Dr. Sherif El-Harazi is both personable and efficient; things that should be noteworthy. And so they are. The rest of the staff however, while friendly enough, never seem to get things right in an acceptable range. They overbook quite often, squashing as many people as possible into the smallish waiting areas. If you have an appointment on these days expect to wait over an hour to see anyone. And they sometimes forget where they put you -- meaning you have to stick your head out of the room like a turtle, asking "Um, I've been put in here for almost 30 minutes?" and having staff gape and gasp at you because they'd lost you! Dr. Kay Park was my surgeon and I have to say she has a most excellent bedside manner. Kind, soft-voiced and extremely patient. She took good time to explain the procedure and on operation day was very encouraging. She even ordered me up a post-op muffin! I really have to say that I have no hard feelings over some of the minor incompetencies in their offices, because at the end of the day my cataracts were removed and I can see again. That almost makes up for everything, no? read more

Lugene Eye Institute - Bespeckled seeing-eye dog bids you farewell at the appointment desk. - Ophthalmologists Near Me - Glendale, California

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Doctors are great, but receptionists are very incompetent. They change a $100 fee PLUS copay no matter in-network status or deductible. They can't even provide an itemized bill for those charges. So to get that hundred back after 2 months you need to pass few more incompetent people in billing department. Ridiculous. Doctors are great no complaints read more

My uncle who's well into his 80s and Hispanic was having vision problems, his primary doctor requested a referral through the insurance and it was approved. Here he and his wife go to his appointment. Once there they were confronted with rudest and most condescending front desk person. There was no one to help out them. They kept saying they don't speak Spanish. Yet, they have no problems asking them for a payment of $200! And what doctor examine and prescribed is the same thing that his primary doctor done. They drove a long distant too.... They will never be here again read more

the mismanagement between both phone and office staff led to my appointment taking 3 hours and had me travelling between 2 locations to finally be given an inaccurate prescription. read more

Very inpatient and rude front desk rep. Does not even allow the caller to finish talking and puts on hold and keeps moving the call to next in line. Would give 0 stars if available. read more

I had a really good experience getting a cataract surgery at this office, they did a really good job and my doctor was wonderful!

I receive quality and caring eye care, My doctor was fabulous... He listened patiently and gave me great advice

Tricked me to come in for a focus group study; got there and refused to pay! But they already knew from a previous exam my situation; yet booked me for 8AM, I sat for 50 minutes b4 being seen. On the way out I was about to be told " your next appointment" I told them people this doctor is not my primary and if call me ever again will get cursed out! read more

This office is great for Armenians, they are so nice to them and give them extra attention. As for other race I do not recommend, customer service SUCKS! They are very rude, don't look you in the eyes, do not take the time to make patient comfortable or explain how to take care of their eyes if laser procedure has been done. They used old technology on my husband a week ago and to this day he suffers from very sharp pain on side of his temple area. They inserted this thing on his eye to do the laser and the whole time he was in so much pain but specialist only lowered the power once. When he finally yelled that he was hurting she stopped by saying "ok I'm done". Specialist did not send a nurse to check on him or add eye drops or check if his vision came back. How careless is that? We are now in the process of finding another specialist because this kind of service is unacceptable. Like I mentioned in the beginning it's a good place for Armenians but not for others. read more

Came here with a valid Medi-Cal referral, and it was accepted. A year later, I'm still getting bills and threats of collections--even though I submitted proof and called multiple times, and they never fixed it. The clinical staff were helpful, but the billing office has been a frustrating experience. If you go through Medi‑Cal, double-check your statements and hold them accountable. read more

