Dr Nunn, was very helpful and patience. He also told me how my surgery would be and how it was going to go. He really made me feel very comfortable and relaxing and also at ease, before my surgery. The office employees were very helpful. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. read more

I was born and raised in the South by a mother who frequently admonished her children that if you don't have something nice to say about someone then maybe a better option would be to just keep your mouth shut. I was set to follow this parental guidance when I received an invitation to comment on my recent visit/appointment with Columbia Eye Clinic, 1920 Pickens St., Columbia, SC. As I do have "nice" things to say about the staff, I've decided those comments should not go unnoticed because of unfavorable comments earned by the physician. The front desk staff (checking in and checking out) were all pleasant, courteous, and professional and they get a perfect recommendation from me. The doctor's assistants (the ladies who take information and perform eye testing and examinations) were exceptional in every category. They exhibited a level of empathy that the good doctor has apparently not yet learned. I am 78 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease about 14 years ago and need a cane to walk. When I left after a very brief consultation with Dr. Edward G. Mintz, I felt like his opinion was that, at my age and with my health issues, why am I seeking cataract surgery. Because of Parkinson's jaw tremor, I have to chew gum to keep my teeth from banging together. When doing my eye examination, Dr. Mintz suggested I control my jaw tremor, apparently not understanding that Parkinson's tremors are not voluntary. He then suggested I quit chewing gum. Looking back, I'm surprised he didn't hold out his hand and order me to spit the gum in his hand (like teachers used to do to 3rd graders)! In any event, I had already been sure not to chew gum while he performed his exam but Parkinson's Disease tremors are involuntary. In fact, with your chin cupped in the metal frame and your forehead pressed against the metal bar, it is quite impossible to chew gum. When finished with the exam, he inquired if I felt that cataract surgery would help me see better. I answered in the affirmative (how could removing cataracts not help you see better)? It was only after I returned to my car that I realized Dr. Mintz had not even told me that I had cataracts, how bad they were and most importantly, did HE believe cataract surgery would help my vision. I guess I was so put off by his treating me like a child or a senior citizen not capable of understanding his findings or that with my age and health issues...why bother. Everyone has a backstory and deserves to be treated with respect at a medical facility. My backstory includes being a former Marine and a practicing attorney for over 25 years. The old and infirm were once productive members of society and deserve to be treated with respect. My hope is that Dr. Mintz is not treated so shabbily if he finds himself to be a senior citizen with serious health issues. read more

Poor billing practices: be prepared to get bills that are six months old or older. Then after paying those bills, be prepared to get another bill for that bill a month later after it's been paid. It is really inexcusable this practice has such a horrible billing department. Folks would be wise to watch bills coming from this practice carefully or you will be paying more than once. read more

I call CEC to schedule an eye exam. I'm in my 50s, and have more issues with my vision. I have great health care insurance through my employer. The receptionist told me they only see people with diabetes , glaucoma or other medical conditions . So basically I was told that I could not come there to have my eyes checked . What if there is an issue with my eyes that is unknown . This is very bad business , and I would refrain from ever using Columbia Eye Clinic for the simple reason . read more

Horrible, Horrible ! We had surgery appointment scheduled for 4/17 and Doctor Croswell had to cancel due to a family emergency (totally understood). When I called back to reschedule another date for surgery Lauren said they now would not reschedule because it would put the other scheduled appointments too far behind ???.....I explained we were cancelled on and should have priority and Lauren said that's not the way it works and find another Doctor. Do not depend on this office as they let down an 82 year old woman needing surgery now having to wait. read more

FIL's appt was 11:15. Didn't get called back til 2pm... no explanation given for the wait.

