South Michigan Ophthalmology

I wish I could separate my rating between my eye exam and my experience with the eyeglass center because they were two very different experiences. The doctor was outstanding. My eye exam was thorough, and the staff at the front desk were friendly, professional, and helpful. I couldn't be happier with that part of my visit. The eyeglass center started off just as well. The selection was great, the staff were polite, and the process of choosing frames was easy. When I picked up my glasses, I was very satisfied with them at first. However, about two weeks later, the plastic pieces that go around the ears started coming loose on both sides. I brought them back in, expecting this to be a simple warranty issue since it clearly looked like a manufacturer defect. Instead, I was told the movement was "normal" and even that I had caused the problem because I use a strap to keep my glasses secure while working on a construction site. Which is something I've done with every pair I've ever owned without issue. I pointed out that the glue clearly hadn't bonded properly, but I was told there was nothing they could do. To make matters worse, I was told that if I tried to repair them myself, I would void the warranty. Honestly, I'm not sure what the warranty is supposed to cover if this kind of obvious defect doesn't qualify. It's disappointing that such a great experience with the doctors was overshadowed by poor support from the eyeglass center.

We recently started going here. Everyone we've come in contact with, from the ladies at the front desk, to those helping us pick out glasses, were very friendly and helpful! I saw Dr. Panchal & my 4 yr old daughter saw Dr. Hathaway. Both were fantastic! I highly recommend Dr. Hathaway for kids! My daughter really liked him and he did a great job of explaining her condition to me.

It is nearly impossible to reach anyone at this office. Dr. Hathaway is great but getting an appointment to see him is like winning the lotto. I call and I call and I call and nothing. Not even a way to leave a message. Oh, and don't call during lunch, they close for an hour and a half for that. I'm done. My family will find a new ophthalmologist. Again, nothing against Dr. Hathaway, been to that office on an off for years (when I'm in Michigan) but I am not going to chase a receptionist to make an appointment. My PCP office couldn't even get ahold of anyone there when we had an eye emergency a few months back. Bye Dr. Hathaway! We will miss you (and your AWESOME playlist). Will not miss the never ending ring tone.... :(

I really enjoy working with Dr. Hathaway. He has a great way of explaining things to someone who doesn't know anything about how the eye works. He's very thorough and great with my toddler. If I could give hime 5 stars, I would! But the Optical Department is absolutely deserving of less than one star. I had an appointment at the beginning of August, during which Dr Hathaway prescribed my two old some perception glasses to correct the early stages of a lazy eye. He explained the importance of correcting it early, before the brain starts to favor one eye. After which, it becomes more difficult to correct. So we went to Optical Department and tried on some lenses that were very flexible and seemed like a good fit for my daughter. I placed my order and the woman who helped me said they would likely be in by next week. After two weeks, and not hearing anything, I decided to call. There is a pandemic going on and there are delays, which is totally understandable given the current state of affairs. I just wanted to know if the glasses had come in yet. After ANOTHER WEEK of trying to call, leaving voicemails and never getting called back, I was finally able to talk to a human. Who told me that the glasses did come in... So why couldn't someone call me?? I was told we didn't need an appointment to pick up our glasses, so we stopped in the next afternoon. Our daughter tried on the glasses, my husband and I loved them, and when I asked about payment and taking them home today, she informed me that these were not even prescription lenses! They were just frames to try on...WHAT?! So I ordered glasses AGAIN and it has been over two weeks since I've heard from anyone. I have left several voicemails, and I'm STILL waiting to hear back from someone. ***UPDATE*** Shortly after leaving this review, Dr. Hathaway reached out in an effort to make things right. He explained how some things had happened and how some problems were missed, and that he wasn't making excuses for anyone or anything, just trying to explain where they went wrong. He was very apologetic and sincere. And I appreciated his honesty and willingness to go the extra mile of calling me himself. We did work things out and we eventually were able to pick up my daughter's glasses, which were free. I'm changing my review from 1 to 3 stars because I feel my experience did improve. However they were supposed to call U of M to get us a referral, and that never happened, lol. So..

Love this place! I have been a patient here for over 5 years and so have my children. I have seen both providers at this office and have always felt that I have had a great experience. My children have both seen Dr. Hathaway and they love him and love all of the office staff.

The Dr was great. What I have major issues with is the office policy. We were there for a routine exam. During and after the exam I asked for my prescription because I told them that I have historically ordered extra glasses online. They agreed to give me my prescription but in spite of me asking multiple times they forgot. Our glasses arrived today and I had to ask again two times for the prescription. When I asked for them to include the pupillary distance on the prescription the woman said there would be a $25 fee to measure the PD. When I questioned this she went to get a coworker. The coworker returned and told me they do not measure the pupillary distance because they do not want people ordering glasses online. She told me they took a few classes and it is part of the FDA regulations. I told her it was ridiculous (because it is). I told her it does not benefit the consumer to withhold this information and her reply was that it does not benefit THEIR office (because of the bottom line). You can measure your PD by doing a google search and using a ruler which is what I will be doing. But people should know they will not be getting this information before going to their appointment so they are informed. The fact is, they initially measures the PD when we were there for the exam. So basically they just refused to give ME information about MY eyes that they already had and this is totally ludicrous. Regardless of the recommendations the PERSON should always have the information and do what they feel is best.

Dr. Panchal is superb. She is thorough, professional, and is one of those people who is so good at her job that she makes it look easy. I strongly recommend this clinic for those looking for a great eye doctor in the Marshall area.

Can not speak high enough regards for Dr. Martin. I was out of town on business and one of my children came in with what she thought was "just needing new glasses"visit. Dr. Martin ordered tests, pro-actively! Thank you Dr. Martin!! Great knowledge, caring, thoughtful.