Reviews of Physicians Eye Care Center (Ophthalmologist)

SAM B.

First they prescribed the wrong strength for my glasses. Then when I tried them on they tried to convince me it was the right strength even though my vision was blurred. Then they return the glasses for replacement. Never called me for a month. When I called to check, they claim they called me. Too many lies and unprofessional carelessness. Spend time chatting in office and not paying attention to their work.

TubaMan

I had a routine eye exam at Physicians Eye Care. I was seen promptly and treated with courtesy and respect. Dr. Etter explained my results when he finished the examination. I will certainly return to this office and commend Dr. Etter and the Staff for a fine job.

Mar Azul

Didn't have anybody helping me out . I came in to the optical area for my Daughters glasses but it seems like no body care. Never wont come back to this Location and will not recommend no one.

Jennifer Grey

Unfriendly doctor, poor communication among staff within office, & billing issues galore. Not worth the headache.

SAM B.

First they prescribed the wrong strength for my glasses. Then when I tried them on they tried to convince me it was the right strength even though my vision was blurred. Then they return the glasses for replacement. Never called me for a month. When I called to check, they claim they called me. Too many lies and unprofessional carelessness. Spend time chatting in office and not paying attention to their work.

H Scott

I'm never going back to this office. They charge you extra for EVERYTHING! They only give you a one year prescription (state of MD allows 2 years but this office wants you to come back every year to pay for a new visit, even my teens who do not need a yearly exam). They require you to make an extra appointment for contacts and of course they charge you again. My teenage daughter broke her glasses the week before school started and they were absolutely terrible to work with. Her prescription had just expired, and I explained that Dr Warden had told me my daughter did not need to come back for 2 years, but the staff would not take the steps needed to extend her one year prescription even for this urgent situation. It was ridiculous! I had to call 4 times, explain it to 3 different people, and they would not help me. They said to get a quick prescription for her I had to pay an additional $35 and then pay full price for a full exam 6 weeks later. I was not going to pay more money for a prescription that should have been valid and they did not care that my daughter would have to spend the first 6 weeks of school unable to see the chalkboard. Unfriendly, uncaring, unhelpful staff and extra fees, no, thank you! I am done.

Helena Newman

I did not have to wait long for my eye appointment and was seen rather quickly. The lady who helped me with my glasses was nice and very understanding. When I went to get contact lenses the lady was horrible! I informed her I had been using a specific brand of contact lenses in the past and was pleased with them. She brushed me off and told me she was the professional and that the kind of contact lenes I had been using was trash. The sealed the deal for me. I asked for my prescription for contact lenses and ordered them online. I don't remember her name because she was so rude I didn't feel it was necessary.

Helena Newman

I did not have to wait long for my eye appointment and was seen rather quickly. The lady who helped me with my glasses was nice and very understanding. When I went to get contact lenses the lady was horrible! I informed her I had been using a specific brand of contact lenses in the past and was pleased with them. She brushed me off and told me she was the professional and that the kind of contact lenes I had been using was trash. The sealed the deal for me. I asked for my prescription for contact lenses and ordered them online. I don't remember her name because she was so rude I didn't feel it was necessary.

Katie D

I noticed some negative reviews, but I have had a great experience here with front desk, Dr. Warden, picking out new glasses, and ordering/picking up contacts. Marla is always accommodating with contacts and makes sure you get the best deal for your insurance. The other ladies at the front went out of their way for me one day when I was in a pinch and arrived right before they closed. I've had no problems!

Ben Weikel

I tried to find an eye doctor for my wife, she has had trouble finding a good place between her very busy work schedule and some bad luck with unprofessional establishments. Since my own eye doctor no longer takes our insurance, I recommended she go to this practice as they looked professional. Unfortunately when she arrived for her appointment, she was told they could only do an eye exam at that time and she would have to schedule another appointment for the contacts portion of the exam. I've never heard of such a thing and they made no mention of it when I scheduled her appointment. She won't be back and I wouldn't recommend this practice if you don't have time for multiple visits.

