(4.75 Stars) Horrible pun alert . . . most people buy their glasses "blindly." Between…read moreunnecessary lens enhancements, absurdly overpriced faux designer frames and other miscellaneous nonsense, this is an industry which hardly inspires confidence. Perhaps not as bad as buying household furniture or insurance, the wise are nonetheless advised to count their fingers after shaking hands.
This office staff is very transparent regarding the "dirty little secrets" of their trade. Until the money is spent, few people know that glasses from reputable manufacturers are guaranteed for a year. Quality lens grinding labs also offer one free "rework" for their product. These assurances cost the dispensing optometrist nothing, yet most charge for their use. Not only does Dr. Arnold have the integrity to not gouge her customers, she carries attractive glasses in all price ranges, and will adjust any glasses obtained from her for a year, also free of charge.
I'm happy to report that I experienced none of the negatives in my visits to Dr. Arnold's offices. The doctor's demeanor is calming, patient, positive, relaxed and professional. Further, her recommendation of fundus photography not only avoided the need for pupil dilation, it provided an interesting and interactive view of my retina. The optional process absolutely painless, and was covered by my health insurance.
Dr. Arnold is respectful of her patients (never demeaning) and their time, and despite the fact that there were three other patients when I arrived (10 minutes early), nobody was kept waiting. The enthusiasm and positive outlook of the staff seemed to be contagious; patients were mingling as though they each had a cocktail in their hand!
I live in the immediate neighborhood, and walked to her offices, so I wouldn't have direct knowledge of parking. I suspect that there is a parking lot behind the building, available parking on the residential side streets and a large (and always empty) retail parking lot a block away. The offices are clean, bright, well organized and welcoming.
Vanessa, the office receptionist is always positive, friendly and helpful. She communicates very well, whether face-to-face or by phone. The unsung star of the office, however, is Tuli. Tuli doubles as both office manager and frame stylist; her knowledge of frames is encyclopedic. She has actually collected glasses frames as a hobby for years, and has over 260 pairs in her collection. When this knowledge is pressed into the service of Dr. Arnold's patients, Tuli can make very good recommendations-- and adjust those recommendations to patient preference-- as second nature. Even to this steadfast believer in "function over form," selecting both everyday and prescription sunglasses was a pleasure.
Only a minor snafu in coordinating a pickup of both pairs of glasses in the same visit separates this experience from perfection. My suspicion is that this minor glitch might not have even been their doing. I am very pleased with both the services and products of Dr. Arnold and her staff, and recommend them highly.