Terrible experience. I am a patient of this clinic. Over the weekend I started experiencing pain in my eye. I called early this morning to see if I could get in to see a doctor. I was given an appointment at 9:15. I arrived at 9:08. At 9:15 I was told to wait in waiting area B. I waited for over an hour and was neer called back. At 10:25 I went to the front desk. They didn't know when I would be called back. I left. If you make an appointment for a patient at 9:15, you should see the patient within an hour. read more

I had a very frustrating experience trying to see Columbia Eye Specialist today. I drove 40 minutes to what I thought was the right office, only to be told I was at the wrong location and would have to reschedule. The staff showed no consideration for the fact that I was a new patient who had gone out of my way to make this appointment. When I called to see if there was anything they could do, I was met with an unhelpful and smug attitude from the person on the phone. They made no effort to accommodate me I going to have to take more time off work to make the trip to the correct office on a different day. This was an extremely poor experience as a new patient. The lack of empathy and willingness to help was really disappointing. I would not recommend Columbia Eye Specialist based on this interaction. It seems they care more about their own processes than providing good customer service. I will be looking for a different eye care provider going forward. read more

The front desk administrative staff, who don't seem to be that busy, certainly should spend their spare time reading the Yelp reviews. Clearly, they have not seen the Nov 2022 comment: "Please make sure that patients and their family members are out of earshot before making fun of a patient." I stopped by the day after my appointment to follow-up with my ophthalmologist's administrative assistant. The front desk person asked me for the reason of my visit, rather than just sending me back to the area and notifying the admin assistant. I again asked but she insisted . . . so I told her. As I was walking away, another front desk person started making fun of my comments. I certainly wasn't out of earshot; further, my hearing is bad. All she had to do was wait for me to take a few more steps. Of course, this front desk person didn't send me to my ophthalmologist's area but, instead, to the Optical area. I don't know why those individuals are so pretentious and condescending. The room is always empty. I would think they would be jumping up with joy at the sight of any potential customer. My conversation was with them was pointless (and I would prefer to be sightless than buy glasses there). I left and called Columbia Eye and recorded a message for my ophthalmologist. The administrative assistant called within 14 hours, and everything was resolved. read more

Dr Huey is my regular doctor there and he is great! Also, I see Derek Barker for my retina issues. He is impressive. I have had shots in my eye from him. I also had eye lift surgery by one of the Crosswell's. I'm sorry but I am not sure which. Maybe I don't recall because I wasn't particularly impressed with him and was a bit disappointed in the result. But, the first two, you can't do any better. They may refer you to a practice in Aiken for particular issues but that is rare. read more

Excellent care, I had my cataracts removed and standard lenses can see clearly now without glasses, great staff.

IF I could give this company ZERO stars, I would. THEY CANCELED MY SON'S SURGERY HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE. HE CANNOT SEE OUT OF HIS EYE AND IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. My son has injury induced cataract and his vision has progressively gotten worse over the past few months. Because he is 17, this is the only company in the area that would take a pediatric patient. We originally had a scheduled appointment on January 23. At that time, the family contracted COVID and could not come to the scheduled appointment. I called and spoke with the receptionist of Columbia Eye Clinic (Pickens) on January 19 to explain and we needed to reschedule. She stated that they would cancel it, but she could not reschedule. She told me that she was going to transfer me to the scheduling department and to leave a voicemail. I was transferred and I left a message. Since that date, I called REPEATEDLY to get a new appointment. I did not get a response until FEBRUARY 9 from Kimmy. (20 DAYS LATER) At that time, I was told that I was a NO SHOW from the previous appointment and I could not get another appointment until April 25. We went to the appointment on April 25, took eye scans, Dr. Cross explained the procedure to us, and we received a packet of information to read. We explained in this visit to DR. Cross that his vision has progressively gotten worse. We stated that when the injury first happened, he could see but his vision was a little blurry. It moved to cloudy and currently cannot see anything. I received a phone call later that afternoon from the receptionist and we scheduled his procedure for June 13. On June 6, I received a phone call stating that I needed to pay my out of pocket cost $974.81 up front (with no payment plan) or the surgery will be canceled. (AT THIS TIME MY SON CAN NO LONGER SEE IN THAT EYE) I paid the fee, but that was a huge unexpected expense that was given a WEEK before the scheduled procedure. On June 12 at 4:30 P.M. I receive a phone call from Columbia Eye Clinic (I was at work during that time and did not notice a call from the company until 5:00 P.M. - 30 minutes later) The receptionist from Columbia Eye Clinic left a voicemail stating that my insurance will not cover the procedure in their office and it will need to be done in a hospital setting. They will call me on MONDAY to reschedule. Today is WEDNESDAY. The surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning at 7:45. I attempted to call back at 5:00 and NO ANSWER. I have taken off of work the rest of the week to be with my son (Loss of income) My son has rescheduled his practices for the surgery that is supposed to be tomorrow morning and then we get a last minute phone call to cancel the procedure?!?!?! Then when we reschedule, I have to take off work AGAIN and my son has to reschedule his practices AGAIN?!?!? He is a SENIOR this year and he needs to have the procedure done as soon as possible before the season begins. DOES THIS COMPANY EVEN CARE ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE UNPROFESSIONALISM THAT IT HAS ON THE PATIENTS? Would someone like to repay my loss of income? read more

