Cornell Eyecare Group

The doctor is great. Almost a month later, and I still don’t have glasses, but I DO have a hand full of different excuses/​stories as to why the glasses aren’t here. It seems to change depending on who I talk to. My glasses have been paid in full for almost four weeks, and I’m still only getting a run around.
Excuse #1. There was a snowstorm on the East coast, so shipments are delayed. However, they wanted me to have glasses right away so would order the lenses and let me use the showroom frames in the meantime. They didn’t want me to wait so long for glasses. GREAT! Never got those, and every order that I placed from the East coast with other companies are arriving.
Excuse #2. I ordered a really popular frame, and there’s a snowstorm on the East coast. Perfect. It is still snowing on the East coast, but I’m still getting other things I’m ordering just fine.
I called to cancel my order, and they said my frames had suddenly, miraculously arrived. BUT… they were still waiting for my lenses. What? They didn’t arrive WEEKS ago like they were going to do? OK, wait another day for my lenses. I’ve made it this far.
Excuse #3. My lenses still aren’t here, but UPS *might* make another delivery today. I know how UPS works. I have worked for large companies that ship stuff everyday.
BOTTOM LINE: Enjoy the exam. Don’t bother with the poorly managed optical shop if you want your glasses anytime soon.

I have been an infrequent patient here for the last 5 years, and I’m disappointed I have to be writing this review after my eye appointment. However, I woke up this morning feeling like I needed to share my experience.
The good:
Everyone is super friendly (including Dr. Lawson), and the office is clean, well situated and has a nice selection of eyewear.
Room for improvement:
I think one of the employees was just learning, so I will give them the benefit of the doubt. However, after selecting a pair of glasses, they initially told me I was going to have to pay over $ 100 more than what was actually due. The price wasn’t adding up to me, so I asked for them to go over it multiple times — finally another employee came in and, at first tried to defend the pricing, but realized they had double charged for something. Just a warning to double-​check and ask questions — always good for any consumer.
The bad:
My only reason for making the appointment (which I stated when making the appt. and on intake forms) was to update my glasses prescription. Before my eye exam, I was ushered into an exam room by the front desk attendant. Without explanation, she asked me to sit down to take a picture of my retina, along with several other tests (eye pressure, visual field test etc.). I stopped and asked ‘is this really necessary?’ and she said ‘yes’ (again, no explanation). I came to realize later that this was an Optomap retinal exam, which is not needed for someone my age (30) with no history of retinal issues/​complaints or new/​current complaints, & lacking any family history of retinal disease.
This testing is clearly not indicated based on widely accepted practice guidelines (read #2 specifically)
— I was alerted to this by my physician husband. The insurance did not cover this, which makes sense, as it is not clinically indicated.
Furthermore, Dr. Lawson does a basic retinal exam in the examination itself — it seems to me that, if he saw something of concern there, then that would be the time to talk with me about further testing.
I was charged $ 29 for this unneeded test, however, (and more importantly) it left me with a feeling of distrust for this office and Dr. Lawson. I understand that they are running a business here, but there are ethical ways to do so, and this is not one of them. I hope they will amend this practice for future unsuspecting patients who are coming to them with trust, and for help.

I have gone here and to the other location Dr. Lawson owns in downtown Portland– Golden Optical. Both are superb. I suffered for years as a Kaiser optometry patient until my insurance changed and I could literally «see» the difference. Dr. Lawson took the time to understand my life and hence he helped me with my chronic neck pain! I needed a larger view of my computer screen so I wasn’t ruining my posture with my bifocals trying to see the screen! What a relief. I have since gone with other minor issues like a corneal abrasion and he worked me into the schedule and fixed the problem. Competent, kind and very helpful.

I’ve been a long time patient and would never consider going anywhere else. The staff and Dr. Lawson are always attentive, caring and incredibly friendly and warm. I feel that my vision is their top priority. I recommend Dr. Lawson to any of my friends who are looking for top notch service in vision care.

Great service, extremely friendly and personable staff. I’m able to get in and out quickly, but without feeling rushed. Dr. Lawson is friendly, patient, and seems genuinely happy to help. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else!

First time there and we LOVED IT!!! The staff is so kind and amazing. We will not be going back to Costco!

I’ve been going to Dr. Lawson for at least six years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. He and the staff are very friendly, thorough and professional. I just got contacts for the first time and we’re still going through tweaking the prescription to get it right and they are so patient and kind. A friend suggested I go to Costco for the prices, but honestly, it’s not much different and the personal care is unbeatable. I highly recommend Cornell Eyecare Group.

I had my first visit to Cornell Eyecare Group and it was amazing. Dr Lawson and he staff are very professional. He explained everything and has the newest technology. I love that he is building relationships with his patients. So many doctors offices have the move them in move them out mentality. He takes the time to thoroughly explain everything. The front office staff is also very knowledgeable They also have a nice selection of glasses

I have been seeing Dr. Lawson for at least 7 years and highly recommend him. I appreciate his thoroughness and willingness to talk through different options and advocate for what the best choices are for me by understanding my lifestyle and budget every time I go in. I love to see the evolution of his business with new patient care technology and more online options to book appointments, etc, but I never feel that I cannot call or ask more questions of him or his office staff. My last order of contacts was drop shipped to my house so I didn’t have to go back in to pick them up, it took only 3 days! Super convenient!

Was pleasantly surprised that an eye exam could be enjoyable. Front staff was friendly, responsive and sincerely helpful. Dr. Lawson’s approach was genuinely collaborative. Gave me just the right amount of information for me to understand each decision being made, and allowed for a true discussion of options and advice based on my needs and not just what the doctor’s pushing today – how refreshing! The entire appointment took about an hour, but I did not feel rushed and all. He also has an office in downtown Portland, which apparently has a larger selection of eyeglass frames. I came in primarily for contacts, but I’m motivated to check out his specs, too. Overall, a positive, empowering experience. (I know, it’s an eye exam, right?) Highly recommended.

My family has had the pleasure of doing business with Cornell Eyecare Group of many years. Dr. Lawson has treated me, my husband and both my children. Eye exams, glasses, contacts… every step of the way the care from Dr. Lawson and his staff has been first class. I recommend Cornell Eyecare without any reservations. They are phenomenal.