My wife had cataract surgery with Dr. Joel Confino. First they removed the cataract from her left eye at the Elmwood Park surgical center. Total time in the center about 3 1/2 hours. She did have laser surgery to correct her astigmatism first, then a second procedure to remove the cataract and replace it with a new lens. Three weeks later back to have her right eye corrected. Total time in the center 4 hours. Again, she had two procedures, laser surgery then the cataract removal and new lens replacement. No pain at all for both procedures. I highly recommend Dr. Joel Confino for any eye problem or even just to get your eyes examined. My wife had prelim and post op appointments and never had to wait longer than 20 minutes. We always had 10:00 am appointments for the office visits, so we were probably one of the first patients of the day. read more

Wait time was over 90 minutes. The office was so crowded there weren't enough chairs. I spoke to office manager about wait. Obviously, they overbooked. She insisted they were not overbooked. How she could say that with a straight face is beyond me. read more

I was given a very thorough eye exam by Dr. Dipal Shah who is an Ophthalmologist, Corneal Specialist & Cataract Surgeon. Following the exam, she advised me that I have cataracts and we discussed whether I wanted IO lenses to correct my severe myopia (nearsightedness) or IO lenses to be able to see up close. IO stands for IntraOcular, meaning inside the eye. There are different lenses for the choices. Dr. Shah said she does the procedure in 2 locations, Union and Elmwood Park. This makes me wonder why the name of the business has the words "& Surgery Center". The website name comes up as newjerseyvision.com Dr. Shah said that her Surgical scheduler would call me the next day, but actually it was over a week later. As I was leaving, I stopped at the front desk and asked for a printed copy of my Rx for eyeglasses. I always carry a Rx for glasses in case I'm out of state and my glasses break or get lost. Also, I wasn't sure when I would have the cataract surgery & my glasses needed replacing. The person at the front desk said that the Rx hasn't been finalized yet. I asked her to mail it to me when it was. She said I would have to pick it up in person and sign for it. She didn't know when it would be ready. When the Surgical scheduler called me the next week, she told me that the Dr. had an opening in 2 weeks and explained that Original Medicare only covers the basic lenses and that the ones I need are more expensive and also the facility charge for the closer location to me in Union - 4 miles away charges a higher fee than the Elmwood Park facility 23 miles away from me. My Supplemental Insurance only covers the balance of what Medicare covers. The cost to me would be about $5,500. for both eyes. I asked her to repeat that. She said it's partly because I have an Astigmatism. I was in shock. Others who've had cataract surgery per lens for the "better" lenses. I said that I would have to think about it and completely forgot to ask for my Rx for glasses. This becomes detailed to show why I gave a 2 star rating. I called a few days later for it and after many rings (during normal business hours), it went to voicemail; I left a message with all the pertinent information. No one responded. I called again a few days later and again, had the same result ~ no one responded. Each time, I had pressed the option for the front desk. The next time I called, I pressed the option for Optical for glasses and someone answered. I gave her my name, the date of the exam & explained that I've been trying to get my written Rx for over a month and asked if she could help me. She asked when I would be coming in and I said around 12noon; she said it would be at the front desk. When I arrived (just before noon), no one at the front desk could find it. A nice woman at the front desk asked who I spoke with; I said I didn't ask for her name but it was whoever answered in Optical. I relayed the conversation from that morning and she looked me up in the computer & said that it hadn't been finalized yet. I said "that's unacceptable"; I then explained about leaving 2 prior messages and no one responded and that is just not right. I said that I wasn't leaving without the Rx. As far as I could tell, she did not check with the Optical Dept. but messaged the Dr. and told me to take a seat. The Dr. called her back about 10 minutes later; after another 10 minutes, she said it was printing out. Then she clearly explained that my eyes are only going to become worse without the cataract surgery. I said I understood that. She gave me the paper to sign acknowledging receipt of the Rx. I never raised my voice. I feel that they caused all the delays to get me to sign to have the cataract surgery OR to use the Optical Dept. in their office for eyeglasses. I remembered from years prior that the latter is supposed to be a separate business from an eye Dr. and that's why she didn't contact them. My rating for Dr. Shah would be 5 stars for the exam and consultation and Zero for the BUSINESS. It's most likely that the Management has set protocol for the employees and associates. In my opinion this felt like deception. I will be going to a different ophthalmologist. read more