They have taken care of me and my family for 25 years and we have always been very happy with the expertise and empathy of the doctors, and the efficiency and courtesy of the staff. The whole experience is A+. A quality group which I would recommend without hesitation. read more

All the personnel at all the offices of this practice are exceptional. In addition, the service in the optical department of the Palmetto Park Blvd location has greatly improved. I ordered my new glasses from this store. read more

I came for a second opinion and was very pleased with the responsive of the staff and my treatment team. G. Farren read more

Good care but so busy you're there well after your appointment time (currently 40 minutes) before being seen. So don't arrive 30 min early. Even first thing in the am like I am, you're going to be here a couple hours. read more

Eye cataract surgery was scheduled for my husband with Dr. Newman. A follow up by telephone, to prescribe eye drops prior to surgery was NON EXISTENT from their office. We issued many calls to obtain drops as they were to be used 3 days prior to surgery. FINALLY drops were called in. Office did NOT notify patient that he could pick them up. Drug names were different than the names on the Flyer given him as to when/how to apply. Tech at Publix stated the one not given was rejected by insurance. A very very high priced drug. Soo, more calls to the Eye Clinic. I related this to a tech in the Eye Doctors office, and she stated that "you could have paid out of pocket." Her demeanor was rude, did not listen, made excuses for the inconvenience of lack of service provided by this office. Three scripts were called in, two bottles were stated on the flyer. He did not know how to proceed. While Dr. Newman may be an excellent doctor, the staff is lacking and has lost a patient. They don't seem to care at all!!!!! read more

After reading the reviews, my heart sank. I let my supervisor know that I could be a while at my appointment. I timed it and I was there for 29 minutes! I barely had time to read an email before I was given my paperwork to fill out and I sat down for only a few minutes before I was sent back to the waiting area. I was in the waiting area for less than a minute! I am done with my appointment! The staff was very nice and welcoming. I recommend Columbia Eye Clinic. I had a stress-free appointment, but now I'm headed back to work. I would have preferred to sit in their air conditioned waiting room watching Property Brothers a little longer. Oh well! ‍ read more

Hey nurses and techs - Please make sure that patients and their family members are out of earshot before making fun of a patient. Kindness can work wonders. Shame on you. read more

As of Today (9/20/22)- My insurance co. still did NOT receive the claims.  The response you are reading is just another proof of poor business conduct of this company. read more

If I could give one star, I would. They treat patients like cattle. You move from one waiting room to another. I had been going there since my early 20's. My doctor retired. I switched doctors but never saw the new doctor. My husband had been going to another Dr in the practice. He had an emergency and they would not fit him in for several days. He ended up with permanent partial vision loss. The dr refused to fill out paperwork for FMLA or Husband's disability insurance. We had to find another ophthalmologist with neurology experience to treat my husband and fill out paperwork with zero help from Columbia Eye Clinic. I refuse to ever set foot in that clinic again and if I ever cross paths with Dr Mintz, I hope I can keep from losing my religion. Anyone going there needs to understand they DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE PATIENTS... Another example, my mother went to the Cola Eye Clinic. She had a credit on her account for over a year and they never bothered to tell her. When she went for her annual check, they told her about the $100 credit but expected her to pay for the current visit. I wonder how patient they would have been if she had owed them the money. Let me tell you because I tested it. I owed $25. I wanted to see what they would do to collect it. Between the collections and threatening letters, I bet they spent more than they collected. Yes I did pay it eventually. read more

