Gontarek Eye Care Optometrists LLC in Chesapeake, Va are the best! Dr Lisa is warm, friendly and professional...One of the best eyecare exams I have ever had.. Everyone in the office were kind, caring and professional. Wish I had found Gontarek sooner! Abbie D Polak read more

Gontarek was my first optometrist visit in over four years because life happens. From the moment I called to schedule the appointment the Gontarek team was kind and helpful. The office itself can be a pain to get into as it is on the corner of Battlefield and Kempsville, but once you are inside, the pride and care in their practice is obvious. The waiting area is open and bright, and the glasses looking/fitting are is bright, warm, and inviting. I showed up about 10 minutes early to my appointment and was called back on time. I opted to have the retinal imaging as opposed to the standard eye dilation, and was surprised at the cost as it was $5-$10 more expensive than my kids' optometrist. I will say, the doc was thorough and listened, and did not seem rushed to get me out of the office. I received a good discussion on the results of the exam, and then was given everything I needed to request a referral from my primary care for follow up appointments. Overall a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend them. read more

I bought a pair of prescription Costa Sunglasses in 2015 and recently broke the frame. Phyllis couldn't have been more helpful, kind and professional on the phone with advice on replacement frames for my lenses. It was extremely refreshing to have someone who went out of her way to assist and wasn't trying to rush through to the next person - professional service that seems more rare these days. She is an example of great customer service! read more

This review is a little long but worth the read to save yourself from investing any of your time or money into a business that doesn't care about you. I recently tried Gontarek to see if they would be right for my family of four (three of us wear glasses). I was happy with the eye exam. I was happy with the lady's patience in helping me find frames I liked. That was it, everything beyond that point has been a terrible experience. Once I found the frames I wanted, Gontarek worked up a price--it was quite high (even with insurance). She told me they recommend looking online b/c you can usually find them a lot cheaper and she wasn't kidding. I found them at multiple places online for a LOT cheaper (without using my insurance)... We're talking more than 50% cheaper. So I asked her if she could help me out while I was there to measure my pupillary distance which is required to order online. She said "no", they only do that for people buying glasses from them. This is when they first showed their brash side that other reviews have mentioned. So I left and went to Pearl Vision where you can pay a small amount (~$10) for them to measure. How hard would it have been for Gontarek to do that for me, even to charge me something (which clearly I was willing to pay)? Instead, they just refused to help me. I let it go. I ended up ordering my glasses online and when I got them something about the lenses was wrong, they were blurry. I was hoping someone locally could help me determine who should be held accountable--the person who wrote my prescription, the person who measured my pupillary distance, the people who made the lenses, or possibly me (maybe I input the wrong numbers when I placed the order). I called Gontarek to see if they'd help me since they're my optometrist and they were the ones who recommended I shop online for glasses. They refused to help me. I even told them that at this point I was just trying to determine if I could get my money back online so I could re-order them locally from Gontarek. Still, they said "That's the risk you take ordering online." and refused to help me exposing their brash and untactful demeanor to me once again. I wasn't sure if their refusal was just a standard thing that no optometrist would help with so I called another local optometrist, Beach Eye Care, who was more than happy to help me. So happy to help that within an hour of my phone call to them on a Saturday, they got me in for an appointment and helped me determine the lenses had the wrong pupillary distance so it was the fault of the online company (EZ Contacts... seriously steer clear, they were a nightmare). I placed an order with Beach Eye Care that day for the glasses and during my time there I also found out they have great prices on lenses for my husband's frames as well (cheaper than online actually). My husband has already made an appointment with Beach Eye Care and I'm moving my whole family over to them which means that's who I'll be buying all my future glasses from. Gontarek has lost me and my family's business and I'll be sure to express my feelings about the three companies involved in this experience to anyone who compliments me on my new, very noticeable glasses. read more

I must say.... This was one of the BEST medical appointments I've ever had! So my eyes have been giving me little issues. And I really needed to schedule an appointment to see an ophthalmologist. Before the year ended. So I went on a search through my insurance company to find an office that was in network. Yes, I was being cheap and wanted to stay fully covered without paying a lot out of pocket. I actually scheduled my appointment online. And that was the most smooth scheduling ever. I did have a little hiccup. Because they couldn't figure out who my provider was with the insurance number I gave them. But whoever was helping me online was AWESOME! I emailed them a picture of my insurance card. And they figured it out. I filled out all the paper online before my scheduled appointment. When I arrived, it was smooth sailing, too! From the front desk staff. To the ophthalmic medical technician, Beth! To my ophthalmologist. To the optical technician for my glasses. Everyone was friendly, and they explained everything to me very clearly and was attentive. I even found a pair of reasonable price glasses. Yes, sadly, I'm at the age where I need to wear glasses. Lol! Since I'm hitting 40, soon life is changing for me. Lmao. They stated it takes about two weeks for my glasses to be ready. But I wasn't in a rush for them. I know it's the holidays. So things might take a little longer. My appointment fee was $10.00, and I had to put down half of the money for my glasses. Overall, it came out to about $70.00. Which was not bad to me! I just really appreciated the AWESOME service and friendliness. I guess I'm going to have to start sending my whole family to this office. Lol! Check them out! And remember everyone's expectations and experiences are different... :) read more

