Eye Medical Center Hammond

I've been a long-standing patient of Eye Medical Center since ~2010, with a history of medical concerns and vision needs. I haven't visited as frequently in recent years because I had LASIK with Eye Medical Center years ago and everything had been fine. In July, I had an onset of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and had to see a different ophthalmologist on an emergency basis. A follow-up MRI noted bilateral staphylomas in both eyes, and ENT recommended I wait until my condition settled before seeing an ophthalmologist again. I wanted to return to Eye Medical Center because of my history of trusted care with them. I scheduled an appointment a couple of weeks ago, and they had plenty of next-day availability with open choice of times. The day before the appointment (around 3 PM), they called to tell me my insurance wasn't going through. My employer insurance had ended and I was waiting for COBRA to reinstate coverage, which I was told could take a couple of weeks but would be reinstated retroactively. I was told I would need to cancel the appointment or pay cash. After paying over $20,000 out of pocket this year in medical bills, I did not want to pay cash again and then deal with reimbursement. I have been through a lot medically this year and I am exhausted from navigating billing issues. I asked if they could file the visit a week later once the insurance was reinstated. They initially said no, but after speaking to management, agreed on the condition that I sign certain forms. I appreciated having that option and agreed. However, I was very disappointed with how the conversation was handled initially and how I was treated, with no respect or empathy. I ended up calling early that morning to cancel because I was frustrated with how I was treated, and my son was sick anyway, so I decided to give it time for the insurance to reinstate to make it easier for everyone. I called today to reschedule, explaining I had a visit scheduled that I needed to cancel. Without asking the reason for the visit, the receptionist told me I am a new patient and the next availability was in May. I explained this is a medical visit and my MRI noted staphylomas. She said she spoke to a technician and that I would either need a referral to be seen sooner or could schedule in May. I explained that I had an appointment scheduled a couple of weeks ago and there was plenty of next-day availability. She said that since time had passed and I missed the appointment, I'm considered a new patient. I explained that I canceled because I was asked to reschedule due to the insurance issue, and I suggested she speak with a manager to address the customer service concerns. The lack of empathy, professionalism, and consideration is a drastic change from who Eye Medical Center used to be. After 15 years of care, I am highly disappointed. To tell me there is no availability until May, when the schedule was wide open just weeks ago, feels disrespectful and inconsiderate. I understand I could have pursued a referral, but I know one was not truly necessary, and it felt like a way to put me off. I also got the impression my file may have been noted from the prior encounter and that the office was prepared to dismiss me rather than help me. You may write me off as a difficult patient, but I am not someone who is complicated or leaves negative reviews. I'm simply someone looking for respectful care after suffering from a major lack of it this year. As someone with an operations background, I strongly suggest management address this with the receptionist, because the issue is not rules or protocols. It is the lack of professionalism, empathy, and care shown throughout the initial conversation and again during my call today. I immediately called another provider who took my situation seriously, treated me with empathy, and scheduled me for the next day.

came here to pick up glasses for my grandpa about 30 minutes ago. the ladies were so sweet, the lady with ginger-colored hair said that she was expecting me. i was in & out. they had the most positive auras. it was like 15 seconds of pure genuine sweetness. i don't even leave reviews i just want those two women behind the desk where the bell is , just know you two are the two loveliest ladies i ever crossed paths with :))

I went for my first appointment here last week and a follow-up yesterday. Dr. Patin is very gentle & patient, taking the time to make sure that he gets it right. The office personnel were professional, efficient, and courteous. They meet you at the door to check you in, making sure you have a mask and have not been exposed to anything before you come in the door. The office is very clean and they have chairs in waiting room turned around to maintain social distance. Both times there was only one other patient waiting and I was seen promptly, so they don't over book like some practices. Lisa cleans every frame after it is tried on before another client comes in to look at glasses. I don't usually write reviews, but I am very happy that I made this choice.

Always very fast for every visit I have had.