First of all, Dr. Robinson needs to update his photo. Secondly, I arrived 15 minutes early and his office was closed, locked up tight. When I called the office number, Dr. Robinson answered and said "we" are at the hospital, and your appointment is not until 11:00 a.m.. "We" will be there by 11:00. He did arrive solo, and his receptionist/nurse arrived shortly thereafter. Had she not arrived, I would not have stayed for the appointment. The office is in an old building and is tidy enough, nothing fancy, not updated, nor modern in any way. I was offered tea, coffee and cookies, and the receptionist very polite in conversation but no professional in dress code. Medical receptionists look the part in scrub/uniforms vs mini skirts. Dr. Robinson is by no means dressed for success, no white coat, and in fact smelled a little funky... but aging is not kind to anyone, no matter one's credentials, but I do believe cleanliness is next to Godliness as the saying goes. I hope I received a thorough exam and will know when I fill my new eye-glass prescription as to the validity of the exam itself, in my being able to see things more clearly for the very minimal need I currently have in vision correction, in spite of my own aging. The "eyes of a mid 50's", what a compliment no surgery needed at this point, and no eye-disease. In-line with previous exams, but no one would tell me exactly where my cataracts were at.
Bedside manner a little abrupt, and not enough explanation of the exam process itself in making one feel at ease with chin and forehead resting and much light and pointy objects placed close to one's eyeballs. But again, probably an age thing as patience is less of a virtue, and experts don't like to be questioned in their years of practice. Communication during the exam is more about patient reassurance than questioning a Dr.'s experience.
I have Kaiser Insurance so this exam was paid out of pocket. I was quoted $128 on the phone by receptionist/nurse!; Then quoted $120 in the office by the Doctor, and while filling out paperwork, it was indicated an additional $30 to be collected for new RX exam, which I questioned. The Doctor then advised cost is $80 without the prescription check but $120 all inclusive. I believe $80.00 total would have been a fair and sufficient cost for confirming do I have cataracts or don't I... to which was immediately apparent when my eyes were dilated, and found NOT in a state of readiness or need for surgery; as well as the confirming of do I need new corrected prescription lenses, or not... and Yes, new RX was given.
I will give 2 star rating for now as it was an uncomfortable experience; no one at the office when I arrived, abruptness, and cost discrepancies. I was trying to circumvent Kaiser's insane "order of operations", and I am holding out hope my new glasses will give me that clear vision... versus my current rose color glasses. Once I can see clearly, I will see my way to re-reviewing my current review.
Suggestions: spruce up the office a little paint and updated furnishings/pictures goes a long way. White coast, Doctor's office dress for success no matter one's age, and cleanliness is next to Godliness.
I believe in longevity in careers, and experience. Aging and ageism is hard enough to deal with, so I am not dis-ing the Doc's capabilities nor credentials, but rather suggesting a few tweaks in professionalism.