I hesitated to write this review, but after reading similar experiences on her Yelp page, I felt compelled to share my perspective. I've been a patient of Dr. Agarwal's for five years, visiting every couple of months. While she has been helpful with my diagnosis and treatment, the office staff has unfortunately been the most challenging I've encountered in any medical practice. The constant staff turnover is concerning, but more troubling is the lack of basic courtesy and patient care. The front desk staff can be dismissive and seem unaware that they represent the practice and set the tone for patient experience. The administrative policies also feel excessive compared to other medical offices I've visited. Requiring a credit card on file and prepaying copays before appointments is unusual and adds unnecessary stress to an already difficult process of managing healthcare. While Dr. Agarwal herself may be competent, the overall patient experience falls far short of what anyone deserves when seeking medical care. read more

received a call on Tuesday from Dr. Madhu Agarwal's office offering me an appointment. I accepted, and afterward they followed up to make sure I wouldn't miss it. I left work early specifically to attend this appointment, driving all the way from Aliso Viejo to Newport Beach. To my surprise, after asking for my ID and insurance card (PPO, by the way), they handed me a form requiring authorization to keep my credit card on file and approve charges of up to $699 for the remainder of the year for any copays, procedures, or additional services. This was my very first visit. I have one of the best PPO insurance plans and work for a major corporation, yet they still tried to make me sign a form authorizing charges of up to $699 for the rest of the year before I was even seen by the doctor. Nothing guarantees that I would continue treatment with this office after a first consultation, so asking patients to preauthorize future charges like this feels completely unethical and predatory. Patients should be aware of these policies before wasting their time, leaving work, and driving long distances for an appointment. Stay away from this place. In my opinion, this office is more focused on money than patient care. read more

Very unprofessional place prior to me coming they told me I just need to bring my insurance card ID and they accept Apple Pay I got there. They said they needed a physical debit card on file which they never told me prior. I drove 35 minutes to come to this specialist they're unprofessional they wouldn't work with me. If you want a place that has better service specially and care for somebody that travels distances and doesn't relate that message over the phone go to another read more

I've been a patient of this doctor for years for my intracranial pressure. Her office staff and management are absolutely unacceptable and dont know what they are doing. The turnover has always been bad, but this current team is on another level of unprofessional. I've been trying since September to correct a billing mistake they made, and I've been emailing with an "office manager" who might as well not exist. She's never in the office, never answers calls, and never calls back. Meanwhile, they continue to charge my card even though my last appointment was September 1st. This is beyond frustrating and completely irresponsible. The lack of communication and accountability is shocking, especially for a medical practice. Judging from all the other negative reviews, this isn't just a one-time issue it's a pattern. If I don't get a response by Monday and this billing error isn't fixed, I'll be disputing the charges with my credit card company. Patients deserve better than this kind of neglect and incompetence. read more

I could go on and on and ultimately I've spent months going to Dr. Argarwal only for her to not remember me, not take notes after our visits (confirmed by her front desk staff), order invasive tests with no explanation of why (MRI, lumbar puncture, and tons of blood tests), only to tell me I'm perfectly healthy every time and that nothing is wrong with me. I came in for double vision and nystagmus issues and almost daily migraines, and she continuously tells me every time that I don't have double vision, doesn't ask me questions and dismissed my concerns, and is always in a rush to get me out as soon as possible. My appointments have never been more than 15 minutes (most are less than 10) with the doctor herself, and every time I leave with no questions answered and fuming with the lack of regard for my situation. I still have migraines, still have vision issues, and am getting more and more symptoms as time goes on but yet "I'm perfectly healthy" but have also received abnormal test results on multiple tests ordered. The front desk staff is rude too, and every experience I've had with this office makes me more and more frustrated with some of the people in the healthcare system. I understand that she is an esteemed neuro-ophthalmologist and can be very knowledgeable in her field for some who are lucky, however, her patient-centered care is unlike anything I've experienced from a healthcare professional before. Believe the 1 stars when we say that, as long as you don't have an interesting, easily solvable case, she does not care about you. read more

Dr. Agarwal has no compassion for her patients. She is exorbitantly expensive and will exclusively give and read an MRI for you. She discounted any of my symptoms, didn't listen, and even suggested absolutely ridiculous solutions to the pain I've been having. I hired her, expecting her to help me with an issue I'd been having with my eyes. I paid around $400 a visit for her to completely dismiss everything I said. What an incredible waste of time and money. Dr. Agarwal is the type of Dr that gives medicine a bad name. Truly in it just to collect her cash and lord her knowledge over you. Go somewhere else where you will be listened to and actually believed. read more