I've been a patient since 1980 - through 4 doctors and 4 offices. I think I'm done. The (medical) work seems good (I've had cataracts and glaucoma treatments), their equipment always the latest, but the administrative support or infrastructure is abysmal. so much so that it is hard to get to the actual medical services. 1/2 of my appointments in the last 2 years have been cancelled (I go 4 times/year) . re-scheduling by telephone is nearly pointless (my last attempt involved 4 hangups and aggregate holding time over 45 minutes. In person experiences for clerical issues like checking in, scheduling followup, updating insurance forms, etc aren't much better (at least they can't hang up), waiting typically 10-15 in line (last 3 visits), even when there are only 2 or 3 patients present. It's a shame to judge medical services on clerical performance, but if you can't schedule an appointment or see the doctor without excessive hassle, the skill of the doctor becomes less and less relevant. I'm looking elsewhere. read more

I had several major concerns with this practice and would not recommend Dr. Shah despite her multiple positive reviews. I will say that I was happy with my day of cataract surgery, but a situation that happened at my post op appointment very much upset me to the point of tears. I can be a little sensitive when it comes to my eyes, but rarely cry in public as an fyi. Also, the quote was changed on me due to communication errors on their part between the doctor and the surgical coordinator and between the surgical coordinator and the surgery center. That was a very frustrating process being told "Oops you now owe us an extra $1500" the week before surgery. And then there was a trickle down effect to the surgery center, owing more there as well, from $500 to $1200. I also requested an itemized quote so I could understand my financial responsibilities better and was told that could not be done. My post op appointment with Dr. Shah on my second eye was an absolute disaster. I understand they are supposed to be quick check in appointments but I had legitimate concerns and I was looking for medical guidance. Apparently Dr. Shah decided she had answered all of my questions despite me telling her I still had concerns. As a person in my 40's, I had never worn reading glasses before and was having a difficult time adjusting at work. She told me I could buy over the counter readers, via the trial and error method, and she also explained some possible options in a few weeks once my eyes had stabilized. That was wonderful, but there was still the issue of how to get by over the next few weeks. I guess I was looking for a little medical guidance and compassion, as I went from being able to read decently up close to it becoming a complete blur overnight. I brought an entire bag of readers with me that I had tried, wanted to explain that I was having difficulty managing at my job which requires switching views frequently, and was feeling dizzy and nauseous at work and concerned about my ability to do my job well before my next appointment. She never gave me the chance to explain all of that as she cut me off and told me she had already answered my questions. I called her back into the office as she was in the process of walking out and she did come back to again tell me she had already explained everything. At that point she rudely asked me what my questions were. To be honest I was so shocked and upset I had to pause for a moment to regain my composure and not burst out into tears. When I didn't say anything for a few seconds, she walked out again and would not come back despite me asking her to. She finally agreed to meet with me after I explained my next option would be to file a complaint. She obliged but had the nerve to tell me she wanted someone else in the office because she was uncomfortable being alone with me. If she only understood my level of discomfort. I had not raised my voice, was just literally begging for help and empathy, and calling het out on walking out on me while I still had concerns I would like addressed. She had no problems gaslighting me, telling me she had already explained everything, etc. She spoke to me like I am a child, like I could not remember all of our previous conversations. I have an excellent memory and remembered them quite well. I do feel she could have explained the expectations and functional aspects of post op better. I have considered that it may not be her job to help me adjust, but then whose job is it. She should have referred me to someone who could help. In the meantime, having someone in the office with us ended up being a blessing in disguise. Maggie, who I believe is a technician, was so kind, compassionate, and helpful. She went over my work concerns, made recommendations, and expressed compassion. That is all I was looking for from Dr. Shah. And again, if that is not something she is willing or able to do she should have referred me to someone who could help and not walked out the door with me feeling the way I was feeling. I have never in my life experienced a doctor walking out of the office while I was left with questions/ concerns. There is no reason a longer appointment could not have been booked if it was a time issue. There is no reason she could not have referred me to a technician to explain things better. She might be the right doctor for you if you have significant cataracts, need, surgery, and know what to expect. But if you are younger, could benefit from cataract surgery/iol lenses but do not need it immediately, and tend to be sensitive to change I would absolutely not recommend Dr. Shah. read more

