"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones (1969) "You can't always get what you want You can't always get what you want You can't always get what you want But if you try sometime, you'll find you get what you need" There are exceptions to everything I say. Although with 73 years of patient experience, I have a lot to say. I am high school class of '69. Woodstock. If you don't have any ongoing eye conditions to manage, or health insurance (employer's group, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. - then you may need to look for Over The Counter glasses from a dollar store, drugstore, or a "mall optician" (like a mall cop but giving basic protection for your eyes) followed by a quick delivery of a pair of glasses. "Cheap Sunglasses" by ZZtop (1979) "When you wake up in the morning and the light is hurtin' your head The first thing you do when you get up out of bed Is hit that streets tonight and buy yourself some cheap sunglasses Oh yeah, get yourself some cheap sunglasses" Heitmeier Eyecare at the Algiers Location is for those who need ongoing advanced eye care. Most clients who come to this location are elderly individuals requiring cataract surgery, lens replacements, and ongoing management of macular degeneration from diabetes needing ongoing care, etc. I'm the exception; I was only 2 years old in 1953 for my first eye surgery in Canada. If you have nothing better to do in the waiting room - here is the story of my Doctor who straightened a crossed eye as a pioneer in doing it. https://stories.canmoremuseum.com/people/max-and-jean-shafto/#:~:text=This%20I%20did%2C%20returning%20in%201951%20to,my%20involvement%20in%20planning%20and%20curricular%20development. Given that many eye care patients cannot drive, most of them come here because of location, location, location. The next closest place to go on the West Bank is probably another Heitmeier location. This practice also serves those who need to arrive with an attendant, and maybe also in a wheelchair - accessible van. This takes a lot of scheduling and re-scheduling - something that will have people apparently "jumping" the waiting line. The Eyecare here is great! I've been going to similar places for 73 years now in multiple countries, provinces/states, and cities. Ideally, I want to find the same high standards of care at them all. I chose this place because it was near my home. I've been coming here for 26 years now, along with people of all kinds in the area. From the busy high rollers, to the impoverished who come with attendants and wheelchair-accessible shuttles, we all sit in the waiting room for up to half a day. We don't like it. Nobody likes it. In every place, city, state or country I have been, there are a bunch of people waiting, and they don't like it. When I was just a little kid, my mother would take me for my Eyecare at 8:00 am - and we would often wait into the evening. It was hard. No electronics. No television. But with just one surgeon who was world-renowned, we waited. As a little kid, I marvelled at the old folks being led around with their heads bandaged round and round like zombie heads after old fashion cataract surgery. Multi-disciplinary Eyecare clinics all optimize by triaging patients and managing care to fit within insurance rules and patient care. Unless you are a billionaire, you will need to display your best southern manners when you aren't the most important person in the room. People who arrived later are getting served first, and compassion for others goes a long way. Many patients depend completely on family members or paid attendants, and often wheelchair-accessible transport that holds to a schedule. They also move you through there from room to room like an efficient production line once you clear the main waiting room. This is privatized medicine, but aimed at giving each patient the care they need and done to established quality of care standards. To me, it is just like the "socialist" medicine I loved in Canada, except it is run by a private enterprise instead of the government. That does still have many more paper pushers and keyboard whackers that add red-tape and overhead, but at least we aren't faced with waiting lines sorted by how much cash you can flash instead of by human & medical necessity. Eyecare is often preventive care to keep your conditions from worsening -- it differs from ER care where we stand people up on their feet and move them out of the ER knowing they will soon be back because they can't afford ongoing preventive care. Soon you too will get the eye exam you need. It will include staring into that very bright light while your eyes are examined. "I Can't Dance" by Genesis (1991) "You can look on the left, you can look on the right You can check it out by day, you can check it out by night" When at last you are leaving here with dilated eyes, you may find..... Timbuk3 (1986) "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" "The future's so bright I gotta wear shades" read more

My yearly checkup was at 10:30 am. After 45 minute of waiting I asked why I'm still waiting. No explanation, just you're next. I'm still here without seeing a doctor yet and it's 11:40am. Finally got seen. I'm now leaving here at 11:51am read more

