Salem's Eye Professionals Darek Huggett, OD & Associates

I'm sad to even have to write such a poor review on this office. I've been seeing Dr. Huggett for many years and he is always wonderful. My husband went in for his eye exams and has his usual testing done. Paid all of the fees and co-pays at the time of his appointment. We were not told that one of the tests was not covered by our insurance. We never received a bill. We never received a phone call about the unpaid balance. My husband was notified a day before his next appointment that he could not be seen until his bill was paid. He told them he wasn't aware there was a bill and that he would talk to me about it that evening about paying it so he could keep his appointment. He was then told that it was too late for that because it had already gone to collections. He asked how it could have possibly gone to collections when we were never notified about an outstanding bill. They were sending the bill to the wrong address. They never tried to reach either of us by phone. I have been seeing Dr. Huggett and my address is correct on file because I get my contacts delivered. They told my husband once the collection was paid off they could schedule his next appointment but once he called to let the office know it was paid he was told he was dropped for not paying his bill and it going to collections. They said it was a new rule. My husband then told them that I have been goin there for years and Dr. Huggett is very familiar with his unique circumstances that are being monitored closely. They then told my husband they would be looking into dropping me as a patient as well. I have never missed an appointment or been late and have always paid my bill in full same day. Sad to say I am choosing to leave for a new clinic. This is not how you treat loyal patients.

Dr. Huggett is an awesome practitioner that unfortunately has a horrible Billing Manager. Hunter's demeanor is brash and unprofessional. I will be continuing my eye care elsewhere due to the poor quality of customer service provided by this employee.

Not only is his staff rude, he wouldn't tell me if there was anything else wrong with my eyes until I "Go get eye insurance and come back and we will look into it". He reiterated that four times at least during the whole appointment. Sounds like he just wanted to over charge someone, scam artist. I spent over $220 for a complete eye exam, contact lens fitting and Omega 3 supplements, which I was fine with. Why can't I just use CareCredit and get the service I need? The supplements were expired by the way, I already paid for them and noticed myself. The lady called the doctor just to ask if it was OKAY to give me expired supplements?! In the end they ordered new ones for me, like they should. I specifically chose this doctor based off of my chronic health issues he states he treats on his website but he didn't care when I brought up what I had up to him. I was willing to go back and figure out my "other eye issues" but he wouldn't discuss it with me until I got "eye insurance". He told me I was "unhealthy" and "needed to lose weight". You're an eye doctor! Why you are worried about the rest of my body?! Very uncouth. Also, said he "knew about people like me", whatever that means. I felt attacked from the get go. I just wanted my eyes looked at thoroughly and a contact script. When they printed out my script they had it written and expired for the same day, the day of my appointment. I didn't notice until days later when I had the paper script sitting on my desk. Complete scam and waste of my money!! Now weeks later I tried to get contacts from their website and they don't even have the decency to email or call me about the script they aren't letting me have. Instead let to sit there pending for 6 days and cancelled it. Never in my life have a dealt with this type of incompetence.

When I found Dr. Huggett, I felt like I struck gold. And while he may be wonderful, I was shown today the true colors of his office manager, Tammy. I received a $30.00 bill in May 2025 for appointments that were from October, November, and December 2024. I called as soon as I received the bill thinking it was an error because my card was swiped every time I was there. They explained to me it was for three $10.00 copays that were not collected at the appointment times secondary to them not knowing if the insurance was going to require it. I told them I understood and asked if I could pay the bill in July, as I was not going to have extra funds until then. They told me that was fine. In July I spoke with them and told them June and so far July were financially devastating and if I could please pay on August 1. I was told that was fine. As soon as I got a break at work today, August 1, I called the office to pay my bill. I was told it was $90.00 because service fees were assessed. I was confused because I was never told there were service fees and why would I be charged service fees if I was given the okay by the office to extend the payment until August 1. The manager told her she could waive one of the $30.00 service fees but that the other one would have to remain. I asked to speak with the office manager, Tammy. First, I never ever ask to speak to managers. I am the most understanding, noncomplaining customer/patient anyone could ever ask for. But I am broke. And $60.00 for three $10.00 copays that were billed to me many many months later seems extreme, especially since I paid my portion then and there each time. I explained to Tammy everything above, and she basically said "You were first billed in May and it is now August. It has been 3 months and you haven't paid any of it.' I explained to her multiple times that I called in May (mid to end of May is when I received my first bill and today is August 1 so it hasn't even been 3 months) and was given the approval to pay in July. And that I spoke to the office in July and was given the approval to pay August 1 and here I am trying to pay. She kept focusing on me not paying anything in June. At one point I asked her, 'Tammy, why are you not acknowledging the fact that your office told me in May that I could skip June and pay in July.' She said 'there isn't a note about a phone call in May.' So I am being penalized because office staff didn't put a note. I am not upset with the staff that did not leave a note. They get busy, and they are humans. I am upset with myself for not getting a name because I didn't feel it was necessary because this is a small office, and they have dealt with me extensively and know my character and I mistakenly thought I knew theirs. She said my options were pay the full balance now, or pay $30 now and $30 next month, or get sent to collections. I told her as a grown woman, I would have gone to my family and asked for a $30 loan to pay off that bill first thing if the office would have mentioned there were service fees assessed even if you are approved to delay your payment. So beware. Every bill that goes out has a $30.00 service charge. They will NOT tell you this. I have referred so many folks to them and now I have to issue apologies. I paid the entire $60, meaning I will be asking someone in my family for a small loan by the end of the month and yes, $30 can make or break someone, because I don't trust that Tammy noted the account to not assess any more fees, and I told them to close my patient file. I almost had both of my daughters going there. Thank God they dodged this bullet. The first time I met Tammy, she was encouraging me to apply for Care Credit to pay for a $1000.00 LipiFlo procedure to help with my dry eye after I told her I wouldn't be able to pay for that procedure. I had to tell her I couldn't even afford the monthly payment to get it done on credit. I should have known then this office is more about the money than the people. Shocking.

Dr Huggett is amazing I've never had a better optometrist. However his staff is horrible. Rude, lazy and generally unpleasant. I have been waiting going on two months for my glasses to come in after being told two weeks. When I call to ask about them all I get is rude responses and excuses. This is not the first time I have had problems with his staff.

This is the best eye office I have EVER been to hands down. Dr. Huggett was amazing and took his time to answer all my questions and truly explain to me my eye condition in depth which I really appreciated. The eye technician was also awesome. I was having a hard time finding frames that fit my face and look good on me and he was able to find the perfect set of frames for me in literally 30 seconds. I can't wait to pick up my new glasses once they are ready!

Dr. Huggett is the #1 ophthalmologist In the state of Oregon. His knowledge, staff, and equipment is more advanced than the larger clinics. You don't have to wait weeks to get in or sit in his office waiting past your scheduled appointment time. Dr. Huggett really cares about his patients. Do your eyes a favor, go see Dr. Huggett, he will restore your faith in healthcare and maybe even humanity. Thank you Dr. Huggett for helping me see again

Dr Huggett and his staff are well worth the time. The first visit was nearly 2 hours, but I've never had such a thorough exam and so much information. He was so impressive I made sure my daughter went to him when I found out she needs glasses. My only gripe after getting my new glasses the first time was that I see so well now I can't go back! They did happen to be a touch more expensive, but I went with the slightly pricier option, and boy was it worth every bit. They are amazing, and they do their best to save you where they can. They truly go the extra mile, and give you the best service whether you choose to get all your services through them or just your exam.