— updated on March 11, 2026 The facility keeps texting, emailing for scheduling a new appointment. After unsubscribing and reply with STOP, I still get phone call and voicemail messages. It is kinda annoying :(.
-- Update on Aug 8th, 2025 in response to owner's reply:
“Avoiding paying for services performed”
We made it clear multiple times that we did not need — or expect — a contact lens prescription. In fact, we were never told by doctor that a contact lens exam was being performed.
“Pretend you are someone else and write multiple reviews”
I initially posted the review from my work Google account. I deleted it yesterday and reposted the same review from my personal account. There were no “multiple” or fake reviews.
“Poor behavior toward staff”
On July 28, I was asked to pay the contact lens exam co-pay before leaving, even after explaining I needed to speak with Dr. S. first. The manager insisted I needed to pay before leave and threatened to cancel my daughter’s prescription on the spot — a prescription we never requested. This is what I consider unprofessional treatment. (voice recording available upon request).
“Going to collections for not paying”
Both my daughter and I emailed Dr. S. to confirm whether a contact lens exam was actually performed. Ten days later, there has been no reply.
We never said we would refuse payment if the service was confirmed — only that we wanted clarification first. Patients have a right to know what they are being billed for before paying.
“Not welcome to return”
After this experience, I would not return to this office regardless.
Transparency and consent are basic expectations in healthcare. Surprise billing, refusal to clarify services, and threats over payment are unacceptable.
-- original post on Aug 7th, 2025.
Unethical and unprofessional experience at Harvard Square Eye Care.
On July 28, 2025, my daughter went in for a routine eye exam. The appointment lasted about 25 minutes, including dilation. At the end, the office charged her for a contact lens exam, even though she was never told it was being done — and no contact lens prescription was provided.
When I questioned the charge, I explained I wanted to speak with the doctor before paying. The office manager told me I could not leave without paying. When I refused, she became visibly upset and told a staff member to cancel my daughter’s prescription on the spot. This felt like a threat and retaliation.
The next day, the staff member admitted that they often withhold prescriptions if patients don’t pay upfront, and that the cancellation was ordered because they assumed I wouldn’t pay. I emailed the doctor, Dr. S., for clarification on whether a contact lens exam had even been performed — but never received a reply. Ultimately, they sent only a glasses prescription, not a contact lens one.
This kind of behavior — surprise billing, withholding prescriptions, and refusing to clarify services — is deeply unprofessional and possibly unethical. I’ve filed a formal complaint with the Massachusetts Board of Optometry. Patients deserve transparency and respect — not billing pressure and threats.
