Southeast Eye Group - Hiawassee

I had years of great experiences with them and then this past year I had new insurance. I asked when scheduling my appointment if they took my insurance and they said yes. I asked again when I checked in and they said yes. and then halfway through my appt, AFTER dilating my eyes, I was told that I am actually out of network. I was given two choices, one to bill through my medical, or I could end the appt then and come back when I had new insurance (which was going to happen 3 weeks later). I told them there is a 3rd option where they finish the appt and then write it off, as this is their mistake and not mine. He acknowledged that it was the schedulers mistake but that he was not going to write it off. Dr. Joey was condescending when I asked more questions as to why am I having to pay for the offices mistake. In the end, I told them I'd be back with my new insurance. I then received a patient discharge letter that I am no longer welcome at the practice. I work in medical billing. I understand how all of this works. And I understand that this is absolutely not how you treat patients or run a medical practice. On another note, they require you to have your eyes dilated every appt. Ive never been to an eye doctor in my whole life that requires that. The practice I went to for 25 years before this dilated once every other year and my eyes are fine, so I know it is not necessary. When I asked to not have them dilated, they said that is not an option... but I could pay $40 to have a digital scan instead.. Seems like a money grab and sketchy to me. Oh! but they offered $10 off if you write a positive google review??? Ok so definitely dont trust all of these 5 star reviews in that case... they are paid for testimony. Save yourself a headache and the frustration and just go somewhere else, where you can trust what they are saying and not have to feel belittled or question their tactics at each step of the evaluation.

My exam was extremely thorough and comprehensive. All of the staff and Dr. Joey are amazing. I had my appointment yesterday and my PCP had the results today. I highly recommend Southeast Eye Group.

HOLD ON TO YOUR WALLET! BAIT and SWITCH! I went into SE Eye Group in Hiawassee with an expired contact prescription that was ideal for my contacts & told them I was on a very tight budget & asked what was the least costly way to get my eyes checked & prescription renewed with Medicare and BC/BS Supplemental insurance. The receptionist was very nice and inquired with the billing department. I was told Medicare/BC/BS would cover everything except for the $45 refraction, which sounded great. When I showed up 2 days later for my appointment, they did eye tests, but the first issue was when I was told they could dilate my eyes and take longer for testing or I could have "pictures" taken for $40 & finish sooner. I chose to pay the $40 for "pictures" because I hate dilation and expected to pay $45 for refraction and $40 for "pictures" to avoid dilation.. After they confirmed my original prescription was accurate, the HARD SELL STARTED. Then they took me to get contacts "fitted" which consisted of them handing me 2 contacts and I put them in, WHICH I ASSUMED WAS JUST A NO COST COURTESY! The contacts seemed ok, but I told them I just needed the renewed prescription for now. They tried to HARD SELL me a YEARS worth of contacts for almost $900 with a promised REBATE (BS) THAT I COULD ONLY GET IF I ORDERED TODAY!!!!!!!!!!. I told them I just wanted the renewed prescription. Then when I went to pay, my expected bill had more than doubled to $195! Apparently they were charging my an ADDITIONAL $105 for "CONTACT FITTING" for HANDING ME 2 CONTACTS & WATCHING ME PUT THEM IN!!! ALL I WANTED WAS MY ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION RENEWED! So they GOT PAID BY MEDICARE AND PULLED A BAIT AND SWITCH ON ME AFTER I TOLD THEM CLEARLY I WAS ON A TIGHT BUDGET BEFORE I EVER CAME IN!!!!!!

I was not given my prescription, just told to order from them. It was a little intimidating so I did. My glasses arrived 4 weeks later and I could not see. They found an error, sent them back and 4 more weeks later I went to pick them up. The left lens was still wrong. During this wait I called twice and was only allowed to leave messages which were not returned. When the new glasses were still wrong I asked for a refund and was told they have a no refund policy. I have NEVER paid this much for glasses before and now I have an unusable pair that I paid over $500. for. She suggested I get a new exam. If he didn't do it right the first time how can I expect it to be right the next time, especially since they know I'm upset. If I did get a new exam and had to reorder yet again I would be waiting another 4 weeks. I will not be returning.

Absolutely top notch care from beginning to end. My appointment in Hiawassee was on time, a very friendly check in and explanation of what to expect. The techs doing initial exam were also very kind and efficient. I have a back problem and they did all they could to help. Dr. Fritts was very professional, but also warm. The exam was efficient but thorough -- he made it easy and stress free. His explanation of my eye health was very detailed but understandable. I could tell he really knew what he was doing and I felt comfortable with him and with his expertise. The check out was also very user friendly, Erica was patient answering my questions and super friendly. I highly recommend this practice. I haven't been to the optometrist for awhile because I hate any kind of exam. But there wasn't a moment I felt uncomfortable here. They are definitely my new permanent practice.

The absolute best experience in 40+ years of visiting eye doctors. The staff was easy to work with. Dr. Joey was the most down to earth and relatable Dr I've had. This was the first time a Dr has gone thru every image and discussed every part of my eye structure. Talk about earning my trust!

I just spent a little over an hour in this office and am truly amazed at how professional and thorough they are. I would recommend them to family and friends.

Dr. Gabby was so professional and knowledgeable! The whole office staff couldn't have been any nicer. This was our third visit and we plan to continue using this practice for all of our vision care needs.