No comment on the doctor. Could not even get through her front office. My insurance company confirmed that the doctor is in the network. The front office took two months, first scheduling my office visit only to lose it on their system so that when I came for my visit, they did not have any record of it. They then rescheduled me, only to call me back 2 weeks later to inform me that I was not covered by insurance. I called my insurance to confirm that I was covered. Rescheduled again, only to get another call today that I still was not covered and I would have to pay out of pocket. Even after confirming that they took my insurance, they could not get their system to accept me as a patient. Waste of 2 months of my time. read more

OMG--Avoid at all costs. Some of these glowing five-star reviews honestly seem questionable--they're almost laughable given my experience. I was initially excited to see this doctor for my eye issues, but the experience was incredibly disappointing. She came across as arrogant and condescending, dismissive of any questions about her treatment approach, and even spoke negatively about other physicians. It's clear she lacks genuine compassion and seems more focused on money than patient care. I'm in healthcare myself and I would not recommend anyone to her. read more

The doctor seems competent. However, her office staff seems rather incompetent. I saw her in May and was told I would receive follow up information. It is now almost August and I've yet to receive a call from the "practice manager". I've called three times now. I was referred to her and will be letting the doctors who referred me know that her office is bad news! read more

After multiple MRIs, CT scans, every blood tests imaginable from doctors fail to pinpoint my ailment, one visit to Dr Agarwal changed that. She was able to figure out my extremely rare syndrome (1 in a million). After the prescribed treatment, I'm on my way to recovery. Absolutely astounding. read more

I went there in November of last year for a consultation. I have health insurance which they told me was just $35 co-pay and everything else was covered through my insurance. they told me I had to leave a credit card or card on file for future payments which I found very odd. I didn't have my credit card with me that day so I left my debit which was a big mistake literally two days before Christmas, my account was -$355 I wasn't able to do anything since it was a holidays and also every time you called that office nobody answers. Since then I have been having issues getting my money back talking to the manager Lisa, which is no help keeps telling me she's not putting my money back in my account until my insurance pays for it which I called my insurance several times and they have already paid for the visit which I have proof on paper maybe to them $355 is nothing but to me that is not because of all this, I am overdrafted on my bank account, which is not fair. I would not recommend to go there and if you do, don't ever leave your debit card leave a credit card because this might happen to you as well. I really never have left a negative review on any type of doctors office, but this experience has left me very upset now I have to go find a new doctor to help with my condition which I don't think is fair at all the staff there don't seem to care about patients and do not put patients first which should be their Policy. read more

I don't usually leave a Yelp review , but after my experience with this doctor, I felt compelled to. I first went to see Doctor Agarwal on July 22, 2025. I didn't know what to expect. The staff was very nice and was able to get me the appointment very quickly. Based on my medical condition, getting in to see a neuro ophthalmologist was very important. Once I came in for my appointment, the staff treated me very well and ran several tests. When I first met Dr. Agarwal, she was nice, professional, funny and made me feel at ease. She discussed my situation with me and told me that we have to run series of test to rule out anything and everything. She order a blood work and MRI and I was able to complete my MRI within a couple days which is unheard of. After several appointments, many examinations that she administer at her office and reviewing my MRIs she was able to determine exactly what was causing my medical condition. Within several weeks, I was able to see her at least three times which is unheard of for a specialty doctor. The care that Dr. Agarwal and her staff provided was top notch. Each time I went to her office I was able to get in immediately and I did not have to wait at all. Funny thing is that when I showed up to check in at the front desk, her staff recognized me and I didn't even have to give my name to check in. My last appointment was today and after she administered several tests, she gave me some good news that my condition has improved 10 folds. I am very lucky and fortunate that I was able to find this doctor and have her treat me Thank you Dr. Agarwal and your staff, my family and I really appreciate it. read more

Not a fan of this doctor. I'm glad most people got the help they needed with her but my experience mirrors another review on here. Doctor was rushed and dismissive. She didn't really take time (or have time apparently) to figure out whether vertical heterophoria (which she missed altogether) was connected to some on going symptoms I was having. Instead a kind of lightning round of Q&A, and I walked away with as much clarity about my condition as I had going in. And fun fact although her expert opinion was there was nothing medically/optically wrong my eyes, in fact there is. She just isn't the kind of doctor who was gonna take time to find it. Even the optometrist at Pearle vision could see it. And she was surprised to hear Dr. Agarwal didn't have any conclusive findings. Me too. But not really given the way she breezed through the visit. She's obviously focused on the clock and it shows. read more

