Reviews of Valley Eye Associates (Ophthalmologist)

Tricia Frederickson

My family and I have been coming to Valley Eye Associates for as long as I can remember. Wonderful staff and knowledgeable doctors!

Jason Hamre

I'm a 31-year old male with moderate keratoconus in my left eye. I couldn't have asked for better care from Dr. Vrabec and the staff at Valley Eye. The whole process of the INTAC ocular implant, corneal crosslinking and scleral contact fitting (completed by Dr. Abata) was as painless and worry-free as possible. Dr. Abata was incredible during my scleral contact fitting and Valley Eye has worked with me throughout this whole process. I definitely recommend Valley Eye for any KC patients living in the Mid-West looking for expert treatment.

Sarah Wilhelm

****This review is not related to their customer service, only the service provided. Their customer service was fine for both our procedures.**** My husband got LASIK 2 years ago with Dr Vrabec. I've also had the LASIK procedure, about 6 years ago, I had a good experience and my eyes are fine. However, after paying another $4,000 for my husband to have it done, he seriously regrets it. One of his eyes has been permanently blurry and extremely dry now. He has to take prescription eye drops multiple times a day with no relief, and we spent over $1,000 on a dry-eye procedure that did nothing to help. He's talking about needing glasses again! Horrible experience for him. He did not have dry eyes before this procedure, and they do a dry eye test as part of the eval to see if you are even a candidate for surgery. Dr Vrabec's office can't do anything for us. My husband said they had an issue cutting the flap on that eye and he's thinking something must have gone wrong during the procedure. After spending thousands trying to fix this, they won't even cover the cost of him coming back for another evaluation to see if it can be fixed. Not happy his eye is permanently messed up in his 20's.

Andy

$$$$$ OUTRAGEOUS PRICES!!! $$$$$ $329 for a Comprehensive eye exam! OUTRAGEOUS! They will NOT budge if you dispute the high cost. I talked to Kelsy and her supervisor Cindy in billing, they both were non-caring, "It's your responsibility." Compare to Walmart at $59 for the same comprehensive exam, including dilation, or even a cursory survey of independent optometrists...all under $100. Gone are the days of walking into a caregiver and expecting a price inline with competitors. There was NOTHING special about this exam that I have always had for well under $100. I don't even need glasses! You must find out prices BEFORE you go! Ok, it's my responsibility. I accept that Valley Eye Associates blindsided me, I will pay the $329. I cannot imagine what the cost of other services is, but I won't be finding out. They have lost a customer and I will be posting my experience EVERYWHERE I CAN. Edit: Response to the owner of Valley Eye Associates: There was no problem with my insurance,to say so is to divert attention away from the true issue I have with Valley Eye Associates: THE OUTRAGEOUS COST of a routine eye exam! Again, I urge consumers to call around. I did call around (after the fact) and I cannot find anyone even approaching the costs of Valley Eye Associates high price. Please do tell what "more thorough exam" than your lower cost peers entails. I'm sure many of the Optometrists in the Valley would like to know how the Optometrist at Valley Eye Associates is providing a more thorough exam than they are, or at least get a good chuckle. I have received the EXACT same exam at other private optometrists for the same $59 price Walmart currently charges. To say that you care for more than just correcting my vision, that it is the health of my eye that warrants such an OUTRAGEOUS price, is ridiculous. Every Optometrist is ethically bound to care for the health of their patient's eyes. I don't believe Valley Eye Associates care more or less for the health of my eyes than the Optometrists at Walmart, Target, or any of the many other private providers in the Valley. However, I do believe Valley Eye Associates does not care one little bit about my pocket book. See other reviews for confirmation of my grievance.

Darlene Roebke

Dr. Vrabec and his staff were amazing! They took the time to make sure that I was aware of what was going to happen. Staff was very friendly from start to finish! Couldn't ask for a better team! Thank you for changing my life!!

Linda Lorenz

Dr. Romatz is amazing...she helped me through controlling my eye pressures and cataracts. Multiple visits to get it right and really appreciated all the time she spent with me. Always ready to not only answer my questions, but be proactive to find a solution. Definitely would recommend Valley Eye to my friends!