Shashi Sivakumar

Extremely unfriendly and R-U-D-E staff. They mouth off, even if you ask them for simple stuff like when would my lenses arrive, what's the next available appointment date....They seem to be in an eternal state of irritation. I saw two other people being told in a LOUD voice some simple instruction about their contact lenses, right in front of me. I (a doctor) was YELLED at by the front desk lady for "just taking my lenses and running without paying". I readily handed her my credit card while explaining that I was not told about the charge ahead of time. I think these positive reviews are FAKE. The staff probably just wrote it themselves....they are nowhere even close to friendly to patients!!! Absolutely no courtesy or politeness!!

S to the H

Dr. Etter is my eye doctor and has been the ophthalmologist for essentially my entire family as well as my wife's family. We've seen him for routine eye care as well as complex eye issues and in all instances - he has provided us the best of care. Recently, I sent a good friend of mine to see him with a very complicated retinal emergency. Dr. Etter fit him in immediately and took great care of him.

Craig Sauerwalt

I have been a client for several years - some hiccups, and I liked the doctors, but after today I will no longer be a client. I requested my measurements for my previous glasses (which I paid over $700 for), and, after telling me on the phone i could come into the Columbia office to get them, they refused to give them to me, even though they are part of my medical records! Clearly, it is more important to them to try and milk every last dollar out of every patient than it is to provide basic customer service. Visit them at your risk.

Cindy Mann

Once I get my glasses I won't be going back. Same as what others posted, exam was done by tech. When the Dr saw me, it felt rushed. Ordered my new glasses and they came in with a different frame and no tint. Felt pressured to pay for them and try them out then bring back, which I did. It has been almost two weeks, and no glasses and they have my money. Called today, they said they'd call me back....

Thomas Parker

I have been going here for at least 10 years + and am very happy with the service i have received. I have never waited long to get seen and am in and out of there within the hour. i have ordered glasses and have always been happy with the results. Staff and Dr's are very friendly. Reading some of the other reviews it seems others may have had different experiences, but I have ALWAYS had great service

Dawn Berkowitz

Very positive review for Dr. Etter, both for medical expertise and bedside manner. He has examined my eyes as well as my young son's eyes several times and we have always been extremely impressed with his care. He takes his time, is thorough and always makes you feel at-ease. Truly a wonderful eye doctor.

Sam h

This was my first time as a patient. I will not be using them in the future. I have many of the same concerns posted by other patients: 1. The doctor doesn't actually do most of the exam. It was conducted by a tech who seemingly had little enthusiasm, and made no attempt to find out much of anything about me as a new patient or a person. 2. When the exam was over I was handed off to the actual doctor who failed to introduce herself, and abruptly started in with the second part of the exam. I finally stopped her and asked "who are you?" to which she apologized and explained her position It certainly added to the feeling that as a new patient, I was just a number and getting me in an out quickly was the primary objective. 3. When it came time to order the lens, I was told that the technician was off for two days and no one could place the order until she returned! This meant waiting 2 extra days before anyone would even act on the results of the exam. I was told that there are 6 doctors who work out of this office and yet they have only 1(ONE) person who can order and fit contact lenses! It certainly gave me impression that the patient's scheduling needs are secondary to the office's staffing decisions. 4. They also dilated my pupils (something I was not warned about in advance) and even though they offered sunglasses, I was glad I had not driven there alone. A heads up would have been nice. Bottom Line - The failure of the doctor to introduce herself or find out much of anything about who I was, the seemingly unenthusiastic tech who actually handles most of the exam, and the fact that the ordering and fitting process grinds to a halt if just 1 person is out, makes me feel like this is not the kind of establishment that sees patients as much more than a revenue source. I must, however, point out that the office manager and tech who placed the order were both indeed great to work with. They listened to my concerns and did their best to address them, although in the end, there wasn't much either could do. I would certainly welcome a response from the owners if they feel my perceptions are in error.

