I had Dr. Stern heart and he was amazing. He he made me feel relaxed. Let me ramble on and I was very happy with him.!!

HORRIBLE! They said they took my insurance, and when I got there after taking a day off from work they said they didn't. Lost a day's pay for nothing. read more

The doctors in this office are kind and caring and the staff are very nice (and I love my new glasses!)

This review, is only about The Optical Shop at Eye Physicians of Northampton. I would not recommend The Optical Shop. Taking a pair of eyeglasses that had broken arms--we were told the arms could NOT be repaired. We'd have to buy a new pair. So we did. A week later, went back to try the new glasses. I couldn't see, and said so. But having been ill, I thought maybe it was me. After an emergency appointment over the weekend with an on call doctor, we went back for an emergency appointment on a Monday with the doctor they could schedule me into to see why I couldn't see properly with the new eyeglasses. The doctor said it was the eyeglasses, then ran to The Optical Shop. When came back to say minutes, it would be repaired without cost. Going to the optician we were told a different reason why the glasses were not working. Apparently the doctor had one story about what was wrong, the optician had a totally different story. The glasses were allegedly repaired, and though I could see a bit better--they were still impossible. Consulting an out of town optician, we were told the lens weren't properly set in the frame and yes, the broken original eyeglasses were repairable. So after three visits to The Optical Shop, a chunk of $$$ and still no usable eyeglasses...my husband returned the eyeglasses for a full refund. That is why I gave it two-stars. read more

I have been a patient of Eye Physicians of Northampton for many years. I can't count all the errors on my eyeglass prescriptions they have made during that time. Although I have a strong prescription that can't be corrected to 20/20, my vision has changed very little over the years. Yet they have made large mistakes on my glasses prescription multiple times. My most recent exam was a little over a year ago. I told them the distance shouldn't vary much from my current glasses so please keep it close to what it currently is and they did. However, they lowered the strength on my bifocal. Having worked in ophthalmology myself, I knew that it should have either stayed the same or increased. I questioned it and they said that it was lower although they admitted that is unusual. I purchased new glasses and used them for about a year although I did struggle to read and see fine print. My glasses broke one day and I dug out my old glasses. I found that I could see much better reading with my old glasses. A prescription for eyeglasses is valid for two years so I called a technician there and asked them to change my bifocal prescription back to what it was. She refused. She said since it was just over a year I would need a new exam. She also told me that they don't take my insurance anymore and I'd have to pay $300 for the exam. I said the distance prescription was fine. It was just the reading part of the bifocal that needed to be put back to where it was previously. She continued to refuse my request. I said it was their mistake and it should be fixed but she would not help me at all. I said I didn't accept that answer and I wanted to speak to someone else about it. She said I could speak to the office manager but she was on the other line. She said she would have her call me back. No one ever called. I got a prescription elsewhere and new glasses. The distance was the same and the reading was put back to what it was from a year ago. I can see so much better now for reading. It's hard to believe I struggled for a year because of their mistake and they wouldn't fix it. I will never go back there again and do not recommend them at all. read more

Dr. Dostal is patient, kind and generous with his time and vast knowledge. My daughter was concerned her contact was stuck in her eye so we called the office. The receptionist was very sympathetic and got us right in. Dr. Dostal did a thorough exam and then gave us a mini lesson on the eye anatomy to reassure my daughter that there was nothing in there. I'm so grateful for this community treasure. read more

When I met Dr. Lauren Shatz he was incredibly rude and unprofessional. At the very beginning of our conversation, when discussing what his LASIK procedure covered, he was baffled to think that someone could want a document of what the pricey out of pocket cost paid for. He was so incredulous that a patient asked for specifics, that someone might want to know if enhancements were included, that he responded, "I'm not a used car salesman." These words actually came out of his mouth. If this lack of explanation was not bad enough, when asking for further detail, he scoffed and dismissed my questions with the answer of, "If something goes wrong that's what you have medical insurance for. I'm not going to cover that." I drove an hour further just to go to someone who respects their clients and was willing to own the procedure. You probably should too. read more