Joel Bournival

I had Lasik surgery done in September 2012. I thought the whole process went good. I went in for my consultation where they made sure I was a good candidate for it, then explained exactly how the surgery would go and laid out the costs so there were not any surprises. The surgery wasn't bad at all. The doctor explained what he was doing along the way and I didn't feel any pain. For a little while after surgery I did have some blurry vision at times and they said it was due to dry spots on my eyes. Eventually, it seemed to get better. After almost 4 years I am so happy I don't need my glasses or contacts. I would definitely recommend them. Tammy

Matt Mahoney

I wish I had selected a different facility for my Lasik because dealing with the staff at Valley Eye Associates (VEA) has been a nightmare, quite frankly; I would have rather gotten Lasik done off of Groupon. Dr. Vrabec is a talented surgeon, but the business-side of this practice needs some serious overhauling and help. Multiple times I have had to call Valley Eye daily to ask for an update on prior authorization completion and then wait weeks for staff to complete a prior authorization for a medication. So by the time insurance even gets the prior authorization, I have been out of the medication for 1-2 weeks, and then am guaranteed to be out of the medication for another 2 weeks due to insurance processing. VEA staff have told me this is completely normal for them and they don't think it's a good use of their time to do prior authorizations as insurance rarely approves them anyways (which is not true), so then I asked why they even bother prescribing medications if they're not going to follow the process of actually allowing the patient to fill the prescription. Additionally, in my surgery contract that I signed and was drafted and signed by VEA staff, it was stated that I would receive a 1 week post-op appointment and that all my post-op care was to be transferred to a doctor in Chicago (since that's where I live, but had Lasik done in Appleton, where my parents live, so I could guarantee I would have a driver to/from my Lasik surgery). When time came for my post-op appointments I was informed that Dr. Vrabec didn't know of any doctors in Chicago to transfer my post-op care to, and this came after the 1 week post-op appointment was due (so that appointment I paid for as part of my surgery package was completely missed). I've now incurred additional costs I was not budgeting (additional PTO, gas & mileage driving back and forth to Appleton). I've spent countless hours on the phone with VEA staff educating them on the fact that this constitutes as a breach of contract, but have gotten nowhere. I've asked for a refund just for the 1-week post-op appointment that was paid for and I never received, and was told no. I've never been offered to speak to Dr. Vrabec directly to try and resolve this issue. Furthermore, the staff doesn't get it as I've been told they don't understand why I am so upset and that they feel they've been very accommodating and held up their end of the agreement.

Vern Drechsler

I had both of my cataracts removed and replaced with new lenses by Dr Vrabec and his staff. The expertise on the Drs part and the professionalism and comfort provided by he staff, was exemplary. The quality experience was consistent for both eyes. Recovery was most pleasant: there was little to no discomfort, while next morning provided a brighter and greatly improved vision. I have and will continue to recommend, to anyone with cataract or other serious eye issues, Dr Vrabec and his staff.

me too

Friendly and professional. They don't pressure to do anything until you are ready. They measure, check and double check everything to make sure everything is done right the first time. Very Satisfied! Amanda Moede

Anny Danson

I brought both my son, and daughter in for their first eye exam. They did a very thorough job, and I was very impressed with their attention to detail. My daughter ended up needing glasses, and I felt like they gave quality information and helped keep my mind as ease. This was our first time, but I will definitely be bringing the whole family in for a check up.

Joellen Luedke

Very Friendly and Calming Staff!

Andrea Archambo

The doctors in the practice are nice but I waited an hour to have my son seen. This seems a little ridiculous for a routine eye exam. It would have been nice to be warned that the doctor was running late. Also beware, the optical place within the same office doesn't necessary take the same insurance as the ophthalmologist. I have never in 30 years of wearing glasses; had the doctors covered by insurance, but not the eyeglasses themselves. Crazy!

Merry Butler

I never would have hesitated going to see the eye doctor this long if I would have known it was this easy! I no sooner checked in with my information and I was in an examining room. Everyone was very friendly, informative, and professional. My appointment was over before I knew it and I was on my way. They made it all a pleasing experience! I will be back next year...Thank you everyone.

Jamie Lynn

For about two years, I have been experiencing a very red eye with swelling, numbness, pain, and intermittent decline in vision. As of yet, they have been unable to find a cause despite numerous appointments (and bills).

Terri Morrison

Very inconvenient for people who work till 5 or later when trying to look for glasses or pick anything up. Then closed on Saturday’s.

Tara Parkhurst

We have been going to Dr. Brown since we moved to the area fifteen years ago and are always pleased with our appointments.

