Six years ago [in the middle of Covid] SightMD did my cataract surgery ... the advanced technology, and freshly trained professiona staff left me with great satisfaction and high expectations. So .. when I experienced some blurring and discomfort in one eye ... and the practice I used to go to had been bought up by a major health network with sophisticated customer avoidance technology -- naturally I went back to SightMD. Well ... an hour to be seen ... in total two hours for the visit, of which perhaps 10 minutes was with the Physician, who prescribed Sodium Chloride OINTMENT when the same medication, same dose, is available OTC as eye DROPS. That speaks volumes about the priority being placed on customer comfort ... If I was considering another surgery I would ABSOLUTELY see SightMD again ... but for routine screening -- I'd go back to one of the opticians who keep an ophthalmologist or two on staff. read more

I am a Sight MD patient, but my primary doctor is in Plainview, NY. He is outstanding and the smartest doctor I have ever met in my life. After my annual visit with him, I mentioned that I wanted to ensure the floaters I had recently experienced were not a significant issue. He recommended I see a doctor at Sight MD in Garden City. The best appointment I could get was a month away, which was not a problem for me. However, on the day of my appointment, I received a call asking me to come earlier, which I did. When I arrived, I was under the impression that I would be seen immediately. Instead, I waited about half an hour before entering the examining rooms. The process involved dilation and a review to discuss the purpose of my visit, followed by another fifteen-minute wait. Then, I underwent an eye exam with a machine, waited again, and was brought into a different room for a vision test. This sequence was confusing to me. If they were part of the same organization, I assumed they would have seen that I had already had a comprehensive exam thirty days ago. But on the other hand, that could be the routine for every visit. After that, I spent an hour waiting in the exam room for the doctor. When the doctor finally arrived, they examined my retina on both eyes and stated I was fine. That took about five minutes. To clarify, this review is not about the doctor's competence, my experience was very brief, so I cannot really comment on their skill. Overall, this office operates more like a factory, with patients as conveyor belt items moving through a system. I will not return to this office again. I am fortunate to have a trusted doctor within the organization who is not part of this office and who provides the quality care I need. read more

SightMD NY -- Garden City, New York - Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Near Me - Garden City, New York

This is a very busy place and you should expect to wait a long time, but I believe it is worth the wait. The staff is quite careful while performing the tests. my experience has been that I see at least 3 people doing separate tests. Because of the volume of patients, being serviced and the need to record comprehensive data, it takes on the appearance of delay, however, I have found that high quality cannot be expected to be rushed. Bring something to read or listen to while you wait. I would have given the highest grade if they were not chronically overbooked. read more

SightMD charged $60 for a prescription for glasses. I had to throw out two new pairs because the prescription was wrong. I got another new pair at Dr.Wayne Goldberg's office in Rockville Centre. That pair was great. The doctor there told me that SightMDs prescription was wrong for my needs. SightMD wasted my $600+ for their incorrect prescription and the glasses made from it. read more

Appointment was 2:10pm and did not leave the office until 4:30pm. Back in November 2025, I saw the retina specialist, same situation. I brought this up to the doctor in November 2025. Now is May 2026, still no improvement. The doctor I saw on May 2026 was apologetic. She stated all the patients came in at the same time, but they all have appointments. There were 4 doctors in the office at the time of my appointment. read more

They have zero respect for your time. You will wait for over an hour to see a provider so take into consideration. It's clear that they completely overbook their schedule. read more

No respect whatsoever for patients' time. The stated policy in this office is ALL APPOINTMENTS WILL TAKE 1 1/2 HOURS. (See photo of sign) Regardless if it's a recheck or complete exam. And that's because they book it that way. They move you from one waiting room to another like cattle. I was there for a genuine emergency by all accounts and took over 2 hours -- for a 10 minute exam by the doctor. Terrible business model. read more

SightMD NY -- Garden City, New York - Office Policy -Expect to be there at least 1.5 hours regardless of the reason. - Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Near Me - Garden City, New York

This place is a nightmare!! I make appt for 1:15, they call me the day before and tell me they need to move it up to 10:30. I said I can't do that early. They say they have 12:10, I say okay. Check in the day of the appt and they tell me I'm over an hour early. I said someone from this office called me to move it up. They say, okay, have a seat. Sat for almost an hour and a half!!! Went back up to ask and they told me my appt time was 1:15. I told them it's ridiculous, it's already 1:30 and I've been sitting there almost two hours!!! Finally went in, did some drops and waited another 20 minutes. Finally saw a doctor, did the exam and then trying to pay the co-pay took 15 minutes. I just wanted to walk out! I will never go back there!!! The doctor was great, no reflection on her, the office staff is just a disaster!!! read more