I came here because of an emergency and had a referral from my regular ophthalmologist. First, I talked to them on the phone several times because they wanted to figure out how urgent it was. After they decided that I should be seen as soon as possible, I went there, started filling out paperwork and was then sent away to get a referral from the student health center first. They said they could not see me without that referral (unless I was willing to pay for the expenses myself). I went to the student health center on campus to ask for a referral and found out that they stopped doing referrals 3 months ago. I can now see any specialist who is in the network of my student health insurance without needing a referral. Needless to say that I am really disappointed that for whatever reason Columbia Eye Clinic would not treat my emergency because they were ill-informed. Not going back there! read more

Horrible experience and won't be back. Brought my elderly mother to an appointment scheduled for 1:30. We told to arrive at least 15 minutes early which we did. Then we were told the surgeon doesn't get out of surgery until 2pm. I asked why our appointment was at 1:30 and the staff said he never is back in the office until after 2pm. It's clear they don't value your time (plus it would physically uncomfortable for my elderly mother to sit that long). Sounds like others have had a similar experience. read more

Every time I come here I end up waiting at least an hour after my scheduled appointment time just to be taken back. Then another 45+ minutes to see the doctor, only for them to spend 5 minutes in the room and give me the same prescription each time. Why make appointments if I consistently have to wait at least an hour after my scheduled time?? Doctors and staff are typically pleasant but the wait is always ridiculous. Do not recommend unless you have 2+ hours to spare. read more

Yes. It's expensive the service sucks and then they want to sell you glasses at check out for about 200 percent more than online. The last time I went here the visit was $90 today it was $125 with no explanation. Just an overall bad experience. Doctors are very nice the front office and checkout folks are not. Find better somewhere else. Sorry Dr Croswell maybe your staff could use some CS training. read more

1. This business has no respect for the customer's time. 2. Every doctor visit I have had to wait over an hour sometimes 2 hours. 3. Doctor Cross kept pushing for me to get the surgery he said my insurance would pay for it but it did not and I'm left with a huge bill and it did not correct my vision and now he keeps continuing to push for the operation in the other eye. 4. They keep taking pictures of my other for Cornea a surgery and I keep telling him I'm not gonna have it anytime soon they just want my money. 5. After waiting for over one hour to see doctor Cross he may spend 5 minutes with me he rushes in and rushes out. 6. I make my appointments 1st thing in the morning so I won't have to wait but every time I get there the waiting room is full and everyone is waiting over an hour. 6. One time they rescheduled my appointment for a different town. 7. One time I was 15 minutes late to my appointment because I knew I was gonna have to wait an hour anyway the receptionist said that they may have given away my time slot it was very rude to me. 8. I have wasted over $40,000 and many hours in their waiting room and they could care less. 9. The office manager Ms Gardner will respond to this complaint with no apology, no answers or concern or effort to set things right. read more

