I recently had cataract surgery on both eyes, and I cannot recommend Cincinnati Eye Institute highly enough. Dr. Robert Osher, my surgeon, has a reputation for being thorough, and it is certainly true. He took the time to explain everything, both before and after the procedure. It's hard to imagine anyone replacing him, but I hope he is training a new doctor to be as careful and attentive as he is. His assistant, Heather, really went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure I had the medications I needed, monitor my eye pressure, and contact Dr. Osher with updates. She even helped me find a discount coupon so I could afford the eye drops I needed to bring my eye pressure down! She also went out of her way to ensure that I would get a refund after I was mistakenly charged a co-pay for a follow-up visit. She is so competent, capable, and kind that I hope she will consider becoming an eye doctor herself someday. read more

Today, I had a completely unacceptable experience at the Cincinnati Eye Institute location in Blue Ash that I feel obligated to document for you in a formal review. I left my place of work and arrived at CEI Blue Ash at 9:25am for a 9:30am appointment (I had completed their pre-registration process several days before). A large sign said "Please wait to be called" so I stood at the sign for about 30 seconds. A lady at the nearest (corner) desk called me over, took my name and birth date, and told me to have a seat and wait to be called back. All good. Sixty-five (65) minutes later, after I had watched about 3 cycles of patients come and go from that first waiting area, I approached the desk and asked a different receptionist if there was a problem. She once again asked for my information and, after looking me up on the computer, said, "It says here that you were marked as a NO-SHOW." Are you kidding me? It was incomprehensible to me that the waiting room had filled up and emptied out 3 times, yet not one of the 3-4 receptionists sitting ten feet from me had the presence of mind during their down time to pick up on the fact that I had been sitting there for a VERY LONG time. This post is about more than just my experience today. At 52, I would guess (based on 65 solid minutes of observation) that I am at least 20 years younger than the average age of their patient population. These folks have far more serious eye problems on top of other physical limitations and needs (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.). If it happened to me, it can happen to any of them, which could carry far more serious consequences and liability. Today's negligence aside, I have always felt like CEI is somewhat of a meat market that just wants to keep billing my insurance and collecting copays on the regular. I have borderline but normal eye pressures, yet they keep scheduling 6-month appointments to check them like I'm half blind. The whole operation has a retail shopping mall vibe, which raises my suspicions that they are over-booking me just to keep their revenues up. They really should be investigated. Patients beware. read more

I am augmenting the initial comments. My retina and cataract surgery failed. The retina surgeon said that it might take 1year for the retina to heal and that the point of the operation was to keep it from getting worse. I had an epiretinal membrane that needed to be removed. However, After the procedure, I immediately started seeing flashes of light every day . I know that that is not a good sign. I am a retired pharmacist of 40 years. I know a little about eye surgery. The cataract surgery also failed. I can't see clearly through the new lens. i explained that to Shockman and she said to get a new correction lens in that eye. So, I was supposed to see her on July 9. On July 7, I called the office to ask whether or not she wanted to see me on the 9th since I hadn't received my new lenses from Lencrafters. Then they hung up on me. They called back 10 minutes late and said the Shockman didn't want to see me again unless I had the left lens done. They hung up on me again read more

The absolute worse ! Do not ! I repeat do go there if you think your time is valuable. The minimum wait in the waiting room is 3-4 hours. They have zero concern for your time. They heard you in like cattle and make you wait...and wait...and wait. With not so much as an apology. Very unprofessional. If I could give it less than 1 star I would. read more

I called the ER number on 7/13/26 about my double vision and blurred vision to get an appointment for the ER. Ii told them my symptoms and they said they would return my call. After 5 minutes they called back and said to use eye drops 3-4 times a day until Friday. if it wasn't better by Friday to call back. Wednsday 7/15/26 I couldn't hardly see so I visited my family doctor at Trihealth. He exam my eyes and could see immediately my eyes were not in alignment. Needless to say I had suffered a stroke. Im not here to throw Cincinnati Eye under the bus but to warn people about the advice they give out without ever seeing me. read more

date Of service may 2025 received glasses paid my 900.00 Deductible for 2 pairs. Received a bill Oct 2025 called cei the escalated problem to supervisor as insurance had not paid 436.25 balance April 2026 received call from collection agency wanting me to pay 436.25 Called office again they were escalating to a higher level i then called my insurance and they never received a claim from CEI read more

Last eye appt waited with dilated eyes for almost 3 hours. Being diabetic, I left after complaining with no explanation or caring attitude. Won't ever go back. read more

HORRIBLE service. Expect to wait at least 5 hours for a consultation. The doctors are good but the management is awful.

