Norwich Ophthalmology Group - Groton Office

My daughter has been a patient at Norwich Ophthalmology for years, and until recently, we had no issues. However, this experience has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing. We received a call informing us that my daughter's annual eye exam needed to be rescheduled--almost six months later. Unfortunately, around the same time, she started experiencing significant vision changes that were affecting her daily life. I immediately requested to be placed on the cancellation list, but after two months of waiting, we never received a call. As her symptoms worsened, I reached out again, hoping to find an earlier appointment. The only option they offered was another month out, which was unacceptable given that she had already been waiting for months. When I pressed for alternatives, the staff became dismissive and condescending, even making disparaging remarks about my state insurance. When I finally spoke to a medical assistant, I encountered the same rudeness and lack of concern. I asked if I could speak with my daughter's ophthalmologist directly, even if it wasn't immediate, just when they had a moment. The assistant bluntly told me she would leave a message but couldn't guarantee the doctor would call me back because they were "too busy." This was shocking--what kind of doctor-patient relationship exists when a doctor has no time to communicate with their patients, even in urgent situations? Prior to this experience, I was unaware of these issues, but after reading patient reviews and speaking with others in the community, it seems our positive experience was an exception rather than the norm. Unfortunately, once our needs changed, we saw the reality. I have never encountered such rude and dismissive behavior from healthcare professionals, and I wouldn't recommend this office to anyone in need of reliable, compassionate care.

I was looking for a really good ophthalmologist because I have extreme dry eye, and last year I had an ulcer on my right eye. This was due to a delay in treatment, and a rather nonchalant attitude by my current ophthalmologist. The delay caused lasting damage, and I did not feel I was taken care of or really cared about. There's a lot more to the story, but I think the let down was I counted on him to take care of my eyes and what challenges I was experiencing. I expected him to take more care and follow up with ideas and health plan for my eyes . It was his duty! I trusted my vision, which is obviously so important, and he did not seem to care. I feel very betrayed and decided then I would get the best, most experienced and caring doctor. I was thrilled to read the positive reviews because he seemed very caring and thorough--just what I was looking for. And then I read the last review. The one from the lady he supposedly was extremely rude to after her simple request to get her medical records. Here's the thing. Most professionals can seem wonderful. You are treated well and get great service. It's when there's a problem you find out how things really are. These facts [if true] said he was intimidating, did not sound kind or understanding, and he did not seem to try and support his patient, even telling her to leave. I realize that's one side of the story, but that's because the doctor never responded to his former patients multiple complaints I have already noticed his cookie cutter response to those who praised him. It's disingenuous. It's easy to respond when people are saying you are wonderful. It's when the experience was not wonderful that a good business person, a health professional with compassion approaches that unhappy patient with even more patience and kindness, looking for resolution and a satisfied patient. Nobody wants their clients/patients/customers to feel angry or neglected or treated badly. By not responding to this very detailed and upsetting review, this doctor comes off as uncaring, cold, even mean spirited. It is one of the worst things a professional could do. If you did behave the way she described, and the facts are true, you should be ashamed. To respond by admitting the big lapse of judgement, and a genuine apology, people would forgive most likely, and they would respect him for admitted his mistakes. But nothing. I am left with a bad image of an uncaring, angry doctor who ignores people; I have already had that doctor, so I won't be coming in, but I thought you should know, and in part, I hoped to let your former patient that she was heard and believed. That's often all complaints are about-people that are hurt you did not hear them or try and make it right. If you did none of what she said, which is unlikely, you could explain or admit it or apologize or all of the above. Nothing says a lot.

Very efficient team! Dr Barri is very knowledgeable and kind. His staff helped fit me in right away for an emergency. They listened & treated me right away. Dr Barri didn't rush with me and reviewed his instructions again to make sure I really understood the medication and the issue at hand. I appreciate the prompt attention and the kindness from his staff and the Dr!

Definitely not the fit for me, and the biggest reason was my whole appointment took an hour and a half. Forty minutes of which were spent waiting on the doctor. When the doctor entered the room he greeted me as if we had met before, when I was a new patient. Never introduced himself after that. While I don't doubt his ability as a doctor, I was left with the feeling I won't be valued as a patient and would instead rather find an office that has a better vibe.

This group reschedules often. Expect to wait several months for an appointment, then expect to be rescheduled and wait another several months. After that, you will be rescheduled again, only to wait several months more. I do not recommend!

Had a terrible experience there. When I asked for my medical records, three times I was told to talk to the tech to get them. Then the tech told me to talk to the front desk. Since that was the fourth request I made, I got upset. She left to find out what the issue was. Then Dr. Barri came in and stood over me angrily berating me, then asked me to leave. Turns out my records were a mere 2 pages. It should not have been such a monumental task to get my records. They should have apologized instead of bullying me. The other thing that was odd is that Dr. Barri asked why I wanted the records. It's rather standard for patients to request records and required by law for doctors to provide them. It's not his business why I need them. But why did he want to know why I needed them? Has he been sued? I had tried to get the records by phone in the past. Over the phone, I was told I had to come in, make a request, then come back four days later to pick them up. My God. Why does this doctor make it so difficult for you to get your medical records? Why did I get the run around when I asked for the records, then get berated when I reasonably was upset about the runaround? It was only two pages. None of those front desk folks could have printed them for me. I had to ask four times, not to mention calling. Then they are surprised when I get upset???? I'd also say, their choice of frames are pedestrian. I bought a pair of glasses last time. I purchased lenses to correct for both near and far sighted vision issues and was very disappointed. I bought the special coating. The lenses didn't hold up well. I was not happy with the quality of the vision. I had already made the decision not to purchase my new glasses there. Now I just need to find a new doctor for an updated prescription.

The doctors are amazing . The glasses from the optical shop are not. I have over seven years gotten seven pairs of glasses 6 of which had stress cracks within weeks of receiving . This last pair has broken in the same exact spot six times , I was told no one else has an issue with the frame so it can't be the frame . They broke again and now the lenses that supposedly fit perfectly have stress cracks. Do yourself a favor get your exam there but do not get your glasses from them.

I'm 26 and have never been to another eye doctor, my family started using Barri Eye Care Center on the recommendation of my grandmother who was a former EB nurse. As with any doctor office there can be a bit of a wait, especially later in the day, it happens, but the care cannot be beat. The doctors take fantastic care and make sure you actually understand what's going on.