I do not recommend this business unless you have no were else to go. If you have no other option, then you may want to get a second opinion pre-surgeries if any are required. I was a patient here for five years and during that time it often felt like the care was just o.k. More than once, I encountered comments by the head doctor that were either rude or inappropriate. Hadn't experienced similar with past doctors. Perhaps I just got them on a bad day, we all have bad days, but some people know when to just do the job and smile anyway. In my last experience at Lugene, I was scheduled for a cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery. I felt like the post-op counsel I received didn't address the concerns I had. Nor were the available options for the cataract surgery when it came to discussing the distance of sight outcomes. I ultimately went with the the Glaucoma specialist advice, which I now partially regret, especially after talking with my current doctor at Acuity. The Glaucoma specialist had been boasted very highly by the head doctor, Dr. El-Harazi. She had recently finished a medical internment in San Diego and finished her medical studies. At the time, I didn't realize how inexperienced she actually were. During surgery, there was another doctor assisting her who represented a medical corporation with a new stint. I was fully conscious and aware during the entire procedure. I had been told that I wouldn't remember anything and I wouldn't feel any pain, but that turned out to not be true. I definitely felt pain as they were placing the stint. I heard the Glaucoma Specialist say to the corporate doctor helping her, that she wasn't sure where to insert it. She had indicated a region, and he had to tell her the correct region and then show her how to do it. Post surgery, I had to have a needle inserted in my eye twice a week to drain the pressure because it was to high. This went on for two months, even having to come in a few times on holidays and Sundays to have the needle treatment. The Glaucoma Specialist finally told me she didn't know what else to do or how to help me. She told me my insurance wouldn't cover anything else. She told me the only thing that could be done would be to have her do another Glaucoma surgery on my eye and cut in a drain, but it wouldn't be covered by my insurance. Ultimately, she told me to go to the USC county hospital for help going forward. I ended up calling my insurance company two weeks after a 12 hour visit to USC, and after consulting the opinion of a different Glaucoma Specialist paid out of pocket. My insurance company was shocked. They said, the Specialist never consulted with them. After about a month of having no doctor, my insurance reassigned me as a top priority to Acuity Eye Group. The new doctor was horrified to hear about the Lugene post op experience. He took me immediately off the steroid and said I had a rare sensitivity to steroids that a more experienced doctor would have recognized. My eye pressure returned to an acceptable range, no need for needles in my eye. Ultimately, the stint that Lugene's doctor put in my eye, hasn't assisted or helped my eye. Now sometimes when I lay down on a pillow at night, I have pain in the eye where the stint is located. I had similar high pressure due to steroids' sensitivity for my second cataract surgery by my new doctor, but he took me off the steroids' and the pressure adjusted. He never flipped out. My experience with Lugene happened in July 2018. I was so angry and furious that I had written a ripping review on Yelp, but a few months later I removed it. I felt I was to angry at the time to write a rational review, especially since I was still in the middle of what was occurring. I am writing this review three years later because I now know the long term results (pain in eye sometimes at night), inexperienced Lugene doctor. Trust in a doctor is absolutely the most important thing you can have. Doctors are not perfect, but you want a doctor who is authentic about their experience and capabilities. I never got that at Lugene. The abilities of their specialist were exaggerated by Dr. El-Hazari, and the specialist was over confident too. I was shocked and felt abandoned by Lugene when the doctor told me she wouldn't help or see me anymore and to go to county. No one at Lugene, ever followed with me after abandoning me during a medical crisis they created, The insurance company had never been contacted by Lugene during that time about doing the un-necessary second surgery their specialist wanted to do, or what extra steps they would cover. I expect better than I got, even from my auto mechanic read more

I had two scheduled appointments in the last two months. Both appointments had to be rescheduled. Tried to speak with Sylvie at this office today. The recording kept saying that I was number 1 in the queue and waited for 15 minutes. Finally decided to hang up. I called an hour later and someone picked up and said to hold. Waited 8 minutes, only to get a recording that said to leave a message. I am going to see if there is another place for me to go to instead. read more

The worst customer service from the staff I have ever had, if the appointment is at certain time they will keep you waiting for more than an hour just to let you in to another waiting area to make you wait for a similar time before you see anybody, the receptionist is rude as well of the rest of the staff. read more