The doctor prescribed a medication almost 2 months ago. I have been unable to find out the status. I've left several messages with their "messaging service", I've left voice messages and no one from the office will call me back with a status on the prescription. read more

Waited an hour and 15 minutes with no end in sight. They definitely overbook with no regard for the patient's time. I asked for a refund of my copay, as I could not wait any longer. I was told the manager would process. I did not get refunded. I had to make 5 phone calls with inordinate hold time listening to all of the plastic surgeries they offer and how they are the Mets eye doctors, before I was finally able to talk to someone capable of refunding my copay. Putting aside the competence of their doctors, they have no respect for their patients. read more

My right eye had a cataract. For 6 months I reviewed lens options. (Mono focal, Light adjusted and Multifocal). Previously in my left eye I had a mono-focal lens for distance because I heard that Multifocal lens had problems with Halo's at night, thus making driving difficult at night. I started reading about the Bausch and Lomb Envy lens. After early launch distribution issues I had been reading that it did not have these "Halo" night driving issues. After additional research and the Doctor David Immanuel addressing my questions (Yes even responding to my emails in the evening) I decided to have the surgery with the Envy Lens. After one month I can confirm that I have no Halos and can see clearly both Near, Intermediate and Far. For me, lens does not have of the negative features that others have complained about with other multifocal lens's. Dr Immanuel was supportive and showed tremendous interest in my vision health and closely monitored my results. Overall I am very satisfied with the Envy lens, Dr Immanuel and SightMD. read more

I was treated by Dr Sarwal and Dr Marcus. Cannot explain how good dr Marcus is? Besisides being a good doctor he is wonderful human being. God bless him and give him all the joys in his life RITU KUMAR read more

An appointment was made to see Dr. Immanuel for my husband for a consultation for lasik. His appointment was 250 pm, upon arrival the waiting room was full to capacity with people sitting basically on top of each other; 15 mins later he was taken into the back for eye test which took about 15 minutes and then was told to wait in yet another small over crowded waiting area where we remained for another 40 minutes. When it was over an hour past the appointment time we ask receptionist when will we be seen since it was over an hour past our scheduled time; she stated they will put you In a room shortly....we stood and waited for another 15 minutes; when no one came to us we decided to leave. For a surgical consult appointment, we felt this entire office was unprofessional and chaotic....extremely disappointed. This entire experience was a total waste of time. read more

I had an 11:30am appointment. At 12:40pm, After an hour and 10 minutes of waiting, my name is finally called by the nurse, and I think my waiting is over.... NO it's not! The nurse has me read a few lines of letters with each eye and escorts me to another waiting room.... Wait, what?! Yes, more waiting! At 12:50pm, my patience for waiting had diminished and I ask the nurse how much longer. I'm advised the doctor has 2 more patients to see and I am next after they are seen. I advise I can wait till 1pm, 1.5 hours past my appointment time and then I need to leave, that I do not have the patience to wait any longer. I decide to speak to the office manager and express my frustrations. I'm apologized too and advised that they are having problems with their computer system. Thanks, but an announcement that there are problems with the computer system and an apology for the extended wait times would have been respectful to all who are waiting to see a doctor. Finally, 1:30pm, after 2 hours of waiting, the doctor enters the office.... well it's about time! For my exam, my contacts needed to be removed. The doctor seems bewildered as to why no one advised me or provided me with the necessary materials to remove my contacts. I couldn't resist saying, "well, after waiting 2 hours, you would think someone could have made that happen". I'm then escorted to a dark sink area with no lighting to remove my contacts. Adding to my frustration, I can't see in the dark area, I return to the exam room and remove my contacts in the light, where I can see. At the conclusion of my exam, 2.5 hours after my appointment time, I return to the dark sink area because I need the sink to wash my hands in order to remove my contacts. There at the sink area, is an employees lunch covered with a paper plate and their glass bottled beverage., SMDH. I am VERY disappointed with this visit and strongly considering seeking another Opthamologist practice after this experience. I may be willing to give SightMD one more chance, I'm currently unsure, but I can not tolerate this poor service if it happens a second time. read more