John L

I'm going to compare the two places I have experience with and then give you some detail on my valley eye experience. I had Lasik done by Alexander eye institute 20 years ago. Once you give them your money, you are no longer important to them. I'm going to bite my tongue and not share several stories that are very bad about Alexander. I found the exact opposite with Valley Eye. I just had "cataract surgery" done at Valley Eye. I don't have cataracts, but got the lens implant. Every doctor is awesome. Could not ask for better. All of the assistants are super friendly as well. They tell you that once you have the implant on one eye, for sure get the second eye done. That may be true for most, but if I could go back in time, i would have not had my second eye done and I would have saved $3900. For me, if the first eye doesn't turn out with great vision, why would you continue with the second time. now I have spent $7800 and can't read most signs that are in the distance. My overall vision is a little better now than prior to the surgery, however, my stigmitism was not fully corrected and its difficult for me to read at distance. Love the doctors, their communications and my experience, but the results of my eyesight are disappointing. Prior to my second eye receiving the implant, they said "your vision should turn out as good with the implant than it is with the contact you wore, if it doesn't, we'll touch it up with lasic". After the surgery was complete, and my vision no where near as good as with the contact lens, they said that lasic is too risky for me - if they would have said that prior to the surgery, i would have never had the second eye done. I rated them a three because their care and service is so good - 5 star. The quality of my eyesight is a two out of five, and their mistake on telling me they could touch up my eyesight with lasic is poor. John L

Hannah Holley

The team at VEA was exceptional. From the initial LASIK consultations all the way through my follow up appointments, I had all the information I needed and felt I was in good hands. I now have 20/20 vision and couldn’t be happier!

Diane Richardson

Have gone here for 5 years now and find it to be pleasant and informative. They meet my needs well, especially because I am on a glaucoma watch as well as have a cataract they're monitoring.

SeeSee Vaj

This place is terrible. I waited over 35 minutes to see the opthamologist and I could hear him in the hall talking to other people. It did not seem like he even did a thorough eye check on me, it was so quick. To make matters even worse, when I went to buy glasses, the lady helping me just gave me a rude look the whole time, practically breathing on me to pick a pair of glasses right then and there when she just started to help me. I will never go back to this place. My money and time is better spent elsewhere.

Joe Steiner

Great place and people

Allison Blair

Excellent doctors and staff.

matthew granatella

I would recommend that you ask about all charges before going to Valley Eye Associates. I ended up with a bill for $279 for a routine eye exam that insurance would not cover for my son. $279 for an eye exam! They would rather squeeze that money out of me than have my repeat business. That says a lot about the value they place on their customer service. Shame on you Valley Eye Associates.

Rev Fr Andrew Smith OPoc

I have been seeing Dr Melchert for 3 years now. I find her professionalism as well as that of the entire staff at the Oshkosh office to be exemplary.

clara walotka

Absolutely love Valley Eye Associates! All the staff are so pleasant and welcoming! I see Dr. Brown and really appreciate his thorough exams and really listens to you and treats you like a patient instead of a number like the chain store opticals do. I recommend Dr. Brown and Valley Eye Associates to everyone I know because they are truly a one of a kind place!

Tina Peterson

Dr. Melchert was excellent. Reception and the nurse I interacted with were great as well.

Chad Giackino

The testing was great.. My son and I both enjoyed the routine eye exam until we received the bill... For one routine eye exam it was 329.00./ person. I got a bill for my son and I for a total of $658.00 .. WHAT! ., Called them and it was not a mistake. . Nothing was done that was out of the ordinary.. .. That's very disturbing.

Neil Wait

Fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff was incredibly friendly, and went out of their way to answer all questions that I had before the surgery. Dr. Vrabec called me personally on the night before the procedure to see if I had any final questions, which was unexpected, and a wonderful touch. I had long feared having LASIK surgery, but everyone here put me at ease before, during and after the procedure. I couldn't be happier with the results, and my only regret is not having it done sooner!

Pam Gast

I cannot say enough about the wonderful people at Valley Eye Associates. My cataract surgery went wonderful. All of the staff were so caring and helpful. Answered all my questions and made me feel so at ease right from the beginning. Dr.Vrabeck was absolutely awesome!! He called me the night before my surgery to see if I had any other questions!! What surgeon does that. I was so impressed with the care and concern for my comfort. I would recommend them to anyone who is having any kind of eye surgery. They are great!!

Scott Kelsey

After reading several reviews here I respect everyone's opinion, and although I have never done a review I feel the need too. I did my research before going to Valley Eye. I sought out Dr. Vrabec for his expertise on Keratoconus. On 01/18/2018 and 02/19/2018 I had two separate surgeries to correct this condition. The first surgery included Intacs and the second was Corneal cross-linking. I have to say the whole process has been extremely pleasant. From consultation with the doctors to the schedulers, to the technicians. Everyone has been very kind, thoughtful during the surgeries; to very prompt with my appointment times and not having to wait. I have been having issues with my insurance, but the billing department has been so helpful in putting together the required information for my insurer. I am very pleased with my experiences with Valley Eye.

