This review is for DR Sterns Visual Health Clinic, and I am including this specific location because I could not find a listing for it on this site.
Location:
306 W 41ST
Miami beach, Fl 33140
(305) 535-1538
My appointment was today. I entered and was greeted nicely by the receptionist, however; days before she had informed that I could pay $85 for a contact lens exam if I could provide them with an eyeglass prescription - indicating I would have had an eyeglass exam within the past year. My prescription was literally less than a week old. (I had the eyeglass exam done at Bascolm Palmer, then had glasses made but I wanted to go to Dr Stern's for my contacts, as I had previously had a good experience with them). I made sure to verify the price at least twice, once in person and once over the phone.
When it was my turn I was informed that apparently any other prescription provided by any other doctor CAN NOT be accepted, because they can not be ""certain"" or ""trust"" whats been done by someone else, so they need to charge for refracting my vision, which is an additional charge of $35. Pay attention to detail because they say that the refraction is necessary (even if they do your eyeglass exam with them), in the case that your exam or prescription was done past a 90-day time period. --- This wasn't my case yet I was told it was needed.
It turns out that you only have the $85 price if you have the eyeglass exam done with them, but then the eye glass exam itself is more expensive. So the REAL PRICE you're looking to spend here is $120, there is already about 41% increase in what you're paying.
==MAIN COMPLAINT AND ISSUE===
= Dr. GALINA KARNAUKH===
Though she started the consultation showing concern that quickly changed to an unacceptable attitude. She we went form helpful before the exam to then stating ""Lets start because I'm getting worked up"" - and this was only during the pre-exam price look-up. Her attitude was HIGLY unprofessional- if she needed time to cool off she should have taken it or I would have even preferred to come another day. She proceeded with the exam and when asked to please explain certain questions about prescriptions she states ""I cant deal with this anymore! I don't have time for this!"" followed by huffing and puffing - but with an incredible attitude, nothing short of a real bitch.
I think like anyone else I want to save money but get my money's worth. I assure you I attended this consultation with the best attitude and trying to be helpful, so that I may be helped as well (treat others like you would like to be treated), but I certainly don't believe that a patient should be put through that just to save a bit of money.
==SUGGESTION====
If you do visit this location I recommend scheduling your appointment with another doctor, as I hope your experience will be a more pleasant one. You should NEVER be disrespected or made to feel a fool.
I do HIGHLY recommend, if you do live near the beach is the For Eyes on Alton (I'm going to include the info in my review because I am referring to this one in specific)
1519 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 531-1444
I have not had any glasses or contacts made at this For Eyes location but did attend a consultation with a friend, it was for her glasses and contacts, the staff and doctor were both very helpful and friendly. Their exam was also 120 (it may vary for toric, but well worth finding out). The prices being similar, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend For Eyes for the great service, never seen anyone in that office be disrespectful or rude.
My days of visiting Dr. Stern's Visual goes back years. I am currently a college student and have visited that particular office since I was in middle school.
Not after today, I am only going in for my fitting and getting my prescription - If not I would lose my money.
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