I have been searching for a decent eye doctor in Seattle for a routine exam. I expected that Costco would have been a good choice because it seems to be for everything else. I made an appointment and showed up on time. I was met with the front desk person who seemed hurried and a little frazzled. She tried to explain the insurance billing process to me, but wasn't very direct so I shrugged it off and figured I would just pay for the exam if billing insurance was a problem.
I was ushered to sit in a chair in front of some of the machines they would be using prior to the exam. The tech started to very quickly explain to me the testing process. I asked for clarity which one was the air puff test machine and tried to explain that I couldn't do that part of the exam. They were very short with me and cut me off and informed me that I "had" to. I told them I did not consent to an air puff test and then tried to explain that I have PTSD and anxiety, and my body wouldn't allow me to open my eyes. They still continued to try to coerce me and force me to do the test. Then when I explained again that I couldn't, they continued to be rude and short with me and told me they couldn't complete any part of the exam then. I told them I've had many optometrists in the past who can either offer an alternative or we just skip that part of the exam because the patient refused it. They told me they would not accept that and that I had to do it so they could bill my insurance for it. They told me if I didn't consent to the air puff test that I would have to go to a different optomestrist. I informed them I would need a refund of the deposit I gave, to which they agreed and then I left. After that experience, I'm not convinced that they will hold up their end of the bargain so I may have to escalate my complaint. I did inform Costco as well of their curt behavior.
I am a disabled veteran so I'm not sure if the fact I was on a knee scooter was a factor, or that I am a black woman. All I know is that they were extremely unprofessional and I would feel bad for anyone that would go to them expecting any kind of care. They are a churn and burn optometrist who does not have any regard for patient safety or comfort.
Also let the record reflect that I was not unprofessional and I did not raise my voice. I know sometimes when I read reviews, prejudice and assumptions often come into play. I have been very whitewashed since I was adopted so I don't present as a black woman, save for the color of my skin. Also of note, there are many alternatives to the air puff test that are much better and more accurate, they seem they may just be too cheap to care.