Worse- 2023, Still not covid safe. I heard patience on the telephone in room with other patience talking how he and his wife have covid. He got his appointment 2 days ago, I had wait 1 week-never get seen- Plus I was recommended to see Kasper, but nobody told me after I asked 2x who I was seeing. Horrible it like factory- The Tech couldn't even get drops in my eyes to Dilate my eyes. I asked nicely again to removed from room which they did, left me for another half hour with no answers who I am seeing. It worst. Board of health needs go there see how they allow people who have covid-or have family members with covid- They take people over book-don't care. I left messages for manager- I asked for whatever was done to be sent to my original eye doctor who I'll be going back too- they claim staff no records. Horrible read more

Not Covid safe!! I can say that I have never written a negative review on any establishment but found the need to do so about this office. The waiting time was 1:40 minutes. Unacceptable!! They seemed to have triple booked patients and there were patients everywhere. Not covid safe!! We finally met with the doctor for 6minutes after which she stood up to escort us out and than asked if we had any questions while she stood at the door. Really!! Plenty of great eye doctors out there. read more

I loved this place!! I'm always so nervous when it's something about my eyes. Dr William Kasper made me feel so comfortable. He was so professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend him!! read more

I had a 7:50 appointment, got there at 7:40, got taken in at 8:30. I asked how long until the doctor sees me because I had to get to work, they said "within an hour". I walked out. How inconsiderate!!! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Kathleen Van Valkenburg for a couple of years. She is an excellent ophthalmologist who is not only highly talented and skilled at her job, but also cares about her patients. She always takes the time to fully explain to me any issue concerning the health of my eyes. I highly recommend her. read more

I have thyroid eye disease and was referred by my specialist for a general eye exam. I take time off from work and have someone alter their schedule to come with me. I get there and the receptionist refuses to let me see the doctor because the referral had the doctors old ID on it. Not once does she make an attempt to call my doctor to get a new referral but proceeds to talk loudly in front of patients that my health insurance office never can be reached in one day. Not a professional place. I'm a nurse and had to deal with this!!! read more

Recently visited this office as Dr. Samuel Baharestani was recommended by my optomologist. I had a chalaZean cyst that had to be removed. The office is following all COViD-19 protocol (masks, hand sanitizer, checking your temperature). The staff is friendly and attentive. My wait time was under 15 minutes to see doctor. Dr. Baharestani was friendly and professional. He explained the procedure (which was quick) and the after care. I had a great visit. They took care of my problem and I would visit again. read more

This is clear case of a practice getting too big and becoming a "mill". The wait is long and the time with doctor is rushed and short. The clinicians who do primary patient prep and fine but a bit brusque. I am so disappointed in my treatment. I would STRONGLY not recommend SightMD read more

On 6/2/17 Alexandrea C. of North Shore Eye Care responded to my original Yelp review. I'd like to respond with comments regarding her post. She stated that I had an emergency and that they tried to accommodate me and that was the reason for the long wait. I called and made an appointment with the Garden City office (my regular doctor works out of this branch). I explained I had an eye infection and that I needed a prompt appointment. The office staff person I spoke with said "we have an opening at 3:00pm". She did not state they were "squeezing me in because of an emergency". She stated that they had an available slot at 3pm and I agreed to a 3pm appointment. As with my last two previous visits to the Garden City location since Doctor Kasper sold his practice to them, I was kept waiting in the small "dilation room" along with approximately 10 other patients. During the extended delay which went well beyond 3pm (by about two hours), I heard and observed multiple patient complaints about being held in this room way beyond their appointment time. I also observed that multiple patients were commenting that this was also not the first time they experienced the long delays and lack of proper time management by the practice. Multiple patients were complaining to the office manager in the hallway just outside the small room, and I observed that there was a wall basket holding patient charts, and with each complaint the office manager shuffled the papers putting each respective complaining patient at the top of the large stack. It was obvious that they had overbooked the office based on the number of doctors there that day. I observed patients including seniors displaying anger, frustration, and commenting how disgusted they were with the practice. When I was finally seen, the nurse in the examination room who was dictated two important prescriptions by Doctor Kasper for me told me that I would have to wait until the end of the day for the prescriptions to be transmitted to my local pharmacy. I explained I wanted to pick up the scripts on my way home. She said that she did not have the time to do it immediately and did not care that I wanted to stop at the pharmacy after the office visit. I left frustrated as it was a bad infection of the left eye, and I needed the antibiotics asap. I decided to call the Smithtown main management office of North Shore Eye Care from the parking lot of the pharmacy on the way home to try to get the prescription transmitted. The director of operations, Jennifer Thatcher stated that the prescriptions are filled directly online from the doctor's office to the pharmacy and there should have been no delay. I observed when I was in the examination room that the nurse was actually logged into that system as she had asked the name of my pharmacy and she brought it up on her screen. If there was any issue with transmitting the prescription at that time, it certainly was not communicated to me. The nurse simply said "you will have to wait until the end of the day" in a calious and uncaring manner. Jennifer Thatcher was very professional and took the time to listen to my concerns. She then asked me to hold on the phone while she assisted in getting the prescription filled electronically. During this time she had to come on the line several times to apologize for a lengthy hold, and I asked her if she was on hold with the Garden City office. She replied yes, and I told her this was yet another example of problems at the Garden City location. Imagine, that even the Director of Operations was placed on a lengthy hold in order to get a patients prescription filled. Jennifer explained that she would voice my concerns to management and agreed that there appeared to be problems. In the reply on Yelp from Alexandrea C., she states that the Director of Operations reached out to me. When I returned home there was in fact a message on my voice mail from Jennifer. I promptly returned the call and got her voice mail, but did not receive any reply to date. I had already gone through a lengthy description of the many issues at the Garden City location when I spoke with Jennifer initially in order to get the prescription transmitted to the pharmacy in a timely manner. I stand by my original review. There is a general atmpsphere of apathy and lack of patient concern at the Garden City location of North Shore Eye Care. The quality of care, attention to scheduling and general level of professionalism has deteriorated considerably since Dr. Kasper sold his original family practice to North Shore Eye Care. This is evidenced by the three visits in the last two years where I experienced first hand the large amount of patients exhibiting frustration, anger and disgust at the poor conditions I have described above. North Shore Eye Care upper management needs to attend to the issues explained as well as manage serious employee and staff culture issues that have existed and continue to exist at this location. read more

