The Eye Institute

Made an appointment for the only day of the week that my work schedule and their office schedule line up. Showed up for the appointment and they told me I had scheduled the day before during my work hours. I have set hours that haven’t changed for a year, so I know I didn’t schedule for that time. They offered to reschedule for 2 months later. Can’t comment on their services, since I have to wait a while.

I needed an emergency visit, was seen quickly and received excellent service from the receptionist, students and Doctor.

I too saw the bad reviews and can only assume that ownership has changed. Service was great upon entering. I had only a very short wait. The optometrist was friendly and patient and knowledgeable. All in all, a very positive experience here.

I can’t believe that this place has so many negative reviews. The staff must have changed or something because I had nothing short of a great experience here. Kathy, the salesperson that helped me was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
The Eye Institute has the best deals in the area. I bought two very stylish pairs of new glasses (new frames and new lenses with anti-​glare) for under $ 200! After coming from Visionworks and LensCrafters earlier that day, trust me, this is way better prices than those stores. Plus they were ready within a week like they said and I love them.
Kathy was very helpful when I was choosing the glasses and very helpful adjusting them when they came in. I can’t speak for other employees there because I only dealt with Kathy, but I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Definitely ignore the reviews here. This place is a gem!

Horrible customer service. Called the contact lens department to see if we could get some lenses for my cousin who lost hers while visiting. Along with people who had very poor phone etiquette and having to call about 6 times to get through, still no help. After having worked at an eye institute, this is a poor excuse for one.

As a neighborhood business that supposedly took my insurance I really wanted the Mt. Airy branch of the Eye Institute to work out. I was willing to overlook the fact that the first day (just another Monday) that I called for an appointment the office was apparently closed — no explanation, no answer etc.
A couple of days later, after a lengthy time on hold I finally spoke to someone whose first question was «what insurance do you have»… and even though these guys are listed on the insurance company’s website and printed directory all I got in reply was «we don’t take that insurance». When I questioned them, the answer went from curt to a dismissive «while we don’t take it».
If this is how they handle things on the phone, I can only imagine what the in person experience would be like. No thank you — I’ll take my business elsewhere
Update on ⁶⁄₁₇: I received a reply from The Eye Institute’s marketing department apologizing for the service I received when trying to schedule an appointment. Since I already went elsewhere (along with another family member) it will be another two years before I can find out if their service has improved. But I give them credit for responding.

I called for an appointment and was put on hold for over 20 minutes. So I figured I’d just stop in since I live soooo close. I walk in today and ask if I can make an appointment, and the front desk clerk says, «We have an automated appointment system for all 3 sites; please call this number,» and hands me a business card. I, in shock, said, «well is there no way to make an appt now because I did call that number and was on hold for a long time.» Clerk lady informs very nicely and politely that she is currently working on a project that she will be doing all morning, but if I want to come back in the afternoon she will be glad to make an appointment for me. Me, still stunned, looking around wondering if I am being punked, said «thank you» and left. I should also add, that the entire place was dead empty. Will definitley not be returning even if it is down the street from my house.

If you don’t mind waiting 22 minutes for someone to pick up the phone then this place is for you. Customer service? Forgetaboutit! Their attitude is: «you need us, we don’t need you.» $ 123.00 for an eye exam, including glaucoma test. You can get a much better deal at JC Penney, Montgomery Mall: $ 65.00 for full exam including glaucoma test and great deals on eyeglasses. Call for appointment. Doctors are in only a couple days a week but the difference in service and price is certainly worth the trip to Montgomeryville. Nicetown, Olney, East and West Oak Lane, Germantown and Mt. Airy businesses and services are borderline third-​world quality. If you have mobility do not settle for sub-​standard rip-​off service. These businesses prey on people who cannot travel beyond a 4 – 5 mile radius of their homes and depend on SEPTA for transport.