Dr. Tavel Family Eyecare - Bloomington

I went in here in the last month and I could just tell the employees did not care about their guests. I went in for an exam + contact lens fitting and went through all the procedures just fine until we got to the end. Those procedures were the three machines and the questions where the doctor asks you what lens is better, which is everything for a normal glasses exam. The dr told me that my eyes had not changed and that I was good to go. I asked her if those tests included the contact fitting and she told me yes. Keep in mind, to get a contact fitting it's an additional $60 (absurd compared to what I used to pay but i digress). She could obviously see the unhappiness on my face because then and only then did she offer to go see if they had my Rx in the trial contact lenses. I mean isn't that the whole point of paying the additional $60 for a contact fitting on top of a traditional eye exam? I am a college student that can't afford to spare an extra $60 for nothing. After that, there was just a bad taste in my mouth for this specific location. Two weeks later I had to come back for my glasses that had arrived in store. I met with a clerk to try them on and when I told her that they don't fit my face right and that the arms are a little too tight for my head. Then, she goes to bend the arms and asks me to try again. When I tell her the same thing, that it doesn't fit right. She bends the arms again. At that point, it was obvious she was not listening to me and just wanted me out. So I told her "It'll do for now" and walked out. At that moment, it dawned on me that when ordering these glasses they never measured my PD. Now I don't know if this is required for every pair of glasses but anytime I have had some ordered, whether online or in store they always measure my PD. Maybe this was done in the back without my knowing but either way, I was not happy with the service I received at this location. What sucks is it's the only one around for roughly 20 miles so people who can't afford nicer eye care are stuck here. You might be better off driving to the Martinsville location. Dr Tavel in itself isn't bad, just depends on the staff and how they treat their guests.

Nightmarish experience - definitely avoid if you need anything more than a quick exam. I got an exam, which was fine, in order to get my first-ever contact lenses. They forgot to call me when the lenses had arrived, but I figured it out and called them and was told to come in and pick them up. When I swung by as instructed, they told me that I had to make a separate appointment for contact lens training, which would have been fine if they told me that previously but it made for a wasted trip. When I did come in for the fitting, I watched some Vimeo-hosted videos, and then was put at the very front desk to try and put in my lenses. The employee wasn't helpful at all and seemed impatient that I was slow figuring it out. Many customers and employees moved around the desk, since it was at the front of the store, adding to my stress. On a baseline level, there should be a more private space and intentional training framework if they are going to insist on this as a step. The employee told me after an hour (during which he alternated between ignoring me and watching me impatiently) that I would have to reschedule and come back for another round of training. I told him that my wife has been using lenses her entire life and that I would feel more comfortable in a private setting. He started escalating, telling me absolutely not. I asked for a waiver, to speak to a manager (he said he was the manager, but then later when yelling at me, he called for someone who was obviously his superior), and stayed calm because I just didn't want to have to repeat this stressful, unsupportive experience. Eventually I stood up with the lenses I had already paid for and he began shouting at me and moved to the door to block me from leaving. He called for another employee, who also started shouting at me. They told me that those weren't my lenses but backed down when I pointed out I had already paid for them. They yelled they were going to withhold my prescription information, which came from an exam I already paid for. Thankfully, when I walked towards the door, the employee backed down and slunk away so I was able to leave without being accosted. It's very clear that the contact lens training is not about actually making you feel comfortable and capable, but at best about addressing liability, and at worst, part of an uncharge on the exam to wring more cash from customers. Dr. Tavel staff handled this carelessly and contemptuously at every step of the process. I felt unsupported when trying to learn how to put in contact lenses and threatened when I calmly tried to leave with a product I had purchased.

I highly recommend this place!! The people here are so incredibly nice and helpful!! They spent a lot of time with me helping me find the perfect pair of frames! From sizing to color to brand, they are extremely knowledgeable! & I ended up going with an adorable little clear frame from Kate Spade (whom I love). Even the case is super cute! (Pics included) Okay, now for the eye exam part... it was an absolute breeze! I wasn't sure what to expect as I am new to all of this. (I developed astigmatism due to some trauma, so I now need some readers to help combat the blurriness.) The whole exam was very quick, yet thorough. They even have a retina scanner at this location! I thought it was really cool! There is this very bright flash of a green light, and for a split second, you can see your blood vessels! I thought it was pretty cool anyway Everything about my visit was wonderful, and if you're looking for a great place with even better people, then this is your place!! (Plus, they accept walk-ins!!!)

My elderly mom had an appointment at 9:45am. We confirmed the appointment via call the previous day. When we walked in it was 9:45am and the guy took two minutes to understood us and look her up. He said we have to reschedule the appointment as it's 9:47am. The conversation took two minutes we were there at 9:45am.

Great service. Special shout out to Christian. He was so good with my ten year old during our time there. He has really great, calming energy.

Great place to quickly get a very thorough exam, and figure a way to help you out in the most cost efficient way possible, which is a huge plus. All employees were friendly, nice, and respectful! Great experience overall and would recommend to anyone looking to improve their eye care or eye wear

Christian was awesome in doing the test in the beginning before I seen the Dr. Very nice and very patient and informative, great personality Anxious for my new glasses, can't wait to see them

All round great visit. I got in and out quickly and on time. The exam was thorough, and I found a nice new pair of glasses from the wide selection.