I just moved to the area and went to Vestavia Eye Care for the first time today. I was seen by…read moreTaylor and Dr. Essinger and they were both amazing! They were both warm and knowledgeable, making it a great experience. I highly recommend this office and will be back!

Let me start by saying I was prescribed glasses for the first time in fourth grade. Needless to…read moresay, for the past 19 years, I have been in optometrist's offices 1-4 times per year. Dr. Essinger is hands down the best optometrist I have ever seen. The staff at Vestavia Eye Care was friendly and helpful from the moment I reached the front counter. The initial tests and evaluations were thorough, especially when I told them some recurring issues I was having. (Note: make sure you have at least an hour for your exam if you have an issue.) When I told Dr. Essinger the issues I had been having for two years that were unsolved mysteries for every doctor I saw, he was the first to care. He ran texts on me I had never seen and he came up with two theories for me to test. In fact, he was so concerned that he told me to text him as soon as I had progress. His caring concern brought tears to my eyes! Birmingham- We are so fortunate to have this office here! If you need a reliable optometrist for your family, look no further! I was also told they have a pediatric optometrist on staff for those of you with little ones.

Advanced Eye Care is the place to go. The staff and Dr. Vaughn are so nice and very attentive you…read moreyour eyes care needs.

I have officially found my new eye doctor! After having a not so great experience at another place…read moreit was a relief to find Alexia Vaughn and her amazing staff. It's always easy to make an appointment and they have a good selection of glasses and contacts. They take their time and answer any questions you may have. And when my contact shipment was running a bit behind schedule they made sure to give me extra pairs to get me through until my shipment arrived. If you have bad vision, like myself, you know how important it is to find a place that's caring and always willing to help when needed. I found that in this place. If you're looking for an optometrist definitely check this place out!!!

Vision First Eye Center and all of their staff are very friendly and helpful, from getting my eyes…read morechecked and picking out my glasses. Will definitely recommend to all my family and friends.

Vision First staff and doctors are just amazing. I had Lasik done a few days ago and the results…read moreare beyond my expectations. Dr. Hebson is awesome! Her staff and Lasik coordinator Jessica are too.

Note: this review was written during the pandemic. With that said, last week I made an appointment…read moreto visit this place for the first time. Not having had an eye exam in well over 20+ years, I can't remember what all entailed. What initially struck me as odd was that they controls prior to entering the building were a little different. Before entering, I had to fill out a bunch of paper on my phone, followed by texting them that I was outside. Once I received the green light, my temperature was taken, and then was allowed to sit in the lobby. Being that this was my first time, I was taken back. With that said however, I do understand the rationale. In all though, the exam was quick and pleasant. The assistants were a little dry, however the doctor was very pleasant and professional. In all, this was a good experience. Hopefully the covid will be gone soon.

My husband and I went for an exam because they had later hours that we could choose. We were blown…read moreaway by the friendliness of all of the ladies there and Dr. Harvey was fantastic! We will definitely continue to use them and will recommend them to friends!

Been coming here for years. They check a lot here and are polite and very informative. They do get…read moreyou in and out pretty fast. I didn't have to wait too long. I found a pair of frames and decided to refresh my look. The glasses are usually pretty expensive so I wait until I really need an upgrade but I do like tint and a few more specifics. I still recommend this place