when dr shah wanted $600 or $1,500 for the laser eye surgery on july 29, 2024, i paid her in a few days. but i overpaid $60 in march 2024 for eye exams and jennifer of the westfield office said i would get my refund by oct 15, 2024. jennifer has sent a number of emails to the billing dept with no result. it is now dec 12, 2024 and no $60 refund has been received. i called the billing dept at prism vision group on dec 12, 2024 and marisca said it would take another six to eight weeks to get my $60 refund and i said that is unacceptable and i would sue them for $60 plus interest plus $1,000 for mental pain and anguish. terrible customer service. robert del rosso -- pissed off patient. read more

I wish i could rate them less than one star. We are so extremely sorry we ever came to this practice. The staff and physical surroundings are pleasant, but my husband views the vision in the eye Dr Aisha Hasan performed cataract surgery on as worse than before the surgery. The surgery center she uses Union Surgery Center- Prism Surgery Center was physically pleasant BUT inept in every way that mattered. They provided an inaccurate arrival time, and billed inaccurately when we arrived. We selected laser surgery. The laser did not work, so conventional surgery was performed. When I asked about this, I was told by 2 separate nurses at separate times that laser surgery was indeed performed. We booked a car service the center recommended. This service left my agitated 86-year husband waiting 45 minutes. What was supposed to be a pain free procedure was painful anf took a very long time. When I called, I was quickly refunded the over payment due to the change in services. The Eyecare and Surgery center said it was policy not to make any refunds until insurance was submitted. repeated reminders that i was only asking for refunds for un performed services went unheeded. A refund took 3-weeks. Each time I tried to speak to the practice manager no one would respond. The practice is owned by a mamouth medical organization- no one was ever reachable. Bad news read more

I've been going to Joel Confino for my annual eye exam the past few years and find him to be a good doctor. However, no matter how good he is, it is all negated by the absolutely horrendous back office and billing department in his practice. First, my simple annual exam in January was miscoded and I was forced to pay $88.11. When I checked with my insurance company, they advised me that I did not owe a penny since this was a check-up and they should be reimbursing me for the amount I erroneously paid them. Six months and numerous calls to the billilng department later and I still have yet to be reimbursed. Not only have I never gotten anyone "live" on the line, but I have never gotten the professional courtsey of a return call...until today when I finally called the front desk, explained the situation, and said I would take them to small claims court and ask for treble damages. Then the idiot finally called me and had an attitude telling me that I will get a check for $60 and a credit to my card for $20. Totally outrageous that I could not be reimbursed in one amount on one platform. The back office are fraudsters, idiots, and terrible at their jobs. I think I will be going to a different optometrist next year. I've had it. read more