Surgeries were fine, Dr. Sivaraman is an excellent doctor. That is the only reason why I am giving them one star. Their billing department is horrible! Incredibly deceptive, and unresponsive. My mom has been fighting with them over a $113 dollar bill since July 2024 for followup visits for a surgery she had in April 2024 because she had complications. We have been promised repeatedly that it was taken care of, and then she just received a notice from a bill collector. I have advised them that her credit is perfect, and if this ruins it, I will be contacting the state attorney general consumer's protection section. read more

Actually didn't have to wait long. Blue Ash office. And the front office staff were very nice. However, they didn't do a great job numbing my eye and didn't seem too concerned about it. Didn't really explain what caused the issue or how to care for it afterward. Their bedside manner is terrible. They make you feel lije you're intruding. So yes, they fixed my issue, but it was very painful and they they acted like they couldn't get me out fast enough. Not pleasant at all. read more

the worst! they are breaking the law by charging $60 for your paper Rx. It should be FREE. see here: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-eyeglass-rule read more

My review is not about the care received at CEI, that I will rate as 5 stars. This review is about the scheduling which is, in my case, terrible. My eye doctor determined that I needed secondary cataract removal. He indicated that he was going to submit my information and that I would hear from scheduling in a couple of weeks. It has now been about a month and I have not heard from scheduling. I have contacted them tree times and each time they tell me I will be contacted shortly. it doesn't happen. I find it mind boggling that as excellent as CEI is in patient care that they have such an inept scheduling department. I would hope that scheduling isn't based on the value proposition, but maybe it is. read more

An example of how venture capitalism endangers good medicine. Duplicate testing, patient upselling and hostility if questioned. Dr Hammer threatened me, thrusting his finger in my face, accusing me of "interrupting him," when I asked questions. I informed him there was no way I'd allow him anywhere near me nor my eyes, I'm seeking care elsewhere and suggesting you do too. read more

Beware !! CEI is owned by Private Equity ( Wallstreet). PE knows nothing about eye care, only how to squeeze a nickle until it bleeds, thus the high employee turn over and discontent amongst the doctors as well as the patients. There are a few good doctors but they wil tell you confidentialy that the place is poorly managed. Also beware CEI is a Training Facility. CEI gets paid to train student doctors. Frequently the student will do your surgery without your permission. They'll let you think that its the doctor you chose and then they substitute with a student doctor you don't know. The emergency clinic is staffed almost entirely by student doctors. CEI had a D rating with the Better Business Bureau until they insisted on being delisted. Yeah, hundreds of complaints about billing, wait times, poor doctor professionalism and mis-diagnosises. CEI is a typical example of how Private Equity can run a business into the ground. Wallstreet should not be in the health care industry because they are only interested in the money. Too bad, there are a few talented doctors at CEI but it would cost them too much to leave. Summary: CEI is a conveyor belt of patients crammed into tight office schedules to maximise profit. This breeds negativity among the staff , the patients, and leads to a poor experience. read more

CEI are crooks. First time ever going, I paid when I came through the door of $150, when I left of $60, and my glasses of $250 without insurance. one month later I get a text message saying I still owe them money because they adjusted something on the bill. I will never ever go back or tell anyone to ever go there. read more

dr riemann is the retina specialist who did my sons replacement.excellent dr.highly recommended.

