My daughter, aged 23 and college educated, needed to renew her contact lens prescription. I told…read moreher to just call around and find out a place that has a good price on a contact lens exam and go see them. I knew that a contact lens exam costs more than just an eyeglass exam so I told her to make sure she was specific. She called me back surprised and said "Schaeffer Eye center has the best rate --it starts at $75. And I'll automatically have an eyeglass prescription, too." I was surprised because my sister has used them for years and spends a fortune there, but, hey, they have a stellar reputation, why would they lie?? I told her to be careful about ordering any additional procedures and sent her off. So my daughter goes in, asks specifically for a contact lens exam and when she goes to pay it is (wait for it....) $220. The optometrist and assistant (Christine Hodge) both said they were real sorry since they had BOTH told her it was only going to be $75, but she had to have toric lenses and an eye health exam so they did her a favor and marked off a mandatory followup appointment charge of $49 --so I guess I'm lucky she didn't walk out of there paying $269.' That evening I called and spoke to employee Christine Hodge, who had apologetically checked her out. Christine told me that Schaeffer eye center will not give a contacts exam unless you've already had a $90+ "eye health exam." And then, there was $60 upcharge for toric lenses. And then a mandatory appointment $49 follow-up fee for I don't even know what. My husband and I have been glasses wearers for over 30 years and this kind of price gouging is NOT standard practice--not at LensCrafters, Pearle, Eye Care Associates of Cahaba Heights, Sears, Sam's, Costco or Walmart, where all optometrists are fully trained and licensed and where we have always received excellent vision care. If anything, other eye care offices err on the side of caution ("okay, we recommend that you have this test done and it's going to cost an extra $25--please sign here if you want us to do it..") Any follow up appointments are included in the exam cost--they make sure that by the time you are through, you've got the exactly perfect prescription for your needs. Incidentally, I've had torics for almost 8 years with no up charges whatsoever. I know there are plenty of folks out there who don't mind paying Schaeffer a king's ransom for their eye care. But heads up, folks: If someone calls in to check on the price, guess what they're interested in? THE PRICE! Incidentally,during her visit, my daughter gave at least three indications of her concern for the cost of the exam. First, she said "I want a contact lens exam. It's $75, right?" When they asked her to sign a form, she pointed out a $25 dilation fee, which they crossed out and told her "that doesn't apply any more." Finally, when the technician, David King, asked her if she wanted an "Optimat" (sp??) test and she said "no" because it sounded like it might cost more money. Oh, and did I mention she still doesn't have her prescription?? After all that, they were trying to get her to make a fitting appointment. By that time, my daughter said "they had taken all my money and I just wanted to get out of there." She's scared to go back and I don't blame her. If someone had told me that for thorough, honorable, professional, eye care, your best bet is WalMart??? I would have thought they were a little bit nuts. But I know better now. Forget boiling crawfish, Dr.Schaeffer, it's your pricing practices that need sterilizing.

I will never wear glasses again, and the amazing thing is that I don't need them, thanks to…read moreSchaeffer Eye Center (I just have to write this note of appreciation). I'm taking mine today to Dr. Williams at Schaeffer Eye Center, because each year he goes on a mission to Peru -- both at a clinic they set up, and to homes -- to help people with their sight, and soon these will be doing wonderful things. For me, I never thought I would be able to live without glasses or contacts. My acuity was something like 20/1000-1200 before, plus I had astigmatism. I could not get out of bed without glasses. I even swam with glasses on. In November, I went to Schaeffer Eye Center at the Colonnade and Dr. Woolfson (he is *the* go-to Lasik doctor in Atlanta) was there to perform my LASIK. It took maybe...not sure...ten minutes tops? Very little discomfort -- and I'm very sensitive about pain, it really didn't hurt -- and only a couple or three days later I was able to drive without any aid for the first time, ever. Every single person at Schaeffer that has helped me has been amazing: incredibly professional, super-friendly, very attuned to anything I wanted to talk about or ask. Last week, I had my latest post-op visit and I have 20/20 and 20/15(!!!) vision. It's wonderful to sleep, swim, exercise, and not worry about broken glasses, fogged-up glasses, lost glasses, torn contacts, dry eyes, foggy contacts, do-I-have-plenty-of-contacts-and-solution, and all the money spent on those things. I just need a regular appointment to check the health of my eyes from now on, just as people who have great vision all their lives. I really appreciate when I see others post about the experiences they have had with local doctors, businesses, etc so here's mine. And I love that my doctor at Schaeffer does wonderful things for people in other parts of the world, and I love supporting Dr. Schaeffer and everyone at SEC because of what they do for our community (like CityFest and the money that's been raised for Camp Smile-A-Mile and many other charities). I'm so glad I did it, and am appreciative for everyone at Schaeffer for helping me achieve something I never thought I would have.