If I could provide this clinic with zero stars and post this review that would have been preferred. I have been dealing with this clinic since Feb of 2022. I was referred to this clinic due to my diagnosis of Keratoconus to see Dr. Stephen Cross. I was first seen in the office on May 11, 2022. I was referred for a corneal transplant asap. My original surgery date was scheduled for June 14, 2022. On May 20.2022 I was called by Prisma Health Ambulatory Center to register me for my surgery on May 24, 2022. The clinic had completely changed my surgery date without my knowledge at all. I reached out to the surgery team at Columbia Eye Clinic and was advised they had "overbooked" for June 14th and changed the date. I was not able to make arrangements for a caretaker for that soon of a date so I was told by the Surgery team that I would be reached out to soon to reschedule a new date. I did not hear from anyone until around October 2022. At that time I was told I should be hearing something within that next 2 weeks in reference to a surgery date. I am a MyChart user and the week of Thanksgiving I went into my account and noticed I had been scheduled for my Corneal Transplant scheduled for Dec 22, 2022. I called the office to confirm because I had already been told one date and it not completed. I received a callback from the office the 2nd week of Dec confirming the date. I was not given my patient responsibility, a time to arrive or anything. Dec 16 I received a call from a financial rep Rosemary and was told my patient responsibility of almost 1500 that needed to by paid by Wednesday at 5pm. I was expecting to pay but the way I was spoken to by this rep was piss poor. I showed up to my scheduled appt and was told my procedure would not be able to be completed after a checklist was sent to Columbia Eye Clinic from the ambulatory surgery center was completely overlooked. I was told that Dr. Cross would reach out to me. He apparently had not arrived to the facility yet even though my procedure was supposed to start at 9:00 am. It was 8:31 when I was told the procedure could not be completed. After the procedure was not completed and I was reached out to by Tomecia the surgery scheduler for Dr. Cross I expressed to her that my deductible would reset on Jan 1 and my employer had chosen a different provider for insurance so they would have to receive new Pre-Authorizations in order for me to have the procedure I so desperately need. She stated that they were working to have it complete by the end of the year. That was not able to be accommodated which I expected. It is now Jan 6, 2023. I have not be rescheduled for surgery yet. I decided that this may not be the best place for me to receive treatment so I opted to have my money refunded. I have left services messages for the office manager and after being tossed around I was able to speak with Lauren the manager is the financial department to start the process of a refund. I was told that a check was going to me mailed to an address that I have not lived at in 5 years and on my May 11th visit I provided them with my updated address. I paid with a CC and wanted it refunded to my credit card. After going through hoops I was able to get it sent back to my card. After I was told she had no idea why I had a 1448.81 credit balance after there was a note put on my account that I no longer needed the procedure, which is completely a lie. I finally thought I was done with this nightmare and was called back by Lauren explaining a $80 balance was left and that a refund could not be processed with out taking that amount . I asked why and she because a balance from May and they had sent me 8 statements out. I explained that we just had a conversation about my address being incorrect. I told her to do what needed to be done so my refund could be processed. This clinics staff has no empathy for patients and we are all just numbers to them. You want to feel like you can trust you medical providers and I could not feel that with Columbia Eye Clinic. Being a person with deteriorating vision and feeling hope that the process can at least be slowed down and then being completely ignored and given the run around is very discouraging and puts a bad taste in the mouths of potential patients. I hope this review does not slip through the cracks because there are major issues that need to be addressed. read more

I saw Dr. Cross for cataract surgery. I had gone for a second opinion but was so pleased with our interaction that I proceeded with scheduling the surgery. He listened to my concerns and we were able to come to a mutually agreed procedure. It is true that Columbia Eye Clinic is a big practice and so there are different sections within the building and different support people the patient might see. That was not an issue for me. The surgery center is right there and that was very convenient. The surgery itself went smoothly. I am extremely satisfied with the results of the surgery by Dr. Cross. I would highly recommend him. read more

I've had eye exams done at Columbia Eye Clinic several times. Last week I had a strange dark area in my peripheral view, and called Dr. Cain to ask his opinion. He told me to come in ASAP. When I arrived I was quickly sent back for an exam, and told my retina was partially detached. They arranged to perform this surgery that same day within about an hour, and the results have been successful. The Eye Clinic is a large and busy practice, but they treated me for this serious issue promptly and professionally. They should not be confused with an ordinary optician office. This is a place with expert ophthalmologists dealing with the most serious eye issues and diseases. I found all their staff to he efficient and polite, and I hope anyone who had to wait as I was being seen might understand - they told me that my case could have easily resulted in the total loss of vision, and I am thankful for the skill and dedication I received there. read more