**If you didn't receive a copy of your eyeglass prescription IMMEDIATELY after your eye exam--whether or not you asked for it--report this office to the Federal Trade Commission. They are in violation of your rights. If they sent you directly to the vision department to order glasses, report them. They are in violation of your rights. DO NOT GO TO THIS CLINIC! They are rude and negligent. 1. I visited this office. Images were taken of my eyes, and Dr. Buoch did examine them, but that's where the exam ended. He suggested that I use a higher power over-the-counter pair of readers for reading and a low-powered pair of readers for watching television. He said that if I could not find a solution I could purchase a prescription pair from them. I couldn't make the otc glasses work, so 2 weeks later, I requested my prescription. When my husband dropped in to get it, he didn't receive it from the doctor's office side. Rather, they took my chart to the vision side, had him sign in, wait behind 7 other patients, and sign a form before they released it. These steps add pressure to a patient. They make it easy to buy from them and hard to shop around. Unfortunately, I decided to return there and order glasses anyway. When I received my glasses, and they were obviously incorrect. Blurry vision. Double vision. Screens looked smeared. Lights had haloes. I called and was told to continue wearing them. I began getting headaches and eye pain from the strain. I decided to go elsewhere and pay for an exam out of pocket, just for prescription comparison. My second opinion resulted in a completely different prescription--in all categories, and I purchased new glasses there. Turns out, the refraction test was NOT done at Heitmeier, and it's impossible to receive a correct prescription without that crucial step. I have called and requested a refund. 2. Prior, I'd already had one terrible experience with them. 2 weeks after ordering my glasses, I called to see if they were ready for pickup: Receptionist: No, they aren't ready yet. Me: Okay. Is two weeks the normal turnaround time that you're seeing right now? Receptionist: Those boxes have to come in, be opened, processed, and patients have to be called. You aren't the only one waiting for glasses. Me: I understand that. I was just asking if two weeks is what you're seeing right now, or if it's a busy time and taking longer. Receptionist, with a sharpness to her tone: You're not listening to me. Me: No. I think you might not be understanding what I'm asking. I'm not complaining. I'm just curious about the turnaround time. Receptionist, after a sigh: It's been two weeks. They're not ready yet. You're going to have to call back. Me: Okay. I'm sorry if I upset you. Receptionist, with a snicker: You ain't upsetting me. But you're going to have to call back. I'm was actually shaking when I got off the phone. The whole exchange was surreal, rudeness from start to finish. UPDATE: Someone just called me back to tell me that they absolutely do not do refunds. Then, she said I could come back and have my glasses remade. When I asked how since their prescription is incorrect, she told me to bring my new one in and they'd use that--the prescription that I paid out of pocket for at another office. I can't even type that without laughing. Obviously, I told her that's silly and isn't going to work for me at all and that the least they could do is give me a refund for the amount I paid. Now, I'm waiting for yet another person to call me back. UPDATE: No one called back. They had three hours for a manager to call back before they closed for the day, and no one did. Ridiculous. Again, the least they could do is refund what I paid them directly. $146 is all I'm asking. Doesn't seem like I'm asking too much. And here I am with a retired service member's insurance, and two days after Veteran's Day, this is how they act. Shameful. read more

No respect for patients' time. In 2021 I waited more than 45 minutes to get called to the back to only wait an additional half hour to see the doctor. I decided to give them another chance yesterday, but unfortunately after not being called 15 minutes after my appointment time, I informed the desk clerk that I was leaving due to the unprofessional lack of respect for my time. This is unacceptable! No more chances, I am done. read more

I've been going to this Eye Doctor office for well over 10 years. They are taking all the necessary COVID procedures to make you feel comfortable. Pre COVID the waiting room was always full, now chairs are spaced apart and not too many people waiting. I hope they keep some of these procedures in place after COVID. My appointment was for 10am, I arrived at 9:50am, was called to the back at exactly 10am, checked out at 10:34am Staff is always friendly and efficient. I recommend Dr. Henry P. Langhetee, he is very friendly but to the point. The eye tech Raina is also very nice and friendly. If you're in need of an eye doctor I recommend this place. note: I don't need glasses or contacts so I can't comment on that service but they do have a vision center wear you can order glasses in the office. #NeatToBe2021Elite read more

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Horrible customer service! If you need to get glasses don't go here. Doctors are nice the rest is terrible. staff is rude and condescending. i have been going here for ten years every year they get ruder. They don't take time to make sure your glasses work or fit. Find another doctor avoid this place.I'm finally done. Plus terrible choices in frames. read more

Good place to go for eye care they're very pleasant and they do have everything you need for your eyes

More than an hour of waiting after the appointment. No explanation whatsoever. Walked away to save their time for other clients. read more

