If you value your eye health, and you want a caring provider and team, avoid Target Optical in Gig Harbor!!!
I'm a 27-year-old RN with six years of healthcare experience. I genuinely care about people, and I expect the same from any provider I see. Unfortunately, this place does not.
I recently moved from West Seattle to Gig Harbor and had previously gone to an independent eye doctor at Costco in West Seattle who was excellent. I chose Target Optical in Gig Harbor because they took my insurance, had good reviews, and advertised discounts on contact lenses! I was hopeful... but the experience was disappointing from start to finish.
The exam area was shockingly small and looked completely unsanitary. Instead of providing fresh trial contacts, they had me remove mine and place them in a little case on a dirty countertop next to water bottles and the sink.
The doctor, Dr. Harrison, was dismissive and made me feel foolish for asking questions. I came in concerned about a possible lazy eye, supported by video evidence I'd taken of myself doing a neurological assessment. As an RN who has worked in neurology and cardiology, I've performed countless cranial nerve exams... but she brushed off my concerns, did a lightning-fast exam, and declared nothing was wrong without a thorough explanation or exam. Her demeanor was cold, and she made no effort to connect or reassure me.
The sales experience was the worst part. After my exam, I sat down with a sales rep to discuss my contact lenses. Instead of helping me get the best deal with my insurance, it was clear their only goal was to upsell me. I left paying more than I should have and with far fewer lenses than I could have gotten elsewhere.
About two Months later (today), I called to inquire about trying new Alcon lenses, specifically Air Optix Colors, Precision 1, and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua, which Alcon offers as a free 30-day trial with a coupon from their website. The rep immediately told me that because their doctor is "private" and "doesn't sell contact lenses," they couldn't provide me with the free trial, but I could try on non-prescription lenses in-store and then buy them from him. In other words, forget the free trial; he wanted me to pay full price.
As someone familiar with the process, I know full well they could have redeemed the trial through their system if they wanted to. The sales rep's attitude was smug and transactional...the kind of tone that makes you feel like your money is more important than your eyes.
This location left me feeling dismissed, overcharged, and entirely uncared for. I'll be taking my business elsewhere, likely back to Costco Optical where patient care still comes first.
Links:
https://www.myalcon.com/contact-lenses/free-trial/monthly/
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