07/22/2026 I did the unthinkable!!! I have been wearing Contact Lenses since the age of 16. However, for the first time in my life while I was watching TV I accidentally fell asleep with my Contact Lenses. When I woke up "Both of My eyes were hurting so much!!!! AND "For the record" I did try numerous times taking out the Contacts with Contact Lenses Solution with my thumbs but it didn't work . "Both of my eyes were hurting so much and the pain in both of my eyes was unbearable". I knew that there was no way that I could drive on I75 from LAKEWOOD RANCH. My husband was at work. Therefore, I had to wait until he got off work so he could take me directly to GULF COSTAL EYE CENTER. But the point of this review I was in so much pain and it was unbearable. Dr Steven Bovio took the time 30 minutes before closing his office to attend me. He cleared me that I didn't have the contact lenses still in my eyes and he prescribed eye drop medication to take. And I'm not allowed to drive for five days. The point of this review is to clearly "STATE" that if you just moved to this area. Or if you don't like your optometrist and you're looking to change to a new optometrist look no further!!!! Go to see "DR. STEVEN BOVIO" !!!! read more

I had an eye emergency where a sty got infected over the weekend. Medcheck advised to get in to your primary asap. I left a voicemail on the weekend and got a call back Monday AM and they worked me In for an appointment a few hours later. I had multiple follow ups and Dr. Steven Bovio's entire team was fabulous read more

Gulfcoast Eye Center - Main entrance - Optometrists Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

#ThankYouThursday2021 Per a very small number of my previous reviews in the last decade, I only post a non-restaurant review for an amazing experience. THAT is what I received here at Gulf Coast Eye Center. We just moved, and second to my dermatologist for skin cancer screening and MOH surgeries, my eye care is of utmost importance. My family and I have had previous issues as well need corrective lenses and contacts. I need screenings for macular degeneration and central serious retinopathy since the 1990s. My wife through HealthGrades whittled down a long list and I scanned Yelp and Google and these folks bubbled to the top of the stack ranked list. Calling the office my wife and EASILY plowed through the insurance and setting up the first visit hassles with Kac who is awesome. Pam was terrific with the exams and laser light show and vision checks. Dr. Steven Bovio earned and proved why his "grades" are so high on HealthGrades and we went off into my history and details and even had discussions about nutrition and eye health and preventative tactics. FANTASTIC doctor and my previous guy in New York for the last 16 years had set a VERY high bar. Out in the eye center Irka dealt with my frugal (a.k.a. cheap Irish bastard) personality and we found some durable, light, and great fitting (for my full figured melon head) eyeglasses AND some protective sunglasses. A HOME RUN!!!!!!!!!!! I almost can't wait for the 1.5 to 2 weeks to get my new specs.....I am long overdue and see with my change in prescription why so many issues!! If your skipped down to the bottom here and did not read the above - pick up the phone and GO HERE!!!! (just don't make them so crowed I can't get in next time????? ) read more

Got what seemed like thorough eye exam but when I ordered a new pair of glasses from their eye center the lenses weren't up to par on the new Rx. The right lens was out of focus. I had to return them and reverted back to my previous prescription. I'll be looking for a new eye center. read more

These folks are great. I woke up with an emergency problem and was able to make a same-day appointment. I did not have an eye doctor but found Gulf Coast via an internet search. I noticed several positive reviews, which were enough to prompt me to call them. The front-desk staff was efficient and friendly, the technician who saw me was excellent, and Dr. Jones was thorough and very empathetic. My situation required a follow-up appointment with a specialist, which they were able to arrange the next morning. I can't say enough good things about this practice. read more

I had a great visit! The staff were helpful and kind. Dr Bovio was terrific and I love the new glasses with magnetic cover for shades!! read more

Gulfcoast Eye Center - New glasses with magnetic covers - Optometrists Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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All of the staff were very nice and helpful. The eye doctor herself took the time to help me find exactly what I was looking for, and I am very happy with my overall experience! I have been to several places looking for a better eye, doctor, and I finally found it. they also offer optional images of the back of your eye which is interesting. read more

Super expensive! They charged my card $1300 for 2 pair of glasses and took a couple of days to start the work. At the end I canceled and asked for a refund. Dr Jones Cameron also pushed the pressure test on my eyes even if I refused it. It took me a long time to be finally able to see again after that test. Bad experience! I would not go back. read more

