I don't like writing one star reviews, but my experience at this Optician/Eye Glass store must be known. When I first entered, I asked the manager if they accepted Medicare. She said "no." So, I went ahead anyway with an eye exam for a total cost of $165. Upon entering the examination room, I told the optician (not a medical doctor), that I specifically did not want a contact lense exam. The optician attempted to test for a suitable prescription. After 10 mins. of switching lenses to determine my prescription, the optician stopped and told me she could not write a prescription because I had cataracts. Then, she handed me an eye doctor's pamphlet who specializes in cataract surgery. I explained that I had no symptoms of cataracts, and didn't understand why she couldn't write a stronger prescription. She refused to do, so I left the exam room. When I went to check- out, I was surprised to received a bill for over $230. I asked what the extra amount was for and was told that it was for a contact lense exam (which wasn't performed). Then, the manager tried to give me the "run-around" and said she'd have to speak with the optician (who was with another patient). So, I asked if she would speak to the optician before I left, and was told "she'd see what she could do." After the manager spoke with the optician, she said I was correct about not having a contact lense exam, and deducted the overage (approx. $80). Then I asked for my glaucoma test results and was told the pressure was very high at approx. 32/33. I wondered why the optician didn't mention this much more serious issue. Then, I said to the manager that I'm paying $165 and leaving without a prescription nor an exam report. The only thing I did receive was a pamplet referring me to a cataract doctor. When I arrived home, I really felt that I had been deceived and did not receive proper care or accurate results. So, I made an appointment with a well-known eye doctor, who said he wasn't too worried about any cataracts, and my glaucoma test was in the normal range at 22/22. Then, he wrote a prescription for new glasses which were exactly right, and then I knew that Gulfcoast Eye Center was just one big rip-off. So, I called American Express and stopped payment to "GCE." Subsequently, I called "GCE" to inform them the Amex charge was in dispute (due to the doctor's findings vs. their misdiagnosis). Then, I asked them not to dispute my cancellation of the Amex charge or the matter would be escalated. The manager agreed not to challenge the dispute, however, a week later I received a notice from Medicare that "GCE" submitted the bill to Medicare without informing me - and were paid in full. Now, I knew I was dealing with dishonest individuals because they specifically told me they did not accept Medicare. This is Medicare fraud and I am reporting this incident to Medicare and other organizations that should know how this scheme works. This is a shady business that has no ethics and deceives patients. In addition, I think it's unethical to refer older patients to only one eye-doctor whose pamphlet is being promoted by the optician. Therefore, do not trust Gulfcoast Eye Center because their prices are high, and their services are unreliable - and they DO ACCEPT MEDICARE, but tell you they don't. Follow-up: I just received a reply from this optician. The answer consisted of 3 sentences which did not address my concerns. They informed me that they called me about the issue above, but the fact is they never called. I think their 5 star reviews are fake and deceptive like everything else about this business. They've been reported for Medicare fraud. read more