I just moved to the area and went to Vestavia Eye Care for the first time today. I was seen by…read moreTaylor and Dr. Essinger and they were both amazing! They were both warm and knowledgeable, making it a great experience. I highly recommend this office and will be back!

Let me start by saying I was prescribed glasses for the first time in fourth grade. Needless to…read moresay, for the past 19 years, I have been in optometrist's offices 1-4 times per year. Dr. Essinger is hands down the best optometrist I have ever seen. The staff at Vestavia Eye Care was friendly and helpful from the moment I reached the front counter. The initial tests and evaluations were thorough, especially when I told them some recurring issues I was having. (Note: make sure you have at least an hour for your exam if you have an issue.) When I told Dr. Essinger the issues I had been having for two years that were unsolved mysteries for every doctor I saw, he was the first to care. He ran texts on me I had never seen and he came up with two theories for me to test. In fact, he was so concerned that he told me to text him as soon as I had progress. His caring concern brought tears to my eyes! Birmingham- We are so fortunate to have this office here! If you need a reliable optometrist for your family, look no further! I was also told they have a pediatric optometrist on staff for those of you with little ones.

Great experience and great service from every department from the optometrist to the eye ware…read moreassociate! They made a hectic day so much easier!

Just made my first visit to Eyemart Express and shocked to find out you could buy great looking…read moreprogressive lense glasses for under $ 200. Great glasses and superb service. Picked up glasses in 2 hours!! They fit perfectly!!! Last pair I purchased from Eye Care Associates was $600 with insurance!! Never again!!

I don't trust anyone else with my eyes. I have been coming to Eyecare Associates for a couple of…read moreyears now and they always make sure my eyes are in the best condition and have a great selection of eyewear. Dr. White is the best. She always makes sure I have healthy eyes and will run the proper tests to ensure that.

Called them at 12 pm asking to place an order for replacement glasses, receptionist said she would…read morehave the glasses department call me, no call until 4 pm, called again, she said the exact same thing and I still have received no call and they are now closed.

Dr. Hill is a great doctor, the appointment went very well…read more They have huge selections of frames

Went to my appointment 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. They had already printed my…read moreinsurance information on the forms. while I was filling everything out they said they couldnt verify my insurance was active because the insurance website was down. I either had to pay out of pocket or come back another time. My issue is that they didn't even try to call to verify instead or already have that information verified before the appointment. I had to find a sitter for this appointment (which didnt happen). Awful customer service.

In the 1990s and early 2000s (showing my age) the Riverchase Galleria was the best place to shop in…read morethe Birmingham area. Over time, competition from places like The Summit, the rise of online shopping, store closures (Sears, Rich's, Macy's and Belk Home and Kids), then the shootings in 2018 and 2020 led to a huge decline.For a while, it felt like the Galleria would not be able to recover. Well, now it's 2026, and the popularity of the Galleria is rising again. The mall feels brighter, cleaner and safer, due to improved management and security. It's a great spot to spend time indoors during AL's extreme heat, cold or rain (it offers covered parking too). Best of all, the iconic features remain, like the large American flag and classic carousel in the central atrium, and (best of all) Santa's workshop during the holiday season, and make it a fun alternative for young families and grandparents. So if you haven't been to the Galleria in a while, give it a try. It is worth a visit again.

Our team stopped for a bite to eat at the food court.It had chicken,Thai,Cajun,Japanese,Philly…read moresteak among other restaurants.Very nice and you could shop if you wanted too.A fill up for The Working Man Review.

The store was well-stocked and had exactly what I was looking for - flash cards to use with a…read morenon-English-speaking student. The building was bright, colorful, and inviting, and the woman who waited on me was very nice and engaged with me immediately upon my entering the store.

From the owner: Family owned Parent-Teacher Store USA has offered educators and parents what they really want and…read morethe service they really need since 1996. Our website offers a full line of educational materials and supplies that encourage imagination and education in children of all ages both in the classroom and the home. Our store stocks a unique assortment of over 15,000 of the newest and best educational tools for both teachers and parents which is simply unmatched by other retailers. We also offering laminating and other lamination services.

Excellent frame selection. Frame suggested has looked great and multiple compliments on it…read more Progressive lenses are working great from using my phone, computer, or driving. Very happy with my glasses.

We have been using Sasser Opticians for 20 years. We have always received the best care from every…read moreemployee. I would highly recommend John Sasser.

Vision First Eye Center and all of their staff are very friendly and helpful, from getting my eyes…read morechecked and picking out my glasses. Will definitely recommend to all my family and friends.

Vision First staff and doctors are just amazing. I had Lasik done a few days ago and the results…read moreare beyond my expectations. Dr. Hebson is awesome! Her staff and Lasik coordinator Jessica are too.