Guess what you pay up to $130 to actually get a prescription. Funny they do t mention this when you make an apt for an eye exam. What a joke. read more

I think the staff at the retinal center in Blue Ash treats the seniors with a lack of empathy. they show no patience whatsoever, if a patient ask more questions because we don't understand what's going on with her eyes. the doctor and staff need to know their impatience is obvious. you are showing us disrespect. it was like the staff decided my appointment was over and no more question should be asked. there is nothing worse than walking out of a doctors office and you are not being respected. I have to say to the younger staff... one day you will be a elderly (that is if you are lucky) then you will know how you made us feel when you laugh at us. read more

Horrible wait times because they are too greedy and schedule way too many people that they can't give a good experience to. Wasn't even getting sons eyes dilates and he's mentally handicapped but still had to wait over hour to ever see dr. Ridiculous. Sad because good drs ect but greed is in the way. read more

CEI is a factory. Not interested in helping people, just processing them. Not sure if they measure any satisfaction ​ read more

A smooth assembly line of exemplary care. Using an ultrasound for the IV was revolutionary for me who is routinely stuck 4 to 6 times until I'm a sweaty weepy mess. Painlessly in on one try, that was my biggest issue. Cataract surgery didn't concern me, that IV sure did. I was treated well by everyone, anesthesiologist listened to my concerns, Dr. Arar was fabulous from the first to last visit and my vision is perfect, no glasses at all for the first time since I was 5. Additionally, checkups at Dr. Arar's office on Red Bank Road were without long waits, and the staff is friendly and competent. Definitely a good experience from beginning to end. read more

Worst customer service I have ever experienced in a medical institution!! Prepare to spend 3-4 hours for your appointment whether intial or follow up. Patient portal contains absolutely no info! Receptionists are very aloof cold. no one returns your call regarding getting a copy of your medical records. Obviously they only care about the Benjamin. I am a nurse, I worked in a prestigiuos Neurosurgical practice for 20 years. They need to review best practices! read more

The good news and bad news is that Dr Chris Reiman is awesome. Bad news because the organization fails to value the time of their patients. A four hour wait to see your doctor when you schedule a 9:00 AM appointment shows a lack of respect for the patient. And nothing ever changes because CEI has a captive audience. in addition you can't leave, walk around d the building, grab a bite to eat because if they call your name and your not there you lose your spot. if you're retired and have nothing else to do maybe this is okay. But for those that work time is money. read more

Cincinnati Eye Institute Surgery Center - Lobby of CEI Retina - Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I have problem with my eyes from my Lupus. That cause my eyes to get red and the sunlight. Hurts my eyes were the whole socket of the eye hurt and the doctor and staff are very nice. And I love that they resolved my problem with 3 visits. Thanks to the Team, LaRita's Green read more

I am very reluctant and don't like to be overly critical of businesses but by far this was the worst experience I have ever had with a medical practice. I feel I have to say something. This practice has a large corporate churn feel with overbooking (not a massive deal) and an absolute nightmare dealing with billing department. Everything you would expect from a bloated corporate medical institution. Initial visit with Dr. Peretz for chronic dry eyes involved replacement of punctal plugs. This procedure was performed as a new patient and a clearly smaller size plug then what was currently in my tear ducts was chosen by Dr. Peretz. I didn't abject as he is the Dr., but it was not a surprise when one of them had fallen out merely 3-4 days later. I'm not sure why a different size was chosen but nonetheless. During a followup to replace this plug Dr. Peretz was very passive when I expressed concern of needing to pay full price for the procedure again. Basically indicated that he had no say in what I would be billed. This was frustrating, so I opted to forego the replacement and talk with the billing department prior to scheduling yet ANOTHER followup appointment. I wanted to ensure I understood what I was subject to pay and that they understood the situation. At this point a near year long struggle with billing got me absolutely nowhere. I just wanted to propose having that single plug replaced without paying for an entire additional procedure but there was no budging. Escalations with billing were unfulfilled. Ghosting calls and complete lack of initiative to progress things from their end. Constantly after 7+ calls over the course of months there is somehow no one available in the Billing department to talk to. Empty promises of "so-and-so will call you back". Basically a part time job on my part. Eventually, after I CALL THEM to follow up yet again on my case, I am told my dispute had been denied and the person I am speaking to can offer no explanation. I ask to speak with someone involved with the decision and to this day there was never anyone who was able offer any sort of rationale on their decision making process. Two series of escalations later I cut my losses and found another practice that I am much happier with. In the end, I would absolutely not recommend Cincinnati Eye Institute for any reason if it can at all be avoided. This was a complete nightmare experience and I would not wish for anyone to have to go through this. read more