The worst customer service we have ever received. The receptionist and front office staff are rude, entitled, and seem to hate their job. If you call this place, they will keep the call on hold for hours. But what they do is pick up the call every few minutes and immediately put you back on hold to manipulate their hold time. Worst service ever! If these ladies hate their jobs and their customers so much do us all a favor and go work somewhere else! Find a job where you don't have to work with the public. We the customers deserve to be treated with respect. If the Doctor's that work in this facility allow this behavior to go unchecked what does it say about their characters? Do they care? To the female staff and the receptionist I hope understand you represent the company you work for. Get off your high horses and do the job you were hired to do. Provide customer service and do it with a smile and respect. Is that not what you are paid to do? read more

I have to start with how welcoming this place is ! Thank you to Jayleen who took care of me at the front desk and was very polite. As a new patient I was a little confused but Jayleen didn't hesitate to help me out with my paper work, very sweet! And when it came to seeing Dr. Gutmark he was the greatest. I really appreciated him explaining my diagnosis and being very understanding and comforting . Can't wait to see them at my next appointment! read more

Arrived on time paid my fee waited 50 minutes. At no time was I informed that they were understaffed and there was an additional wait. Several people before me were waiting when i got up. read more

Horrible. They won't release my medical records from Dr. El-Harazi. Need them due to switching doctors since he retired. Request was faxed in Dec 2022 and have only been given the run around by office staff. This is a violation of HIPPA laws and unfortunately I had to file a complaint. read more

I brought my daughter in for an eye exam with Dr. Kouchouk, upon arriving the front desk staff was very professional and treated us kindly. The Doctor and his nurse were very nice and he throughly explained her eye condition. If you are in the Glendale area and looking for an ophthalmologist this is a great place to go. read more

I used to be Dr. El-Harazi's patient here and he was incredible, very knowledgeable and an excellent doctor. His office was top-notch and staff were incredibly kind and helpful. Unfortunately he retired and since his leaving, the waiting room is empty and the place has gone completely downhill. The front desk staff now are incredibly rude, unprofessional, and harass their patients. I went for an eye exam with Dr. Gabrielian. The Dr. dilated my eyes but then instead of doing treatment she told me the injection nurse was out and I had to come back in a month when they should have rescheduled me beforehand, knowing that I drove down there for that specific treatment. That aside, I asked for a parking validation slip from a front desk staff. She gave me a ripped slip and I asked for a new one (so that I wouldn't have any issues with the machine) she lied, saying it was the last slip. On my way out, I asked another staff member for a new slip and she took out a stack of new slips to hand me one. The previous staff member who handed me the ripped slip saw our interaction and became defensive and argumentative, angrily told her colleague that "she already given me a slip." When I tried to exchange the old ripped slip with the new one, the staff member intentionally threw the slip in my face. I was shocked and stared at her in disbelief, she tried to backtrack and apologize but it was clearly intentional. She should not be working in a public facing setting if this is how she speaks to patients. I'll never be visiting this office again and strongly advise other patients to seek services elsewhere. The environment and everything about this visit was toxic and uninviting, I'm considering contacting the Medical Board. read more

Yikes - please think twice before going to this practice. I was a patient here for many years and received very good care, but now that the practice has new ownership, I'm definitely finding a new place to have my eyes cared for. My complaint is about their billing practices, which are very sketchy and scammy. I was surprised to find that they charged a flat $250 up front when I went in for my annual exam, rather than the office co-pay I'd always been charged in the past. The explanation was something about how they do this when it is the first visit in a calendar year and that they would bill my insurance and then refund me any unusued portion of the $250...everything in me felt like I should just say no way and leave on the spot, but as I'd been a long-time patient (and did not understand that the practice had been sold), I decided to pay them what they asked. I feel so stupid for falling for it, but hope that anyone reading this will at least be forewarned so you can avoid this situation. It has now been 5 weeks and 3 phone calls later and they have giving me the total run-around, claiming that my insurance is just very slow to pay them, so my refund is pending...and that their billing person is out of the office, but would call me in a few minutes when she returned...wait, now she's out on maternity leave...but the office manager will call you right back...and I never hear from anyone. Sooo, I called my insurance company this morning only to discover that Lugene has not even submitted a claim for my visit from 5 weeks ago! Ugh...they were also shocked to hear that Lugene was asking patients to over-pay up front for services and then offer a refund. Like me, they'd never heard of a doctor's office doing that. Now I've had to dispute the charge on my credit card and hopefully I will finally get some resolution. Of course, I'm definitely finding a new eye doctor, but some of the other reviews here show me what's in store...evidently the office also refuses to furnish medical records when patients go to a new doctor! While not surprising, based on the way they do business, it is totally unethical and can pose a very serious problem for a patient. So, like other reviewers here, I will also be filing a complaint with the California Medical Board. read more

