Vancouver Eye Care PS

I have been going to Vancouver Eye Care for over 10 years. I have only had one instance where I wasn’t satisfied.
Pros:
Stan at the Main Street Clinic-​he takes care of my contact lens prescription like a boss!
Dr. Kim-​Always very helpful and kind. Very knowledgeable.
The gals in the frame department-​awesome sauce!!!
Cons:
Donna. She messed my contact lens prescription in ever way possible. I was told I couldn’t request Stan anymore and was assured she had over 10 years experience. She completely disregarded Stan’s notes and my former prescription and decided to start from scratch. EVERYTHING SHE DID WAS WRONG. The prescription was wrong, the fit was wrong, the size was wrong… it was a disaster. I finally had to get adamant and get Stan to fix it. This was several years ago. I’d been able to go to Stan ever since.
But now, Stan is retired. :(-saddest face ever! And who did they refer me to? DONNA. Freaking Donna. I am currently looking for a new eye clinic. :/​
All the doctors I’ve seen have been very friendly. One did threaten me that if I didn’t quit sleeping in my contacts the clinic would refuse to see me ever again (Silvio something?) but I think he had my best interests in mind. I’ve never had problems with any other staff other than Donna. I’m sure she’s nice, I just don’t want her coming near my eyeballs. Ever again. So if you need glasses, I’d give them a try. Non complicated contact prescription. Sure. But if you have extreme near sightedness (⁸⁰⁰⁄₂₀ anyone?), severe astigmatism, bigger than average eyes that most contacts just float around in, and an eye that doesn’t shut all the way due to a melanoma surgery… stay away from Donna. The others might be able to help you but since I was just recently referred to Donna as a replacement for Stan, I just don’t know that I can go there again. :/​But my eyes are very weird.

Wit all due respect. I am calling on this Monday morning to speak to someone in billing. The automated voice message sounds totally devoid of any warmth, almost robotic. It reminds me of unfortunate much too often quality of customer service today. Please re record and have that person put just a little smile in her voice. That would go a long way.

I went here before I saw these reviews. I’m glad I did. Seems it’s true, Vancouver Eye Care is trying hard to improve their practice. So far I have been here once, taken my daughter twice & will be going back here this month. Both times I’ve taken my daughter things went extremely well. She has had eye issues since being born 10 weeks premature. The doctor was kind, listened to us & did a very thorough exam. She will be picking up her new glasses this week.
As for me, their doctor caught my macular degeneration in my eyes. She is an eye sight SAVER! Gave me excellent advice, fixed my prescription, suggested vitamin for me to take, which I do everyday. And she gave me an eye test with instructions, to take home. I now do home tests to see if the macular degeneration is getting worse.
We’ve never waited longer than 10 minutes to get into the back.
And the women that work in their eye glasses order room are so awesome! I love going there.
I hope more people consider going here & give their new people a chance.

We really like the Ophthalmologist at this clinic but the administration is HORRIBLE!
Our family has been going here for ten years but when my daughter went this last time to get her contacts fitted it will be our last appointment. She made the appointment to get her eyes checked and get contacts but they had to reschedule her consultation at an additional cost. When she went to this appointment Donna fitted her but did not give her a prescription. So when her contact ripped a week later she could not get an appointment to see DONNA. They told her that she wasn’t available until next week. So when my daughter tried to get contacts on a Saturday her prescription was for glasses so we called the doctor on call but he couldn’t help us. Also our insurance had changed to Kaiser and even though we have been going to this clinic for 10 years they gave us a hassle over scheduling an appointment which seems to happen every time like when Regence went to MODA they wouldn’t schedule an appointment until they confirmed your insurance even though your returning customer! At Vancouver Clinic or Kaiser has patient information on line and the doctor on call should have access to patients records so he could have called in her script. All medical practices have patients information on line and should be able to access it at all times!

I went today for an eye exam for a condition that started a few months ago. A serious issue that I keep seeing flashing lights all day long in both eyes. They were 30min late calling me back for an appt at 340. The tech walked me back to the room, asked me to read the bottom line after shoving the cover in the middle of my face. I asked which side. The tech seemed put off by my question. She then stated I would need dilated. Yes, I understood since I was concerned about my retina. Then she looked at notes and said she helped me several months ago. Yes. That is true. Then she said «oh, you didn’t want your eyes dilated then but do now?» well 4 Months ago I had a 1pm. appt amd had to return to work AND didn’t have this issue. She made me feel awkward. Then she grabbed by eye and put drops on and immediately forced my other eye open to out in drops. My eyes were burning. I had to ask for a tissue. Then another set. Can ya give me a sec! Then asked me to put head in the device. Now, I am a bigger girl with a bigger chest. I was trying to lean forward to accommodate her. Then she had this blue light. She didn’t tell me what she was doing. I thought looking at my eye, but I think she wanted to touch my eyeballs but I still don’t know. When I couldn’t keep my eye open she got frustrated and said «ugh, I will try something else» then she used some other device. Then walked me to the waiting room. Sat there for 20min. Finally called to another room. That tech was frustrated that they hadn’t taken my blood pressure. It was normal after she took it. Seemed very put off. Then the Dr came in, sat down asked me a couple questions, looked for maybe 5 min. If you count really fast. Said nothing was wrong, pointed out she was giving me a sample of eye drop that are moisturizing and any other issues come back. Was almost scripted. I really don’t feel confident in the exam nor do I appreciate being treated like the first tech like I was lying about something and them shoved out the door. .
Going to call somewhere else for a second opinion. Can’t wait to get this bill. Can’t believe have to pay for such poor treatment.

