Northern Eye Center PA

Reviews

• MM

  Melissa Magdziarz

  6 days ago
  1.0
  I had my first LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Sabir at Northern Eye Center PA in October 2006. The results were amazing and lasted 19 years. Because of that positive experience, when I began becoming nearsighted again in 2025, it was an easy decision to return — especially knowing Dr. Sabir was still practicing there. On October 16, 2025, I had my second LASIK procedure. Prior to surgery, I clearly explained that my close-up vision was perfectly fine and that my only concern was distance vision becoming blurry. I also made it clear that I did not want to wear glasses. Dr. Sabir reminded me, as he had 19 years ago, that with age I would eventually need reading glasses, which I understood. However, at that time, I did not need them. At no point was I told that correcting my distance vision would require sacrificing my near vision. Immediately after surgery, I was unable to see up close at all. I was told it was part of the healing process and that it would improve. With my first LASIK surgery years ago, my vision improvement was immediate, so although I tried to remain hopeful, I was concerned. By October 21, I contacted the office because I still could not see up close, which made it impossible for me to perform my job as a house cleaner since I rely heavily on detail work. I was advised to purchase 1.25 reading glasses while healing and was told my near vision would likely return. It did not. Dr. Sabir then offered to redo the procedure. On February 19, I underwent a second surgery. Again, I clearly stated that I needed both near and distance vision and reiterated that the entire reason for surgery was to avoid wearing glasses. This time I was told that to provide distance vision, my close-up vision would have to be taken away. Had that been explained before the first procedure, I would not have agreed to it. After the second surgery, I could see up close but not far away. My nearsightedness became significantly worse than before I initially returned in 2025. I was again told it would improve with healing. As of now, I can only see clearly about one foot in front of me. Anything beyond that is completely blurred. I can perform my job once I’m there, but I cannot safely drive to work. My eyes constantly strain, and I have daily headaches. On February 23, I requested to be seen sooner for glasses so I could drive and work. The past four months have been extremely stressful — physically, emotionally, and financially. I paid $3,600 for a procedure that did not produce the intended results. When I returned on February 25 for a glasses prescription, the interaction felt rushed and impersonal. I was given a prescription and told to return in a month, with no additional support or assistance. I chose not to return. Since then, I have reached out regarding the $3,600 paid without achieving the expected outcome and have received no response. Nineteen years ago, I enthusiastically referred many people to Dr. Sabir because of my great experience. Unfortunately, this time has been very different. My vision is now significantly worse than when I first went in, and the overall experience has been disappointing. Based on my recent experience, I would not recommend Northern Eye Center PA in Brainerd, Minnesota.
• LB

  Lynn Bartel

  Sep 29, 2025
  5.0
  I was a new patient and saw Dr. Andrew who I found to be very personable and professional. He asked me several times if I had any questions about my exam and made me feel like he sincerely cared about me as a patient. It was nice to get an appointment without having to wait six months. I only waited about three minutes before being called back for my exam. I was an established patient at another eye care center and made an appointment in Feb to be seen in August. We had a family emergency and I called to reschedule my appointment. I was told the next available appointment was in February. They offered to put my name on a wait list, but made no offer to move me to the top of the list. I will definitely make all future appointments with Northern Eye Center, as will my husband. It was definitely worth the drive.
• WK

  Whitney Kyar

  Nov 1, 2021
  2.0
  I was not impressed with the service. The front desk did well, however it did take a little while to get called over to check in. Then when I was called to go back to the room, the assistant never said "hello" nor did he introduce himself. Once in the room, he didn't really explain what he was doing when he would run different tests. His bedside manner was poor, and he made me feel like I was wasting his time being there. When I did finally see Dr. Sabir, he was rather blunt about his recommendations and spent of all maybe 5 minutes in the room. He told me my eyes were perfect and I shouldn't do anything, however, if I had felt that my eyes were perfect I would have never made an appointment. So I was hoping for slightly better results.

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