I’m giving this location 2 stars only because Dr. Outinen is an excellent, caring optometrist who gives very thorough exams. Unfortunately, our experiences with the optical department have been completely different.
This is the second year in a row that we have had difficulty getting access to the plan-covered frames. Last year, the salesperson was clearly reluctant to show us the covered frame selection and repeatedly dismissed us when we asked to see it. The person I understood to be the manager/owner was also present, watched the interaction, and appeared to be advising the salesperson as this was happening, so this did not appear to be an issue involving just one employee.
This year, I specifically called ahead to confirm that the plan-covered frames were available, yet when we arrived the optician again seemed reluctant to bring them out.
We selected her glasses and later returned to pick them up. At pickup, I asked whether she could get a case and cleaning cloth, and the optician told me, “these ones don’t get that.” I then asked what my daughter was supposed to use to protect her glasses and whether there was at least something he could give her. He appeared annoyed, went to the counter, and brought back a plain black case. Again, the person I understood to be the manager/owner was present, watched the interaction, and appeared to be advising the optician as this was happening.
The entire atmosphere was tense and uncomfortable. We were left feeling as though we were somehow “less than” simply because we were asking to use the plan-covered options. No family should be made to feel that way for using the benefits available under their insurance plan.
Experiencing essentially the same issue two years in a row is extremely concerning. Patients should be able to understand and access their covered benefits without having to repeatedly ask or push for them.
If you come here intending to use plan-covered benefits, be prepared to advocate firmly for yourself and your child.
Dr. Outinen is wonderful. I cannot say the same for our repeated experiences with the optical department.