I've never felt compelled to write a review about a doctor but if you are considering Dr. Van Valkenburg, I'd highly recommend you seek other care. For the last few months I'd been experiencing blurriness in one eye. I made an appointment with Dr. Van Valkenburg based off of reviews. My experience with the front desk was unremarkable, but perfectly fine. What occurred afterward is the stuff of anxiety ridden nightmares. Her nurse came to get me from the waiting room. She never introduced herself. For a time I actually wasn't certain if she was the doctor. She asked me to remove my contacts and then started running a series of tests. All the while muttering, 'huh' 'hm' 'that's weird' under her breath. At this point, I asked what the issue was and she said she wasn't sure. She proceeded to dilate my eyes. As a result, my eyes were even more blurry and I started to get panicky. She finally escorted me in to meet with the doctor. If I received a cursory, 'hello' I'd be shocked. She asked me to look at several charts to see if lines were blurring or if I could read anything. She shuffled me back to the test area and ran a couple more tests. Never once did she explain what the tests measured or reassured me. She told me she wasn't sure what was wrong, but it 'very well could be neurological''. She told me I'd have to do a field eye exam but would need to come back because my eyes were dilated. I left in complete shock and near tears. As I was checking out and paying the copay her nurse came out again with a prescription to get my blood work taken because 'it could be diabetes'. I'd like to thank her for announcing that so publicly. I went home in actual hysterics. Fast forward to going to an incredibly reputable ophthalmologist at Weill Cornell in the city who took the time to ask questions and provide empathetic and thoughtful explanation of the tests I was receiving and it turns out I have an astigmatism that needs hard contact lenses and dry eye. She was mortified by the actions of Dr. Van Valkenburg when I explained my last eye doctor experience. Maybe Dr. Van Valkenburg was having a bad day but this was without question the worst, most traumatizing doctor's appointment of my life. She could really use some training in empathy. read more

I cannot understand these bad reviews...they almost seem like trolls.. I have been seeing Dr. Kathleen Van Valkenburg for two years. At a regular exam she caught a problem that could potentially cause a total loss of my vision. She referred me to a specialist in this field and my sight was saved. This year she removed a cataract from my eye with the laser method. It was fast, painless and my sight is amazing. The office staff is always friendly, professional and if you have an emergency you can be secure in knowing they will take you right away. I highly recommend this office and Dr Van V in particular. read more

