bad form and rubs people the wrong way. For this reason alone I actually tried making an appointment elsewhere but the waiting period was too long. So I just gave in. Trust me though, I'd have much preferred to take my business elsewhere bc the woman who represented the alternative business was very personable. Yes, that counts for something. It's a factor. Potentially a very big factor, provided all else is equal. With that said, this is really no detraction from the actual eye care itself; Dr. Steer is competent and unlike his staff, likeable. read more

This is a horrible eye doctor. The front desk staff is not very competent and send threatening emails claiming they can't reach you but never called. They also don't know how to bill insurance correctly. You will have nothing but problems if you go here so I advise you to try another doctor's office. read more

The appointment system at woodbridge location is no acceptable. Their should be a communication right after the booking not on appointment day or an hour before the appointment. They ask you to submit all forms online before appointment and than they can see you. If you missed their email or text was not delivered there is no way to see the dr. I went back after years and was not aware of this and came back without seeing doctor. read more

Went in for an eye problem, paid the $85 office visit fee and also provided health insurance information for claim submission. The office was unsure if Blue Cross would reimburse the visit, so I was clearly instructed by Dr. Steer that he would refund the the difference between the copay and regular office visit price ($25 and $85, respectively), should the insurance claim be accepted at a later date. I later found that the claim was reimbursed and realized the office had never reached out for reimbursement. I made a return visit once I got the claim receipt, and Dr. Steer said he would charge an additional refraction fee, that something like that "probably" wasn't covered by insurance. Mind you, he billed $250 to insurance and was paid out $138.67 ($53.67 above and beyond the original office visit). Ultimately, Dr. Steer would only agree to a partial refund, less the $55 tack-on fee. I confirmed with Blue Cross- the fees were indeed covered by insurance and I've submitted a letter indicating the deception (i.e. insurance fraud), as requested by their staff. In regards to the office visit: the office was freezing cold, desk attendants were rude, and Dr. Steer misdiagnosed the medical problem as well as got the eyeglass prescription (lens power was off by more than 1 in one eye, as well as astigmatism axis inaccurate in both). Convenient location for those in Ballston, but should not be considered as an option for those looking for quality eye care. read more

Dr. Steer is friendly and professional, and definitely more so than the receptionists who usually have headphones in their ears. The online appointment system (Lenscrafters?) is very easy and efficient - I was able to make an appointment for the next day, at any hour I wanted. Not sure if this says something about how busy/not busy the place is, but I appreciated the flexibility! The store was hard to find, though, because of the renovations/construction at Ballston Mall. Just go through Macy's, to the third floor, exit Macy's, and Steer will be right there next to Lenscrafters. It is weird, though, how they won't give contact lens prescriptions until after you come back for the fitting. read more

I went the one in the Pentagon City mall. Doctor and staff were all great. No copay for eye exam. Got my new prescription quickly. Great location for metro or parking. read more

I was pleasantly surprised with the entire practice. The ladies at the front desk were very friendly and helpful when I arrived. I waited, maybe, two minutes before the assistant took me back for the pre-screening. Dr. Steer is an excellent optometrist. The exam was very thorough, and he was more than willing to answer questions throughout the exam. He also made helpful recommendations about the types of lenses I should consider when purchasing my glasses. I will definitely return. read more

Dr. Steer seems to be a good eye doctor and a nice person but I have trouble trusting him because he seems to be more of a business man. Every time I go there he changes my prescription when previously my prescription was stable for about 5 years with my old eye doctor (I moved away from him). He recommends the most expensive lenses in glasses and sunglasses - I understand these are nice lenses but I feel like he's more concerned about being successful monetarily and less concerned about my vision. With the way my vision "improves" every year, I will have 20/20 vision in 2023. And to think I thought I would need lasik.... read more

Dr. Steer and his staff are just the best. Courteous, professional, run appointments on time, explain everything they're doing with you step by step, Dr Steer is friendly and takes the time to talk to you as a human being. This is the best optometrist experience I've ever had. Also they have an Optomap thingy (technical term) which is an alternative to getting your pupils dilated, although it is more expensive/not always covered by insurance. Totally worth it in my opinion, so you don't have to walk around with big 'ol pupils for the next several hours. They're in the Ballston mall, and still open/accessible during the mall renovation, just go through the Macy's entrance on Wilson, go up the escalator to the 3rd floor, walk out of Macy's and they're right there. read more

Dr. Steer and his staff were friendly and professional. This was my second annual appointment with him, and both times I received excellent care. During both of my my visits, whenever I had concerns or questions, both the Doctor and his staff took the time to give me the explanations and advice I needed. I have had quite a bit of experience with optometrists/eye doctors over the years (having started in glasses at a young age, and LASIK over seventeen years ago.) I would definitely recommend Dr. Steer to anyone looking for an eye exam. read more

I feel like I had the opposite experience of most of the reviewers. The reception staff was great and the doctor left something to be desired. It wasn't the worst experience, but it was just kind of weird and not what I'm used to. I'll be trying somewhere else next. read more