I am not someone who writes reviews, but this practice has left me traumatized. I went for a standard eye exam to get a new prescription for a pair of glasses. When I went into the exam room, Dr. Bazla Sukhera showed me images of my eye and told me I had fluid underneath my macula and suggested I see a retina specialist. After googling "fluid under macula" I realized this is something very serious and naturally start to panic. I spent the entire night crying and stressed, thinking I was experiencing a medical emergency. I went to the retina specialist the next morning who took pictures of my eye and determined there was no fluid underneath my macula. My macula was normal and just fine. I was relieved to hear I was not going blind, but extremely confused. I went back to Eye Care & Surgery Center to speak with a nurse. The nurse opened my chart and said, "there is no fluid under your macula. Your macula is just fine." Which means, Dr. Bazla reviewed someone ELSE'S images with me the day prior. I was in a panic for no reason whatsoever. I am thankful for my sight but also traumatized by this experience. read more

I went for a regular contact/glasses exam. I ended up waiting twenty minutes past my appointment time. 90% of the exam time is spent with an assistant. Although this person was friendly and thorough, he tried to correct me by telling me I was nearsighted, not farsighted. Hyperopia is in my chart and he's seeing my prescription, so that concerned me. Time spent with the doctor is really rushed at the end of the exam. I mentioned I'm having severe frequent migraines (as I've done with all my doctors and even my dentist), in case there's something I can do to help prevent them. This was brushed off and met with a quick "well it's not because of your eyes." Overall not a pleasant demeanor. The doctor offered a set of contacts because I was almost out (told me to ask the front desk). I get to the front and I'm told that they don't give trials out unless you purchase boxes from them? No thanks, I'll use 1-800-contacts. Even the walmart and Costco vision centers have given me a pair when I ask. I didn't buy glasses either, because frames were three to four times the cost than Costco, and I always have a really positive experience at Costco. The only reason I went here is because they're in network for my Vision insurance. I wanted to make an appointment with a specialist to discuss surgery options and was told the only availability is noon on Fridays for adults. I guess I'll find a different specialist. read more

Dr Confino and his staff are amazing ! I had cataracts removed from both eyes and toric lens implants in both eyes . For the first time in over 40 years, I can see clearly without any glasses ! Thank you for the gift of clear vision! read more

Update: I previously wrote a poor review but as I said in my original review, people have bad days and I believe I happened upon one of those days. The Optician called this morning and I now feel like I have all the information I needed as well as someone I can count on moving forward. As I said in my previous review... Dr Shah and her assistant were amazing! Her assistant was so knowledgeable and helpful prior to my seeing Dr Shah. My options were fully explained and a plan for the future of my eye care was established. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Confino for laser eye correction. Before deciding whether I was eligible for laser eye surgery he did an extremely thorough consultation including at least 10 different kinds of eye exams. Jerrette the medical director is absolutely amazing and explained each and every step of the pre and post op instructions. She even gave me her direct cell phone number if I need something when they're not open. All of the staff are friendly and professional and the office is modern and beautiful. The wait time has been about 10 minutes for my visits which I don't find outrageous. Before the surgery they sent me a whole package on what to expect and prescriptions for drops to take before and after surgery. I'm currently recovering and I'm completely confident that I'm in good, competent, caring hands. Thank you Dr. Confino and Jerrette you guys are amazing! read more

Staff is super nice and the office is clean but the doctor takes forever. I had a 4pm appointment, it's 540 and I still haven't been seen.

I am a 54 year old male and have been a patient of Dr. Confino for many years. He has always been thorough, with a warm bedside manner, and he runs a friendly and efficient office with knowledgeable and helpful staff. Over the past 2 year, I developed fast-growing cataracts, and he performed surgery on them this past December. The results are outstanding! I couldn't be happier with the time and care he took in the predatory phases, the actual surgery, and in the aftercare. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Confino or his office. Highly recommended. read more

I have been a patient of the Eye Care and Surgery Center for several years now. The doctors have performed my annual eye exams as well as my lens replacements with cataract surgery. The staff is very friendly, helpful and competent. Just last week I arrived for my appointment at 11:00 to learn that I had missed my 9:15 appointment. Rocky, the receptionist at the front desk, was delightful and squeezed me in within minutes. Thank you to all the competent and friendly employees at the Eye Care Center. read more

