Pros: Doctors/medical side seem professional, well equipped to check for various medical issues…read moreCons: Because they have many people and departments, it's not a "one-stop-shop" when you talk to a person; more procedures/hoops to jump through; could be condescending
My initial impression of this office was good. They found a previously overlooked medical issue, were able to perform the tests, and set me up for future exams every 6 months. Great.
As for dealing with the office, I have to say it was much easier to deal with the previous doctor's office. I used to be able to call, talk to someone, get my question answered. At Roosevelt Vision, because the office is big and procedures are there, it's a little more convoluted.
Case in point: I had my eye exam a while ago, but I only got the prescription for "General use" eyeglasses, which I'd use for my driving for example. These are progressive, because I need to see distance as well as car dashboard etc nearby.
Previous doctor also gave me a prescription labeled "Computer," which I use while working on my computer. These are also progressive. I need to see my monitor (intermediate distance) as well as my phone or a book nearby (reading).
So I called Roosevelt Vision to ask for a prescription that is for computer use and explained what I needed. They were at first very pleasant, said no problem, I don't need to come in, and on the same day called me back to say my prescription was on the patient portal.
I tried to log on to the portal as instructed, but got the error message: there was no account with my email. I called the office. Turned out their "system was updated a while ago," so my email had to be added.
I eventually got to check the portal, to find that the new prescription was for single vision. At this point it's still fine. A misunderstanding. That happens.
I emailed back the person I spoke to, to ask for a prescription that is good for using with computer but is also for even closer distance, explaining my situation. I also attached the previous prescription, which had "Computer" written on it.
She wrote back:
"Hi xxx,
I would suggest you call the office at 206-527-2987 and press the option for the optical department. Let them explain to you what a computer lens is versus a progressive lens. I do not believe I could explain it adequately via email."
I mean, what's with the tone?! Nomenclature of the lens aside (which I don't think clients are expected to be expert in), it sounds as though I needed to be explained to like a child (I'm 53 yo). My previous doctor--an OD--called the Rx "Computer." How was I supposed to know what I'm asking is not "computer"?
I left a message (after the obligatory multiple choice phone prompts to choose the optical department), so an optician can explain to me.
After today, I'm questioning if I want to go back. Since I was told to come back for exams on regular interval I would've been a steady stream of revenue, but I don't appreciate the runaround.
[Update] I talked to an optician, who told me what I needed was some branded "workspace lens" (hadn't heard of that), and "you're welcome to come in and talk to someone about it." When I said what I needed was a prescription & I was previously told I didn't need to come in, she became increasingly short, and told me I already had the "general use" Rx, so I don't need another prescription. I thought that was for further distance; I really wanted glasses to use at my desk (intermediate + close distance). I only left a message because the first person told me to, but she kept saying "I was told you had a question; have I answered your question?" sounding like she couldn't wait to get off the phone, so I said "I guess so." She was like "okay" [click] & didn't even say "bye" or "have a nice day." I guess I'm only worth such pleasantries if I'm buying something. (Though I am their doctors' patient - I also would've been open to coming in/buying lenses if they'd been nicer.)
I felt like they wanted to fit me into the workflow/procedures/products they have, instead of trying to figure out what I was asking/what I needed. I really wanted to update my glasses, but I guess not here.