⭐️⭐️ Extremely Disappointed — The Front Staff Were the Only Saving Grace
The only reason I am giving Target Optical in Canton two stars is because the optical retail staff in the front were exceptional, kind, helpful, patient, and willing to answer my questions. If you already have a prescription and need glasses or adjustments, I highly recommend them. Unfortunately, my experience with Dr. Oltman was the complete opposite.
I paid approximately $200 cash for my exam and left feeling like I had wasted my money. Dr. Oltman came across as dry, dismissive, and uninterested in communicating with me as a patient, yet somehow I was chastised during the appointment. There was almost no discussion and absolutely no education about my eyes or results, and I left with the same questions and concerns I came in with.
After my exam, I was given trial contacts that I could not see out of at all. My vision was significantly worse. When I explained this and asked about my previous contacts, Dr. Oltman simply brought me trials of my old brand and handed them to me. No explanation. No discussion. That was essentially the end of the appointment. I could already see with my previous contacts, so this left me questioning whether my new prescription was even correct.
I also came in concerned about changes in my vision, difficulty seeing my computer, and whether those changes could potentially be related to age, lifestyle, or a recently diagnosed medical condition. I expected to be asked questions and have an actual conversation about what I was experiencing. Instead, my concerns were never meaningfully discussed or acknowledged.
What makes this worse is that I live in Marietta and passed several other locations to come to Canton because I generally have great experiences there. My administrative assistant had also had a great experience with Target Optical at another location, so I expected the same.
I was prepared to spend $1,500+ on the exam, two pairs of AI/smart glasses, regular glasses, sunglasses, and contacts. I purchased none of it. Why would I invest that much money in eyewear when I don’t trust that my prescription is correct? Now I feel I have to pay for another examination elsewhere just to have confidence in my results.
The front optical staff actually tried to smooth things over by answering my questions and providing information, but that should not have fallen on them. Having previously worked in corporate healthcare, hospital, and pharmacy settings, I understand the difference between clinical and retail/support responsibilities.
As a business owner, I do not like leaving negative reviews because I understand their impact. But patient care matters. You should leave an eye exam feeling heard, informed, and confident in your results not wondering whether you need to pay another doctor to repeat the exam.
After researching and speaking with locals, I plan to try Dr. Brown at the Woodstock location, as I have heard exceptional things about him. Unfortunately, I will not return to the Canton location for eye care and cannot recommend Dr. Oltman based on my experience.
I expected better from Target Optical Canton. The two stars are entirely for the exceptional front staff, who handled a situation they did not create with kindness and professionalism.
UPDATE: It’s been over 2 weeks. No one ever answered the phone and I have yet to receive any type of call, text, email, response of any kind even though I’ve called multiple times. Very unprofessional.