I've been a patient of Eyecare Associates in Homewood, Alabama…read morefor years. The Provider Dr. Vanoy is excellent, that's why I go back, but the eye glass technicians each time I purchase my glasses which, cost more each time are just not efficient in helping you choose the right eyewear. The first pair of glasses I purchase for over $600.00 when I received them, and got home to work on my computer, did not fit correctly and were to heavy for my face* I took those back and the lady who reviewed the glasses, changed the frames, I assumed because she was the expert eye technician, that these glasses should be better the second time around, well to much of my surprise, I was wrong again. I went in to pick up my replacement glasses for the second time, the lady handed me my glasses, and I put them on, she did not check to review with me if they fit or how they should fit, due to it was close to closing time, and she seemed to be one of the ladies that check you in behind the desk. well to say the least when I got home with the replacement glasses, using them for about a week, I noticed these glasses did not feel good, They were to tight and did not go all the way behind my ear, I ordered the ear extenders for glasses and they just irritated my ears. It is so frustrating to have a very good provider, but then have to deal l with the eyecare technicians whom seem not to get your glasses right on every visit that you have your yearly exam. I had to go to another eyeglass provider with my written eyeglass prescription from Dr. Vanoy and have new glasses made. They attempted to try and remedy the replacement pair from eyecare associates ,but it was obvious the replacement pair of glasses were to small for my face. I had to put out more money to purchase a new pair of glasses, So due to lack of experience of the Eyecare Associates technicians and just overall process of purchasing eyewear from Eyecare Associates in Homewood is always an Issue each time. Dr. Vanoy is an excellent Provider, but I refuse to purchase eyewear from Eyecare Associates in Homewood, Alabama and spend that amount of money when you have continue to have to return and still not have a solution to the problem. My total eye exam and eyewear bill out-of-pocket totaled about $1000.00 for the year of October 2023 even with eye insurance. It is better to purchase your glasses from another provider to avoid this type issue. A patient should not have to be subject to this type of experience year after year. Thanks P Boston

RUN DONT GO I remember the woman doing the exam rushing me.Over a year ago, she answered the…read morequestions for me and only wanted to talk about getting her roof fixed. when I got my glasses I literally couldn't see. I've worn glasses since 5th grade, I clearly know a field test isn't mandatory I don't want eye imaging but was told I had to. got right up and left. They greet who they want when you walk in also. smh entire staff is awful. Never in this life or another would I go again.

I wish I could provide a review with less than 1 star. I made my appointment on line for lunchtime…read moreso that I could use my lunchbreak to get my exam completed. I was shocked to see that there were 6 people waiting ahead of me to see the provider. As I waited patiently, I noticed that I took approximately 30-35 minutes for the provider to complete one exam. With the now, 5 people ahead of me, I was looking at at least another 2.5 hours before my exam to even begin. If the provider cannot see patients close to the time of the appointment, then schedule adjustments need to be made. If this business does not value my time, then they also don't value my money. They didn't get any. I left!

My daughter, aged 23 and college educated, needed to renew her contact lens prescription. I told…read moreher to just call around and find out a place that has a good price on a contact lens exam and go see them. I knew that a contact lens exam costs more than just an eyeglass exam so I told her to make sure she was specific. She called me back surprised and said "Schaeffer Eye center has the best rate --it starts at $75. And I'll automatically have an eyeglass prescription, too." I was surprised because my sister has used them for years and spends a fortune there, but, hey, they have a stellar reputation, why would they lie?? I told her to be careful about ordering any additional procedures and sent her off. So my daughter goes in, asks specifically for a contact lens exam and when she goes to pay it is (wait for it....) $220. The optometrist and assistant (Christine Hodge) both said they were real sorry since they had BOTH told her it was only going to be $75, but she had to have toric lenses and an eye health exam so they did her a favor and marked off a mandatory followup appointment charge of $49 --so I guess I'm lucky she didn't walk out of there paying $269.' That evening I called and spoke to employee Christine Hodge, who had apologetically checked her out. Christine told me that Schaeffer eye center will not give a contacts exam unless you've already had a $90+ "eye health exam." And then, there was $60 upcharge for toric lenses. And then a mandatory appointment $49 follow-up fee for I don't even know what. My husband and I have been glasses wearers for over 30 years and this kind of price gouging is NOT standard practice--not at LensCrafters, Pearle, Eye Care Associates of Cahaba Heights, Sears, Sam's, Costco or Walmart, where all optometrists are fully trained and licensed and where we have always received excellent vision care. If anything, other eye care offices err on the side of caution ("okay, we recommend that you have this test done and it's going to cost an extra $25--please sign here if you want us to do it..") Any follow up appointments are included in the exam cost--they make sure that by the time you are through, you've got the exactly perfect prescription for your needs. Incidentally, I've had torics for almost 8 years with no up charges whatsoever. I know there are plenty of folks out there who don't mind paying Schaeffer a king's ransom for their eye care. But heads up, folks: If someone calls in to check on the price, guess what they're interested in? THE PRICE! Incidentally,during her visit, my daughter gave at least three indications of her concern for the cost of the exam. First, she said "I want a contact lens exam. It's $75, right?" When they asked her to sign a form, she pointed out a $25 dilation fee, which they crossed out and told her "that doesn't apply any more." Finally, when the technician, David King, asked her if she wanted an "Optimat" (sp??) test and she said "no" because it sounded like it might cost more money. Oh, and did I mention she still doesn't have her prescription?? After all that, they were trying to get her to make a fitting appointment. By that time, my daughter said "they had taken all my money and I just wanted to get out of there." She's scared to go back and I don't blame her. If someone had told me that for thorough, honorable, professional, eye care, your best bet is WalMart??? I would have thought they were a little bit nuts. But I know better now. Forget boiling crawfish, Dr.Schaeffer, it's your pricing practices that need sterilizing.