Absolutely adore this physician. She knows what she is doing, she is kind and directive. Thank you for removing the basal cell from under my eye and making it look good again . Great office staff and amazing care. read more

I should have read the bad reviews first. The only thing I know is that I will never go back to Dr Agarwal . ( waited for my than 1 hour) She doesn't like questions, she is not compressive, and her attitude kind of rude. I went because of a blurred vision problem, which changed overnight after getting off a flight that lasted several hours. I was really sick. I use reading glasses by my vision got worse in a minute, I couldn't see anything!! My ophthalmologist recommended to me, and told me that she would do more in-depth examinations to find out what the problem was. I got a new prescription glasses but still have problems with my vision. I left with unanswered questions. read more

Every time I've spoken with the ladies at the front desk here, they have some kind of attitude and are so rude. The Dr. did too. She was very short and dismissive. Billed incorrectly as well as others said. Would not recommend. You want to feel comfortable with someone who is about to do surgery on your eye. read more

Please avoid and get a referral somewhere else. I am shocked Hoag referred us here. We waited an hour to be seen and the doctor was very short and rushed. Very clear she doesn't care about her patients, just about rushing to the next patient so she can fit as many as she can in. Felt like a huge waste of time for her to tell us there's nothing we can do and with complete lack of empathy or guidance. Her tone was very condescending and dismissive when I asked clarifying questions since she hardly gave us anything to work with! I will be seeking a second opinion else as this was extremely disappointing. read more

Horrible care. The staff are rude and the Dr. Agarwal has no care for her patients. Sent us to the hospital to get a procedure done and they hadn't submitted the proper paperwork or anything on what they needed for the procedure. On top of that, Dr. Agarwal front office kept giving us attitude as they refused to talk to the hospital. Only nice person we have come across is the guy. read more

It's hard to know where to start. To be fair the staff has been very polite when I spoke to them and they seem very find. However EVERYTHING else has been terrible. The physician was condescending and dismissive and legitimately seemed not to care. The administrative systems ARE APPALLING. I had to fill out the forms twice. After waiting an hour on site they could not get my insurance to take (although it works everywhere) - and then billed my full price - saying they would resolve it after I saw the doctor. They did not - and I've called 4 or 5 times. Thye never call me back. And now I was billed AN ADDITIONAL copay amount even though they never refunded the full amount. So for keeping score....I've paid more than the amount - I assume my insurance has also now been billed - and the doctor was just not very nice. read more

Quality of care from the Ophtomolohist is poor. The doctor is not professional, not caring nor understanding to the patient's need. A lot could improve in this practice. Front office could improve too. Dr. Agarwal was not listening or caring for my concern. She was rushed in all 3 appointments that I had with her. She wasn't even looking at me. She kept writing notes on his computer. My first appointment was an emergency visit with her after I left ER and she told me there is nothing wrong with me and I can leave when I'm done crying! read more

She is probably the worst "doctor" I have ever seen. I took my mom to see her, who was having vision problems. She spoke to us for 5 mins, was extremely rude and also very cocky and arrogant. Her knowledge seemed very limited and basically just stated the obvious. She painted a very grim picture in front of us, much worse than it actually was and offered no advice at all. It was a complete waste of time, I really regretted going to her. I would never recommend this doctor to anyone. PS: I wish there was a zero or negative star rating in yelp, I would gladly give her that. read more

Condescending, dismissive team plus incorrect billing policy! Walked out being told nothing was wrong with me and just wear my glasses 24x7. I was desperate to get into a specialist ASAP for blurred vision that my ophthalmologist is struggling to diagnose. I was shocked when I got a next day appointment with Dr. Agarwal since everyone else across the country is booking 3-10 months out. Now I know why! I read the poor reviews, but in desperation thought I would risk it. Wish I hadn't! The check in gal is rude in both her tone of voice (speaking to me like I am either a young child or an ignorant old person) and lack of kindness or warmth. Dr. Agarwal was dismissive, lacked eye contact and her response when I asked her if I could get a copy of my lab results was "Don't you have the Quest app on your phone? Funny thing...most of my patients look them up on their own". Maybe when I left the first appointment she could have mentioned Quest had an app in the first place instead of being rude! Regarding the incorrect charging practice: I have a primary PPO and a secondary PPO so anything that the primary doesn't pay (co-pay in this case) the secondary picks up. Regardless of that I was told "My office manager requires that we collect the co-pay regardless". When asked how I get my 2 co-pays ($120) back after they receive it from the secondary she told me it would be 4-8 weeks after they get paid!!!! It's sad because everyone in this office looks miserable. No chatter amongst the staff, no smiles, giggles or camaraderie. Toxic environment. Avoid at all costs! read more