Chris Sprotte

Thanks for erasing my review. It was terrible customer service, waited 2 months for the initial appointment and when it comes time (yesterday) for my appointment they close early and reschedule me which is fine but the rescheduled appointment was 2 months down the line! No thank you I'll take my business elsewhere.

ALICE baehman

Everyone is always friendly. My only problem was the process of setting up my recent cataract surgery procedure. Mine might have been not a frequent occurrence, but I set up the dates for my cataract exam and 2 dates for my surgery end of July and that was all that was done. Come the day for my cataract exam in September which was a week before my first surgery I'm given all this information given to me, multiple appointments, cost of the procedure, informed that I need a pre-op exam, etc. I felt overwhelmed by this and I was by myself. I would suggest that estimated cost of the different cataract procedures be given when a person sets up the appointments for the exam & surgery. I was by myself and had to decide which procedure I wanted in 30 minutes which were a big difference in price and if I had more time I could have consulted with family members and friends who had it done and had time to decide. Also I should have been informed about needing a pre-op for the surgery in July, not until a week before, sometimes a person is not able to get into the Doctor at the last minute and I was working also. I also found out a week before the surgery that I needed a follow up appointment the same day or the next day so I had to quickly ask someone if they could take me and inform work. Everyone I dealt with was very nice though, just that it might be a good idea to give people more time to think over the cost and other items I mentioned.

Karen Beek

I have been going to Dr. Brown, at Valley Eye Associates in Oshkosh, ever since I had my cataract surgery in 2013. He is always very caring and attentive, giving me an excellent and thorough eye examination. He is great at explaining what testing he is doing and why he is doing it, as well as explaining all of my options. Even though I need to travel 35 miles to his office, I will continue to do so for their great service and eye care.

tom bro

Lasik services are good. Went to Valley Eye for cataract surgery. The lense on right eye was Not placed properly Would not recommend

Michael Dommisse

Good Doctors. Surgery went very good!

victoria conigliaro-patzlaff

Too long for this space,but had two procedures ,the very first I had a issue and called was blown off and told to see someone at another facility,she had no clue and said the mark on the eye was from drops at birth.WRONG ,I did go back for the second eye and there was a attitude from the woman giving the medication and commented that oh I did you last time and I will be sure to give you more pain medication today,This all took place in 2015,I have been seeing eye specialists ever since,in my left eye there was determined a 'macular wrinkle' from the procedure well it is no better and finally was told there is nothing that can be done, I do have issues with that eye and it was better before I had the procedure,,the wrinkle is permanent and so I will have this the rest of my life,There is so much more ,when she said more pain meds she actually meant less, I saw and heard most of that last procedure all the prisms,drops of solution all the muffled conversation,and the best was the very last clapping,and great job,the best and I still remember 7 min.did I hear a record and congratulations on a great job, much more will save that for someone else,I would not advise valley eye, for drops much less let them near anyone I know,I am still very angry at the service I received and will be following up as best I can.Why did I wait so long,,had the last option possible this week and was told no more can be done for that eye it cannot be fixed ,it is what it is.

Donna Cummings

I brought my husband in for his fresh post op after cataract surgery. Front desk ,technician Dr Nowak, very friendly , courtesy , asked if we had any questions or concerns . Thanks to everyone that made this easy for my husband. Would recommend Valley Eye Associates.

anavi g

I made an appointment here thinking I would get good service but unfortunately I did not. The technician did not know what she was talking about and on top of that I had to wait 40 mins for the eye doctor. Dr. Rodriquez was somewhat friendly but seriously I waited in that room for her for 40 minutes and I can her hear chatting away in the hallway not talking about anything related to work. Finally after 1hr 1/2 of waiting around I went to go look for some glasses and I told the person I wanted to get a pair. And the dumb lady asks "You want glasses here, today?" LIKE DUH that's Why i'm here right? I just thought they were very obnoxious and not professional. NEVER GOING HERE AGAIN.

Robert Reynoso

I had the absolute best experience. From the minute I stepped in the office they made me feel comfortable. They went over everything about the procedure so that I would have no questions, or doubts. The procedure went pretty fast, and I cannot believe how much my eyesight improved.

Heather Martin

They did an outstanding job on my lasik procedure. I am amazed at how well I can see, just wished I had done it sooner. The staff was great, and they made sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. I highly recommend them!