I am writing to express some concerns regarding my visit on October 22, 2024, for my regular yearly checkup with Dr. Scott. While Dr. Gontarek has been my eye doctor for years, there are a few issues related to communication during this visit that I would like to address. During my routine eye exam, it was discovered that I had abnormal eye pressure in my left eye, and I was referred to a specialist at Virginia Eye Consultants. Dr. Scott's assistant informed me that I could be seen by them that day, which I greatly appreciated. However, there were several important details that were not communicated to me at the appropriate times. First, I was not made aware that my regular eye checkup had turned into a medical appointment, nor was I informed that I should assume this based on the additional testing and referral. I have VSP vision insurance, but my medical insurance is not in-network, which I am fully aware of, and Dr. Scott even asked me about my insurance during the appointment. After I informed him of my insurance provider, he mentioned that your office does not accept it. Given this, I was shocked when, after the appointment, I was told at the front desk that I owed $364 for the medical portion of the appointment. I was not prepared for this, as no one had informed me of additional medical charges beforehand. As a result, I had to charge this amount to my credit card because I did not have the necessary funds available. When I spoke with April in billing on January 31, 2025, she asked why I didn't speak to Dr. Scott about this at the time. My response was that I didn't want to cause an issue, and I was not made aware that this was an option by the receptionist. I also did not want to avoid paying the bill. In retrospect, I believe the additional testing could have been done at Virginia Eye Consultants, where they accept my insurance. Had your office been more upfront about the potential medical charges, I would have declined the extra services and sought care elsewhere without any issues. Additionally, while I was grateful to be seen the same day at Virginia Eye Consultants, I was not informed that this was an emergency appointment, and I left the appointment with more confusion and questions than answers about my condition. I also want to mention that when I spoke with April today, I was made to feel as though I should have assumed what the final billing would be, given how the appointment evolved. This is not something I deal with regularly, and I believe there should have been more transparency regarding the financial aspect of the appointment. As a patient who was not prepared either mentally or financially for the change in the appointment, I would have appreciated being given clearer options on whether to proceed with services. Furthermore, I was asked for feedback within a day or two via text or email, but your office has no record of this communication because I did respond. Given this, I feel my concerns have not been fully addressed.I was a patient woukd have appreciated more clarification on these matters and hope that future communication can be more transparent to avoid any misunderstandings. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Lisa Gontarek's for about 22 years. She was aware I had been using Systane eye drops constantly during the day for dry, itchy eyes. I saw an advertisement in the office for an IPL treatment process that could relieve the dry eye symptoms. I asked about it and she recommended it for me. I had the 4 sessions and have been absolutely astounded at the relief!!! It was non-invasive; quick and easy. Now I rarely have a need to use any drops. I have been applying a heated eye mask for about 10 minutes at night to help extend the life of the treatment. I would highly recommend this treatment to anyone with dry eyes. read more

Do not disregard the negative reviews! They were in-network for active duty military + now are not, but do not inform the member or dependents that they will be charged out of pocket for the annual eye exam and/or the paper prescription given to patients after the exam. In other words, they will do the exam, but will charge for giving you the prescription which says what you were seen for/what's wrong with your vision. Extremely shady business!!! BEWARE!!! read more

I've had back-to-back unsatisfactory experiences with the untactful front desk staff, unfriendly technicians and the brash optical care woman. The doctors are great though so that's worth noting! That's the only reason why I gave them two stars. Front desk staff, technician & optical sales lady are all abrasive in personality, arrogant & snippy with you. Not much of an impressive staff. I'm already looking for another eye care place where people will treat me nicer. It's also a pain in the butt to turn in and out of the intersection is always busy. Not happy. read more

" The Gontarek Difference Is Old Fashioned Honesty & Customer Service." That's a joke. No longer takes Tricare...but did NOT inform customers. Paid full out of pocket cost after the fact!! Shameful. read more

I had an excellent experience with Dr Erin Cary. Very through, listened to my concerns, answered all questions. This practice has plenty of up to date technology for treating the eyes properly. Very impressed read more