My husband and I came here for the first time for annual eye exams for glasses and contacts. I specifically asked if there was a co-pay for this visit, and I was told they collect it at the end. The service was decent, took a long time, however, once we were done, the receptionist told us that although we had medical coverage, we would each need to pay $50 for the exam and a $30 for the office visit and we could each claim the $50 with our vision coverage of which they do not accept. Fine. So we paid the $160 and planned to claim the $100 from our vision insurance. However, there were multiple things wrong with this visit: 1) they should've told us upfront that we would each have to pay $80 when I asked about the copay... this way we would've went elsewhere... we've never paid this much for an eye exam, 2) the doctor did not perform a contact exam for me, he stated that he does not do that type of exam, so I had to go somewhere else and pay another fee, 3) he increased my Rx in one eye from a -2.5 to a -3.0. I knew this was wrong because that is a very big jump and I get my eyes tested every year, I questioned it, and he insisted. So needless to say, when I went to another doctor for my contacts (who is absolutely amazing!!!) he redid my eye exam and agreed the the 3.0 was too high and that I was indeed a -2.5. I had to pay another $65, but it was worth it because I got a glasses Rx and a contact Rx. So now we go to purchase glasses and my husband feels his Rx is too strong! We have to go back and test his eyes again because his Rx is probably is too strong too. Which means SightMD gave us both bogus Rx's! And to top it off, we are getting bills in the mail for an extra $20 payment as our remaining patient responsibilities. Lastly, the payment receipts for the $160 we paid do not reflect the refraction cost! We need that in order to file a claim with our vision insurance. I am so aggravated with this experience, it is costing us over $200 each for inaccurate eye exams. I would never come here again. I would never recommend this office. BEWARE! read more

ZERO STARS. I went to this doctor with an emergency. My glasses were damaged and useless. I cannot see. I requested a contact lens prescription I could fill quickly at Costco. They gave me a paper, charged me 50 bucks and told me Costco would take care of the measuring. Costco said the doctor's office was WRONG. That they were supposed to supply a prescription with measurements and a specific brand of lenses to be filled. If the doctor wouldn't do it, Costco could - for another 135 dollars on top of the worthless prescription I paid for. It cost me 35 dollars to stop payment on their check - they couldn't have cared less when I told them I was stopping payment. I am also advising my insurance provider not to pay them a RED CENT for their fake prescription. These kinds of doctors are the reason our insurance rates go up and up while we are supposed to sit back and get less and less services. NOT ME. My insurance company will NOT be paying this woman Dr. Van Valkenberg. She is a liar and a cheat. Avoid at all costs. Just go to Costco and pay for the correct exam. Do not give these people your money read more

I have been bringing my son to this Doctor for three years now, this year was the worse experience I have ever had, starting with the phone call to schedule my appointment. Not sure who I spoke with but the woman asked me to verify my son's information (name and DOB) then confirm my name. She made my appointment and then asked if all my address and phone number were the same. I had recently changed my mobile number but wasn't sure if my home or cell was in the account. I asked her what number was there, she goes on to tell me that she couldn't tell me because of HIPPA. I laughed at her because as a nurse, I know that phone number is not a violation of HIPPA, especially after I already verified all other information. I told her the phone numbers and she said she would change the number to the correct one. Next she tells me to Bring a referral if the insurance required one. I said i don't believe the insurance needs one as I have never had to bring one before, could u confirm, she said she needed to transfer me to the billing dept. The billing department told me that my son's insurance does not require a referral, after speaking with her, I asked to be transferred back To the front desk, the phone rang and rang until I was transferred to the call center, they took a message and told me someone would call me back. I NEVER received that call back. The Wednesday prior to the appt I had to call the office to confirm my appt, not even thinking that maybe I didn't get a call because the girl never changed my number. My son and I arrive for the visit, the receptionist asks for his name to check us in, verifies the address and the insurance and then asks for a REFERRAL. I explained that I was told by THEIR BILLING DEPARTMENT that I did not need one. Then the other receptionist butts in and says that insurance needs a referral as of this year And I will be responsible for any charges due to not having a referral, I lost it!!! She also says that she called me to confirm my appointment and make sure I knew I needed a referral and says she never got an answer, that's when I found out that the receptionist on the phone never changed my phone number, she went on to print some paper online to show me that my son's insurance requires a referral, and I would be responsible for the charges. My son and I went to sit down and I could hear the two receptionist talking about me and the situation like I wasn't even there, one even said "that's why people get into fights." So unprofessional!!! When the office is the one's that fucked up!!! This will be the last time we come here. read more

I took advantage of a groupon. My first visit went well. The staff and the doctor were nice and knowledgeable. At my 2 week followup visit, I planned to do a bit more. I was checked in and kept waiting for 45 min. There was only one other person in the waiting room. I finally just got up and left. No one even called to follow up or apologize for the long delay or to try and reschedule. I understand the pressure on Doctors to fill hours and sometimes double book but if I am paying out of pocket for services, I expect an experience that respects my busy life and treats me like a consumer of a luxury service. read more