America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses

They were nice when I went for the appointment. Optometrist seems put off and doesn’t really want to do an eye exam. Purchased 2 pairs of glasses at full rate with everything they suggested. First pair I can read and walk around in ok, second pair I can see my computer and read with but can’t walk around and see. Between both I have a good pair of glasses just too bad they couldn’t get them right so I had 2 pair of good glasses. Went back for a third try. Big mistake on my part. Paid way too much money for another pair that I can’t use to walk around , see to read, drive and work on my computer. My fault that I waited past my 30 days to take them for a return. When I did go ( a week past the date I picked them up) they told me they couldn’t refund/return the 3rd pair. That is fine, my mistake but she also informed me that my refund time starts from date of purchase. That is odd for a pair of glasses. How do I know if they are right until I actually have them on for the suggested 2 week adjustment period. Hmmm So 1,000.00 later I have some real nice readers for someone that needs everything glasses. They are not the best place for service or making glasses for all that you need. “Read” the fine print.

Yesterday, I went to America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses to see a doctor without an appointment because my eye was hurting and swollen. I asked the receptionist if there was any way I could see the doctor. She said, “Let me ask the doctor,” and after a few minutes she came back and said that the doctor could see me, but it would cost up $60. I told her that I have both health insurance and vision insurance. She said they could not accept any insurance for the visit. I asked why, and she explained that because the visit was for an eye problem rather than a routine vision exam, they would not bill either my health or vision insurance, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the doctor to evaluate my condition.I told her I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t accept my insurance. She replied that it was what the doctor had decided. I was very upset because I had never experienced anything like that before. I then called another doctor’s office, and they were happy to see me and accept my insurance.

In Alabaster AL I saw Ishan Gandi for my eye exam. He informed me I have cateracts and he would refer me to a place in Birmingham AL. He insisted I have to go there. I told him this was something I would do next year since I feel my vision isn't that bad. He then got harsh with me and told me he was going to make sure its in my record that I cant see well enough to drive and if I were to be pulled over or in a wreak it would show up and I would be to blame. He said I think I can see but I really cant not like other people. He told me also there isnt a reason for me to get glasses for reading since my vision will change after cateract removal. I just wanted my reading glasses anyway. When they came back the lenses were not right, they caused my vision to be blurry. Lakesha took them to him and he refused to do anything about the wrong lenses and said thats what I needed. I gave her my older pair and tested them (which I can see perfectly with) and even said they were stronger than my new ones. She offered a new exam and I refused to EVER see him again. So she contacted the Hoover location for me to get a new exam. Im waiting on my refund to my insurance before I drive up there. Its a very long drive for me to go to Hoover AL.

Optometrist explained 10 min why he couldn't do my prescription prior to checking the health of my eye. Said I needed another appointment because it made him have to do extra work on this appointment had to be another day. Problem was there was no one in the office and there were many appointment times available today. Then he left as I was writing this review. Lights being shined into my eyes prior to the exam blinds me and the eye prescription will be off causing another eye prescription check and the redoing of the glasses. Uggg. This doc does not care for his patients.

I’ve gone here for years and have had the same continuous issue, the doctors rush you out as fast as possible. The whole point of going to these places is to ensure you get the correct prescription and then get your contacts/glasses based on that. I constantly have had to tell them to slow down and let me figure out which phoropter lens is making my vision clearer or worse. They act like it’s a drive through window with a 5-10min limit, and then you get stuck with the wrong prescription and nonstop headaches until your next exam. (Which will probably lead to the same issue)