The Eye Institute

I’ve been going there since I was a kid and it’s always been a good experience. Yes it takes long, but it is what it is. Everyone is always pleasant. Only thing, I literally just called to make an appointment because I haven’t been in a while. No openings until Feb. I’ll be blind before then lol.

Brought my mom in for an eye exam and she received the most thorough exam she’s had in many years. The students and faculty clinicians were extremely professional and took great care of her. I would highly recommend this wonderful facility to ANYONE needing eye care.

Called multiple time to set an appointment up but didn’t here anything back it’s been two week and no call back for an appointment.

Right after I write this review I’m gonna use my «knock on wood» app because I’ve never had an issue with this facility. We’ve always been blessed with excellent insurance and the ability to choose any vision provider, thank God. That said, I’ve happily chosen to bring my son here for thorough examinations since he was just 5 years old (he’s 12 now). The pediatric division is wonderful. We’ve only used the eyewear provider once for a pair of «dress» glasses since my son prefers Rec Specs, which we order online; however, they do sell the Leader brand of sports glasses. We came in early Saturday morning and the eyewear visit was quick with efficient staff. The reception and eyewear staff could be friendlier but the students and doctors make up for it in skill and kindness. They explain slight changes in prescriptions and send reminder postcards each year. ⁴⁄₅

Eye exams are longer here but you will receive the best care. Why would you believe me? I used to see patients here as an intern and have worked with the doctors. Make an appointment if you have any eye problems or have had history of any eye disease.

I realize this is a teaching institution, and patients get eye care at reduced rates in exchange for helping to educate students. But patients still should be able to receive a modicum of respect.
This goes back about two years ago. I’d scheduled an appointment for about 10 a.m., if I recall. I arrived 15 minutes before my appointment to complete paperwork as a first-​time patient. I was a low-​income patient receiving care with their financial aid program.
I was kept waiting over two hours for my examination. The doctor who examined me was terrific. I have no complaints about her, and she did apologize for the delay. But they kept me standing and sitting around with no explanation for why I was kept waiting for so long. I had an appointment, I arrived on time, and I was courteous and cooperative.
This was complicated because I had another obligation after my exam. At 12 noon, I was scheduled to meet my nephew in Center City, about a half-​hour train ride from The Eye Institute. My nephew was from out of town, had never been here before, and he has Asperger’s Syndrome. I felt that two hours was a more than reasonable span of time to leave to meet my nephew on time, even at a clinic in a learning institution.
I missed the train I needed to take to meet him on time. So a teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome was left waiting at a train station in a city where he knew no one and didn’t know his way around. I couldn’t even reach him on my cell phone because, as the people wandering the corridors told me, they didn’t have cell phone access inside the building. When I went outside, I couldn’t get service, either. When I finally got to the train station, I went to my phone. I had several messages from my nephew, and then some frantic messages from his mother, my sister.
Thankfully, my nephew knew enough to stay where he was until I arrived at the train station. I was furious at the delay because of the risk to my nephew’s safety. I wrote a letter to the director of The Eye Institute. I wasn’t abusive. I was angry, though. I demanded a written apology for the way I was treated. She replied and she did apologize, but she also terminated me as a patient. I won’t use the adjective that I think fits for action like this. I have a history of glaucoma in my family, I’ve been underemployed for some time, and I don’t have insurance to cover eye exams. I think all of this speaks for itself.

The optometrist was very detailed with the exam, it took a hour. The eyewear center was very busy and the staff were a bit annoyed but eager to help. The prices weren’t too bad and they’re within walking distance for me.

The staff that schedules appt’s is beyond rude. I would advise to go elsewhere.