Extremely rude front desk staff answering phone. The emergency room referred me last night to go there today but they said Dr. Gross was not there. My ER doctor spoke to him last night to consult my case & said he would squeeze me in today at 11am, or I could see one of his partners there. They said there was no doctor there (so why were they answering phones?) & I could only go to Chesapeake to see another doctor. She kept cutting me off rudely while I talked & kept insisting I go see an optometrist when I need an ophtamologist. She just talked over me like I didn't matter, & at that point I didn't want their business anyway. She couldn't wait to just hang up on me and not let me finish speaking! I found someone else to see in the Sentara realm, an office that didn't answer rudely and were kind. This place was the WORST ever to talk to. Avoid!

Mid Atlantic eyecare, Norfolk, Virginia has made my three (3) prescription eye glasses since 2006. Although adjusted the fittings several times, recurrent inconveniences persisted: eye glasses sliding down on nose top, unable holding glasses securely in my temples that seeing clearly got obliterated, dark marks on nose top, as well as irritation and soreness from indents on back of my ear. On September 11, 2023, a optometry front desk staff readjusted fitting, advised all modifications done to my less optimal satisfaction. Upon seeking further help from another staff, Vee Thompson assessed my concerns, changed the plastic to silicone nose pads that ‘miraculously’ remedies my complaints. Now, my then ever chronic eyeglasses ailments resolved, Vee Thompson didn’t give up!!! In addition, in my 66 years wearing prescription lenses, only she advised professional glasses hygiene maintenance and dark spots clear out on my nose. Mid Atlantic eyecare needs many more of Vee Thompson’s outstanding professional patient care expertise, deserving highest recognition. My heartfelt gratitude for her kind assistance. Sincerely yours, Minda de las Alas Ramirez

Bottom-line up front: (1) too quick; assembly line process - need to slow down; (2) staff not on same sheet of music, poor communication. Three strikes in one day: (1) Staff inconsistent. First staff member told me that I only need to take eye drop for 3 days and gave me sheet that indicated 3 days. I indicated that the sticker on the medicine indicated 5 days. He insisted 3. The doctor then told me I needed the drop for 5 days. (2) Wrong drop in Wrong eye. The clinic manager was circling the waiting room examining eyes (dilated or constricted). At one point, without asking who I was or what she was doing she put an eye drop in my right eye. I informed her my procedure was supposed to be in my left. She indicated that it was for my right eye. Then she realized she was wrong. The drop in my right eye was for dilation. My left eye was supposed to be constricted. She brought me in the back to irrigate my right eye. Nonetheless, my eye did dilate some. (3) Confusion among staff. Once the procedure was complete, the doc told me that before leaving I would schedule the same procedure for my right eye in 2 weeks. The front desk scheduled me for another procedure. I indicated the doctor told me something else. She went back to confirm with the doctor that I was correct. The clinic really needs to do two things: (1) TIMEOUT - take a time out from their assembly line process, bring everyone together and ensure they're on the same sheet of music on processes, procedures, and communication. (2) SLOW DOWN. Take more time taking care of and communicating with patients. If they must, schedule fewer patients to do this. A few weeks ago, on my first visit, I did more exams than I ever have done on my eyes. At least 6 machines with 6 different staff members. When the doc finally saw me, he told me about one issue that I had with my eyes, but not any overall feedback regarding all the exams. I should have asked, but I didn't think about it until later. Nonetheless, I submit this is something the clinic should do automatically. UPDATE: Doc called me within an hour of my departure to apologize. I appreciated that. My recommendations above stand... especially when key players among the staff are absent because of the holidays. UPDATE #2: A week later, I went in for the same procedure on the other eye. Complete opposite experience... professional and timely. This is why I changed it from 1 star to 3 stars.