Austin Retina Associates - Central

I needed to go back in here due to reaction to very first shot ever for being occlusion. Everyone extremely kind and caring; I was treated with utmost care, fit into schedule and rotated through testing without hurry. Doctor extremely thorough, saying no infection but probably reaction to prep drop--noted record to change type. ALL staff here excellent; doctors also.

Employees were very professional and and made me feel very comfortable. I expected more imput from my Doctor. I noticed that he did mention something about my right eye and ask a doctor who was shadowing him to examine my eye and observe (?). I assume that because it was not dealing with the retina, he did not have a fiduciary duty to explain what else he saw there. The 2 minute consultation was too brief and did not satisfy my need to know why I can't read without my cheaters.

Austin Retina Associates is the largest retina specialist clinic in the area and I was sent here by my ophthalmologist. The doctors are very good, and the staff are running around like crazy because the clinic is always very busy. My only criticism is that maybe they could be a little bit more efficient, But that's how all doctors offices are because they don't know what's going to come up during the day. I think going here first thing in the morning would be a much more streamlined experience than later in the day when I usually go. Other than that, this clinic is great. Their equipment is very modern and all the staff are well trained. It is on the second floor of the building, which is right on the corner of 38th St. and West. So it's sort of across the street from Seton heart. The easiest thing is to drive up into the parking garage of this building to the second floor, and then when you walk directly into the building on the second floor, it's right in front of you. Update. I am knocking the office down one star because the staff doesn't seem to really be on top of things. My doctor told me to contact somebody at Texas retina in Dallas, so I did, and they told me to relay a couple of things back to him. So I went back in the office and told The front office this. Somebody came back to get the details, which I told him, and he told me he was going to go back and tell my doctor and he would be back in a minute, just to let me know. More than half an hour later the office is closing, and he had never come back. I had an appointment so I had to go And when I let them know this somebody else came back to tell me that the doctor had left. Then the guy who I talked to first came walking by on his way out to go home for the day! Apparently it never occurred to him that he told me he was going to be right back out to tell me and that I was waiting for him! And it was the end of the day so it was not busy at all. So I sat there for more than half an hour for nothing and was also late to my appointment. This is not very good. The doctors are great, and the facility is great, but this definitely needs work.

They were able to diagnose my problem quickly. The staff was friendly and Dr. Wong was great. He was very good at alleviating my anxiety regarding treatment.

There is so much to like about Austin Retina. I've been a frequent patient of Dr. Martinez for over a decade and have also seen many other doctors when he was not available. Their front office is accessible - I never have to wait on hold for more than a minute or two. Their techs and administrative personnel are consistently caring, friendly and professional and work hard to create a calming environment. This means a lot, considering retinal issues are concerning to patients. The entire team is intentional about creating a serene, almost spa-like environment despite their rather large waiting areas. Every detail is considered. For example, they dim harsh lights to make it more comfortable on dilated eyes and quietly walk through the waiting area calling patients names in soft voices rather than loudly calling patients from across the room. I never feel rushed by the doctors. They are happy to take as much time as needed to talk you through your issues and discuss treatment options. They are reassuring, even when the news is not what you hope for. You should plan for an office visit to take several hours because their assessment is so thorough. In my opinion a few hours is a small price to pay to protect your gift of sight. I highly recommend Austin Retina.

Everything else has been great the doctors and staff are professional, kind, and caring. The only area that could use some improvement is scheduling follow up appointments for elderly patients. It would be helpful if the front desk could take age and comfort into consideration, as early morning appointments can be challenging, especially for an 80-year-old during winter. We'll manage, but I hope this feedback helps the team make small adjustments to better accommodate senior patients.

The wait was very long. I was told to arrive 30 minutes before my appointment time. I was not seen until 40 minutes after my appointment time. There was not enough seating for everyone in either of the waiting rooms. The assistants felt quite rushed and had not read the visit notes. The doctor was knowledgeable and thorough. I did have to call back about an rx that was supposed to be called in to have it called in again as it was 'lost' the first time.

From entry to departure, everyone was pleasant and professional! The appointment was very long- from 1:30-4 pm but, that being said, I had multiple tests and eye dilation so that accounts for nearly all of it. I trust Dr Patel explicitly with my vision and appreciate his thoroughness. Staff is just outstanding! All in all, I wouldn't consider seeing anyone else for my vision needs.