I am so pleased to leave a 5 star review for Dr Agarwal and her staff. The online check in process was easy and efficient which is not always the case, my dentist is the worst! When I arrived the staff was friendly, professional and super knowledgeable. Truly A+ treatment! The office was is clean and welcoming and when I met Dr Agarwal she was high energy and so pleasant which set the tone for the consultation. If there is a playbook on how to manage patient care-this office should be writing it! read more

My neurologist had me come to Dr. Agarwal due to something he may have found in my MRI. The entire staff from the lady at the front desk to the two nurses who helped me two different times were SO incredibly nice and thorough. Coming in for something so potentially scary, it was nice to feel at ease. Dr. Agarwal is so down to earth and kind and evaluated me and all the tests performed. Luckily I do not have to continue to go in, as the tests came back with no issues. But it would be nice to have HER and her staff at other appointments I have to go to. These people actually care about their patients. Thank you!!! read more

Absolutely awful, find yourself another neuro ophthalmologists or go to UCI. She and her staff are unhelpful, dismissive and she has no bedside manner. Apparently complaints about her lack of care are common. I certainly would ask for a different referral if you are unfortunate enough to be sent to her office. read more

I came here through referral of another doctor since something abnormal came up during my lasik consultation. I would not recommend this place at all. You would think that with the amount of "prestige" she bestows herself on her pamphlets - you would assume you'd get five star treatment. I paid out of pocket for the office consultation only for her to tell me that she doesn't know me, the results are abnormal, and that I should go get some tests. She did not even explain why my results were abnormal, I had to ask her if everything was okay and she said "oh it's definitely abnormal" Like damn, where's the bedside manner? The whole consultation was useless since she told me nothing new, provided no explanation whatsoever, sent me off with an order of a mri and really pushed the fact that I should go to the ER. After the office consultation, I cried alot and almost had a panic attack because as a fresh postgrad - it wasn't something you'd like to hear from a specialist. In the end I was just fine and I never would like that kind of treatment again from a so called medical professional. read more

I was referred to Dr. Agarwal after being misdiagnosed for 6 weeks. She immediately diagnosed the problem and began to address the issue. Surgery was necessary and she referred me to an excellent doctor who gave me immediate attention at her urging due to the critical nature of my problem. She is a skilled and knowledgeable physician who shows genuine concern for her patients. Thank you Dr. Agarwal. Steve B. read more

Referred by another opthamologist and Dr Agarwals office was able to get me in very quickly. Every single staff member I came into contact with was polite, kind, well spoken and professional. Dr Argarwal is very personable, kind and really educated me on my issues and questions. She left no stone unturned , ordered additional tests and communicated with my other doctors promptly. I highly recommend her. read more

My neurosurgeon had me come to Dr. Agarwal as a result of my blurred vision. Dr. Agarwal and her staff provided EXCELLENT services to me during my two visits. Dr. Agarwal showed compassion, kindness, and was extremely knowledgeable. I wish I could continue to have Dr. Agarwal as my doctor, but my test results were good, and will not require her services. Thank you, Dr. Agarwal for the EXCEPTIONAL care I received from YOU! I'm grateful for doctors like you who make their patients feel at ease during life's challenging events. read more

I've been battling stage III colorectal cancer this past year and just got home from the hospital yesterday after a related surgery and learned that I have shingles on my eyelid; likely due to stress and my lowered immune system right now. My primary prescribed anti-viral meds and asked me to reach out to my Ophthalmologist, which is Dr. Agarwal. I hadn't heard back, so I called again and spoke with an employee named Irma. She suggested that I work with someone that specializes in this... Since my primary asked me to reach out to my Ophthalmologist to see if my optic nerve had any pressure on it from shingles, Dr. Agarwal made the most sense, as she is the only doctor that is aware of my optic nerve damage and her website says she specialized in it. I also mentioned that my vision has gotten worse in the damaged optic nerve eye (that Agarwal assisted me with) since chemo, so I thought we could check on that as well. I asked Irma for a 5 minute call with Dr. Agarwal, only for her to decline/disregard me again. Irma had no intention of helping me connect and was quite rude about all of it. read more

Dr. Agarwal was able to squeeze me in for an emergency visit and not only took her time with me but was very thorough in making sure I received all the necessary testing. She then explained all my results and gave me peace of mind. I can tell she truly cares about her patients and I'm so happy I was referred to her. read more