Great office and friendly staff They are always very present and on top of getting you in and out as swiftly as possible. I was able to fit my appointment on my lunch break! Dr. Steer is very professional, sweet and charismatic.. If I ever run out of contacts or have an issue with the brand, he will immediately provide me with more options and a sample pair that lasts until my new delivery comes in. They ship for free to your home with a year supply purchase once you decide on what you like long term. read more

Always have a great visit at Steer Optical. Accidentally forgot to confirm my appointment and walked in during a busy time (right around lunchtime) and they still were able to get me in to see Dr. Steer without a problem. Also, had to get my pupils dilated, so I was given tips and a great indication of how long it would take for my eyes to get back to normal so I could continue working. Very thorough examination as always while still being very considerate of time (i.e. getting back to work in a reasonable amount of time) and not pushy on services provided. Overall, well done. Great to have you as my eye care professional. read more

Doctor is really nice! However, I ordered my contacts with one of the ladies through the phone and the first time she told me that I would be receiving a phone call when they come in which usually takes about 2-3 days...a week past by and didn't hear anything so I decided to give them a call and the girl had me on hold for over 10 minutes...not even exaggerating. She answered as if I was a new customer and before u could say anything put me back on hold. Eventually I got hung up on so I called again and sh said that there was nothing on order. I placed it again and it's been over a week again. Okay.....Cool....going somewhere else.... read more

Who calls the day before your appointment to tell you the doctor doesn't take contact lens appointments at the time I scheduled my appointments. The appointment was made 2-3 weeks ago and was confirmed by the office the day after I made the appointment online. Why confirm it if it's not going to be honored we could have went to another office. Now we had to make another appointment for a different practice and wait another 3 weeks. Not a very efficient way to run a business. read more

I saw Dr. Alyssa Nguyen and she was very thorough and took her time with me. The front staff were pleasant and knowledgeable. Good visit.

Customer service is superb here! - specifically Charmin who was really helpful from the very beginning. Just had some general questions and Charmin was thorough and ensured that I was getting all the answers that I needed. read more

My daughters, Brianna and Alexa, and I just moved to the Arlington area and my daughters had not gone to the eye doctor in a few years. We literally made the appointment the same day. It was easy to find and the staff and doctor was extremely friendly. They talked my daughters through the steps of the eye examination process so they felt completely at ease. My boyfriend has also gone to Lenscrafters with Dr. Yoo and had a great experience. I would definitely recommend going to either doctor at Lenscrafters. read more

I enjoy visiting Dr. Steer and his staff for my annual eye exams (I have gone twice so far). His staff is friendly and professional. It helps that the office is super clean too! Dr. Steer was very understanding and listened to my concerns around different types of contact lenses. I definitely would recommend this place to my friends. read more

Seems like a poorly run practice. I've been wearing contacts for over 10 years and have never had to go in for a follow up appointment. Steer wouldn't release my prescription until I went in for a follow up appointment, but wouldn't tell me why I needed two appointments instead of one. For my follow up appointment, I waited 25 minutes to see the doctor for approximately 45 seconds, where he asked if my contacts felt ok (which I told them over the phone) and had me read a couple of lines. The front desk staff couldn't locate my insurance information and incorrectly told me that I did not have an insurance credit towards my contact lenses. They didn't give me my prescription when I left either. I had to call in and ask for them to email it to me. All in all, annoying and unnecessary. Will not be returning. read more

The receptionist attitude was horrible when i visited the office. Few months later, i called to get a copy of the prescription, and the receptionist again gave me attitude and claimed she didn't know how to do it. The Optometrist himself ended up faxing the prescription. They need to hire someone else. read more

Dr. Steer is great. Pleasant and professional. The front desk could use some training on customer service and learn how to smile. The lady at the front desk gave the impression that she'd prefer eating a urinal cake over answering my questions in a helpful or pleasant manner. read more

I found Steer Optical after having a terrible experience at the optometrist next to Costco in Pentagon City. I had a terrible prescription for contact lenses that made my vision blurry/crazy, but the previous dr. refused to help. So then I yelp-searched and found this place. Dr. Steer gave me a new set of lenses to try that are now functioning very well. I hope I'll order this set. In any case, the office area is nice and it's true that they use a lot of modern technology to serve patients. They also have great hours that turned out to be really convenient since I had a huge vision problem and didn't want to wait a while for it to get resolved. I should have tried to get an appointment here first!! read more

This was a great optical experience. Dr Steer was patient with me and my hard-to-fit-a-contact-to right eye. He gave me two samples of dailies to try. One I loved! The other, not so much. Made deciding which to buy very easy. He was able to fit me in as a walk in which allowed me to leave that day with new glasses from Lenscrafters next door. Staff was nice and knowledgeable. I'll be coming back and bringing my son here for his next exam. read more

So, a year after I told these incompetent people to lose my number, they left me an automated message reminding me about an appointment for someone else (not anyone at all associated with me or my number). Do NOT give these people your phone number - they can't be trusted to use it responsibly or respect your wishes when you tell them to leave you alone. read more

My daughters get their eyes checked every August before school starts. We love going to Steer Optical at Ballston mall. Dr. Steer and staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and make the girls feel very comfortable. The office location is convenient and very clean. This is our 3rd year in a row going and we will continue to go to Steer Optical for our annual eye exams. You should too! read more