My mom visited Dr. Amr Kouchouk for her pre-glucoma, eye pressure and cataracts. He prescribed her a Cortisone acetate eye drops in order to lower her eye pressure. Study shows that Cortone (cortisone- Acetate) medications higher the blood pressure as well as eye pressure. She started getting a severe eyes pain follow with forehead pain. She ended up going to the ER and another Ophthalmologist to get a second opinion. As she walked in, doctor asked her is she is been using any cortone meds, and finally found out that the meds prescribed by dr. Kouchouk caused her eye pressure spiked high from 32 to 52 and my mom could have get blind within couple of days. I am going to make this public and have everyone understand how horrible and careless this doctor is. Visiting this doctor is a life threatening and big risk. Please SPREAD THE WORLD read more

I've been coming to this office for quite some time now! I love the doctors and the staff is always there to answer your questions and help you with anything you need. You always have those crazy, impatient patients that don't realize that everyone is there trying their best! Thank you Alyssa and the rest of the front desk girls there that are always so patient and professional no matter what situation comes their way! Giving them five stars because they really are there to help and assist you with your needs!! I recommend this office! read more

I have been under the care of Dr Kouchouk at Eugene Eye Institute for almost a year now and I have to say I am really impressed with the care and attention I have received. During this time I have had two cataract surgeries, both of which have been very successful. Dr Kouchouk has a remarkable manner to patients, he is caring and understanding and takes time to explain everything in detail - I could not recommend him more. The other staff at Eugene are very efficient and friendly - it is a joy to visit the rooms read more

Great every visits both Doctors are professional also the staff as well. Thanks a lot!! Highly recommend

Very unprofessional staff. Rude and incompetent. Called to make an appointment and staff said they were unwilling to work with my insurance, a PPO. Unheard of. read more

Great doctor and very experienced in eye care. He very knowledgeable and takes great care of his patients. He is very professional and pays attention to details. He works with a very caring team. I will highly recommend him to anyone with an eye problem. read more

What is going on over here with the people answering the phones.. Probably have good Dr's, but the face of your clinic is the rude people answering your phones for appointments. read more

Dr. Harazi is amazing! I have seen the review complaining of wait times, but I am so thankful that I'm lucky enough to see Dr. El Harazi and his staff once a year. They are thorough, compassionate, and have addressed all my needs. I'm thoroughly satisfied, and Dr. El Harazi professionalism coupled with his charismatic personality is refreshing. I HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS WITHIN HIS OFFICE AND THEY ARE EQUALLY QUALIFIED. read more

Haven't seen MD yet, but Armenian speaking phone receptionist was very unprofessional and rude while I called to schedule an appointment. After I mentioned that she needs to speak more respectful with the customers she just hang up on me and ask me to call another time. This happened after I gave her all information that she asked for. Waste of time because of her. So I called back right away and someone else answered the phone and was very polite. This office need to have more friendly and polite stuff. Reading others reviews I see the big issue here. read more

If you ever visit this office get ready to spend at least an hour before being visited by the doctor. Very nice staff but the doctors would rather take breaks instead of seeing their patients and if you complain they'll say sorry we are overbooked today read more

Dr. El-Hazari has the best office staff I've ever encountered. I was very pleased with the doctor. He is so kind and patient and his staff was so friendly and attentive. I would highly recommend his institute! Thank you Lugene Eye Institute! read more