So far SO BAD. This post is long… for a good reason.
I was referred to Vancouver Eye Clinic as an emergency screen for possible Glaucoma from my new primary care doctor. I was able to get an appointment quickly and was scheduled to see Mauricio R. Chavez, M. D at the Salmon Creek clinic.
Let me add– I am terrified at the thought of potentially loosing my eyesight at 34 as I am sure anyone would be.
In my experience this clinic/​Dr. –lack compassion, lack concern, are rude, not attentive, rushed, condescending.
–WHAT HAPPENED–
1) It really seemed that they did not know what was going on and were more focused on wanting to sell me glasses then screen me for a serious eye disease.
2) After being given an eye exam with my glasses on (that I mentioned I typically do not wear) I was left to wait with my eyes dilated for quite a long while until Dr. Chavez showed up.
3) When he finally came into the room the first thing he said was” So you denied the frames?”??? I said, «what?» He said, «so you don’t want the frames?» I let him know that I was in for an emergency Glaucoma screen but he still wanted to talk about me getting new glasses and told me that I look healthy and would set up the exam since my doctor had concerns. WHHHHAAAAAT?! Red flag! Who is this guy?
4) He seemed annoyed to be doing the exam, barely responded to my questions or answered them like I was being ridiculous. I fam at this persons mercy, afraid and looking for answers and he is completely detached and rude and obviously does not bother to read the medical questioner they make you fill out.
4) When I asked him if instead of Glaucoma my symptoms could be caused by a heart condition?! He kinda laughed and said, «What, do you have a heart condition?!» ummmmmm… read the paperwork DOC! YES, YES I do! But again apparently we no longer need doctors because I «look just fine.»
I’m so uncomfortable at this point, feeling small and embarrassed, and bummed on the healthcare system. As i’m getting ready to leave he says «I hope I was able to answer all of your questions»…righhht! I just shrugged and said «Eh» and walked out of the room.
As I left he instructs the tech leading me to the front to to set up the ACTUAL Glaucoma screening and another eye exam for glasses… huh? WOW they really just want to sell some glasses.
I am at the front desk trying to schedule (in my primary cares words) an «Emergency Glaucoma Screen», & they want me to wait until next month but conveniently they have an eye exam for glasses available sooner. I again informed her that this was an emergency (I really want to know whats going on with my vision and am terrified). OH! She manages to get me the screening the following week and says that Dr. Chavez will be there… He was not, this was Yesterday.
So I get to the Main street clinic to do the Glaucoma screening/​Field of sight test and watch as the front desk is incredibly rude to this older gentleman who is asking not to be forgotten about again. She goes back and forth with him and has the nerve to talk to him with a bothered tone. Geeze! Respect your customers especially our elders. It was hard to watch.
I sat down and waited for my appointment and the old man sat next to me, two different people come up to each one of us at different times to notify us that «The Techs» are running 30 minutes behind. I could care less at this point but felt bad for him.
The tech finally takes me back, (she was nice) does the exam and when I ask when I will get the results she tells me that Dr. Chavez is not in until. tomorrow so I will hopefully have them then. Great!
Do these people not communicate with each other? I just want to know whats going on!
So today I called an hour and a half after opening and asked about getting information on my exam, told her what was going on and mentioned that I had an uncomfortable experience with Dr. Chavez. She said «huh, that doesn’t sound like his normal behavior»…dang, so now I feel like a jerk but to be honest I know the experience I had… and am still having… and its awful.
She told me that a TECH would give me a call at NOON… it’s 1:45p and not a call, an email, an telegram, a messenger bird… NOTHING!
AGAIN– I am terrified and want to know what is going on with my precious eyes! I love having vision, you would think they understood this! I am at the mercy of these people right now and hate it.
I can say with certainty I will not be doing any future exams, emergencies etc with this place. My family will be spared this experience as well.
Word to the wise-​You would probably save yourself a lot of grief by passing up on this place. I hope that by sharing this experience you are spared from a similar one.
I have a new found respect for reviews, it’s our duty to have each others backs-​seems like the medical industry is having a hard time doing that lately.
— TREAT YOUR PATIENTS LIKE YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO BE TREATED! PEOPLE LOVE US TOO!

