I have been visiting optometrists and ophthalmologists for almost 50 years. My latest appointment at the office of Dr. Galbrecht was a highlight among these visits.
Registration was thorough, but relatively painless, and insurance information was checked as I waited. My question about the cost of the visit (which was for an eyeglasses prescription) was answered upfront and clearly: $80.
Before the actual time for my appointment to begin, an assistant ushered me into a room with a variety of testing devices and proceeded to conduct them. Shortly after that, I was directed to another room for the doctor's eye examination. I waited about 15 minutes for the optometrist to join me, which was a bit of annoyance, but she had another patient, and I was in no hurry. To her credit, it was an end-of-year visit, the appointment for which had been made only the day before (yes, I'm a procrastinator). Once she joined me, she proceeded to ask some health/medication questions to round out those I had answered in the initial paperwork.
Next came the eye exam (chart) and adjustments for lens correction, which were performed carefully and with obvious experience. She examined my eyes with the bright light, dilated my pupils, and sent me back to the lobby to allow for the medication to take effect.
After a bit, the testing assistant checked my eyes and concluded they were sufficiently ready for another test and retinal photographs.
A few minutes later, I was back with the optometrist for another bright light exam of my dilated eyes. She followed up by explaining the current condition of my eyes, how I had experienced an increase in astigmatism over the past year, and that I was probably at least a decade from needing cataract surgery. With that, she printed out a prescription for me and told me that was it.
The lady at the front desk informed me the office would file the insurance and gave me a copy of my receipt. I looked at it, thinking that surely, with all the tests and attention I had received, the cost for the visit would be more than $80. It was not.
All I can say is, "WOW!"
I'm not related to this lady, in fact, I never heard of her before I made the appointment (she is located within the Wal-Mart in west Olathe at K-7 and Santa Fe). But this, was without a doubt the most careful, professional, and thorough attention I have ever received in the office of an optometrist. Actually, she performed more tests on my eyes and provided more information than I got from an ophthalmologist at my 2014 appointment (and he charged $250). Additionally, I should mention, Dr. Galbrecht is an outgoing, personable, professional physician, whose positive personality left me in an upbeat mood. I have already encouraged two other people to use her services, and will do so again as the opportunity affords itself.
Long story short, Johnson County has a hidden gem in Dr. Galbrecht and her staff. Try her. You will not be disappointed.
Mark Graham
Olathe read more