I called in the morning and asked for an appointment, because I was seeing a really big floater in my right eye and since I am very nearsighted, I wanted to make sure that it was just a floater and nothing serious. I was told that they don't have any availability and the next appointment would be in 4 months. All they could do was write down my number and call me in case of a cancellation (they never called). Luckily, I called another ophthalmologist practice and the receptionist there knew that a big floater combined with heavy nearsightedness could be something serious, so she gave me an appointment within an hour. It turned out it wasn't a floater, but a tear in my retina and I needed emergency laser surgery that same afternoon. I was told it that it was a good thing that I came in that same day, because had I waited any longer it could have turned into a detached retina. I cannot fathom how an ophthalmologist practice does not know that a big floater in very nearsighted people can mean a retinal tear or detachment and therefore is considered an emergency. I have never encountered a medical practice that did not make availability for emergencies or at least told the patient calling with such urgent symptoms to seek medical help elsewhere that same day. Maybe it was for the best that this office didn't have any availability for me, I have serious doubts now about their competency.
