UPMC Vision Institute

My mom just had her macular injection today. Unfortunately her doctor was out sick and the chaos was evident. I am not letting us sit in a room and wait long periods waiting for her injection. I have repeatedly explained her arthritis flares up and causes her great discomfort, and with her diabetes, the combo makes a big problem. I have asked them numerous times to please be mindful. But this was it today. Waiting lengthy periods of time between steps as we are seemingly forgotten, which has happened in the past and walk out 4 hours later after we went back to the examine room. I thought this new facility was suppose to prevent this. But this is the third time it happened and I have to open the door to the staff to make sure they remember we are in there. Previous experience has made me aware to do that. Fortunately at least this time, the scheduler was still there and we didn't leave with the last of the staff. Everyone is friendly but they seriously need to overhaul their organizational structure.

I'm so grateful to have Dr Smith as my Low Vision Specialist. The new building is wonderful and great for visually impaired people to navigate. I never have to wait long in the waiting area. The staff is excellent and Dr Smith is the best low vision optometrist ever!!!!

Hit the vision urgent care for an eye infection/irritation. Great facility, in and out was way easier than expected. The parking garage was conveniently located and I was seen quickly. Left with a solid treatment plan. I can't say that it was an enjoyable experience due to the reason I was there but it went about as smooth as possible. Highly recommend going there if needed.

Scheduling was awful. It took multiple phone calls just to attempt to get an appt scheduled. The woman on the phone was condesending and rude. Ended up getting in fast at WVU and the staff was wonderful to deal with.

Never before have I received such well organized, streamlined yet personal, high quality care! The institute is housed in a brand new, spacious building with beautiful views of the Mercy/Duq campuses. The waiting areas were large, bright, and had plenty of natural light, plus quite comfortable seating. Despite the quantity of waiting patients, I was seen 10 minutes early! The medical technician who performed my pre-imaging work-up was phenomenal. She was smiling, bright, friendly, and beyond professional. I met the medical pro responsible for my dye injection and images quickly after, and I am still in awe with how amazing she was with me. As a person fearful of needles, and phobia-afraid of vomiting (a possibility with the dye), she was able to ensure that I felt comfortable. I was given a good supportive seat, cushy padded rests for my arms, and she ensured that she only attempted injection once she was certain she could actually insert the needle. I have been borderline mutilated by phlebotomists at Quest Diagnostics who have trouble finding my veins. The professional here at the eye institute? I didn't even feel the needle go in. I wish I could see her for blood draws and vaccines, too! During my imaging, she gently cradled my head (with permission) to ensure we got the best photos possible the first time around. Next, my doctor (Dr. Durani) came in after getting a good look at the images. He took time to make sure I understood his assessment/diagnosis, and was careful to listen to my opinions and questions. I brought a support person who re-asked several questions, and Dr. Durani patiently answered them again in terms my support could understand. Today I was able to sit side by side with my doctor and plan a date for my laser procedure together, versus being handed off to a scheduler alone. We discussed what I can expect, and what my post-procedure experience will be like ahead of time, so I can prepare my anxious self! All the staff referred to me as my preferred name, and I felt respected at all points in time!

My first visit to the eye center was frustrating. It took 2 hours for anyone to look at my eye. All together I was there for 5 hours! Then I was sent to the woman who did the scheduling. I had to stand at the desk for 20 minutes waiting for her to appear at the desk. I told her multiple times I could only have the surgery on Mondays or Fridays because they were the only days that someone could bring me, stay there and take me home. She told me that wasn't a problem at all. I waited 3 1/2 weeks to get the papers in the mail. She scheduled me for a Tuesday! I called and told them it wasn't possible for a Tuesday. Someone else called but I missed the call . They then called my daughter , who lives in California, 3 times acting like it was an emergency. Of course she was upset. I sent a message straight to the doctor and she informed me that she only does surgery on Tuesday and Wednesday. Why would the woman, who does the doctors scheduling , not know what the doctor's schedule was. Finally was given a Dr. who operated on Fridays. This was after months of back and forth messages. Instead of calling me they continued to call my daughter. I might miss a call or two but give me a chance at least for returning a call the next day. Finally had the cataract surgery done on right eye on September the 5th. I had a follow up visit on the 11th but they canceled that and rescheduled me for the week after at 8 am without asking me. The doctor wasn't going to be there because he was covering at a hospital in Oakland for another doctor. Wanted to know if I would go to Oakland or Springdale or Monroeville. I'm not chasing a doctor around for him to just look at my eye. What about his patients at Mercy? Why wasn't someone covering for him? Just talked to them again . My second surgery was scheduled for this Friday September 19th. If they couldn't get anyone to check my right eye tomorrow they are going to cancel my Friday surgery!! I am so damn frustrated!! This has been a nightmare! I can't wait till this is over and I'm never going back there. The doctors are professional but the staff , much to be desired! I can't recommend this Vision Center. Hire some more Doctors and staff!

Talk about a state of the art facility they got this French doctor and and they built the place for him it's unbelievable in there everything is futuristic even the elevators the people are all nice at work there it's just a good atmosphere to be in they have a cafeteria you can put as much bacon on your plate as you want sausage and eggs it was delicious I took some pictures of the outside it's just beautiful there and I have to give props to Dr herzig for my son Angelo she's been with him since he was 4 years old he is 17 now and she's a wonderful eye doctor

Waited over an hour for my appointment, and ultimately had to leave because I had to pick up my kid. Lobby was filled with 30-40 patients also waiting.