I love Dr. Scott and Dr. Lisa - they are both phenomenal at what they do and very professional. However, the people that work under them are very rude, unprofessional, and ignorant to their customers, specifically Heidi. read more

Another business with terrible customer service. Called last week and set up an appoitment. Was informed by an arrogant snippy women who was making the appointment that she needed my insurance information. I told her I did not have it with me. She stated to call her back on Tuesday. I called with my insurance information, and was informed that I had no appointment set up. WTF if wrong with buisnesses? Why can't people just do thier jobs I would not recommend anyone to deal with this place. read more

Friendly and efficient staff. They were great and even let me cancel my contact lens fitting/order after my initial appointment (and refunded me). I really appreciated them doing that after my glasses ended being a little more than I bargained for. They do offer a 20% military discount which is a plus. Beverley in the optics lab was great too, she was patient with explaining everything when I called back after receiving my glasses because I thought the wrong filters were put on my lenses (they weren't , I didn't know what I was talking about lol). Anyway, they treat you great and offer a nice discount for military. I will be back for contacts later . I recommend trying them out. read more

I love coming here. Both my son and I get our exams done here and we always get top rated service. The doctors are always very thorough and make sure all concerns are addressed and discussed. Appointments are easy to make and are very accommodating to our schedule. We recommend this place 100% . Haven't had a bad experience yet. read more

Dr. Erin Carey was simply AMAZING! Very patient, took the time to listen to my questions and concerns , explained everything she was doing. Very knowledgeable and kind. I had a fantastic experience and I highly recommend Dr. Erin Carey. read more

The doctors and optical staff, front desk, everyone are very helpful in getting me in and out as a satisfied customer. The only glitch is that sometimes it takes a while to get my glasses once they have been ordered. I'm told these delays are at the lab. read more

Very friendly staff, efficiently run office, always updating equipment to the newest and best technology. Dr. Lisa is great with children. Takes the time to explain everything she is doing, from how equipment works and to what goes on inside your eyeball! It is nice that they have appointments later in the day, and even weekends. Appointments are ON TIME, no waiting around. Optical department is very organized and the technicians are well trained. They are kind and patient. Again, great with kids, taking the time to explain everything in detail. Everyone is super friendly and personable. read more

Their website states that the "dare to be different" and provide "good old fashion" customer service. I guess they mean "different" in that their front desk/appointment people are difficult to deal with and argumentative, "old fashion" as in a contact/email link on the business website that they don't reply to or doesn't work. read more

Great location, in the heart of Great Bridge in Chesapeake, VA. Highly recommend this practice due to it's professionalism. Staff and doctors are nice, understanding, patient and great at what they do. This practice also has an Optical department which makes it easy and convenient to buy glasses/frames/contact lenses. Lori and Rosie helped me and they are saints being how picky I am! read more

Been seeing Dr. Lisa since she was in Greenbrier Mall. New location is even further away but, I do like her so I keep going. However, I've not had good luck with glasses there. Optical/frames personnel leave something to be desired, especially one who has the personality of a jellyfish. So many times we see people who should NOT work in customer service and she most definitely is one. read more

The only reason I am not rating them 5 stars is because of the front desk person. She has no personality, never smiles, and seems like she's just going through the motions. Aside from that, this is a wonderful practice. Dr. Lisa Gontarek is friendly, professional, and explains everything to you. The ladies she has doing some of the basic things with you when you first get there are knowledgeable and professional as well. In addition, her optician gals are fantastic. They take time with you and carefully break down the costs for you. My husband has been very pleased with Dr. Lisa and the other lady doctor (he cannot recall her name right now) for years.I referred my mother and she has been pleased with them as well. I have been seeing Dr. Lisa for about five or so years now, even before she was at this location, and I would not go to anyone else. read more

The best doctors I have ever gone too, very caring and so good at explaining things to me. You are seen on time and the staff is very friendly. To me they are " Simply the Best". read more

This is an extremely professional optometrist including the staff. The eye examines are thorough and not rushed. Both doctors are friendly, courteously, and skilled. I have known Dr. Lisa before she opened this facility, and I value her consultations, judgment and concern for my eye health. read more

I love Dr. Lisa and everyone else in the office They provide excellent care to their patients! I highly recommend them!!

My 11-year-old son was fitted with contacts by Dr. Scott. He was great with my kid who has done a great job taking care of his contacts. So I also decided to try contacts and had the same experience. Additionally, I like that Lori, the optician, listed the average cost of new glasses. It's nice to know what it'll all cost before I select new frames. Great place! read more