Thurman E Wood OD

It’s my 3rd visit here. I love when businesses have actual doctors performing eye exams. After a very cheap place on Ming Ave gave me a wrong eye RX years ago, I don’t trust places that run exams without an optometrist, which I am learning many eye exam places in town don’t actually have. They have a preliminary eye health exam with an assistant and then you move to the Doctor for a dedicated and personalized exam. They are prompt and the Doctor is so knowledgeable and able to run you through your options. I would recommend this business highly.

This doctor use to be my long term eye doctor until the front desk gave me the wrong exam after I confirmed twice on the phone with them it I needed. They attempted to overcharge me and I kept telling them there was a mistake, it ended with me paying for the service I did not need or ask for and come back another time for the correct exam. This second meeting they insisted I paid before the exam which they have never done in the 10 years I had been visiting this office but the moment another visitor came in they tried to hide me in the back without paying first like they were requesting I felt like I was being perceived a thief. I was so embarrassed and just cancelled the appointment kindly and left. I have never come back, it was humiliating and all I could do was try not to cry. They had no apologies to give me or even tried to make it right. This review is very long but it really stuck with me and I hate that I never let them know how disrespectful this experience was for me. Me and the rest of my family have since never come back after this experience which hurts me as I really loved the staff before.

This was my very first eye exam at age 30, and I honestly never felt like I needed to go in before. But since my insurance covers it, I thought, “why not give it a try?” I chose Dr. Thurman Edward Wood, O.D. in Bakersfield because of all the great Google reviews—and I’m glad I did. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. The staff who did my initial exams were fantastic (wish I caught her name!). I went through a few different tests—one with VR, one for eye pressure, and another where you stare at a balloon through a small hole. She explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable. When it was time to see Dr. Wood, I was even more impressed. He really took his time with me, focusing on my personal needs and listening to my history of eye concerns going back 15 years. He answered all my questions—including which eye is dominant—and gave me a very thorough exam. I left feeling reassured, confident, and cared for. My wife had her exam as well and was equally impressed with the doctor’s attention to detail. Best part? I found out I don’t need glasses! Unfortunately, the experience didn’t end as strong. When my wife went to pick out glasses, the sales rep assisting her was pretty inattentive. Instead of guiding us through price points or styles, she just kept saying, “Take your time and look around,” while sitting off to the side. We were on a bit of a time crunch, and after letting them know we couldn’t finish that day, the atmosphere felt a little awkward. We paid for the exam and left, but my wife and I agreed in the car that while the exam experience was excellent, we’ll be purchasing glasses elsewhere. Overall: Dr. Wood and the medical side of the visit were phenomenal. I highly recommend him for anyone needing a thorough and thoughtful eye exam. Just be prepared that the glasses-buying process might not be as attentive as you’d hope.

I’ve been going to Dr. Wood for 28 years and I have NEVER had to wait for my appointment passed my scheduled time. He does not over book. I do love his gentle mannerism, he’s very nice and professional.They are also not pushy trying to get you to buy something. The atmosphere is very calm and professional. My whole family loves him, he’s great for kids also. His office staff is also a 5 star. The same staff has been there for years. Thank you for the great service.

Dr. Wood is very nice and the office staff are very informative and courteous. There’s never a wait so my appointments have all gone quickly but thoroughly. Great glasses options at reasonable prices. When I got my new glasses last year, the lady helped me pick the right frames for my face and I love them. Now they are helping me get contacts. They gave me all of the info I need to make the right decisions and they are going to train me on how to put them in and properly care for them. I highly recommend this office. Great location too.