Michael Hovander, OD

I’ve been going to Dr. Hovander for more than a decade, and have been more than satisfied with his knowledge, attention to detail, willingness to answer my questions in detail, and proactive approach to several vision issues that I have. The care I receive from him is every bit as comprehensive and thorough as the care I received at a major medical institution in a larger city before moving here.
Whether I’m coming in for my annual vision exam or for one of the scheduled follow-​up visits for vision issues, Dr. Hovander always makes me feel like my care that day is as important to him as it is to me.

My wife and I have been going to Dr. Hovander since we moved to Bellingham in 2002, and have been very happy with the service we’ve received. Dr. Hovander is always happy to answer questions about the treatment, and has always been totally professional and courteous.

What an awful experience– avoid at all costs! Though I was the only patient, I repeatedly had to wait for Hovander for each step in the exam process for several minutes. He told me my current prescription is too strong, even though it’s clear to me that my vision has changed for the worse (hence the appt!).
They have a $ 115 «contact fitting fee» that isn’t mentioned till after your exam starts, and they carry a really obscure brand of contacts, so you can’t just bring your prescription somewhere else. I was told it could take up to 6 additional appointments (oh I totally have the time for that) to assure that my contacts were right for me.
I’m in the process of getting a second opinion covered by my insurance company– if the next doctor can refute any of Hovander’s claims, I’m filing formal complaints.
While I was waiting for my eyes to dilate, he was chewing out his poor receptionist and complaining about «problem patients.» SO unprofessional! The entire operation screamed sleazy. AVOID.