Arrived on time for a 12:30 PM appointment. At 1:18 PM, I was still standing at the front counter trying to check in. Nearly 50 minutes were spent with “Taina” attempting check-in due to an “insurance system issue,” followed by failed verification attempts and multiple handoffs to office manager “Heather”—with no resolution. Despite being unable to confirm my copay or deductible, they pushed for upfront payment because of their internal insurance system outage. That is not standard practice. The front counter and waiting area were disorganized, unclear billing logic, and zero respect for scheduled appointment time. Dr. Howard Kushnick was present but disengaged from the breakdown occurring at the front desk, while basic patient intake remained completely unresolved. At that point, I requested my insurance and credit card back and left without being seen. The recurring themes in other reviews here—extended delays, administrative inefficiency, and payment-first aggressiveness—were directly experienced. If you read the other reviews — believe them. I can confirm. Patients should be aware: expect significant delays, unclear billing practices, and a process that does not reflect a well-managed clinical environment.
Lehigh Valley Eye Center
About
Lehigh Valley Eye Center serves patients in Allentown and the surrounding part of Pennsylvania from its office at 400 N 17th St. Both exams and glasses are handled here — exam rooms and an optical shop share the same address. Listed services include comprehensive eye exam, glasses & frames, contact lenses and contact lens fitting. Insurance accepted includes VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision and Superior Vision (15 plans in total). 7 doctors are listed here, including Leonard Nelson, MD, Kristine Lare-Knappenber, OD and Erik Chotiner, MD. The optical carries 36 frame brands. It is open 5 days a week. You can walk in without an appointment. Call (610) 433-0450 to confirm hours and coverage before you visit.
- Listing type
- Optical · Optometrist
- Address
-
400 N 17th St
Ste 100-106
Allentown, PA 18104-5052
Get Directions - Phone
- (610) 433-0450
- Languages spoken
- English
- Walk-ins
- Accepted
Insurance accepted
Services offered
Services not listed are not offered at this location.
Frame brands carried
Brands on the floor as of the practice's last update. Stock varies — call for a specific model.
On the map
Hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Currently closed. Times shown in America/New_York. Holiday hours may differ.
Doctors at this practice
Reviews on Google 926
When I arrived the person ahead complained about their long wait time. Receptionist rudely replied “we have two doctors”. Thats not her fault, schedule accordingly and be professional. As for me, whoever made the appointment said they accepted my primary and secondary insurance. The receptionist however said they did not and proceeded to call 3 people to confirm because they didn’t know. The 3rd person she called said they didn’t and instead of checking for themselves asked me “what is it attached to?” I’ve never heard that question so I told her what I knew but she “never heard of it” and rudely repeated the question as if my answer would somehow chance. She said they take my primary but wouldn’t check me in until they verified they took my secondary. I could have just paid the difference. Since she wouldn’t check me in I told her cancel the appointment.
Ordered glasses from optical there. 2 weeks later and no updates, no one answers the phone nor do they return calls. Does anyone actually work there?!
Office was very busy but pleased with Dr Carter's and the staff's care during my appointment. Answered all our questions and very satisfied with my cataract surgery and follow upset. Planning to make an appointment with Dr. BonaparteDotta also in the coming months.Also pleased I was able to sign up for your portal.
I made the mistake of going there on Monday when my appointment was on Tuesday. They were very glad to help me out and take me on Monday. Kathy ,Savannah ,and Maria were great friendly and helpful. Dr. listhaus was straightforward friendly, and explained everything to me and general terms that I could understand. I also want to mention the girl at the courtesy desk Who is very nice and I did not get her name. but thank you
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