Wish I could give a zero– but the one star will get the idea across. I normally write glowing reviews and like to share good places and exceptional service I have experienced. This company will be the exception to my rule. I was a patient for three years and every time I got a different doctor and was treated like a stranger to the business– okay, okay, when you are only in once a year and there are a lot of patients… but still… the last time I went in (summer 2014) I was called and escorted to the exam room– the person did not identify themselves or offer any greeting. She started the exam and asked the usual questions. She left the room and someone else came in– I asked if they were the doctor and they replied I HAD JUST SEEN HER! Um.okay. I had a new prescription for contact lenses and they spun around and left my left eye totally blurry which made my job extremely difficult. After suffering for about a month, I went back and had a new fitting. The same thing happened– my left eye was pretty much useless. I finally went to another eye doctor and OMG– I can SEE! It was rather interesting to learn that my new eye doctor says Vancouver Eye Care gets him plenty of new patients. Reading these abysmal reviews, I can see why. I had thought my experience with this business was in the past, when just today I received a notice that my account was being sent to Collections after they had «tried to resolve my account without success.» WHAT? I called immediately and they said they had sent out bills. I told them I am sure they hear it all the time, but as a habit/​rule, I pay my bills upon receipt and I did not think I had received one. If I get a bill, I pay it. They looked at their records and had me on hold and then admitted it was my first bill and that at least one other person had called in that day saying they got collection notices. I politely told the person that I had been very frustrated with my experience there and that this billing issue on top of it made me glad I had taken my business elsewhere. Between the reviews on this site, other businesses being aware of the terrible service, billing issues, being unable to fit contact lenses properly, I am surprised they are still in business. I really hope that someone from this office read these reviews and makes some serious changes to the way they run their office.
UPDATE: As of February 2, 2015, I have received several phone calls from this office. They DO read these reviews and from what I can tell, are anxious to make positive changes in their practice. I have taken my business elsewhere, as I indicated in my review above, so cannot comment on what is being done. I feel they are taking these comments seriously and will be working hard to address the issues. I do hope so– and wish them all the best. The people I spoke to (Heather and Pam) were extremely polite and professional and both acknowledged and understood my concerns. Thank you to both of them for taking the time to follow up.

Read the reviews. 5 stars for stylish waiting room 0 for everything else. The gals at the front desk are irritating and kept asking me the same questions repeatedly.
Update: Shortly after leaving the clinic I received a phone call from Walgreens telling me my prescription was ready. That would be great but I was specific with the staff that Safeway was my Pharmacy. I immediately call the clinic and told them they sent my prescription to the wrong pharmacy, I was told they would correct it right away.
A few hours later I showed up at Safeway to pick up my eye drops only to be told the Vancouver Eye Care never called in my eye drops. Why am I not surprised!!!
Update: My prescription finally made its way to Safeway now the only problem is my insurance wont cover it because it was already filled at Walgreens. Who’s on first!!!

I took my diabetic mother here for Cataracts surgery. They are terrible! She would wait at least an hour to even be seen for each appointment. Then they botched her surgery. She ended up having to go to a different specialist to have it corrected. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone!

I have diabetes and was instructed by my MD to be seen at this office. I had an appointment at 3:40pm. I was finally called back at 4:25pm. I was directed to an exam room where an assistant used a pair of glasses and lenses to determine my prescription, instead of a full refraction. I was then dilated and moved to another exam room where my pressures were tested and the doctor came in. No one took a comprehensive history and I was a new patient. Barely 15 minutes later and I was ushered out to the front desk with a written prescription that no one double checked. It was apparent that the office was closing. I was not provided with those stylish paper glasses, I was not asked if I wanted to have my prescription filled. Having worked for an ophthalmologist in the past for 17 years, I certainly did not feel this was a comprehensive visit. I will not return and will be contacting my insurance company as well as my MD.

0 stars. Oops. I should of read the reviews before coming here. When I got there I was helped right away,(very friendly people) but after being seen to the exam room I sat there for an hour + waiting for the Dr. I will be finding a new place.

