While the office was visually pleasing and clean, the services provided could use a great deal of improvement.
Having recently moved I was in the market for a nearby office and per referral called Vision City of Las Colinas. I walked in with the intent of receiving an exam for glasses and contacts, as well as purchase new glasses. I've had the same vision insurance for over 5 years, and the same Optometrist for three. Having said that I'm quite familiar with the benefits and services I've received previously. When Dr. Patel's office went over unfamiliar additional charges, I cancelled the contact exam and opted for the glasses exam only.
While waiting for my appointment I perused the large selection of frames. I found plenty I liked, but the presence of no price tags was deterring. I looked around for the sales associate that greeted me when I arrived, but he was no where to be found. While I was pulled away from examining frames in the mirror I noticed the receptionist lazily leaning on the counter, quietly watching me while also appearing to stare into space. Why not have the sales associate on the floor interacting with the client if you're worried about theft? Why not appear to be performing a task (dusting, cleaning and/or arranging frames, etc) while monitoring me? Watching me quietly while providing no service was quite unwelcoming. I then chose to sit down and stare at my phone for the remainder of my wait time.
The tech that took me back was efficient. While I waited for Dr. Patel I scanned my insurance benefits online. I was eager to understand the additional charges as I had hoped to knock out both exams. Having worked in healthcare I know physicians aren't familiar with benefits so I quietly returned to the front desk for additional information. We did not agree on the interpretation of the benefits, which was fine, I planned to call my previous office to order more contacts before the prescription expired.
Having returned to the exam room I took notice that Dr. Patel had come in while I was away, which appeared to have caused some confusion. Once cleared she came into the room and introduced herself, appearing quite agitated. I sincerely apologized for the inconvenience in which she gave me zero response. The exam was over in what could not have been more than 3 minutes and she was chauffeuring me out to the sales associate who now appeared on the sales floor. Dr. Patel sent me in the opposite direction of the "check out this way" sign which caused further confusion when I beat her to the front and they then sent me to the check out desk. At that point I was beyond ready to leave, and began to fear my quick examination would not produce the most accurate prescription to correct my vision.
I immediately drove to a frame store I was familiar with, purchased designer frames, HD lens with scratch resistance, UA, and anti-glare coatings. A purchase I would have gladly made at Vision City of Las Colinas had their customer service been at the least medoicre. After reading through the reviews on Yelp today I'm thankful I did not.
I did not plan to write a review until I received a call from Vision City of Las Colinas the following day. I returned the call, for them to offer me a contact exam within the next 90 days at no additional cost. The young lady I spoke to advised they offer the same service to returning clients and was extending it to me. I sincerely thanked her but declined. At this point I had called my regular Optometrist for information on my existing prescription and without my request it was renewed for another year.
My message to Vision City of Las Colinas: your lack of friendly customer service, thorough examination, and team cohesiveness lost you an additional insurance claim and the purchase of prescription glasses at a minimum of $500. Your services, or lack thereof, earned you a novel of a review in hopes to deter prospective clients from wasting their time and money at an establishment that won't respect their business.
After a failed attempt to find a new place, I will happily drive over an hour to an office that takes their time to provide an accurate examination while displaying welcoming and efficient customer service.
I've got my fingers and toes crossed that I have no issues with my glasses prescription. read more