I went in for a contact lens exam and ended up having a very frustrating experience. First, I waited about 45 minutes past my appointment time before being seen. Once I was finally called back, I was told I needed an updated glasses prescription as well--and, unsurprisingly, was informed I needed new glasses that would cost around $500 after insurance. When I explained that I wasn't interested in purchasing glasses and was only there for contacts, the staff member helping me was rude and dismissive. I also found out the doctor had recommended a different brand of contact lenses that was significantly more expensive than the brand I currently wear. After I asked to switch back, the manager said she needed the doctor to approve the change, which took another 20 minutes. To make matters worse, even though the trial lenses were the exact same brand I already wear, I was told I had to return for another fitting. Then, the trial contacts weren't delivered in time for the appointment they scheduled, and when I tried to reschedule, they couldn't fit me in the next day--only a week later. Between the long wait, the pressure to buy expensive glasses, the unnecessary delays, and the poor customer service, this was a very disappointing experience. I would not recommend this office. read more

I ended up choosing this office because they had actual people answer their phones. Their office is very clean and well lit. I had a great first exam which featured higher tech solutions than I have seen previously. One of these tests costs an extra fee, but they explained what the benefits of the test are and were clear on what the fee would be. After the exam I browsed their wide selection of frames but ultimately decided against having my prescription filled with them due to pricing concerns. They gave me a printed quote so I could shop around which was helpful. I'll go back next year for my exam. read more

I started with the eye exam. No problem until I asked if a specific test they began setting up for was covered by insurance. Nope. That type of information is offered up. Glad I asked. The rest of the exam was fine. Then on to the glasses. I needed night driving and sunglass bifocals as well as a computer pair. I asked if I could use my old frames because I like them and they're comfortable. I got a blunt "no" and was told insurance wouldn't pay for them (I should have stopped right there and checked myself but I didn't - bad on me). There was the usual upselling attempts and I admit that I fell for some of it. Total after insurance costs was over $1000. Since my old frames were working out great looks and comfort-wise, I bought two out of the three same frames that I had. I waited two weeks before I called to see if the new glasses were ready and they were. They typically call to tell you when the glasses come in but they hadn't this time. I picked them up, tried them on, had some adjustments done and was on my way. I wore my computer glasses off and on for a week. They were painful to wear because one arm was rubbing even though they are the same frames I had before (I realize they were likely not made in the same production run etc.). I took them back three times for adjustments and on the fourth time back, I was told I should just try the rubber covers for the arm. I was even shown the Amazon picture and link. They basically said, don't bother coming back because we can't help you. Can't? Or won't? I spent a lot of money at Clarkson. I am an extremely unsatisfied customer because I have a pair of glasses that are unwearable. I don't see that I have any recourse with this company. Where's the customer service? It's pathetic service. I will definitely not be going back and they will not get any sort of endorsement from me. read more

Ever since this company changed over to Clarkson Eyecare from May and Hettler, the service has went downhill. The doctor was great, but the rest of the staff (especially the front desk) are horrible and rude. First off, they tried to talk me into new frames, stating that it would be "cheaper" if I ordered new frames, until they found out that I wasn't eligible for frames this year. They said my glasses would be ready in a week or two after being sent out for replacement lens. They ended up being out for over a month. Every time I call, they speak over me condescendingly and have even put me on hold right in the middle of me speaking! I finally got a text last week to come pick up my glasses. I went in and picked them up at my convenience, as the text message stated. My husband had his appointment while waiting for my glasses to come in. They tried to sales pitch him for a second set of glasses, and all the extras. When his glasses came in, he too got a text message to come in to pick up at his convenience. I called just to verify their hours, and they argued back and forth with me telling me that he had to have an appointment. They were nasty and rude. Next year, we will be going to a new eye doctor. I am at the end of my whits with their staff. read more

Clarkson Eyecare - Text says this, yet they insist that we need an appointment. - Optometrists Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

There is a lot of pressure to buy all the items from them. Before I got to the buying stage, I heard the technician pressuring this person who did not have insurance and (if I may judge from the outside) did not look like they were in any position to spend a lot of money on glasses. The technician told them about buying the glasses on a Care.com credit card. I regret not interjecting and telling the woman that she could/should take her prescription and then go ANYwhere else to buy glasses. In fact, when I told the technician that I could not purchase glasses at their prices--especially since there are so many other options--she was not understanding and gave me a dirty look accompanied with silence and clicking on her keyboard. Most of the glasses were priced at $395+. I asked whether the prices listed on the glasses were the actual price. She looked incredulous at me and indicated that they are priced as marked. As an adult (not a kid to be pressured), educated (aware of pressure tactics) person, I consider myself to be savvy to "used car" pressure techniques and personalities. But I let myself get hoodwinked by them--hook, line, and sinker. I am most frustrated that I signed the document saying I'd purchase the contacts with them. I did this out of confusion because I was using their trials. They are hardcore about that agreement when you are sitting with them--and believe me, they do not offer flexibility before or after the purchase. When I brought it up at my follow-up appointment that I preferred to buy my contacts elsewhere, the technician referred me back to the deal I signed with the devil about the contacts. She told me, "These contacts have already been ordered." This is untrue because I was still using trial contacts. They dug in and did not make any overture to make it right. I'll be spending over $800 for a year's supply of daily contacts. I said, "How can you have already placed the order for my contacts, since my contact prescription has completely changed from my trials?" The answer didn't make sense, so I won't try to convey it. Other elements of my exchange with them are unfavorable, but I hope this is enough information for you to take care of your eyes and eyewear needs with someone else. read more

