I would not recommend this clinic based on my experience. I see all the other great reviews and I'm not sure if they are only accustomed to dealing with people with TriCare insurance, but I used my own employer's insurance versus my husband's TriCare, and had a negative experience.
However, I will say that the staff was extremely polite and kind on the phone and tried to help me. Even when I was upset. For my part, I thought I was overcharged more than what I was (saw a $140 charge but turned out Pier charge was $86 - my mistake). Here is my story.
I typically take my daughter to an off-base optometrist on the island, but due to scheduling conflicts, we gave Pier Vision a try for her annual eye and contact lens exam.
From the beginning, I was concerned. The front desk told me they would charge me out-of-pocket for the CL visit and "save my insurance" for purchasing contact lenses later. They implied that my insurance did not cover the contact lens fitting--without verifying this information. As a result, I paid $86.
Months later, I reviewed my insurance claims and found that the provider had billed my insurance for the entire visit, including the contact lens fitting--and the claim was fully paid. According to the insurer and claim statement, I should have only owed the standard $10 copay. Not only that but I looked at my insurance website and it visibly and clearly states that they will pay for up to 90% of a contact lens fitting or out of network up to 100% of the allotted amount up to $130 annually. It was less than $130.
I contacted the office, and after multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue by phone, partly owing to me listing the wrong amount (86 not 140) I asked for an email, then wrote a message, and received a reply email from the optometrist, Cindy Than.
She claims that they did not realize that the insurance covered the CL visit until they deposited the check and so she offered the clinic to refund the overpayment if I returned to the office.
The payment was in March, and this is July - they never ever bothered to contact me about it (double-payment) and I would've never have seen my money if I hadn't pressed and called.
She also claims they were waiting to see if the insurance would 'request a recoupment letter' despite the claim having been fully paid months earlier and clearly documented on the insurer's portal. Not only that, the insurance has always paid this amount for contact lens exams and they have never asked for any kind of recoupment letter.
What was frustrating was not just the billing issue, but the provider's tone and lack of accountability in the email. There was no apology, no acknowledgment of the oversight--just defensiveness.
It felt like the refund was only offered because I brought the error to their attention. Had I not been familiar with insurance claims, I likely would not have realized I was double charged (well technically they were double paid; I guess I wasn't double charged as the insurance paid once and I paid once).
Additionally, the clinic did not follow up with us for the required contact lens fitting that was charged, nor did they have many lenses in stock. We had to wait for the lenses to be shipped to our home. Admittedly, we have some fault in this area because we also did not call to make the required appointment. Our fault.
So you have to be very diligent about advocating for yourself and making your follow up as they will NOT so much as call, or email, or text, to ask you remind to come back for the second part of your exam. Classy clinics will send a reminder.
Why: Because they can squeeze in more patients and earn more $$ if they don't bring you back for the fitting.
The "premium" fitting, which incurs a higher charge, was not clearly explained at the time of service. Apparently this is for astigmatism but again, was never explained.
This experience was troubling from both a billing and customer service perspective. I hope this helps others make an informed decision.
Dr. Than, and Optometrist Michelle and the trainee worked on unison creating a stress free smooth experience. They listened to my medical concerns and lens requirements . Dr Than confirmed damage found by the navy and the VA and explained a previous misdiagnosis by another doctor. Dr Than's correct diagnosis confirmed what was found by a different doctor last year. Michelle optimized my insurance and provided 2 pairs at a great price.