I will never wear glasses again, and the amazing thing is that I don't need them, thanks to…read moreSchaeffer Eye Center (I just have to write this note of appreciation). I'm taking mine today to Dr. Williams at Schaeffer Eye Center, because each year he goes on a mission to Peru -- both at a clinic they set up, and to homes -- to help people with their sight, and soon these will be doing wonderful things. For me, I never thought I would be able to live without glasses or contacts. My acuity was something like 20/1000-1200 before, plus I had astigmatism. I could not get out of bed without glasses. I even swam with glasses on. In November, I went to Schaeffer Eye Center at the Colonnade and Dr. Woolfson (he is *the* go-to Lasik doctor in Atlanta) was there to perform my LASIK. It took maybe...not sure...ten minutes tops? Very little discomfort -- and I'm very sensitive about pain, it really didn't hurt -- and only a couple or three days later I was able to drive without any aid for the first time, ever. Every single person at Schaeffer that has helped me has been amazing: incredibly professional, super-friendly, very attuned to anything I wanted to talk about or ask. Last week, I had my latest post-op visit and I have 20/20 and 20/15(!!!) vision. It's wonderful to sleep, swim, exercise, and not worry about broken glasses, fogged-up glasses, lost glasses, torn contacts, dry eyes, foggy contacts, do-I-have-plenty-of-contacts-and-solution, and all the money spent on those things. I just need a regular appointment to check the health of my eyes from now on, just as people who have great vision all their lives. I really appreciate when I see others post about the experiences they have had with local doctors, businesses, etc so here's mine. And I love that my doctor at Schaeffer does wonderful things for people in other parts of the world, and I love supporting Dr. Schaeffer and everyone at SEC because of what they do for our community (like CityFest and the money that's been raised for Camp Smile-A-Mile and many other charities). I'm so glad I did it, and am appreciative for everyone at Schaeffer for helping me achieve something I never thought I would have.

The past two years I've gone to this location for my eye exam, but after this past week's visit, I…read morewill not be going again. The office REEKED of marijuana. Really bad. Not sure if it was from an employee or a patient, but it was so much it was permeating the entire back part of the office. I had seen the doctor, and I was sitting in the back waiting for my eyes to dilate. My eyes were already sensitive from the dilation, and then the employee came through spraying febreeze in the air to remove the smell of marijuana, which irritated my eyes even more! I couldn't believe it. I was cleared to leave after 20 more minutes. I was asked if I wanted to look at glasses, but I couldn't stand to be in the office anymore. I'll go elsewhere to purchase glasses, and will go somewhere else for my exam next year.

Have been in this location with a friend for a few times to help them select frames. I had time…read morebefore another appointment so I ran in to pick out frames for myself. I was greeted after a few minutes and told they would be with me soon. No problems, I took a seat and surfed the web while I waited. My reminder alarmed went off reminding me of my pending appointment. For some reasons a business conversation had turned into wedding plans conversation while I waited. When I stood up and headed towards the exit all of a sudden they wanted to treat me like a paying customer. Oh no thank you, this isn't a place I'm willing to spend my money. There was more than one employee that could have displayed professional behavior but choice to ignore me. My friend loves this place. Me? I will never darken their doorsteps again.