I recently visited Washington Eyecare for an eye examination. While the office was efficient, my overall experience lacked the warmth and professionalism I expected. At the front desk, the staff member addressed me only as “George” because she could not pronounce my last name. At 64 years old, I believe a simple “Mr. George” would have shown respect, especially since I noticed another patient who was not a person of color being addressed as “Mr.” followed by his last name. That difference stood out to me and made me uncomfortable. The young lady who performed my preliminary testing was wonderful — friendly, professional, and personable. She was truly the highlight of my visit. However, the doctor’s bedside manner left much to be desired. She was very matter-of-fact and did not even introduce herself; I had to ask for her name. While she did provide useful information regarding my eyesight, the interaction felt rushed, impersonal, and transactional. The overall atmosphere felt more like an “in and out” operation rather than a practice focused on patient care and comfort. I could not help but feel that my experience may have been influenced by my insurance coverage. Regardless of insurance, every patient deserves to feel respected, welcomed, and valued. I will return only to pick up my glasses, but unfortunately, I would not return as a patient or recommend the practice based on my experience.
