Saratoga Vision Center

Worst experience ever! I felt I was being scammed. I made an appointment to do an eye exam to get new prescription for my contact lenses. After providing my insurance information, I was told by the lady on the phone that I only need to pay the $15 copay and if I want the retinal imaging there is an extra fee. Came in on the appointment day, I confirmed with the front desk guy the amount for the eye exam and the retinal image. I specifically asked if I will get a prescription for contact lenses and he said yes. Then I was guided to a room and a nice lady was recording some personal information and did the retinal imaging and eye pressure test for me. She explained that my insurance will reimburse me $150 towards the contact lenses purchase then asked me to sign a paper to acknowledge that she explained the insurance benefits to me. I didn't go through the paper word by word but I signed. Then I went into another room where the doctor did all the testing with me including changing different lenses to make sure that I get the correct prescription. The doctor was very nice and knowledgeable. After the exam, I went to the lobby with another lady to get the pricing and rebate information for the contact lenses. The contact lenses price there was way higher than online pricing which was expected so I decided to just get the prescription and order online myself. She asked me to pay over $300. I asked the breakdown and she told me it included the contact lenses eye exam fee which was over $200. I said I was never told about this charge. She said the regular eye exam doesn't include the contact lenses prescription and I have signed the paper agreeing to this charge. I said I confirmed the charge before the appointment with the front desk guy and he didn't mention this at all. The lady then brought out the paper I signed and pointed to the fine print that was circled with black ink and said this was explained to me before. I swore to god that when I signed there was no black ink circle otherwise I would have read it carefully. The lady kept saying that this was explained to me but they only told me that my insurance will reimburse $150 towards contact lenses. I couldn't believe that they tricked me like this. I said I refused to pay what I did not agree to. The staff lady was so rude and kept complaining that I didn't understand my insurance benefits. My insurance benefits have nothing to do with the fact they were misleading and telling me one amount then charging me a different amount after the fact. After about 8 minutes of arguing, the lady said she will waive the $200 plus contact lenses eye exam fee and ask me to just pay the copay and imaging. I made the payment and walked out. Shame on you for tricking your customers this way!

I just took my daughter there for the first time and it was just a routine yearly exam. They did a retinal scan without consent, contact lens fitting with torque etc. these are services I am familiar with and also know that the out of pocket expense for these should not be over 350.00. I was told that I can use my 200 allowance on my plan to pay for the balance. I did do that, but that means that I have zero allowance left towards glasses or contacts for her. I just felt as if 350 for a contact lens fitting which is exactly the same lens as last year is very steep. I wonder if this "fitting cost" is unnessarry and further if it needs to be 350.00. I have two grown children and am an occasional contact lens wearer myself and am familiar with how much things should cost. Maybe next time when people call to ask if you are in network say yes but please please explain clearly how much the out of pocket expense will be for your location. So basically when they say they are in network, it means they will gladly use up your 200 allowance that you have from your insurance. I don't care that you are next to Starbucks I just want a fair price for what I have been offered at other locations. I wanted to support my local business, but sorry will not go back here again. Just too expensive! These are the type of prices nuerosurgeons and other specialists charge. Now that I got that off my chest, I have to say, I did find the staff very nice and friendly except one lady that was too lazy to give me an email address so I could forward my daughters prescription to her, she said to give her my phone and then came back and said oh sorry couldn't get the prescription because ..... she was very unprofessional. The doctor was very nice, thorough and the front office also very nice, helpful and took time to explain things. This seems like a place that has a very high rent and is trying to make it by overcharging for services that are much less expensive at other places. It's too bad because my goal is always to support the local businesses but unfortunately this will not be one of them. I am reading the other reviews and the lady named Connie received a very condescending response. We are not idiots and we have all been to many eye appointments in the past for me around 50 to date. Here is this valley, we are all fairly educated people who understand the difference and when we feel scammed. I felt exactly as you did.

I highly recommend Saratoga Vision Center. Dr. Fanelli is an expert optometrist who knows his stuff! He is so knowledgeable and so nice and patient and worked with me to get my eye glass prescription exactly perfect. His staff is friendly and professional and the office is beautiful. They have tons of frames that are fashion forward and there is something for everyone's taste. They even have a cute section with kids frames!Well done Saratoga vision center!

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Comfortable environment. Thorough testing with all the current equipment. Exams are thorough including performance to past measurements.

The admin is more efficient now. We returned after 7 years just because the Dr Fabian is really good at what he does . But the front desk has improved a lot. Very efficient and no surprises .

Dr. Dougherty is one of the best doctors in the area and has exceptional patient interaction and communication skills. I find this Saratoga location efficient and their frame selection well stocked and supported.

Worst eye center we've ever been to. The doctors are ok but the office people are just horrible. Rude and incompetent. They also manage to make mistakes booking appointments (happened several times yet it is always the patient's fault). No 5G or wifi in their brand new office. Clueless folks.

Staff is always responsive and friendly. Never have to wait long to be seen or helped. Exams are done efficiently and questions are answered with care. Highly recommend.