Vanderbilt Eye Institute Lebanon

Vanderbilt Eye Institute - Lebanon 1670 West Main Street, Suite 100 Lebanon, TN 37087 I want to share my sincere appreciation for Dr. Jeffrey A. Kammer, MD and the wonderful team at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Lebanon. I recently had cataract surgery on both of my eyes -- two separate procedures -- and the care I received before, during, and after each one was exceptional. From the very beginning, Dr. Kammer made me feel comfortable and confident. He explained everything clearly and patiently, never rushing me or making me feel like I was asking too many questions. I also truly appreciate how pleasant and positive he is. He has a natural warmth about him -- always smiling and speaking kindly -- and he has an easygoing manner that puts you at ease without ever feeling unprofessional. His bedside manner is reassuring and genuine, and it helped calm my nerves both times. At 78 years old, I've had plenty of appointments where I felt brushed aside, but Dr. Kammer always treated me with respect and real care. While I was in pre-op, I also noticed something that left a lasting impression on me. All of the nurses were smiling, interacting kindly with one another, and seemed genuinely happy to be there. Whether that's just who they are or the result of a well-run team, the environment felt uplifting. There was a hum of cooperation and positivity in the room -- a shared culture that everyone seemed to embody. It made me feel warm, reassured, and confident that everything was going to be okay. For my first eye, my pre-op nurse was Kim Watkins, and she was especially helpful and attentive. She was gentle, patient, and calming at a moment when I was nervous. She explained what was happening and made sure I was comfortable, and she treated me like a person, not just another patient to get through. Her kindness meant so much to me. After that first surgery, Barb, my recovery nurse, took such good care of me. She was sweet, patient, and comforting. She checked on me frequently, made sure I felt steady, and didn't rush me at all. Recovering from surgery can make you feel vulnerable, but Barb made me feel safe and supported. When I had my second eye done, my pre-op nurse was Taylor Gibbs, who was just as friendly and compassionate as the rest of the team. Taylor talked me through everything, listened to my concerns, and helped ease the little bit of anxiety I still had. She made a point to treat me with kindness and dignity, and I appreciated that so much. Every nurse I interacted with at this location was warm, capable, and thoughtful. They were professional without being cold, kind without being superficial, and -- something that really matters to me -- they actually took the time to listen. Thanks to Dr. Kammer and his wonderful team, both surgeries went smoothly, and I felt supported every step of the way. My vision is clear again, and I'm deeply grateful for the skill, compassion, and genuine humanity they showed me throughout the entire process. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Kammer and the Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Lebanon to anyone needing eye care. They are exceptional people providing exceptional care.

My eight-year-old son has been struggling with his vision. We've taken him to several eye doctors and have bought him glasses, but his vision was still blurry. Scheduling a visit over the phone was extremely frustrating and took about six months. Initially, they canceled our appointment without reason which delayed even more. On the other hand, I highly recommend the location in Lebanon and the staff there. Everyone there was extremely professional, courteous, caring, and they were able to identify the problem quickly.

I was referred here from Southeast Eye Specialist due to needing some additional resources available at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt Eye institute has been one of the few places I've been to recently that hasn't over charged me after insurance. They also keep their appointment times and take their time with you to come up with a plan specifically tailored to you and answering all your questions without rushing you at all. The doctors are also a team, no hesitating to refer you to each other or sharing your case if it is in your best interest and works with your schedule. Even doing so, nothing was lost between visits and the doctors always seemed up to date on the appointments, so communication between the doctors there appears to be strong as well.

The entire team here is welcoming and kind. I highly recommend this facility. My twin boys were seen here by Dr. Donahue and he is excellent, super fast, precise and has great bedside manor, especially for what can appear to be an a quite intense infant eye exam. This appt was my son's 3rd exam and first time post nicu stay. My son's were screened for ROP, immature retinas by Dr. Donahue and he performed the exam with the utmost precision and speed! You're the best! Thank you Dr. Donahue

Do not recommend for routine eye care - the provider (the actual MD) stated "well that's Vanderbilt for you" after I waited over 2 hours to be seen by the doctor and discussed frustration with navigating their specialty. It is unacceptable that a healthy person cannot receive preventive care due to this clinic specializing in those with medical eye needs- yet don't disclose that and then act like I'm a waste of their time. I am glad there is a location in Lebanon to meet complex medical eye needs but don't treat routine eyes as less than a patient for going to this clinic (per how I was scheduled by the clinic!!!)....Vanderbilt Adult care is better than this and this clinic should be too.

I wanted to see an ophthalmologist due to my rapidly changing vision. I also wanted to discuss the possibility of laser surgery to correct my vision. When I called to set up the appointment I was on the phone for about 15 minutes answering all kinds of questions. Most of the questions seemed to be about my ability to pay. (Always a red flag that you are just a dollar sign to the business.) I felt like I got lucky because there was an open spot on the schedule for the next day. Prior to leaving my house for the appointment I got a call from the office questioning me even further about why I wanted to come in. The caller stated that the doctors in the office are highly trained and don't see people that "just need an eye exam." Again I was questioned about my ability to pay. Even asked if I was prepared for over two hundred dollars. My ability to pay wasn't an issue, I was looking for care beyond what I had been able to get at my regular optometrist. After being insulted concerning my ability to pay and made to feel that my problems didn't merit the care of these celebrity doctors, I simply told her to cancel the appointment and I'd find a doctor that actually wanted to see me. If you are looking for a doctor's office treat you with contempt and disrespect, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU.

I couldn't be more pleased with Dr. Mather. My wife and I both see her at the Carthage office. We had zero wait time on the recent visit. Staff is friendly and Dr. Mather is highly competent and effective at communicating with patients. I would not hesitate to recommend her.

So Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Lebanon actually refused to se an 84 year old man who is losing his sight due to cataracts because they don't self pay. I asked the front desk to talk to an eye specialist regarding my very elderly father, a U.S. citizen who very recently returned to the USA from living out of country for decades. He missed open enrollment for Medicare part B but still retained his part A coverage. He wanted to CASH/SELF pay up front all costs to see a doctor and pay for all office exams. If cataract surgery was necessary Part A (under outpatient surgery) would pay for cataract removal. This so called caring spirit as stated in their mission statement was nothing but caring and personalized. Without even being able to discuss with an actual doctor their billing agent informed me that they would not see him because he had no insurance. I was dismissed without further explanation, discussion, or information. Shame on Vanderbilt Eye Institute of Lebanon!! I will be posting this on my social media and shouting from rooftops about this horrible uncaring dehumanizing establishment!