Firstly, let me start off by saying the physicians here are great. They really take their time to ensure your exam is thorough. This is where the pleasant experience ends. There sales tactics/pitches are vague and there is a lot of bait and switch. I have never received a balance due for glasses in my 30 years of wearing them. Secondly, pay attention to your charges as a glasses protection plan and a box of cleaning wipes were added to my bill without my consent. These add-ons without consent are violations of consumer laws. 5 members of my family have eye exams done here, and I have purchased my LAST pair of glasses from this company. read more

Horrible! The rudest staff ever. We were caught in traffic and showed up 11 minutes late for the appointment and were told we have to rescheduled because they have a 10 minute late policy. My daughter, who needed glasses , said but that only one minute, the rude lady behind the desk said "actually our policy is nine minutes". Soooo... two minutes is egregious but one minute would have been ok? Either way, you have lost our business and I would caution everyone, take your business elsewhere. A true doctors office builds a relationship with patients. Here you are just a number and dollar signs. They don't care about you, or more importantly, your kids at all. I wish I could give less than one star. read more

So got a call back, they said unfortunately the contacts are on back order, so originally since June they dropped the ball on this and now I have to wait another two weeks for a pair of trail contacts? Come on, you can do better than that or at least try to. This in my opinion is unacceptable business practice. I stated that I wanted the manager of the Franconia office to call me back to explain what happened and who didn't do their job. I will be taking my business elsewhere and not Clarkson Eyecare on Franconia Road in Alexandria, VA. Stay away from this business! read more

We liked the eye doctor, but most of the staff was rude except one lady. Pompous and condescending. They talked down to me and treated me like an idiot the whole time. If you like to be treated like an this, than this is the place for you. read more

I have been to this office in August 24 and was happy with Dr Finney. I called to get an emergency appointment recently because my eye was red, swollen and itchy. Didn't know if it was my retina or cornea. I feel this was an emergency! Obviously the staff didn't feel the same. Finally calling back numerous times at regular number and emergency number Tiffany called me back. Set up appointment that afternoon. Drove 45 minutes for appointment only to find sign on door CLOSED POWER OUTAGE. Interesting all the other businesses in that strip mall were all open for business. I never received a call telling me they were closing early. Neither did the other people that showed up for appointments. It has been almost 24 hours and I have never received a call from office or emergency number to apologize or reschedule. I have made an appointment with another office this afternoon. I am hoping they will be more caring about their patient. Don't know who the office manager is but need to get her shit together and get that office organized. I would never recommend this office to anyone and I won't be going back for my annual appointment in August 25. read more

Unbelievably rude Office Manager cancelled my appointment after I had checked in with the office, filled out the paperwork, and told them I would be waiting outside when they were ready for me. My wife and I had back to back appointments with the same doctor. The receptionist said that they would let me know when her exam was completed and the doctor was ready for me. Instead, my wife waited for over one hour to see the doctor, and when she was done the Office Manager told her that my appointment had been cancelled since I was not sitting in the office. When I asked for my wife's prescription after telling the Office Manager that we were done with Clarkson Eye Care, she refused to provide the prescription to me and told me to leave the office immediately. read more

This office was wonderful under the old name of May, Hettler, and Associates. Now, the receptionist is rude and they simply do not care about the patients. Also, the billing department over charges patients. I have never had a bill outside of the office visit until recently. 2 of the 4 family members received additional bills even though we all got the same service, same insurance, and paid in office. They are scamming the consumer and being very aggressive at not resolving the issue by hanging up or placing you on hold for 15 minutes or more. And no, I was not rude the first two times. After that, I treated them with the same negative energy. Loyalty means nothing at Clarkson eye. My family and I are sad that we have to leave Dr. Finney and Dr. Parrish. They have always been great! But I won't be overcharged or mistreated. I will go ahead and pay the second scam charge, but only because my credit is perfect and I don't want to risk it going down. read more

My husband and I have been patients here for many years. We have had courteous and conscientious service there every time we have gone, especially with a recent emergency visit where it was discovered I had detached my retina. Dr. Finney made an urgent call for my eye health which was taken care of with surgery within a week. We have always found everyone in the office to be very helpful and caring. read more