Lasik MD, Winnipeg: BAD, BAD EXPERIENCE.
The girl that did my first set of exams seemed like someone that had been pulled off the street; she was nice, but not very professional and seemed like she wanted to just get me in and out of there asap. After that first set of exams had been completed, she told me to have a seat in the waiting area so she could “finish filling out my chart.” I had no idea what that meant, but whatever. So I sat down. Texted a friend at 3:28. Then waited. And waited. And waited.
Finally, someone came and called me in for another set of exams. I asked her what time she thought I would be done by, as I only had a 2 hour time limit on my parking. She told me that I should go and plug the meter again, I would still be another 30-45 minutes. I check the time.
4:12!!!! They made me wait over 40 minutes before I was called in. Had someone let me know that I’d be waiting that long, I would have plugged my meter while I was waiting. This office is on the 20th floor of this building! Not impressed.
I got back and asked if there was always this long of a wait in between exams. She says no. ” Today, one of the girls had to go home early because her mother was sick.” Fair enough. But there was no apology. I was very irritated.
Then I went to see one last girl to talk about pricing. She gave me her schpeel. Then asked if I wanted to book my appointment. I said that I had to think about it, as I was not impressed by the service I had received. She apologized for the situation, and told me that if I do decide to go ahead with the surgery, the price she had quoted me was guaranteed for 6 weeks. That did not sound right to me and I grilled her with questions. She proceeded to explain to me that prices always change due to advances in technology, equipment, etc. Prices just went up last week, she says, and also last March. I told her that it did not make sense to me. She excused herself and returned with another woman.
“Hi Vanessa, I understand that you have concerns about the cost?”
I told her that I didn’t understand why the price would go up after 6 weeks. Before I could finish what I was saying, she interrupted me and said “No, that is not what she said.”
NOW i’m angry. You weren’t even there, do not tell me what was and was not said.
Basically, she told me that what the girl was trying to say was that the price I was given was MY price. That is what is written in my chart, so it is my price. I can call and book in December if I wanted to, and it would still be the same price. Ok, my bad. I apparently need laser ear surgery, too? Whatever.
Then I say that I was told prices change because of technology and equipment. Apparently, I got that wrong, too. Cost is based on prescription, she says, not technology and equipment. Gee, I wonder where I got that from?
Then she goes on to to tell me that she had heard about my long wait. She apologized, but said that I, as a hygienist, should know how it is: some patients just have a milllllion questions and you don’t want to rush them out. And that was exactly what had happened today: the 2 patients before me just had a ton of questions. Yes, I say, I know it happens, but I also almost always let my patients know when I am running behind to let them know that I haven’t forgotten about them, WITH an apology.
“Oh! Nobody came to you? Well, I will have to talk to the girl up front for you.”
Sure you will.
These people clearly have no idea what they are doing or what they are talking about. They can’t even keep their stories straight about what goes on in that office or what to tell people when they’re pissed. The truth is usually the best way to go. But not to them, apparently.
They will NEVER receive my business.
Disclaimer
This article was submitted by one of our readers. Penciltrick cannot make any claims as to its authenticity but the article was accepted on a good faith belief that it is an accurate and truthful account of the events listed.
November 8th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Should go to the College and complain. They used Bait and Switch technique. Said something and does something.
May 7th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
This story is almost exactly what I went through there as well I too felt very baited did not go through with the procedure. Reading this just confirms my suspicions. thanks
September 10th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Where did you finally go and were you satisfied?
November 19th, 2012 at 11:16 am
My experience was wonderful. I began by reading their website in full, then calling to make an appointment. I was well aware the first screening would take 2 to 3 hours, as well as the fact almost all of us will need to have our pupils dilated and will be unable to drive for several hours afterwards, safely at least.
My screeners answered every question and were very professtional indeed, not to mention caring and understanding. After all, having Lasik is not like buying a new can opener, it is not something you rush through.
These people went above and beyond for this nervous nellie, my surgeon was excellent and I have 20/20 vision for the first time in 50 years. I was blind as a bat with much astigmatism and can now see beautifully without glasses.
This is serious stuff and should never be rushed–would you call out your heart surgeon over a parking meter? Because choosing to have your vision corrected is every bit as serious. We are talking about our very precious eyesight!