I had my eyes examined last week. It had been about 13 months since my last eye exam, and that was not a pleasant experience. I had been going to this business for over 10 years and had been mostly satisfied with the experience. That was until last year.
Since my previous visit, we had upgraded our medi-gap insurance and optical had been added to our coverage. The receptionist asked for my card, which I handed to her. She took one look and quickly handed it back to me. Sorry! This is from Connecticut and we don’t accept this. However, I was informed before I left that they had sent a “memo invoice” to the company. (What does that mean?)
During the exam the optometrist informed me I had cataracts beginning to form and I would have to return in a year for another evaluation. He also said, you have no symptoms now and this is not impairing your vision.
My prescription had shifted and I needed new glasses. The optician took me through the process and I wasn’t very pleased with how that went.
Later, I returned to have the new glasses fitted. The optician had a low cut top that seemed totally inappropriate for a professional person who has to work around people the way an optician does. She “adjusted” the frames and sent me on my way.
The next week, I received a notification from our insurance that they had paid for my glasses. I had to get a cash refund from the company.
I had to go back to have the frames readjusted. It didn’t work any better.
I did not return to that place.
Sylvia
Sylvia had an ocular migraine earlier this year that was so bad that she feared that it was a detached retina. Our primary care physician sent her to an ophthalmologist. He found no problem and explained to her the potential causes for what she had experienced. We were impressed, not only by the doctor, but by the entire staff.
That’s the eye care company that I went to this time. I called and setup and appointment, then downloaded new patient forms from their Website. I brought the completed forms with me to the appointment. They copied insurance cards and returned them.
A while later a gal from the office came out and told me that she had called my insurance company and explained what would be covered. (What a change!)
Up-to-date technology waited for me in the exam area. And I was soon tested. The optometrist came in and carefully examined my eyes. I mentioned that I had been told of early stage cataracts. She got serious as she gave me her full attention. “The lenses of your eyes will yellow slightly with age due to ultra-violet light exposure. That’s all you have and it is completely normal. You have nothing to worry about.”
The optician was very helpful in explaining options in frames and lenses. Completely professionally and appropriately attired.
What a contrast! Color me happy. 8)
Well, I’m glad that you found a good place to go. It’s so awful when you have a bad experience at any doctor and so wonderful when you find the right one.
We recently had to switch dentists. Ours is a family friend, but he joined a big office so he could make more money. Every time we went, we got a new hygienist and I had to introduce myself at every visit–I DREADED going! We have a nice place now, I think. We’ll see.
Glad your eyes are okay! 😀
Thanks Lin, It is indeed wonderful when you find the right place. :dance: I know that hygienist roulette routine. It’s not all bad, however. In Connecticut, I ended up with the one I nicknamed “The Nazi.” I was so sore when I left that chair. :stars: But 6-months later I ended up in her chair again and it went so much better. Turns out she was much more thorough than the others. I even discovered that she had a pleasant personality. To my surprise, she ended up being my favorite. Go figure.
That sounds very positive. I’m afraid my opinion of medical people is not very high. I’d better not start falling apart.
The folks at Advanced Eyecare (the new place) are really terrific. :awe: I really enjoy the friendly professionalism and straight answers to my [many] questions.
Here’s hope you don’t “start falling apart.” :pray:
Glad that you found a better doctor! Most doctors and their staff people are great, but a rare group might not meet expectations. It’s good we have options – at least as of now.
Thanks Verla, I agree with your observations.
I’m glad you found a good doctor. We really like ours. And they really are service oriented. We go to an optometrist because of my contacts. And Rick wore them for awhile, too.
I have an “I Did It!” to shout about, but I’m not opening the blog for just one post so I hope it’s OK to put it here. Today, the 3rd of December, in Michigan, I washed the windows in our living room, dining room, and kitchen. Inside AND outside! I tried to sneak it in while Rick walked to the library, but he made it home as I was putting the last of my tools away. It sure looks nice and it’s just starting to rain. 😕 I need to sit down now. Not used to all that hard work!
Congrats on your I Did It! It sure is mild weather for December. We have enjoyed it. :up:
Yea! for professionals behaving in a professional manner.
I can empathize with Sylvia.. I have ocular migraines, usually not more than four or five times a year, and for that I am thankful. (If not for the migraines.)
I really enjoy those experiences with professional people that act that way too.
Those ocular migraines are no fun, but they usually are of short duration and their is no pain just the impaired vision.
I am certainly glad to hear the good news about both of you and that no truly serious vision problems were found!
I know all too well about dealing with Medi-Gap also. We don’t even have it yet as Walter is still using his insurance from his job but it has already proven to be a nightmare.
We live a very rural area with a low population and all of the plans are very expensive and also limited. It is very confusing trying to sort through all of the stuff to locate the best one.
But, as stated above I am very glad you guys now have a truly good and caring DR. and things turned out well!
I will add this meme ‘I Did It Monday’ on my meme roll too!
Happy day to you and Sylvia Chuck!
Jackie 🙂
Thanks Jackie! That insurance business can become a hassle. We’ve been very happy with the insurance company. The only problem we’ve had has been with the non-cooperative optical services company. :down:
Good for you for moving on to find better service. I had a bad experience the last time I got my specs too, and I haven’t gone back. That was about five years ago. 😯 I only use my glasses for night driving or seeing chalkboards, but I’m still way overdue to go. Our town’s so small I hate driving an hour (which I will have to for a new Dr.), but I know it needs to be done.
Sorry to hear your wife had to go through such a rotten migraine. I’ve had regular migraines before and they’re hard enough to handle w/o adding ‘ocular’ in front of them.
There is no pain in an ocular migraine. It is strictly a vision thing.
Oh good, glad to hear that part then!
Glad to hear the good news!! I has my eye exam last week. I like the optician but the eyeglasses department is loathsome. They are so bad I even shelled out my own money to buy those “zenni” glasses I’d been blogging about.
AAll the economists say our economy has shifted from a manufacturing to a “services-based” system. Not only does that make me quiver with trepidation, it also leaves me wondering where the heck all this “service” is….
The service is out there. You may have to shop around to find it. Oh, and good luck with that one. :2c: