UPMC Eye Center at Natrona Heights

The other reviews saying how long it takes is true. I showed up at 12:15 for my 12:30 appointment, and left there at 2:14. So almost 2 hours exactly to see a ophthalmologist. A normal optometrist I would assume is different. The waiting room is rather small and full. I knew all of this going into it, so I didn't care. I will say all of the staff were REALLY nice. They have a lot going on too, be patient with them if they don't immediately acknowledge you. They likely have to finish something first. I was called back 4 different times. It would have been a little shorter of a visit if I did not have to get optic nerve pictures and wait again to be seen by the doctor again. Dr. Portnoy was very nice and answered my questions.

Now that upmc has taken over this practice, they are efficient. I am very happy with this office.

I escorted my wife to this office for her eye exam. First, I noticed a number of employees just walking around with no apparent purpose, not assisting patients. Second, my wife's appointment was for 9:00am. She wasn't called to be examined until 9:20 am. What kind of scheduling is that? Third, when checking out we asked the attendant if our insurance covered yearly visits. She did not answer our question; rather saying my wife was covered under "medical", what ever that meant. I asked her to explain & she became agitated & very rude. There is no reason whatsoever for people in a doctor's office to be rude to patients who ask simple, easy to understand questions, nor is there any reason not to answer a question directly. UPMC can do better than this!

Reading 42 poor reviews adding the fact that when I called it to make an appointment the woman who took my call gave me a hard time asking obvious question many times, it was like an unreal game, from what finally I said to her that if I was calling is bc my eyes need an examination no matter which eyes, or about “how sure I was that I need an appointment”and so on. When I hanged up I had headache, I couldn’t understand the harsh experience suffered just to get an appointment with an ophthalmologist. So today, getting close to my controversial appointment I had read about this place and by all means there is no way I want to be aggravated going there, much thanks reviewes.

i was referred by My Eye Dr New Kensington office into this place since My Eye Dr doesn't have specialist for my eye issue. I waited approximately one month after making an appointment. I was first time in UPMC eye care office and usually when you first time in such place you feeling lost. I just stood at front desk while receptionist/nurse was talking with someone, probably her friend because she was laughing and talking about their common things. I saw some signs and one of them was saying to go Kiosk to register yourself but still waiting receptionist/nurse to give me instruction. She saw me but didn't pay attention and later she realized that I'm not going anywhere til I ask a question. She stopped her conversation on the phone for a moment and told me to go to Kiosk and then continue talking with her friend. After I'm done with Kiosk/registration I came back to front desk and she asked me if I have medical insurance. I said no. She asked me if I'm able to pay my today's visit and I asked how much it will be. She said that they gonna charge me $200 and if a bill will be more they will send the bill. and referred me to cashier side. I paid. Then another nurse took me in a room to check my vision and fill out all forms on her computer. After it I was waiting about 2 hours in a hall to see a doctor. Dr Portnoy spend about 5 mins to check my eye and during my eye examination somebody called him on his apple watch and he just left the room to talk on phone. His first question was about my medical insurance, I told him that I don't have insurance but I'm paying for my visit. No any question about my eye condition or what's wrong with my eye. Another question if I have anyone with eye issue. Again, he referred me to another eye doctor(Rosin) saying that he is not a specialist in this area. It's interesting how long I'm gonna be referred to another doctor till find the correct one and spending my money just for examining my eye by reading letters. Very disappointed.