This place does NOT respect anyone else's time. It's a zoo when you get there to check in. You can expect a minimum of 20 min to check in. Then you sit and wait for an hour or so before you are called in. At time of appointment they don't tell you how long it's going to be, but you definitely are NOT getting out of there before 2-3 hours. Very inefficient and the staff are rude. I would have walked out except once you've had surgery there you don't have a choice. They schedule more people than they can handle. $$$$ is all they care about. Surgery was great though. After care... horrible. read more

Eye care ... prescriptions. Only one problem that I see if you miss your appointments our have something come up like Covid they will stop sending your meds. If you have no transportation they will stop sending your meds. This process should be eliminated because you never know what and individual is going through in life please! read more

No stars .... appt at 1230 and didn't see doc till 430. All during a weather advisory and driving from Indiana. Ridiculous on being kept that long! Having to add one star which isn't even deserved!!! read more

Had eyelid surgery at CEI. Surgeon was excellent. Otherwise a completely negative experience. Pre surgical information about what to expect after surgery was not informative, billing is a nightmare! The cost estimate was off by thousands of dollars. CEI is a factory with no regard for their patients. Really regretting not going to a smaller, local surgery center that specializes in ocular plastics. read more

While surgically my experience was good, on a customer service level it was not. I was overcharged $3,000. When I asked about it I was told a check went out on May 3. On May 16 I had yet to receive payment and I was told the check was sent on May 9. The office is 10 miles from my home so I guess they sent my check by tortoise. So, thank you for holding my money for as long as you did but demand payment UPFRONT AND TOTAL for your services. read more

Really, really poor quality care from a consistently overbooked staff. Been there 3 times over 2 years and was given a prescription for glasses each time by doctor Kumar. This is after waiting 30 minutes to be moved station to station by various med techs spending over 2 hours in testing. Saw her a total of 9 minutes over the 3 visits and I am sure she doesn't know my name. "Any questions?" This last time I stopped her from handing me a prescription for glasses I couldn't see out of because of CATARACTS. I asked her directly about my right eye, mentioned, once more, about the situation, and again about my lasik surgery 15 years back. "OH!? You had lasik?" She looked again at my chart and then picked up her eye instrument to look into my eyes. Hadn't done that up to this point. "Could be cataracts. Why didn't they dialate your eyes and do a cataract test?" Why? I wanted to say, "it's your staff, you tell me." She said I would have to come back to do the test and that they did cataract surgery there and the scheduler would tell me about the lenses available and the costs. I was then escorted back to the waiting area. All 35 people waiting were gone by that time, it being noon and I waited directly outside the scheduler's office. I waited about 20 minutes when I heard her leave a message (on my phone!) I stood up and raised my hand to her as she rushed by me to take (my chart) to the front desk area. She dismissed my pretty rudely telling me she was busy and she'd get to me when she could. When she returned, I explained I was the person she just left a message for. She then scheduled me for the cataract test and for surgery and asked my which lense I wanted. She was frustrated that Dr. Kumar didn't go over it with me and frustrated she had to. Needless to say, I cancelled my appointments when I returned home. Your eyes are too important to leave to a place like this. Did, then, find Dr. Jaweed at Midwest Eye Institute. The difference is night and day. One person did my testing, no waiting, and he spent 20 minutes with me, looked at my eyes, explained my options, lenses, and costs. Great service at Midwest. read more

I've had amazing results and care. It's the best in eye and hearing care. Christopher Reimann M D is excellent on knowledge, performance, and kindness. Anup Khatana M D is also, excellent in every way. Brian Kuhlman O D and Mary Beth Yackey O D . I highly recommend. read more

Many years ago I had cataract surgery at CEI and after moving back to the area needed a doctor for my visual issues. Called and they got me in a few days later. Was greeted with a smile and a very nice lady who told me exactly where I needed to be Filled out my paperwork and immediately taken to a room and experienced a through exam. The Physicians assistant and the doctor herself were very professional The whole experience was pleasant. Didn't even mind all the drops. Received a phone call from Sara to set up my next appointment. What a lovely person Hope everyone experiences what I did Thanks CEI read more

