Downtown L.A Optometric Vision Center

I originally wanted to get my eyes checked here because I've gotten them checked here in the past. I also wanted to support a black own business, unfortunately the male receptionist (overweight Latino man, I did little more research and I believe Joel is his name), was extremely rude to me although I had an appointment. He initially didn't want to unlock the door for me, then came to the door aggressively. I politely informed him that I had an appointment and wanted to browse the options for eyeglass frames. The receptionist responded that they only allowed people with appointments into the office (in an aggressive tone), then proceeded to attempt to shut the door. I inform him again that I have an appointment and would like to browse frames, he then asked for the time of my appointment and lets me into the office, then yells out my insurance while there's another person waiting to be seen. Because of his poor treatment of me I let him know that I'm actually considering canceling my appointment (He then points to the frames available to me). I cancelled my appointment and he eagerly rushed to the door and unlocked it, and steps outside as if to command me to leave. I politely informed him that I had a follow up question, although he was standing outside of the office while I happened to still be standing there inside of the office. I let him know that he seemed a bit defensive although there was no reason to be, and inquired how soon it would take for my optometry insurance benefits to be made available to for me to use, since they were tied up at their location. The male receptionist then condescendingly says " it will be done in five minutes as soon as I get behind that desk to that computer!", I then leave and go elsewhere. Again I really wanted to support Ms. Barns due to my previous great experiences getting my eyes seen by her, but unfortunately the male receptionist really made the visit extremely unpleasant. I will not ever return to this place again, which is somewhat sad because I also wanted to support a black own business/optometrist . After doing some more research on this place, I came across some information regarding the extremely rude receptionist Joel, it turns out he is a self-professed jerk (he has it written in Instagram bio, I added a photo of it)

Highly recommend Dr. Barnes and her team. Dr. Barnes took time to explain each test and my prescription. Her team was up front on what would/would not be covered by insurance. And both Dr. Barnes and her staff were friendly, good-vibes people. An overall wonderful experience.

Dr. Barnes is amazing, extremely comforting, patient, and receptive. Cannot recommend her enough. Never any wait times and she is concise while being extensively thorough. I plan on keeping her as my OD even when I move out of the state!

Dr. Barnes is probably the most knowledgeable and friendly provider with whom I've ever interacted. Talking to her is like opening an encyclopedia. Her staff is friendly, there was no wait time, and I was in and out of a same day appointment for an eye exam (with contact lens and glasses prescriptions) in 30 min flat. I will be recommending this office to everyone I know!!

Dr Barnes has been goto ophthalmologist since 2019, her exams are thorough, comprehensive and informative. Her service is timely, no long wait times, she respects the patients time. She is pleasant and knowledgeable. Facilities are clean and well maintained. Her machines are state of the art. I have recommended her to friends whenever asked for a good eye doctor

Amazing optometrist! So friendly, knowledgeable, and does the job quick. A clean office, appointment starts right on time, and friendly staff as well, would highly recommend.

Dr. Barnes was wonderful! She explained everything she did in detail and made sure that my questions were answered. I highly recommend her services.

The best. No one has ever diagnosed correctly what my issues are. Professional and extremely well educated in her field.