The lady who checked my eyes and dilated my pupils was fantastic. Very friendly and down to earth. The eye doctor was attentive and seems very knowledgeable. The receptionist left a lot to be desired. She got irritated because I couldn't make an afternoon appointment 40 minutes away from where I work. She got nasty because my card was declined. I miscalculated how much my copay was. I was able to transfer funds to make up for it. There is really no excuse for someone to be such a twat to people coming in for an eye exam. She would be the reason I may not have a second visit at that office. Life is too short for people with bad customer service skills. read more

I had gotten in for an appointment and then I walk in and a walk in came in for the doctor I was seeing and got in before me. Then another appointment got in before me. Why make an appointment if you can never get it? read more

I see Dr. Dostel at this location. He's friendly and competent. I have no complain on him nor assistance who check me in whenever I go there. However, the front desk staff are less than acceptable! I dealt with this receptionist who was rude as one can be. She did not exchange eye contact the whole time and had this attitude! I don't know what her deal was but am not coming back to this office because I don't want to deal with her ever again. In addition, over the last year, whenever I order contacts, they either forgot to order them or to call me to let me know they're in. I was not impressed with their disorganization. Despite the fine work with the doctors & assistance there, they deserve 1 star because of the office staff, which is too bad! read more

I have been to Eye Physicians of Northampton a few times. I have been in for a couple of routine eye exams and have been in for a problem (flashes in my L eye) once also. Both my daughter and I were given very thorough exams and were well-treated and attended. I am particularly impressed with Dr. Shatz. He is personable, knowledgeable, and has a light touch. At one point while my L eye was dilated and I had to endure intense bright light being directed into it, I said I didn't think I could stand the pain of the light any more and he said "just hang in there, it's almost over." That was all I needed to keep still and keep going with the exam. I was sold right there. A little humanity goes a long way. I wish all MDs had that figured out. I prefer the feeling of the Florence office, especially the decor, which is really neither here nor there compared to good medical treatment, but Amherst is more convenient for me and the office is somewhat less hectic. read more

I met with Dr. Jackson for the first time today. I had been given a wrong diagnosis from my primary care provider and wanted a second opinion. Dr. Jackson saw me right away and was very professional. She changed my diagnosis and medication and now I'm doing much better. I would recommend for anyone looking for a good eye doctor in the area. read more

I am so disappointed after my appointment today. I've been needing contacts for years but I have been too nervous to get them. I play pool and do tournaments but cannot wear my glasses when I play. I finally gained the courage to get contacts after much encouragement, support and advice from my friends. First appointment was in a month.. ok, that's fine. I was counting down the days, excited to finally get over my fear and take my pool game to the next level. Went in for my appointment with Dr. Delaney. Right off the bat he would not stop talking about how he's in a rock band, and how quickly he's picking up the songs and how everyone is so impressed with his playing ability. Uh...ok.. I was able to steer the conversation after a few minutes to what I was actually there for. I said I need contacts and have been too nervous but I need them for pool and I finally am doing something about it. He condescendingly said "Well first off, with you saying you're nervous I'm not buying that you really want contacts." I said that I really did. He brushed me off and moved onto my prescription. Grabbed my glasses and started bashing where I got the from (Zenni Optical) he tried to "prove" to me how bad they were but after testing their accuracy said "Ok those are fine but I guarantee all their others are terrible." He tested my eyes and updated my prescription. My other one was 4 years old and needed updating, which he made me feel stupid for. I brought up contacts again and how I really did want them and he said "Look I've been doing this a long time and I can tell you're not able to handle it and I bet once you get your new prescription you'll be fine playing with glasses." I told him it wasn't the prescription, it was that I was looking half above/half through the lenses when playing pool, a problem most poolplayers have and why they often opt for contacts. He brushed me off saying he knows better and that a fitting would be between $600-$700 anyways. I told him all my friends who got contacts said the fitting was around $100. He burst out laughing saying they probably had it done illegally. What??? I left with no fitting, and so upset. Honestly I was crushed. When I got home I called Balin in Northampton and got an appointment for next week. Oh and by the way, they said the fitting would be between $60-$100. Edited to add: As I was leaving I also asked Dr. Delaney for my pupil distance. Since my prescription was updated i wanted to check if that was different too, and because as much as he says Zenni Optical is "trash", I love them and will continue to use them and need my PD. Of course he conveniently left it blank on my prescription. He hesitated and acted annoyed, sighed even, as if he was hoping to deny me this info. But he reluctantly went back into his office to his eye machine and fake-glanced at it and called out a number that wasn't even close to what my pupil distance was 4 years ago. I told him that and he stumbled over his words saying that pupil distance isn't even that important and that it was "close enough." What??? I'm just completely blown away, and this review really doesn't even do justice to how terrible my experience here was. read more