Diane Sweet

I have had Dr. Vrabec for my eye care for many years . including caring for my mother since 1999 and my husband. Last year I cataracts and bilateral corneal transplants. All of which turned out very successful. I will never trust anyone else with my I care. Also thankyou to Dr. Melchert for all of her care

Tom Tolly

Great personalized service. Friendly staff.Very thorough eye exam! Short wait in the waiting room. Easy to schedule my appointment.

jane Mulroy

Good service and friendly staff. Even though it was an insurance ordered eye examine, glad we went there.

Steph Padilla Hernandez

I had the best experience ever! Every employee was super nice and made me feel comfortable even though I was so nervous!

William Smith

The receptionist scheduled our appointments back to back so we could make our trip into town on one day, saving us time and money. Dr. Sengstock and her staff were courteous and efficient and we were done in no time.The Dr. is keeping tabs on the growth of our cataracts and, when the time comes, we will contact Valley Eye Associates to schedule surgery.

Lori Burns

Friendly, helpful, nice Doctors.

John Davis

I got the best frames love them so much

Gwendolyn Lietz

I was referred to Valley Eye Associates through a family member. They made me feel comfortable the second I walked in. The staff is friendly, and professional. The service they gave was nothing short of amazing. They are wonderful people.

Tricia Hermsen

Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Listened to my questions and concerns and felt from start to finish it was a breeze. went from 20/100 to 20/15 and couldn't be happier! I can see without glasses or contacts for the first time in my adult life! Thank you Valley Eye for improving my quality of life!

Jess Law

I have wanted LASIK for about 10 years, but I was terrified about the whole process. The whole experience went smoothly and easily at Valley Eye. Every staff member I interacted with was kind, patient and helpful, willing to answer all my questions no matter how many I had (there were a lot). Dr. Vrabec walked me through every single step as he did the procedure, gave thorough instructions, and a staff member stayed nearby to help me be sure I followed the directions. Dr. Vrabec even called me the day before to see if I had any questions or concerns. I would 100% recommend Valley Eye for anyone considering LASIK. My only regret is that I didn’t go sooner :)

Lana Sass

My entire family goes to Valley Eye Associates for their eye exams, glasses, and contact lens needs. They are absolutely wonderful! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I have very bad dry eyes and my eye doctor works hand in hand with me to try and find the right products and treatments that will work for me!! There is always something new on the horizon :)

T Hess

Very expensive!

Amy Lloyd

Very Friendly. I was greeted right away when I walked in. I only had to wait 2 minutes to be taken back to see the doctor. Staff is friendly and they are all smiling. This was my first time having my eyes checked and they were very compassionate about that and walked me through every step. When I went back later to pick out my new glasses, the girl there was a great help and I am very happy with the choices we made.

Scott Sampsom

Wonderful experience. They did a very thorough examination, and they were very upfront about the Lasik surgery procedure. The staff was friendly, and courteous. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Joshua Marcy

Sometimes it can be hard to write good reviews. Especially 5 star reviews, but this one was very easy to write. I found Valley Eye Institute after doing some research in my own city of Houston, and since I am from Wisconsin and was heading home my choice became clear (pun intended). Sure there were some great places in Houston, but not like Valley. From my first call the staff was so kind, accommodating, and understanding that they frequently went over and above to ensure I had a great experience. The experience that is shared between all the doctors and nurses is really top notch. Everyone was very supportive and ready for me to have a successful procedure. It was quicker than even I expected and Dr. Vrabec did an amazing job with his staff it was a great experience. Then my pre op and follow up appointments with De. Melchert and Denise and the nurses was a very enjoyable experience. I could not have imagined a better one. Everything was explained step by step to where i could understand it and where there was no confusion. They really made sure i got the best treatment and care that was right for my eyes. The only thing I would have done different would be get it done sooner. The amazement of it every single day is mind blowing, and as i travel the world for work I get to see it in all natural HD. It’s all me with no assistance of contacts or glasses. I can’t believe I waited so long to get lasik. You will not be disappointed and Valley really did a great job!

Sue Webb

Very prompt service, and very friendly and professional.

Nicole Marie

Yesterday I had Lasik at Valley Eye Associates and I couldn’t be any happier! Seriously though...I had such great care by EVERYONE there. I can’t believe I can actually see without my contacts!!!!

Ann Thielman

I have been seeing Dr. Sengstock since moving to the area 6 years ago. The staff is always very courteous and I typically get in to see the doctor in a very short time. They have allowed me to try several different brands/kinds of contact to find the best ones for me. I would recommend them.