Atlanta Vision Optical

I’ve purchased sunglasses from Atlanta Vision Optical last year but this time I needed anti-​glare glasses for night driving and computer work. I went during their busy time at the end of the year because I needed the glasses within a week and a half for a trip where I would be driving at night. I was greeted by an associate right away and told them what I was looking for. I was escorted to the section and allowed to take my time and try on as many pairs as I wanted. They also gave me some great input on which ones looked best.
Ultimately, I ordered the Traveler by Gazal in a beautiful tobacco color with an anti-​glare coating and transition lenses. The glasses came in a day earlier than expected. I picked them up and was assisted with the proper adjustments. The glasses fit perfectly and feel great.
I wore them on the drive home and was amazed by how much better the headlights felt on my eyes; it was like they had just gotten a massage.
I would definitely recommend this store to a friend and the Gazal eyewear line.

I *had* posted a good review due to fantastic customer service in the past. The one positive: the staff is very friendly. However, I need to remedy my good review. Worst customer service ever. My eyes have been changing very rapidly and as a result I needed new contacts before my old script was covered by insurance. Then they changed again. They never contacted me to tell me when my scripts will be ready or how delayed they will be, I always had to call. And they were supposed to exchange old lenses and that took 6 weeks. I waited over 3 weeks for trials alone after the expectation of 4 days. They also told me we could attach insurance at this point since they took so long I’m now covered again, and they couldn’t be bothered to call my insurance to get my policy number, told me to do it. Really? After you let me walk around with bad depth perception for 6 weeks? I’ve since changed to a new optometrist who got my policy info without being asked, and I had my trials that day and my script delivered to my house in under a week of my appointment.

I am really bad about waiting until my prescription expires and I run out of contacts before I make an appointment so when I do I need to get in ASAP! I made my appointment over the phone for the next day and it was at 6pm which was AWESOME! I was slightly concerned that when I got there I would be the ‘you’re the one who is coming in a hour before close’ but it was the exact opposite. I had to fill out paperwork since I was a newbie and that took no time at all and I didn’t have to wait to be seen at all. It was seamless. When I was finished, there was a torrential rain storm. Instead of just sitting there waiting, I had a great conversation with two of the employees! They were super friendly and genuine. It is SO NICE to go some where and it not feel like boring doctors appointment! Good Job Atlanta Vision Optical!!!

I’ve been coming here for two years and I’ve been visually impaired for about 27 years. This is honestly one of the best optometry offices that I’ve ever been to and I don’t plan on leaving them anytime soon.
The place is super modern, minimalist, clean, super comfy chairs, airy space, and huge windows. The staff is super friendly, personable and answered any and all questions that I had about my new insurance on a recent visit. Arthur Park is a great optometrist. He gave me some great information on caring for my eyes, if my vision changed, asked if I had any questions for and even gave me loads of informed about doing a possible Lasik procedure. In the past, I’ve found at other offices the the staff/​optometrist always seems to be annoyed or in such a rush to help others but I felt like Dr. Park was actually listening to me and addressed any concerns I might have had.
I’ve really never met such a friendly staff before. I made the appointment relatively easy and was able to get in a couple of days later on Saturday which is great for 9−5ers like me. Not to mention, they have some of the best selection of eye wear that I’ve ever seen.

I wanted to go somewhere close, so I didn’t even read the reviews on this place. Not only was it incredibly impersonal, but I was scammed out of $ 50 for a procedure I was told was done, but actually was not. I’m currently waiting for someone to call me back, but I just have a feeling I’m not getting that money back. Just don’t go. Go create a relationship with a doctor somewhere because these people don’t are about you or your eyes.
Edit: I heard back and was refunded my money to the tone of an annoyed man who still thinks I’m lying.

This place gets 5 stars from me, and I’ll tell you why. Recently my eyes have finally gotten to a point where I need glasses. Good luck though, getting your pupillary distance from anyone who does an eye exam on you. See, the scam is that they want you to buy your glasses from the same place you get your exam, so they will not give up the PD. Any eye exam place that does not willingly give you your PD so that you have the freedom to shop around for your glasses does not deserve your business. I called this place up and they were willing to give me my PD. I already had my exam done elsewhere, but I needed my PD in order to buy the glasses that I wanted. Yes, they charged me a small fee but so what. I didn’t have to get an exam there, and I was under no obligation to buy any eyewear. Kudos to them. Not to mention, they’ve got some really cool glasses there and the place is nice… pricey, but nice. When I’m ready to drop a handful of hundred dollar bills on a sweet pair of designer frames I’ll have no problem checking them out again.