To say I am furious would be an understatement. In 2018, my eye doctor told me I needed to see a Neuro ophthalmologist as she suspected a brain injury was causing my vision issues. I asked her is this was going to get worse and since she said no I decided to just live with it. On May 21, 2022 I saw Dr. Seebohm because my vision has gotten extremely worse. He examined me and even checked my prescription eye glasses. He also told me I needed to see a Neuro ophthalmologist and gave me the info for the Cincinnati Eye Institute. I called CEI to request an appointment. I was told that my doctor would have to send in a referral along with documentation as to why he thought I needed to see a Neuro ophthalmologist. Then they would pass the info along to one the the Neuro doctors. The doctor would look over the notes to see if they could help me then someone from CEI would call to schedule me an appointment. So, I called Dr. Seebohm's office and told them what I needed. They sent everything over within an hour and called me back to confirm. I waited about a week then I called CEI back to inquire as to why I had not been notified. The lady who answered the phone asked for my date of birth. I explained I wasn't a patient yet. She advised me that if they had received the referral then I would be in their system. I was! However, the lady then informed me that they hadn't received all the documents from Dr. Seebohm's office as she only had 2 of 5 pages. SO, IN ONE WEEK NO ONE FROM CEI CONTACTED MY DOCTOR TO HAVE THE MISSING DOCUMENTS SENT AGAIN. Good thing I called back so "I" could get that fixed! The lady was kind enough to get me set up in their portal to make it more convenient to make appointments or ask questions, but I was still left waiting again. After 2 1/2 WEEKS of waiting and trying to get an appointment they finally called today. Kelly from CEI a who said she is Dr. Golnik's tech asked me if my double vision stops if I close one eye. I said no and asked her why everyone from CEI keeps asking me that question since this is the 3rd time. She told me that if my double vision doesn't stop when I close one eye then it's not a Neuro condition and she wouldn't schedule me an appointment. WOW! 2 DOCTORS told me I needed to see a neuro ophthalmologist. I told them my double vision does not clear up when I close one eye twice before today. I postponed my Botox injections that I get for my MIGRAINES as I didn't want that to in any way interfere with my appointment at CEI only to be told by a tech that I don't have a neurological issue and that I needed to go back to see Dr. Seebohm. I raised my voice because I was pissed off and asked her why they wasted my time in waiting to get any appointment when I told them from day one closing one eye didn't correct my problem. She told me it would be a "waste of time" to make me an appointment because if my vision doesn't improve after closing one eye I don't have a neurological issue. (Yet 2 actual doctors said I do). So, if you go to CEI to see one of their neuro ophthalmologists be aware that the techs and/ or assistants do the diagnosing over the phone and will only set up the appointments for the actual doctors that work there if "THEY" feel it's necessary. read more

Experience with staff and doctor Barfell was great. Called a few days latter and scheduled lasik.

They do good work, but the wait is very long, usually I am sitting here for over an hour before I finally get to see the doctor. So if you make an appointment, be prepared to wait an hour or longer for whatever procedure you are having...Don't think thay care if you have to wait, they are good doctors but don't seem to care about being timely read more

AVOID THIS COMPANY - FRAUD Actual price was 5 times the estimate with no complications (additional $4000 out of pocket) Overcharged credit card by $1600 (fighting for months for a refund) Unprofessional staff read more

Have been going here for a decade. The care and treatment is outstanding. Have saved what vision i have left.

I have been to Cincinnati Eye Institute recently in the past two months with my older sister who had surgery in both eyes due to diabetic complications. During those period of frequent visits, I did encounter longer waits as some have complained about but there is a sign stating every patient is treated differently depending on their situation. So there would understandably, be variations in amount of time spent with each patient. Surgeons, and Doctors were all very genuine and professional in their field. The recovery staff was so accommodating and compassionate. I'm so amazed by the fact my sister no longer has to wear glasses, after having worn them for more than half her life. Remarkable!! My sister is very much please with her overall care and outcome. I have an uncle who worked alongside locally renowned Surgeons/Doctors, and has stated that Cincinnati Eye Institute is the best in their class and he to is a patient at CEI. I definitely would recommend Cincinnati Eye Institute to whoever experiencing any sort of Ophthalmologic issues. read more

Cincinnati Eye Institute Surgery Center - Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Sat in the room waiting for an hour and a half for the doctor to even arrive to the facility to start seeing other patients. And when we inquired about his arrival the staff had zero information. Extremely unprofessional. Absolutely would never recommend this place. I'd give it zero stars if that was an option When the doctor finally showed up two hours late proceeded to take multiple phone calls interrupting the appointment. read more