Vista Eye Center

I was sent to Dr. Vistamehr for a detached retina. The issue was so urgent, I was in surgery the same day I had visited her. She told me about a couple of procedural options in detail and to the level of my understanding. She answered all my questions thoroughly. The surgery was successful and she helped me to literally regain my sight. I have had a number of subsequent follow up visits and I needed laser treatments to continue the repair of my retina. She was always informative, polite and professional and her office staff is exceptional. I highly recommend her and her practice!

This is by far the worst doctor's office experience I have ever had. I say this as both a patient and registered nurse. I called and was able to get a same-day appointment, for which I was really grateful. When I arrived, it took 3 staff about 15 minutes just to get me checked in. Eventually, one of them called me back, I don't know what her job description (none of them were wearing badges). She took me to a patient room and began my patient intake. That took approximately 40 minutes, despite me helping her spell certain words, and offering to help her spell others. I communicated my health complaints: blurred/double vision and floaters, and my concern that it may have been caused by a medication I am on. She dismissed my concern, and said that she and everyone else in her community had grown up taking this medication for prolonged periods and had never experienced anything like this. She informed me that the duration of my medication therapy would not suffice to cause the symptoms I was experiencing. at this point, I did not know if she was the ophthalmologist or a medical assistant at this point. It appears she was tech, so all of this was definitely out of scope for her. She handed me the eye shield before we began my eye exam. I asked her if it had been cleaned. She took it back from me and cleaned it. As a nurse I have to say this is basic, infection, control 101. 40 minutes later, she was finally done with my intake, at which point Dr. Setareh Vistamehr entered the room. The very first thing she said to me, was not hello, but "Where is your name from?" This is highly inappropriate, and the definition of culturally incompetent care. In a county as diverse as ours, I expect better. I expect you to treat my ethnic last name as you would Johnson or Jones. That means, confirm my name so you know you have the right patient, and move on. I clarified and asked, " Do you mean the origin of the name?" Yes, she replied. I responded, and asked her to call me by my first name. She continued, going on about how her friend is Thai and also has a long last name. Again, I asked her to call me by my first name. She immediately looked annoyed and flustered, and her attitude remained unchanged for the remainder of the appointment At best, I will call this clueless, inappropriate, and unprofessional. I communicated my concerns, and listed specific research that shows that the side effects I was experiencing were the side effects listed for the specific medication I was on. I relayed my concerns, along with the concerns of my primary care doctor who had asked me to see an ophthalmologist that day. She assessed my eyes, and proceeded to gaslight me. She informed me that the symptoms I was experiencing were a natural part of aging for a woman. She stated that they were not related to the medication I was taking, and the fact that I was taking that medication and experiencing the symptoms was a coincidence. She instructed me to go to my nearest Walgreens and get 1+ readers to solve my problem. I insisted, and mentioned other symptoms she hadn't addressed. She proceeded to diagnose me with blepharitis and told me to apply warm compresses to my eyes daily. She told me the condition was incurable, and there is nothing I could do about it. She looked annoyed and was short with me, as she got up to leave the room . I immediately made an appointment at GW 's ophthalmology department. I am so glad I listened to my gut, because one week later, they diagnosed me with the very condition I had asked this doctor about. They concluded this was a side effect of the medication I was taking. They ordered treatment to resolve the condition, which could have had severe consequences if I continued on the medication. My suspicions had been right all along, and I would not have been diagnosed correctly if I had taken the advice of Dr. Vestamehr. I quite possibly could have lost my eyesight for up to a year, or permanently if it affected my retinas.

I was referred to Dr. Vistamehr and her team by my eye doctor and they have been great to work with. Dr.Vistamehr is efficient and her and her team are patient and willing to answer any and all questions. If you are looking for a retinol specialist I would absolutely recommend Vista Eye Center.

The care of my eyes is important to me and I am selective about what offices and individuals I consider for my care. I trust Dr. Vistamehr with my care, as she and her staff are knowledgeable, detailed, and have demonstrated concern for my eyes. I have also gained more knowledge in the process.

Dr. Vistamehr acted immediately and saved my eye. I highly recommend her. Thank you Dr Vistamehr for your care and quick action in caring for my eye infection. I am truly grateful.

I really appreciate Dr Vistamehr for her professional expertise and guidance. Well understood and caring.