It saddens me to read previous reviews of this clinic. It is true I have never NOT had a wait. It is also true the office staff can be abrupt and a little short on warmness at times. I think however, that they are extremely busy. This place is jumping no matter what time of the day you go there - surgery in the am or follow-up appts. in the pm. At least 5 visits there and I have never seen any of them not doing something. Once you get past the front/appt. desk things slow down and you get smiles and folks who spend a little time talking to you. But, that front desk (for surgeries) seems overworked and stressed to me. So, I give them a break and they have never been unkind. Dr. Barker did surgery on my husband's eyes almost 2 years ago and my husband is still reaping the rewards. He wore glasses since he was 5 years old but now at 68 only needs glasses for reading. Dr. Barker is very kind, spends time with his patients, is a superb physician and I can't sing his praises enough. This is a specialty clinic and in my experience there's usually a wait as the few doctors are seeing a large number of patients. That's just how it is. read more

I have been going to the Columbia Eye Clinic for many years and have always had a great experience. They are courteous and caring. I had cataract surgery by Dr. Garner Wild about a year ago and I am so happy with my "new" vision. The whole experience was easy. They were very efficient form my visit to the preop then surgery and afterwards. Dr. Wild and her staff are very caring. I once had an eye infection and was able to be seen the same day but was told they were working me in and there would be a wait. I didn't mind because I knew I would get excellent care. I would recommend Columbia Eye Clinic to anyone. read more

Dr. Cross and his staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. Dr. Cross carefully explained various treatment options, and together we arrived at the best surgical option given my situation. In addition to my assessment of his abilities, his medical field peers speak highly of his skills and efficiency. He comes highly recommended. read more

I am so disappointed in the service I received. I first came to Columbia Eye Clinic in Oct. 2015 due to a diabetic issue. They filed a claim and put the diagnosis in the incorrect place which caused the claim to be denied. They were so determined to get their money they didn't even try to correct the issue they immediately started hounding me for the money. They wouldn't even allow me to see the eye doctor until I paid the balance. I paid the balance and was assured that they would refile the claim once I paid in full now they are telling me they can't file due to timely filing. When my insurance company informed me there isn't a timely filing. They won't even attempt to refile to see if it will pay. As long as they got their money that is all that matters. So dissatisfied. read more

wow!! we went to this clinic recently and the front desk\receptionist staff is very rude...just downright nasty! there is no excuse for that, especially since we were new to this practice. if we weren't recommended, we would not have gone there at all, in spite of one of the doctors being recommended. hey doctors--your receptionists all need training to learn how to be professional and treat everyone with courtesy and to stop being so nasty--even to new patients! it is not necessary to be that way to anyone. the nasty front desk is enough to ruin any doctor's practice!! wake up, doctors, before you lose anyone else. reminder: it is our insurance and personal payments that provide their paychecks!! not sure we will ever go back. read more

LONG POST BUT WORTH THE READ. Please know I've never made a review on any business but I had such an awful experience I felt it was my responsibility to share it.l to avoid anyone else having the same experience. I came here after scratching my eye and needed to be seen as soon as possible. I was in an intense amount of pain I had considered going to the ER but decided it would be better to see an eye doctor. Being new to the area, I figured with how big the practice is I could most likely get in the same day that I called. They scheduled my appt for 10:15 and told me to be there 15 minutes early. I arrived and waited almost 15 minutes initially just to get checked in. Then they sent me to a different waiting area where I waited another 45 minutes. When I was finally taken back to the room I had to wait another 45 minutes before being seen by the doctor which by that time I was sitting there crying because I was in so much pain feeling like there was a piece of glass in my eye. The dr came in and was great, did everything he needed to do in a matter of 5 minutes and I was out the door feeling so much better. I had a follow up the next day and was hoping maybe the wait time was just from other issues going on with the office. But I spent another two hours there again. Safe to say I will never go back. The doctors were fantastic, everything else was awful. read more