Alyson Manber

I LOVE this eye doc and I've always had a very positive experience at this practice. Dr Etter has been awesome! He's always taken the time to listen to any and all of my concerns. He's also really thorough-- I would recommend him or this practice highly!

Rebecca Davis

I have seen Dr. Etter numerous times as a patient and I have to say that he is a truly wonderful physician. He is a great listener and always makes sure to answer all of my questions. I have tremendous confidence in his expertise and wish all of my doctors could be like him. He has fitted me for contacts and glasses several times and I have always been quite satisfied with his prescriptions.

Kirit Parmar

Dr. Sussell is great. Trust him always. Have also seen Dr. Etter here and he too knows his stuff and has great bedside manners. Was seen by another Doctor here and was scared to death - Office staff.....unhh.

Cindy Mann

Once I get my glasses I won't be going back. Same as what others posted, exam was done by tech. When the Dr saw me, it felt rushed. Ordered my new glasses and they came in with a different frame and no tint. Felt pressured to pay for them and try them out then bring back, which I did. It has been almost two weeks, and no glasses and they have my money. Called today, they said they'd call me back....

Thomas Parker

I have been going here for at least 10 years + and am very happy with the service i have received. I have never waited long to get seen and am in and out of there within the hour. i have ordered glasses and have always been happy with the results. Staff and Dr's are very friendly. Reading some of the other reviews it seems others may have had different experiences, but I have ALWAYS had great service

Robin Lancaster

Got my lasix procedure here. They were phenomenal. Pre and post op and check ups have all been wonderful experiences!!

Lucie M

Called to make an appointment for contacts, Front desk asked if I had a eye exam done already and if I just wanted to change contacts, I confirmed(I have to get a regular eye exam before going to Marla) like I have done before. They transferred me to Marla Hoiler, she asked where I had my eye exam done, I let her know the same place I have done since I started going there she then rudely said I had to get contacts from them instead of Physicians Eye Care.

J.D. Sassafrass

Oh my God do any of the locations answer the phones!? Been trying to schedule an appointment for 2 days now!

Sammy Lerch

Staff was great and accommodating to fit us in at the end of their day! Really appreciate that that were able to fit us in before closing!

Halloween Hashtag

I have been going to Physicians Eye Care in Columbia for the last few years. I have always had great customer service. The office personnel know what they are doing and if one doctor’s intake coordinator is busier than the other they help each other out. The technicians are friendly and I’ve never waited more than a few minutes to be called back for my exam. Dr. Warden is very professional. She takes time to listen to her patients so she can provide what they need regarding their vision. Christine in the Optical Shop is great! She has years of experience working in eyeglass dispensary, in fact I believe she owned her own optical shop in NY before moving to MD. She is helpful and professional. She asks all the right questions like what’s your style, where will you be wearing your glasses, are they everyday wear or occasional wear - so that the patient gets the right glasses for their needs. I’ve been to several eye care run-of-the-mill centers in the 20+ years that I’ve needed vision and eye care needs. Physicians Eye Care is definitely recommended if you’re looking for a trusting medical, professional and compassionate eye care provider.

Lucie M

Called to make an appointment for contacts, Front desk asked if I had a eye exam done already and if I just wanted to change contacts, I confirmed(I have to get a regular eye exam before going to Marla) like I have done before. They transferred me to Marla Hoiler, she asked where I had my eye exam done, I let her know the same place I have done since I started going there she then rudely said I had to get contacts from them instead of Physicians Eye Care.

J.D. Sassafrass

Oh my God do any of the locations answer the phones!? Been trying to schedule an appointment for 2 days now!

Sammy Lerch

Staff was great and accommodating to fit us in at the end of their day! Really appreciate that that were able to fit us in before closing!

Tiffany Wade

I set up an appointment with this Doctors Office and despite the bad reviews I decided to try the office out for myself. The Billing Department leaves a lot to be desired. I came prepared with my insurance card and ID and the Billing Department still billed incorrectly. I was billed the large portion of the bill and they never submitted a claim to my insurance company. When I called to speak with them their Customer Service was poor. I will not recommend this office at all. Please listen to the reviews find another Eye Facility to go to.