Staff is lovely and efficient. Most of the exam done by excellent techs. Dr Kahn was thorough but impatient and short, especially with questions. Let me be clear, I do not waste doctors' time but I had two brief and legitimate questions. Brushed me off abruptly Very unhelpful, needs to work on his courtesy and personality. I wouldn't recommend him at all though everyone else was terrific. read more

I saw Dr Kahn for a scratch in my eye. I was in a lot of pain when I came in and he and the staff in the Iselin office were very caring and took care of me very quickly. I will definitely be coming back to this office! Very pleased. read more

Came to see Dr. Kahn for a 4 pm appointment, knew things seemed funny when someone else had signed in for a 4 pm with him as well. So I expected a wait and was already annoyed from the double booking. However, what came next was beyond anything I ever experienced. There were no emergencies that came in and yet it took 90+ minutes for me to see a doctor. When I saw him the Doctor was nice enough but certainly not worth this wait. The care here might not be under par but I don't think there's any reason to put up with this sort of wait time or delay. read more

Although the doctor is great, his employee Krystal is extremely unprofessional and rude.

Waited for a month to see a doctor, as a new patient. Came for my appointment only to be told, in a very rude manner by a secretary, that the doctor already left, and my appointment has been canceled, since it was apparently book about 20min earlier than my arrival (I thought I was actually 10 min early). When I asked why didn't I get any notifications at all, reminders, etc., she looked into her screen and confirmed that whoever booked the appointment (probably herself) didn't input my phone number correctly, hence, no reminders or any communication. And, no excuses, too. When I asked if I can book another, I was told that the earliest would be in about 3 weeks time. At that point, I knew that I am never coming back. This is the worst medical visit I had in many years, hope it helps somebody, who's new and looking for a good eye doctor... Skip this place, and save yourself from unnecessary stress. read more

What a progressive office! The options for advanced care are right on top of if not ahead of whats up and coming. Close attention to the true effective results and truthful recommendations. Staff was always welcoming and billing office was so helpful to assure I had maximum coverage. Thank you so much Dr. Confino and everyone at the Eye care & surgery center! 10 year anniversary this year! read more

I had two incidences with these people. First, when I first called this office, I was told that there was no charge for my first time consult with Dr. Baljeet K. Purewal. After I came in and as I was about to leave, they told me that I had to pay for the consult. I told them that I was told it was a free consult and I already booked my surgery. They said no, you have to pay, I refused and stood my ground and she finally understood that it wasn't fair. Second, After explaining to Jody, the client coordinator that I was having a very difficult time reaching her and Dr. Purewal, instead of being empathetic and trying to figure out why, she blames me and without asking me, though it was proper to put on the phone with their office manager so she can argue with me. The Office Manager here was argumentative, rude and condescending. I was shocked at the way she spoke to me. Looking at her, that must be their office culture. I would not recommend this place to an anyone. Stay away from this practice read more

Worst experience....unprofessional inefficient lot....take an appointment 2 mnths early, no reminder calls...I called to ask when my date was....say it was next day morning at a different far away location..? Doc changed his mind on a nice September morning!!! And how do they accomodate me for this...by suggesting an appointment 2 mnths later. And this is a pediatric opthalmologist...deplorably unethical. read more

Made a contact lens appointment for my daughter and made it very clear to them that it was for contact lenses. Admin desk who made the appointment, said the appointment would take over an hour because it entailed fitting etc. After the appointment was done which took about 1/2 hour, was told we would have to return on another day (no appointments until 3 weeks later) for contact lens fitting, that it could not be done at the same. Think they just got busy and decided it couldn't be done.....worst practice I've ever experienced in terms of quality of the admin/reception people. Spend tons of time verifying insurance info whereas nowadays most practices accept a photo image of the card!! Also Dr. Kahn was very arrogant, and does not appear to give a thorough exam compared to other exams I've had. Overall subpar service - what you would expect from a large chain. Better to see an individual optician/practice! read more