Regine R. Smet, OD

If I could give zero stars I would. There was definitely a lack of empathy and showing insensitivity to a patient's emotional state when it comes to dealing with an illness. This happened not only this time around but last appointment. Several comments came across as unnecessary, judgmental, and not the least bit sensitive to how it may affect a patient. I went for the convenience of it, but I will no longer seek services here and will adamantly discourage friends and family from ever getting services here. The staff should undergo intensive training on how to speak with patients with more empathy and professionalism.

Amazing care and service. The doctor took all the time needed to get the exam done thoroughly. Explained everything in detail so I knew what my options were. Overall an excellent experience.

Thank you so much Regine Smet it was such a wonderful experience having her today and checking our eyes . She was extremely detailed and gave great suggestions and it was a great visit ! We bought glasses also at half the price of other places which is what we wanted ! Awesome experience and the office staff was super nice and helpful also Grest experience for sure Michelle P. RN

Dr Regine Smet replied to my review and I now realize the problem is not just her grossly inept staff. In her reply, Smet provided her office's procedure which she wrote requires billing VSP. I wonder why her inept employee omitted all reference to this. Of course, Smet missed the critical points of my critique which is that during my visit, her employee stated that VSP could not confirm I am a member. So how could the office send my information to VSP if they said VSP has no record of me? Smet also ignored the fact that when I first scheduled the appointment, I was told that my VSP coverage would be confirmed BEFORE my appointment. They failed to do this. I also didn't mention in my initial review that when I scheduled my appointment, her employee asked how I got Smet's name. I told her it appears on VSP's directory which I obtained using my VSP account. I am uncertain why Smet thought that I would find her excuse shirking her staff's failure, acceptable. As I stated previously, I will never patronize this business Original Review Absolutely the worst service I have ever been exposed to with an Optometrist. This review isn't about the doctor as I was unable to meet with her but about her highly incompetent and lazy staff. When I first called to make an appointment I specifically asked if VSP is accepted. I was told it is but that the office would verify if I am covered and if they encounter an issue, I would be contacted on the day of my appointment. I arrived at the office which is located inside the Costco facility in Atwater Village. If you make an appointment and are not a member of Costco, you will have to advise one of Costco's people at the door, that you are there to visit the optometrist. When I arrived, I was asked to complete two brief forms. One requests personal information and asks that a person indicate which of the two types of insurance they have that is accepted by the doctor. The second form is about a more extensive test of the eye that identifies more in-depth health issues. The charge is $20 which is reasonable. After completing the forms and handing them to one of the two women sitting at the desk, I sat down and waited and several minutes later was informed that VSP, my insurance carrier, does not have a record for me. Though I had provided my Blue Shield insurance card it was quite evident that the employee did not bother to call Blue Shield. A week earlier, I called Blue Shield who confirmed I have VSP and afterward, I was transferred to VSP which provided me with the details of my coverage. I also created a VSP account. One would think that if an employee screening customers or potential customers were well acquainted with their assigned responsibilities, obtaining verification of coverage and resolving obstacles that impede obtaining verification, would be something they would be adept at doing. It is, after all, a reasonable expectation. Clearly, the young woman encountered a situation she was ill-equipped to address. The employee failed to do her due diligence and was not concerned with the inconvenience her office caused and lacked the proactive skills and critical thinking to address the challenge she encountered. One last criticism concerns the office itself. The space is a dump. It is awful looking and not like that found in other optometry offices located at other Costco's. I will not be doing business with this hole-in-the-wall and its unprofessional staff.

I've been going to this office inside Costco for more than 20 years. The different eye docs have been fine. It's the receptionist that's been there forever who is always unpleasant, strictly business and borderline rude that spoils the experience. She acts like she's working at the DMV!

She was very professional and thorough, and it was a great experience. I wasn't expecting the level of advanced technology that they had in her office, at all, but it was truly amazing. I had no idea that this technology even existed, but it does, and it made the entire exam so much better, not to mention quicker as well. The day of my appointment, there were numerous people, some with appointments and others without, just walking in, so they were pretty busy, but it was a really good appointment, and I felt she really knew , knows what she is doing and would definitely recommend her. Also the other girl in the office, who does the initial exam, was also very nice, professional, and pleasant to me and everyone else. I'm going to get her name and update this, hopefully it lets me.

I like that they have maximum of 3-4 people ahead so it doesn't feel crowded. The flow of being seen is acceptable. What I liked the most was the optometrist explaining what results are. She took the time to ask other questions which was helpful too.

I was really happy. I lost my computer reading glasses and it was an emergency to get an immediate prescription. The doctor couldn't have been nicer. They fit me in on a Sunday and I was able to get my prescription filled. Dr. Smet really saved the day!