I was taken care of quickly, and the office is really comfortable. They have a ton of frames to choose from– mostly pricey, but there are some $ 99 frames that were actually pretty nice. I love my old frames, so I got the lenses replaced. It was really pricey ($ 220 with the anti-​glare coating), but then, I’m used to ordering glasses from a discount place online (from China). Still, it’s worth it to keep my nice old frames. Overall, I’d recommend– especially if you live nearby.

Nearly a few months later I’ve noticed that I really can’t see with the contact prescription that was given to me. When driving at night I feel like I’m in one of those anti-​DUI commercials where they demonstrate what a drunk driver sees while driving (blurry halos around anything that lights up), which makes driving very difficult and dangerous. Now I have to make another eye appointment, which is truly frustrating because I visited Atlanta Vision for that reason. I’m definitely very disappointment and can’t say that I would be a return customer.

*update from my last post
Like I said the people are nice, in fact very nice! During my wait the manager came over to me and apologized for the wait and offered concessions for my time :-)

I have worn glasses for 20+ years. I found that Atlanta Vision Optical did take my insurance and I tried them 4 years ago. I am a fan. Yes it is a boutique. It is designer names and the lenses materials will be of the highest quality. If I have to wear something 16 hours a day, 365 days a year I want something of style. The new Gazal line is out of this world. No other place I’d go.

I purchased sun glasses and had a misunderstanding with the warranty when I brought them in for service. Promptly the next day the owner contacted me to resolve the issue. Long story short the frames were no longer being manufactured so the owner let me select new frames. I really appreciate the personalized customer service I received to ensure I was happy with my purchase. Thank you again Andy!!!

I’ve been going to Atlanta Vision Optical for three years now and will be back next year. The staff is courteous and responsive. Dr. Udell is knowledgeable and personable. It’s a great location (Edgewood Shopping Plaza) and they have long hours on certain days of the week so it’s super convenient for those working 9 – 5. When you set up an appointment you get an reminder call, email, and text message… so there is no way you can forget. I’ve never purchased glasses here (I’m a Warby Parker girl) but have bought contacts through AVO. The staff is accommodating and keeps the upselling to a minimum. A great optometrist is you’re looking for one!

The only positive element of my experience there was the receptionist, who was very friendly and helpful. I was disgusted by the extent to which I felt persistently bullied into trying different expensive tests and products and how annoyed they appeared to be by my refusal to do so (items that I clearly indicated I was not interested in on my new patient form). Additionally, the optometrist, Dr. Erica Udell, was extremely rude and condescending. I was very dissatisfied with my visit and can’t say that I will be back.

They have a nice selection of sunglasses — mostly designer, but the prices are comparable to those elsewhere. Service was friendly but maybe too young. She seemed to be in high school and not very knowledgeable about the products.

I must say, I’m really surprised at the poor reviews. Had I read these prior to making my eye appointment, I probably would have gone somewhere else. Glad I didn’t! My customer service experience here was more than satisfactory.
I had come in here a few times for eyeglass adjustments and thought the next time I was ready to purchase new frames I would do so here as I was pleased with the service I received.
When I was ready to purchase new eyeglasses, I called to make an appointment for an eye exam and was able to get the day/​time of my preference. I maybe had to wait 15 minutes before the doc was ready to see me but in the meantime, I tried on frames. Yes, they were locked up but the staff was more than helpful in opening the cases. They did not hover over me but let me take my time and gave me their opinion when asked. I also asked them to choose frames they thought might look good on me.
I love my new eyeglasses! Were they expensive? Yes! But when it comes to a pair of glasses I will be wearing everyday if I choose, I think it is money well spent. I also wear contacts and purchased along with my eyeglasses.

This is an update to my previous review on 1÷8÷13. At that time, I had a good experience with my eye exam, but frustrations with Atlanta Vision Optical’s billing procedures.
The owner was attentive enough to write me back personally ensure my billing issue was resolved. I have since returned to this location to order a pair of eyeglasses (my first in a decade — I usually wear contact lenses). I had a great experience with an associate (I believe he is the owner’s husband) who helped me choose just the right eyeglasses. As a child, I hated my eyeglasses — but I’m in LOVE with the ones I got at AVO.