Lps Ege

I have been going to Physicians Eye Care in Columbia for the last few years. I have always had great customer service. The office personnel know what they are doing and if one doctor’s intake coordinator is busier than the other they help each other out. The technicians are friendly and I’ve never waited more than a few minutes to be called back for my exam. Dr. Warden is very professional. She takes time to listen to her patients so she can provide what they need regarding their vision. Christine in the Optical Shop is great! She has years of experience working in eyeglass dispensary, in fact I believe she owned her own optical shop in NY before moving to MD. She is helpful and professional. She asks all the right questions like what’s your style, where will you be wearing your glasses, are they everyday wear or occasional wear - so that the patient gets the right glasses for their needs. I’ve been to several eye care run-of-the-mill centers in the 20+ years that I’ve needed vision and eye care needs. Physicians Eye Care is definitely recommended if you’re looking for a trusting medical, professional and compassionate eye care provider.

Samantha Hack

I won't be going back. 95% of the exam was performed by a tech who was either deeply bored or annoyed. At least I assume she was a tech since she didn't introduce herself, tell me her position, or tell me what she was going to do. When she asked if there was anything I wanted to talk to the doctor about and I said headaches she immediately dismissed it saying headaches aren't usually related to vision. Even if that's true, I'd rather hear an actual doctor's opinion on it and I certainly wouldn't feel very comfortable raising any other concerns with this person. Seems like they are focused on maximum profit, not quality of care.

Erin Davis

I recently saw Dr. Etter at the newly renovated Columbia office. I was so happy my primary care doctor referred me to the him. The staff at the office was extremely friendly and welcoming. I had a fabulous experience with Dr. Etter. He spent a ton of time with me on discussing my dry eye issues and a complex cornea problem. He had a great bedside manner and I will definitely be seeing him again for all my ophlomology follow up.

Jacques E

I am a current patient at Physicians Eye Care and I have nothing but very positive things to say about my care there. I have always received very thorough eye exams there from their great doctors and have also been extremely pleased with their contact lens service. Before becoming a patient at Physicians Eye Care, there was nobody who was able to provide me with well-fitting contact lenses as I have very steep corneas....that all changed after I saw their contact lens fitter (Marla). She was extremely patient with me and was able to provide me with an amazing contact lens prescription that fit perfectly! I also like that this practice uses the most cutting-edge technology. Really a truly fabulous practice.

Shay B

Run and run fast. Do not look back. It will save you money, time and aggravation. 1) they book your eye exam, when you show up they dilate your eyes (who does that anymore?! This isn't the '50s), but they never tell you that ahead of time so that you can plan b/c, obviously, who needs to see beyond your nose or safely operate a motor vehicle to get home? Then they'll push you to pick out new frames while you're waiting for your pupils to return to normal. Pft, who needs see what any frames look like on you, do you?! Bottom line: the front desk people are rude on the phone, they require TWO appointments - one for your eye exam and one for contact lenses (who does that? they hung up on my husband when he asked them why he needed 2 appointments), they take your money (and lots of it), make mistakes with your glasses, give you an attitude when you point out an error and then don't even acknowledge you when you come in and try to talk to them... Christine in the opticians' section of this office refused to help me, refused to call my insurance and told me I had to call them. I did. They contradicted Christine's claim. I told her that, but she was so difficult and unfriendly, that I just got got my glasses and got out. I did not want to spend another minute there or waste another moment with this clown-operation. They wasted my insurance benefit, wasted $400 out of pocket. The front desk people are rude, Dr Wexler "could not see" an issue after dilating the pupils (we have 10 years worth of images from a different provider which show the issue; he did not want those records), they use antiquated technology and seem to be driven only by how much money they can collect from insurance and patients' pockets. The office in Ellicott City is no different. The same applies to them. Plus their frames selection is sub par. It must be their corporate culture and standard: take as much money as you can and provide poor / nonexistent service. NEVER AGAIN.