First thing is that this clinic needs to do is hire friendlier staff and more professional. The front desk lady named Tina is usually in a bad mood and is rude to the patients including myself. They are always cancelling appointments and need to reschedule which is something I can't always do since I have a job. I just got diagnosed with glaucoma from this eye dr I have been getting medication but i got a allergic reaction. I called the the office to let them know turns out it took 1 week to get a hold of them. The front desk Tina said I cannot speak to a technician because they are busy to call later and I kept calling and same thing kept happening for days on. They said they would return my call but never did. I had to keep calling them until they said try and buy another kind of eyedrops to help the redness. I told them I would an appointment but they refused until I tried this method. I called this Monday on 8/27 to let them know I can no longer take this medication that I would like a new medication or even appointment to lower my eye pressure and yet Tina promised to call me back. And guess what? It's been 3 days and I have not heard anything. I plan to looking for a better more professional eye doctor to help me. I wouldn't suggest this place to anyone the staff are beyond rude and cannot do their job as in helping patients read more

I was referred over to this office by the doctor who initially treated my eye injury from my tennis accident. I was sent here as they also deal with retinal issues and this was to get a second opinion. Fortunately everything is fine! The office was clean, staff very friendly, and Dr. Sharif was excellent. He was very friendly, polite, and very professional. My appt was at 1:30 and wasn't seen until 2:30 BUT they apologized profusely as it was due to an emergency the doctor had to attend to. So I give them the benefit of the doubt. All in all a very good experience and highly recommend them! read more

Ten years ago when I did my regular eye exam, I discovered that I have high pressure in my eyes. After that I went to several doctors who could not get it regulated. I was very lucky and so thankful to find Dr. El-Harazi. I have been seeing him over the past 10 years and at different locations. He was able to get my eye pressure stable and under control. His staff is very kind, very efficient, fast, and always smiling. I am very happy to have him as my Dr. Thank you Dr. El- Harazi and your team for your dedication and knowledge. I highly recommend this Dr and his team for your eye care needs. read more

This office is unproffesional and wasted my time. I had a 3:15 appointment, needles to say I left when it was 4:50 and I had not been seen by the Dr. I told the staff I needed to be out by 5pm. She said no problem, but I was sitting their waiting. I had to go pick up my kids from the after school program. Do not go unless you have at least 2 and a half hours to waste. I asked for my co-pay back and they didn't even seem surprised. Which means this happens often. read more

If I could give this institute negative 10 i would but unfortunately there's no option for it,Long story short my father went there for an exam which was covered by his insurance but at the end he was told by one of the secretaries that he has to pay a $35 fee in-order to get the necessary documentation,There's no reason for them to charge an application fee and when i asked for a receipt they gave me a not valid receipt with no name and reason for which I was charged.The staff is rude not helpful and not professional at all.I contacted the insurance and I've been told I should not be charged for any application fee,the secretaries are definitely doing fraud and shady stuff.(DO NOT VISIT THIS INSTITUTION) read more

Great service, great care, great experienced staff. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable. Very attentive from beginning to end!

I wa referred to Dr. Bhatti, by my medical insurance. ( I have an eye condition called central serous retinopathy) dr. Bhatti was going to perform light thearphy on my left eye. The nurse already prepared me for my eye treatment. When he asked me about my condition. ( long & how) & looked at pictures of my eyes & told me that my left eye wasn't bad enough for the treatment. I complained that the pills I was taking for me eyes weren't helping me . He told me I have to learn how to live with it. His bed side matter was the worst that I seen. He made me feel that since I was patent I didn't have a say in my medical treatment. read more

Lugene Eye Institute is growing and expanding to accommodate more patients, decrease wait time and make our visits more efficient. I hear some of the seniors complaining about wait time in the waiting area and time waiting for Dr. Unfortunately many of us seniors are dealing with eye diseases after 60, some wait too long to get care, some don't know if their Insurance will cover their procedures and some are just weary or afraid. What ever your reason for impatience remember, they are human first, make mistakes and missteps and, they are all there to help us get our vision better read more

I went back today for my checkup with Dr. El-Harazi after my cataract surgery. Before surgery, I was very skeptical to have any procedure on my eyes. Dr. El-Harazi and Dr. Minasyan made me very comfortable and answered all my questions and concerns. Today, believe it or not , I am seeing 20/20 without glasses. Without any doubt, I highly recommend Lugene Eye Institute for any one with any eye problem. read more