I stopped into Atlanta Vision Optical twice, once to start my glasses search and the second time to complete my eye exam.
Their frames are mostly designer and mostly expensive, but they were willing to help me find something I really liked, especially since I was looking for glasses for the first time. Willing, but not eager.
They didn’t give me too much hassle about buying glasses online, just gave me some recommendations for what to do to make sure I got quality lenses and whatnot.
Despite the helpfulness, there was just kind of an air of snootiness that permeated the place and made me not always feel like a welcome customer.

Read the reviews and gave it a shot anyway. Since I’m a LASIK grad c/​o Jan, 2000 (wow!) I don’t need to bother with glasses or contacts so just going for the annual exam. Dr. Mitchell was very professional and her staff, though not really reading the notes about the LASIK, was prompt and courteous, offering a beverage while I waited and assuring me it wouldn’t take long. I believe I was there all of about 30 minutes so I can’t complain and it’s super convenient so I’ll take it.

I will never return! I’ve never worn contacts before, not sure what to expect, but I am convinced they preyed upon my ignorance. I asked up front before I saw the Dr. on the price and what was covered with my insurance. I was told that the exam would be a 10.00 copay and the contact fitting would be between 25 and 65 dollars. Imagine my shock when it came time to pay at the charge being 125.00 total. Too late to run at this point, I was wearing the contacts. I then asked how much would the box of contacts be and was told they wouldn’t know until I came back the following week but I had an insurance allowance. Fast forward to the next week, time to order the contacts and the cost was substantially above the insurance allowance. I wasn’t shocked — they knew my credit card was good. I paid! I asked for a copy of my prescription (which was written by staff, not the doctor) and was handed another trial pair. Unfortunately the trial pair didn’t match the written prescription so I had no way of knowing which was correct. They straightened their error the next business day and proceeded with my order. Today (11/​23/​2011) my contacts arrived and I went to pick up. I assumed the payment I made at the time of my order was all I owed, but no… 20.00 more I had to pay. My insurance company it seems says I owed a materials fee of 20.00. This however was NOT collaborated by my insurance company and they advocate at least this amount as a refund.
To add further insult to the injury of conducting business with Atlanta Vision Optical they gave me expired lens solution. Solution which expired ⁰⁴⁄₂₀₁₀! I have pictures of ALL of this if someone wants to see, I will gladly e-​mail them to you.
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I will not return, my sight is far too precious to play around with, and they don’t seem interested in the customer as much as the money they can squeeze from us. My contact prescription (we hope its correct) is much cheaper to fill on
or 1−800-contacts.

I called on a Saturday morning and was told that I could have a 2:30pm appointment. I arrived at 2:30, filled out the paperwork, and sat. And sat. and sat. While I sat there I was offered a beverage no fewer than 6 times by 6 different people. I browsed the shop — everything is behind glass, the scene is sort of faux-​schmancy. After an hour… a full hour… AFTER my scheduled appointment time I went and nicely asked if I could get a sense of how much longer it would take. The response: «well, there ARE a few people ahead of you.» Really? I asked for my paperwork back and told them I would need to go somewhere else. Two employees shared a snarky look, did not try to keep my business, and handed me my paperwork. I left.
Called The Eye Gallery in Buckhead– they were able to fit me in within 30 minutes (and it was busy in there…), get me a pair of contacts to try, and send me on my way. Hitch: the Atlanta Vision Optical people had already put the call in to my insurance so The Eye Gallery was unable to file it… I called AVO on the spot while Eye Gallery was waiting to ask them to release it and they said they would call me right back. Waited. Waited. Still haven’t heard from them.
Thankfully, Eye Gallery said I could follow up with them next week and allowed me to leave without having to be out of pocket for the exam. All 3 people I worked with were professional and helpful. Total time spent at EG: 40 minutes. No beverage offer… true…but you know, there’s a Starbucks in the parking lot:) Besides, I really just wanted an eye exam and some new contacts!
In other words — AVO is a waste of time and clearly does not want your business. Too bad… their location is fantastic and would have been more convenient for me. But I’m willing to trek to get someone to care and who is more efficient.