Family Eye Care Associates Thurman Edward Wood, OD

This doctor use to be my long term eye doctor until the front desk gave me the wrong exam after I confirmed twice on the phone with them it I needed. They attempted to overcharge me and I kept telling them there was a mistake, it ended with me paying for the service I did not need or ask for and come back another time for the correct exam. This second meeting they insisted I paid before the exam which they have never done in the 10 years I had been visiting this office but the moment another visitor came in they tried to hide me in the back without paying first like they were requesting I felt like I was being perceived a thief. I was so embarrassed and just cancelled the appointment kindly and left. I have never come back, it was humiliating and all I could do was try not to cry. They had no apologies to give me or even tried to make it right. This review is very long but it really stuck with me and I hate that I never let them know how disrespectful this experience was for me. Me and the rest of my family have since never come back after this experience which hurts me as I really loved the staff before.

This was my very first eye exam at age 30, and I honestly never felt like I needed to go in before. But since my insurance covers it, I thought, "why not give it a try?" I chose Dr. Thurman Edward Wood, O.D. in Bakersfield because of all the great Google reviews--and I'm glad I did. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. The staff who did my initial exams were fantastic (wish I caught her name!). I went through a few different tests--one with VR, one for eye pressure, and another where you stare at a balloon through a small hole. She explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable. When it was time to see Dr. Wood, I was even more impressed. He really took his time with me, focusing on my personal needs and listening to my history of eye concerns going back 15 years. He answered all my questions--including which eye is dominant--and gave me a very thorough exam. I left feeling reassured, confident, and cared for. My wife had her exam as well and was equally impressed with the doctor's attention to detail. Best part? I found out I don't need glasses! Unfortunately, the experience didn't end as strong. When my wife went to pick out glasses, the sales rep assisting her was pretty inattentive. Instead of guiding us through price points or styles, she just kept saying, "Take your time and look around," while sitting off to the side. We were on a bit of a time crunch, and after letting them know we couldn't finish that day, the atmosphere felt a little awkward. We paid for the exam and left, but my wife and I agreed in the car that while the exam experience was excellent, we'll be purchasing glasses elsewhere. Overall: Dr. Wood and the medical side of the visit were phenomenal. I highly recommend him for anyone needing a thorough and thoughtful eye exam. Just be prepared that the glasses-buying process might not be as attentive as you'd hope.

Love it here. Doctor is very thorough. I highly recommend coming here!

I've been going to Dr. Wood for 28 years and I have NEVER had to wait for my appointment passed my scheduled time. He does not over book. I do love his gentle mannerism, he's very nice and professional.They are also not pushy trying to get you to buy something. The atmosphere is very calm and professional. My whole family loves him, he's great for kids also. His office staff is also a 5 star. The same staff has been there for years. Thank you for the great service.

Dr. Wood is very nice and the office staff are very informative and courteous. There's never a wait so my appointments have all gone quickly but thoroughly. Great glasses options at reasonable prices. When I got my new glasses last year, the lady helped me pick the right frames for my face and I love them. Now they are helping me get contacts. They gave me all of the info I need to make the right decisions and they are going to train me on how to put them in and properly care for them. I highly recommend this office. Great location too.

Have been going to Dr Woods office for many years. 25+ or more years I believe. The reception ladies and optometrist assistants are always welcoming and very kind. Dr Wood has never once made me wait long, is always very professional and answers any question I have. He keeps a great balance to making he aware of new services or products without making me feel like he is just there to sell me something. I appreciate that greatly. Great selection of frames and product. Easy to get appointments, availability is high on my list of needs since I work a lot. I would recommend not booking late in the year because I do think they get a bit busier with everyone (like me) trying to get in before the year and insurance is up. Highly recommend them.

This was my first appointment with this office. Immediately upon entry, I was (pleasantly!) surprised at the beauty & spaciousness. I was quickly greeted by the friendly receptionist, and after a couple quick questions, ushered back to begin my exam. The lady that assisted me (sorry, do not recall her name) was FABULOUS, as was their equipment and set up! Very friendly, and equally efficient! I was then taken to another exam room just a few steps away, where I was comfortably seated, and waited maybe 4-5 minutes for Dr. Wood, as he finished with another patient. Once he entered, he proceeded to give me a thorough eye exam, with no sense of time constraint! It was amazing! Following the exam, I walked out into their beautiful optimal eye ware area, and discussed with their professional there my eye ware needs and options. Just as with Dr. Wood and all other staff I'd encountered in that visit, she was extremely knowledgeable & friendly. I left that office literally thinking "I think I just found one of the best hidden gems this city has to offer!" I could not recommend Dr. Ed Wood, Pennie Wood, and Family Eye Care Associates more highly!

I've been going to Dr. Wood for the better part of almost 25 years. I did have to go to other optometrists at times due to changes in vision insurance, but always came back when given the opportunity. He's competent, thorough, accurate, and friendly. The service from his staff is excellent. They make sure you have everything you need and are happy to make sure your glasses fit perfectly, even if you need adjustments several years after buying a pair. His pricing is fair and competitive. Truly, no complaints.