I needed a contact lens as I was leaving on vacation the following day. I called the Gulfcoast Eye Center and was very fortunate to speak with a representative who was extremely helpful. She set aside the contact that I needed and was able to pick up that day. She went above and beyond what would have been expected and I am grateful for their help. read more

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

Best eye exam I've had in 40 years! Dr. Bovio is excellent and very thorough! The staff are all very friendly and professional. Irka and Grace helped me find some terrific glasses and polarized sunglasses! Awesome experience! Thanks everyone!! read more

I was referred to Dr Bovio by a friend as I was new to the area. The entire experience was TOP NOTCH! Extensive preliminary testing was done-even corneal mapping and tear quality tests along with the usual eye health screening. I had MANY follow up visits because I am a complicated contact lens fit. Dr Bovio and staff were patient and kind through the whole process. I have purchased contacts and back up glasses . I also won a free pair of Costa sunglasses!! Just yesterday I went to an open house/trunk show (sponsored by Ray Ban) at the office. The rep was there which is always a treat because you get to see the latest and greatest models and you get personal shopping assistance. I like sunglass hut but you don't ever get to see the complete line like you do from an established eye doctor. Plus, whatever you purchase is from the board so 100's of people have tried them on-with Dr Bovio I am getting a brand new pair straight from the Ray Ban factory!! Dr Bovio also carries Maui Jim and other high end brands made with QUALITY lenses! The staff is so nice and helpful-you really feel like you are their only patient!! LOVE this practice!! read more

I am delighted I chose Gulfcoast Eye Center! I found everyone very friendly, informative and efficient. I did not have to wait nor did I feel rushed through. Everyone was wearing masks and they are very careful with sanitizing all equipment. I look forward to receiving my new glasses. read more

I very recently was visiting the Gulf Cosst and approached shopping the "old fashioned" way...the yellow pages. Their ad said "great selection and service"...and it was absolutely true. Shopping for eyeglasses has always been difficult for me. They must be functional, stylish and comfortable....and, I'm fussy! I walked in, unannounced and was greeted kindly and rofessionally...from the receptionist to the billing clerk and most especially with the help of eye glass specialist, Kelly, the experience could not have been better. Kelly's honesty and help was above and beyond what my previous experiences have been. I will look forward to recommending and revisiting this eye center. A+!!!!!... customer service still matters, and they are to be highly recommended! read more

This was a terrible experience. i was 5 min early and was not seen for over 35 minutes. Everything was an upsale attempt. From the exam to the drops for $29. The dr was rude to me When I couldn't keep my eyes open because of the bright light he was pointing in my eye after I was dilated. I'll never go back. read more

This optometrist office engages in shady business practices. The staff directly mislead me about the coast of a "contact fitting exam". I know these business don't want patients to shop around for better prices, but only at the check out register did I learn they charged $90 for a contact fitting, $70 base pay and and extra $20 for some new patent fee. I would have found a cheaper option had I know. I feel directly mislead. Would not recommend. read more

I had an exceptional experience with Gulfcoast Eye Care! I'm traveling over the holidays with family and forgot my contact lenses. They were willing to help me FREE OF CHARGE when several other offices refused to see me or even look to see if they carried my prescription. The woman I spoke with at Gulfcoast was extremely friendly and helpful despite being the usual busyness over the holidays. I'm grateful for their help. If they are this helpful to someone who isn't their actual patient, I'd imagine they provide the absolute best care to their patients. Thank you, Gulfcoast!! read more

I had a very through eye exam by Dr. Steven Bovio. He took his time and explained how to help my dry eyes [he told me to use two over the counter eye drops]. He gave me eye exercises to do. I don't normally feel comfortable with doctors, but he made me feel comfortable. The staff was very friendly and I will be recieved my glasses in about 10 - 14 days. read more

I have been a eyeglass wearer for may years.This office is very friendly and accommodating, from the first phone call for the appointment to the end of his visit.All of his employees make you fee important and valued; they take the time to answer your questions to the 100 plus pair of frames to choose from when making your selection on which one looks the best. I would definitely recommend his office for your next eye exam. read more

Recently moved to Florida and needed an eye doctor....well I picked a good one. The office is bright and welcoming, the staff were friendly and professional and the Doctor was knowledgeable and pleasant. I am already scheduled for my yearly exam in 2018. read more