ZERO STARS!!! WARNING!!! DO NOT GO HERE!!! They treat you like crap and are very unfriendly!
I set up an appt for my daughter. We were not greeted with a friendly hello when we walked in. No one looked us in the eyes. It was very unwelcoming. One of the receptionist finally said, do you have an appt, sign in over here and we will get to you. She seemed put out. After signing in and sitting down, the receptionists seemed angry and snickered at their desks. I could not figure out what went wrong? We simply just walked in? Finally my daughter was called up. Again, not looking us in the eyes, she asked for id and our insurance card. I asked if it was for the patient or for me. She rolled her eyes and said for the responsible party. I said we were self pay-​WHICH I had CLEARLY said when I set up my appt on ZOODOC. I handed her my id. She asked if this was the billing address. She was looking at her computer and there is a lip over the counter so I could not see what she was looking at to say yes or no. I said, is it 1XXX4? Or I am not sure what you’re looking at. She said VERY condescendingly, YOU JUST HANDED ME YOUR ID and rolled her eyes. I told her I could not see what she was looking at or pointing to because of the counter? I, at that point, had had ENOUGH. I asked for my id back and left and she huffed and acted like that was FINE with her if we left. I STILL DON’T understand WHY!!! Why were were treated that way?! I own my own company. If I treated people that way I would never have any business! Later I checked Unilocal to see if I was crazy, NOPE! Many experiences just like ours! My daughter said, next time, please check Unilocal before scheduling appts! :D

I found this place via my insurance & called to make sure they honored it and they said they did.
Since then… about 8 months of a cluster you-know-what…i’ve finally decided this place is about as disorganized as they come, unfriendly, unprofessional & certainly could care less about getting or retaining my business.
When i made my first appt., i was told to come in one half hour early. I did.
when i walked in, the 5 people behind the desk did not greet me. I noticed when other patients came in they were not greeted at either.
I waited the early 30 minutes & as it crept into 45 minutes of waiting, I thought to myself… if it goes to 46 minutes… i’m walking out just then a woman came out & helped me to an exam rm.
Another woman did a bunch of eye tests. she was pleasant & professional. unfortunatley this is the only person at this place that treated me this way.
i was then ushered to another office to see «the Doctor». He was very nervous & agitated. He was upset because I didnt want my eyes dilated. he was very concerned about being «sued» in case something was wrong.
the reason i couldn’t have them dilated is that i can’t drive that way. I said I’d certainly get in a wreck on my hour long commute back home. I finally got my prescription and went to their in-​house optical store.
I picked out frames and when the person came out to help me she seemed mortified that i had DAVIS INSURANCE. Remember this because apparently this place doesn’t like patients who have this insurance as if you have the plague or are a second class citizen. It all went down hill from there.
So this optical place sent me on my way because they said they don’t like dealing with Davis Insurance. I left with prescriptions but no glasses getting made.
I just wanted glasses so i could see my pc screen at work and see to drive. Why is this an issue?
I finally decided to go to Walmart. They’d done my last glasses and i had no problems.
I waited ten days. Went in to get the new glasses with the presc. from Vancouver Eye Clinic. Good thing I only had one pair made because they were INCORRECT! I had to make another appt. With VANC for them to fix the RX.
They gave me a second prescription. I went back to Walmart and had them remake the glasses. Another ten days later I picked the remade glasses up and guess what? Still INCORRECT! No this wasn’t Walmarts fault… It was the prescription from Vancouver Eye Clinic.
I honestly never wanted to go back there again. The stress of this incompetency, work loss and still no glasses was just too much.
I finally called and got a person who seemed to care about my situation. Her name was Jennifer. She «was» the manager. She vowed to get things fixed for me and talked me into coming in AGAIN.
I went back in and had a guy named Stan redo my presc. (and yes the previous 2 from their office were wrong! I took the presc. straight out to the optical shop and if it hadn’t been for Jennifer standing there & helping me… I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have.
They ended up making new lenses for distance only in my used frames. My cost was $ 138, they didn’t use my insurance.
I picked up the glasses after a week. The right lens has a wow (and the lense keeps popping out). I cannot see my gauges or walk well with these glasses as was promised. Grocery shopping is a nightmare.
I called Jennifer and told her that maybe i should consider getting progressive lenses. She said that week was going to be her last but said to come in and she’d help take care of me. I knew this wasn’t going to be good that she was leaving the practice… she seemed to be the only one who could keep anything straight.
I went back in picked out some nice frames. The woman who was helping me said she would have to call Davis Ins. to get my out of pocket costs. She said for me to call her back.
This was 2 ½ wks ago. I’ve called several times but the hold time is too long for me to wait. I spoke to the woman who helped me (chris). She didnt know who i was or what i was talking about. I finally just gave up. I said mail my prescriptions and I’ll go back to WM. She seemed glad to get rid of me! Wow what Service! You couldnt pay me to go back to Vancouver Eye Clinics. Terrible Service!

Closest to my house (two song’s walk on iPhone). Never understood why you don’t meet with the doctor right at your appointment time.

I don’t even wanna give this place a star. worst service I’v ever had. Not one person even smiled at me. they rushed me so fast the eye doctor gave me the wrong prescription.
THEY ARE NOT NICE GO ANY WHERE ELSE.

I went to a different eye doctor for the exam, but picked up my glasses here. Nice selection of glasses, but the staff was clearly overwhelmed by the number of customers. Very slow service.