Convenient location and friendly staff, but that's where they good stops. In my opinion their prices are significantly higher than most eye doctors I've visited. Definitely considering getting a transfer. It seems regardless that if you have a appointment or not you will wait...and wait...and wait some more. It's weird. There's always a ton of staffs and doctors on hand, but clearly they overbook appointments. If you need to get in touch with the contact department...good luck. I remember calling for a two week time span once to get my prescription with no such luck at all. Only got through by calling another department in the clinic. read more

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I had cataract surgery here and the whole experience was great. They took the time to explain everything step by step. I can see better than I ever have and want to thank them for everything they did. read more

The only reason I gave the rating I gave is because two weeks ago, my friend and I visited to pick out my glasses and receive whatever service she was receiving. The lady that was assisting her literally coughed and did not cover her mouth. She actually coughed in my friend's face. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, she should have known better. We were pissed. Yes, we did report her to the appropriate people because that was nasty and not cool at all. read more

They offer consistently poor customer service. You are almost guaranteed to wait for long, receive no support, and struggle to obtain your own prescription records. I recommend going elsewhere. read more

WORST CUSTOMER EVER!!! Dr. Laghitee inadvertently wrote an non-existing OD power for my contact lens. This error was discovered after I left the office and attempted to order my contacts. Things occur, no problem..UNTIL I called literally 10 times leaving messages with the receptionist explaining my dilemma that precluded from purchasing my contacts. She claimed the staff received my messages and someone would return my call once they've returned from lunch. After the 8th call, the receptionist conveyed someone will return my call at the end of the day. 6 DAYS later someone called to convey my contact lens prescription expired! I conveyed to the employee that Dr. Laghitee wrote the prescription LESS THAN 1 WEEK AGO how is this possible? The employee placed me on hold and the call was transferred to number which constantly rang with no option to leave a voice message. I called back to speak with employee that called me only to find out she was looking for my record. It's been a hour and still NO RETURN CALL. What is disconcerting is she told me the prescription was expired based on WHAT? WHERE are my records? I simply requested that Dr. Laghitee provide the correct OD prescription for my lens and this SIMPLE request has literally been a unnecessary problem. This is unprofessional, irresponsible, and inexcusable. I will find another eye doctor before I go through this experience again It's obvious that there is a CONSCIOUS LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AFTER THEY'VE BEEN PAID. read more

Very terrible experience. The scheduler called 2 days before my appointment to reschedule me for the next weekend. I showed up on the day of the new appointment only to be told that there was no appointment for me. After that debacle the doctor said he would see me. I waited for an hour only to be told that the person who runs the BCBS insurance was not there and no one else could do it. That was the absolute worst experience I've had at an optometrist and I will never return. read more

My experience was okay. Although, whether you have an appointment here or not expect to wait and wait some more for EVERY little thing. Sitting in the waiting area you can always hear the receptionists telling almost everyone that they can't seem to find their insurance and once people are seated they're yelling back to the persons they've just called that they've found it. They aren't the friendliest bunch of people but the doctors here are awesome. They are a little pricey also. So, if you're looking for something cheap this isn't the place for you. read more

Heitmeier Eyecare - Optometrists Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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You best inquire with your insurer because heitmeier does not comply with the terms and conditions of insurance policies as a network provider of medical services. Even if you have met the full amount of your out of pocket which is for many insurers $4000 or more, and thus you owe nothing to a medical provider, heitmeier arbitrarily insists on the patient making payment even if no payment is due. THEN a claim is made to the insurer and heitmeier gets THAT payment. In the meantime you are out YOUR money which you did not owe after paying premiums and the $4000, and good luck in getting back the money from heitmeier which you didn't owe in the first place because he would not honor his contract with the insurer. Not the best way to start off a professional relationship when a medical provider stiffs you and then what are you going to do, sue? Ridiculous! read more

Good eye care; but RIDICULOUSLY expensive. Don't let them tell you it's the market price; shop around. Trust me, you can do a LOT better for a prescription or a contact fitting. read more

Not the best customer service, extremely long wait times. The office has chairs that are not distanced properly for safety. Once you get inside and do the preliminaries you are taken from room to room, with not a lot of evidence that they have been cleaned properly between patients. Not satisfied at all and will be changing eye doctors. read more

I've used this practice for a couple of years and I'm impressed by their use of technology and the care provided by their professional staff. Most recently my 91 year old mother had an irritated and light sensitive eye. I was able to get an emergency appointment. I was really impressed with the fact that at this appointment and the follow up the doctors called in other doctors in the practice for a second opinion. Despite being an emergency appointment the doctors spent a lot of time with us and went to great lengths to ensure that we understood the diagnosis. The care and concern were phenomenal. read more