DO NOT waste your time seeing this doctor! Look through all the reviews and read the ones that are 1 star and judge for yourself. I have never been more disgusted, frustrated and let down this much in my life by this doctor and by the staff she employs. There are NO health and safety procedures being followed here. NO temperature checks and NO questions in regards to your possible or actual exposure to COVID. Just hello, do you have your credit card so we can make it easier to process payments? Dr. Madhu R. Agarwal has no bedside manner, no empathy, no personality and must be a money hungry person fueled by greed. Look at what other people say about how she bills people! Her staff are no better and are liars. After weeks of waiting to get an appointment, we showed up right on time at 7:30AM only to he told, oh sorry, we cancelled all appointments today. We called one time and sent an email was their justification. Did they pay me a missed office fee for taking the day off work and driving over 20 miles to their office? No, of course not. We also accommodated them when they called the day before to change our appointment to 3:00pm when our appointment was at 4:30pm so the doctor could go home early. My wife lost her peripheral vision after having a stroke. Today was supposed to be the day she finally got some answers. Not today, we were told that the doctor would not see my wife. Why? Because I was frustrated over them not letting me be with my wife who has cognitive issues, along with i would have given her zero stvision after her stroke. I have been to every other specialist appointment and was by her bedside after her stroke. We just came from a outpatient surgical procedure at her cardiologist and was by her side as her medical caregiver. I did say their policy was f-ing ridiculous. I didn't say f-you to anyone in the office and I did say I was sorry that I knew she didn't make the rules (the receptionist). Then, as I was quietly sitting down filling out their paperwork, they terminated our visit and the doctor sent my wife away even more terrified and without answers. Go somewhere else. Read the other negative reviews here and elsewhere on the internet and believe them. Oh, did I mention the doctor never talked to us personally? Nice touch. I would have given her -5 stars for her lack of understanding if I could have. read more

Really impressed with this office. I've been to few doctors recently and feeling weighed down with the process where nothing was moving. I luckily got to see Dr. Agarwal after they had a cancelation (they actually bothered to call me unlike other places where I have left messages and got no returned call) Dr. Agarwal listened to me carefully and was very on point. She answered my questions and did not make me feel rushed. She highlighted what I need to prioritize in my follow ups, unlike my last set of doctors. She explained what I needed to do going forward and her staff explained next steps and follow ups nicely. So glad I found a good doctor. read more

We are so fortunate to have this wonderful doctor right here at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Office is immaculately clean, staff very efficient, and best of all, Dr. Agarwal is extremely caring and knowledgeable. Gave me an early morning appointment to accommodate my work schedule and was well prepared when I arrived. JF Patient September 2020 read more

Dr Argawal is a rude and insensitive doctor. As a medical professional for many years myself, I have encountered many physicians that have terrible bedside manners and I must say, Dr Argawal is the worst I have met yet. She is completely unprofessional and has no sense of compassion. Needless to say we will not be seeing her again. Please pick a different doctor if you are referred to her. Her office staff on the other hand were very kind. read more

Dr. Madu Agarwal goes above & beyond for all of her patients. I've seen first hand patients w/ a grateful heart tell her thank you as they leave their appt. I know she cares, she ordered all these tests for me to rule out some disorders. Her staff are very professional as well, very caring. Dr. Agarwal is brilliant & there is no one like her anywhere. I definitely recommend her. Her location is by Fashion Island & the parking is free, easy to get in & to leave. There's also a pharmacy down stairs that is great including a cafe w/ delicious food. The medical store is so helpful & professional too. read more

Fantastic care and service. Dr. Agarwal's treatment has been thorough and professional. She listens and explains very clearly while treating you like an adult. The staff is attentive and friendly. The entire experience with my eye challenges has been one of the best I have ever had. Gary R. read more

I would do zero stars if I could. Gave us incorrect information about my husband's MRI and omitted important information. She does not like when a patient asks questions. We saw Dr. Crow who welcomed our questions and answered them thoroughly. As previous reviews state we think there's ego involved. Really a horrible experience. The wait to see Dr. Crow was so worth it. read more

Worst bedside manners I have ever seen from a Doctor!! My appt was 7:15 and I never saw the doctor until 8:30. Instead, they had me do the same eye exams (after I provided them my records from my ophthalmologist whom I saw two weeks prior). Then I basically waited over 45 minutes for the Dr. to walk in, without reviewing my chart, to ask " what are you here for?" Very rude, condescending and literally spent less than ten minutes. After she ordered an MRI, I asked her if she would provide me a written script, she replied, I've imputed into the system and my staff will answer that question. Seriously? (By the way, I'm a physician myself). read more

Dismissive and Rude. Brushed off my concerns and was hurried and uninterested in helping to solve my vision issue.