So for the 3rd time over the years I've gone, I made an appointment and get a call saying THE DOCTOR CANT MAKE IT. No biggie, right? This last time gets followed up with a letter saying they will no longer be my provider for missing my last (and previous) appointments. I DIDN'T CANCEL, THEY DID. HORRIBLE INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION. OFFICE MANAGEMENT IS #@$! read more

Absolutely have the best in Dr Dostal. He helped me sort out the most challenging and rare health issue affecting not only my vision but my total well being. He always takes his time and is thorough and a very caring professional. read more

To say my overall experience was awful is an understatement. I went in for an exam for contact lenses. I know I have astigmatism, and was told again that I have astigmatism. When I told the Dr. I would not be comfortable with the particular lens he prescribed (they are uncomfortable and also quite expensive), not only would he not prescribe another lens, he would not even give me the prescription. I called back to basically demand my prescription, and what I was send was not close to what he said I needed. He added a letter that actually said I told his assistant I did not want contacts for astigmatism. That's a straight up lie. Why would I say that? This is not my first go-round with lenses. Based on what I do for a living (I'm a competitive fencer, cyclist and ALSO in the Police Academy), I believe having lenses I need to feel comfortable would make me and a lot of other people a lot safer. I will go out of my way to invite people to not use this practice. read more

VERY POOR customer service. I traveled all the way from Becket (45 minute drive) for the first appointment of the day before my work day. I got there at 7:50 am. at 40 Main Street, but after calling their office number and confirming their address with their answering service I could not get into the building. At 8:04 am the receptionist finally answered and told me I was at the wrong location and their office was in Florence, about 3 miles away, and could not provide me with directions. I raced over there using GPS and made it into the parking lot by 8:12, finally found the suite 106, and was told that since it was 8:15 am and I would have to reschedule. I begged for reconsideration saying that the confusion was not my fault. When they confirmed by phone and through text they never indicated the location was anything but 40 Main Street. They offered to rebook me MONTHS AHEAD! I arrived to work late, without my exam, and without a satisfactory resolution. read more

I suggest you look up other Yelp reviews before stepping foot in this place. The staff is terrible. They are rude and act as if they are doing you a favor. The receptionist gave me dirty looks the entire time I was talking to her. This is one of the more expensive places in Amherst and you are treated like a dog. Not only were the office staff incompetent, the doctor wasn't much better. He was nicer but seemed unsure of himself while checking my eyes and made mistakes while ordering my contacts. I'm sure he is a nice guy but he isn't a master of his craft. Spend your money elsewhere, seriously. read more

Had lasik with Dr Shatz he was amazing answered all of my questions in a professional manner. I would absolutely recommend him to a friend.

I love their atmosphere..their attitudes...their characters. They are very friendly and very organized and they take their time with their patients. Very clean facility. They take their time explaining how to wear contact lenses and the pros and cons of eye care and eye wear. Awesome place, the best in the area. Highly recommended! read more

The Physicians themselves are competent. However, their billing staff is awful, unprofessional, and rude. With many other choices in the area, look elsewhere! ~AW read more

Until last year I had only gone to the Amherst office and seen Dr Delaney. However, now that my eyes need more because of a medication I have to take (which can cause problems with the eyes) I see Dr Schatz. I really like the Amherst office, nice and small. But because of the exams I need now I have to go to Florence. I will agree, reception there isn't the best, probably because they are a busier office. But they did give me a copy of my prescription so I could buy my glasses elsewhere. It wasn't a problem at all. Doctors get 5 stars from me, took off 1 star for reception. read more

I trust the ophthalmologists here, based on the care I've received over the past 10 years and recently for an irritation causing redness and discomfort. Drs. Schwartz and Shields diagnosed, treated, and provided follow-up after misdiagnosis by a GP at a local Urgent Care. I have also ordered contacts for my son, at the same price as online services (but I have to go in to pick up, so discontinued). I have received only courteous, professional service and I highly recommend the office! read more