I have had problem after problem with this place. For the past two or three times that I have been there, they have messed up. I think because they are trying to get so many people through there at a time. Just in June, I went and paid the contact fitting fee. The girl dialated my eyes BEFORE she did my contact fitting. She asked which contact did I have a better vision with. I said neither. Can't see out of either eye because they're dialated. I had to come back another time to recheck. Then finally got the correct contact lense. I received my contacts and they ordered the wrong one. I waited over 7 days for right contacts to come in and I never heard from them. I finally called. They FORGOT to order my correct contacts. Hate this place! Won't go back. read more

Waited 30+ mins because they were very busy but I read online that that is common. I was getting contacts for the first time and have no eye insurance so it was 149. Not as nice of a office that I am used to but it didn't seam to make the quality of the care inferior. The lady who helped me was really nice even though I squirmed like crazy while she put in and took out my contacts. Seems like they do a lot of surgeries as there were a number of older people with appt. read more

At first I was kind I hesitant considering how many people were in the waiting room, thought it was going to be an all day affair. That idea quickly changed though, the staff processed me in as a new patient, I was called in less than ten minutes and seen by a technician. About 3 minutes after that the doc came in. Everyone was courteous, personable and pleasant. They do have a lot of clients but run the office in a way that maximizes efficiency without having that conveyor belt affect or losing that "neighborhood" touch. I'll definitely be back! read more

I've called five times to be removed from their spam list, but I still get monthly text messages. They prescribed me bifocals that gave me headaches and messed with my depth perception. I found out from another doctor that I didn't need them. Customer service is severely lacking. I've been hung up on mid sentence more than twice. read more

A few weeks ago, I received a text saying that my new glasses were ready for pickup. My mother and I drove there and spent half an hour waiting only to find out that the lenses were ready, but the frames I ordered had not come in. I received a second text a week ago with the same message. Same deal - drove there, waited nearly half an hour, only to find out that my frames had come in but one of the workers wasn't sure if the frames were the "right ones" and that my glasses STILL weren't ready, but that they would be in three days. I'm moving to a different city tomorrow. My mother has been calling repeatedly to address the issue to no avail. She switched doctors years ago and I'm starting to understand why. read more

FYI appointments run 2 to 3 hours, as per nurses and pass visits. Not very efficient at managing appointments.

It is a shame to like the doctors but feel on every visit that you are ran down a assembly line- rushed in-rushed out! No wonder that their receptionist is so rude to everyone- maybe well over worked. Just called to have my name removed from the endless appointment reminders only to hear "our system is down can you call back later"! Really, you can not WRITE down my info and enter when the system comes back up? They are herding so many people through that place from one waiting room to the next that I'm not sure any of them really know what's going on! You'll be better off going to the mall- Last, I've called now 3 times and had to leave a voice message to yet receive a call back stating that they received my surgery cancellation. The thought of surgery through this messed up clinic was more than I could handle. read more

I was treated like a friend. The lady at the front desk was welcoming and helpful. I picked up my awesome fitting glasses just now. My Optition, Brandi, was friendly and thoughtful. Everything went right. She was relaxed and calm. I hope to access this office for eyecare from now on! The prescription is just right and the glasses are comfy. I would not hesitate to recommend a friend here. read more

They have good doctors here but the girls work at front desk have a nasty attitude and we don't always feel welcome when we here and they don't have a good choice of frames read more

I love Dr. Heitmeier, he is caring and treats you like you are valuable. And this is all of the time. My teenage kids like to go because he does not make them feel uncomfortable. I have recommended Dr. Heitmeier and the other doctors to my coworkers and friends and they all love them as well! read more

I would give no stars if I could. Went here many years ago....would never go again. First went for contact exam. On visit to pick them up, they could not find my file and kept asking 'ARE YOU SURE YOU CAME HERE?' Duh!! Finally found the file and contacts they ordered for me BUT they were so curved they could fit around a pencil but not on an eye. Had to send back. On return visit, same thing -- could not find file. After much searching found it so i received the contacts that were re-ordered. Could not wear so had to return again. Waited and waited with no return call the contacts were in. THEN received a bill for contacts I didn't have. Went to the office to talk about bill/contacts. They had no record of second set of contacts being returned but showed they dispensed them to me months earlier. NOT!! Long story short -- no contacts, no payment. Also -- what eye doctor has never heard of an 'occular migraine?'. read more