Texas State Optical
2712 Bee Cave Rd #118,
Austin, TX

I would like to describe my poor experience getting contacts at this TSO location. (1) The billing specialist did not check my insurance for whether my contacts fitting exam would be covered under my insurance, which it was. They were going to charge me $85 for this exam. (2) The optometrist prescribed me a brand that would receive worse insurance coverage than other brands without consulting me beforehand. My understanding is that brands are similar to each other (and boils down to personal preference), so why he would prescribe me the more expensive brand? The optometrist and his staff did not disclose to me the list of brands and their varying insurance coverages until after I requested this list. (3) The optometrist refused to order me trial contacts in advance given my prescription was not in stock. I understand that my prescription was not in stock because of how strong it was. However, I do not understand why the optometrist would refuse to order these trials in advance so I would not have to wait 1 - 2 weeks for shipping per trial. I was only asking to try on a total of 2 - 3 brands, which is reasonable. His outright refusal to provide me the same level of service that other patients receive (given he would have their more common prescriptions in stock) is unprofessional. In sum, the level of service I received was not in-line with what I would expect from a healthcare provider, who should be obligated to provide care that is in the best interest of the patient, financially or otherwise. I did not feel as if most of the staff or the doctor cared at all about me and only wanted to get me out the door as quickly as possible. The one saving grace this place had was one of the staff members who was patient enough to teach me how to put on my contacts given my inexperience, hence why I gave a 2-star and not a 1-star rating.

I’ve gone here for several years, but throwing in the towel. Save yourself a lot of time and hassle and chose a spot where the staff genuinely want to be helpful and are well trained.

This is a really scummy office. I was charged an additional lens fitting fee on top of my copay, as if I need help choosing and fitting contact lenses after 8 years. Vision Source and other large care providers here do not charge this fee.