I've experienced consistently long hold times when calling, and even when I opted for a call-back, I was disconnected halfway through the conversation. The customer service has been disappointing overall. The patient portal is equally frustrating--every time you move to a new screen, it resets, making it incredibly difficult to book an appointment. It's been a very inconvenient and discouraging experience trying to do business with this company. You are actively have so many issues and roadblocks for people to do business with you. read more

Dr. Pugh is always friendly, professional, and honest. I would recommend him to everyone.

This is the 2nd half to the review I left on Google reviews and Yelp for their McDowell office and explains my first appointment. After my follow up at the McDowell location I started having really bad pain in my eye and I called to let them know I had gotten the MRI as well as the blood work that Dr. Rahman had requested and they asked me to come in for an emergency visit at their Stapley location. Upon walking in Kim was standing there with several other techs outside of their bathroom door that overlooked the lobby. Another tech however came and got me and asked me what was going on and wrote some notes. She then wanted to put the eye numbing drops in my eyes and I asked her very kindly if we could please wait until I saw the doctor because my eye was in so much pain I didn't want to further irritate it. She told me he was going to want to put them in my eye anyways but that "yes we can wait." She then walked out of the room and left the door open where all of the techs started gathering around the door. You could then hear the doctor walk up to the outside of the door that was wide open and the tech who was just in the room with me explaining to him that I didn't want to put the eye drops in. He immediately got upset and said "No that's not acceptable"- and stormed into the room with his arms crossed. He very rudely introduced himself as Cody Frank and asked why I was there and I explained what was happening and he asked to see my MRI results and verbatim after reading the diagnoses with a huge attitude goes "Yeah I don't know what any of this means or what to do with this, this isn't anything I can help you with or treat." Then he pulls out a few different bottles from a drawer and says "I'm going to dilate your eyes now and put eye numbing drops in them." I immediately responded with "Please, I don't want to dilate my eyes it hurts and I don't understand why you need to dilate them?" He then goes "So you wanna come in here as an emergency but don't wanna allow me to do my job- mm ok!" -then slams himself down in the chair with his arms crossed. It was very obvious that he had a preconceived attitude based upon the complaint I had made about Kim in which I had every right to do so. I immediately stood up and asked him why he was treating me like that and that you don't talk to people like that. You don't treat people like that. I told him I don't know what your problem is but this is unprofessional and unethical. I immediately left the office as I felt like he was putting on some show and trying to be incredibly rude to me for the audience of techs standing gathered outside of my room. I had no idea I'd be seeing an optometrist nor was I told I would be seeing an optometrist in place of an ophthalmologist. I want to make it clear that I in no way was trying to be a pain in the butt patient and I am a very kind person. I understand they have protocols and are very busy trying to get through each appointment to see the next patient. However all I wanted was for things to be explained and to know what was happening. I was scared and in pain and again all of this was new to me. After I left I got in contact with a very kind tech named Makenzie who I told what had just happened and she told me it was protocol when going to one of their other offices to have to see one of their optometrists and getting your eyes re dilated before seeing one of their ophthalmologists even though I was an established patient with Dr Rahman. She was able to get me in with Dr. Garcia who was extremely kind and able to diagnose me at their Miller Scottsdale office today. Again I was never trying to be a pain in the butt or not allow anyone to their job but the way those specific people I've mentioned and situations happened was incredibly heartbreaking as I work in the dental field and I understand people can be a pain at times but that's not what I was trying to be and I've never experienced anything like this before. I wanted to say the front desk staff at McDowell and the Scottsdale office as well as the tech Sherri are very kind as well. read more

I have been going here for years and never have had a problem with long waits. I have always been pleased with all their employees. they take the time to explain things and answer any questions you may have. read more

I take my 90-year-old Dad to the Mesa facility every few weeks. We travel 60 miles each way for our visits. He is being treated for several severe eye conditions. He is functionally blind and deaf. Wrangling him to the different offices with different measurement machines can be quite the challenge. The entire staff in this facility is awesome. Our visits are on different days of the week and at various times of day. Very seldom do we see the same support staff. The process for the visit is well thought out and understood by all including the patients. Nonetheless, they are all always gentle, patient and supportive. In my 70 years, I have never encountered such a positive culture than I have here. Everyone is super helpful, seems to get along, and works as a cohesive team. I'll even go so far to say, that Bailey and Dylan, who share an office in Imaging, present as best friends. By any measure, a positive experience. read more

Absolutely horrible office DO NOT GO HERE! Plan on waiting 2-3 hours for every appt. They schedule approx 10 patients for every appt slot for 2 Dr. They do NOT read files placed the wrong lens in my moms eye so now she has 2 different eyes as far as sight. They don't care!!! Worst office ever! read more

Yesterday, I took my mom to the office for her check up after her cataracts surgery. We went to the back and waited for the scanning test before we could see Dr.Yee. We went to the scanning test room after my mom name was called. Stepped inside the room, there were 3 technicians. The one did my mother test named Tony. He was skinny, average height, salt and pepper hairs, and always wore red shoes. He was rude, unprofessional, snappy, and disrespectful. He turned music way too loud I could not hear him because I need to translate for my mother. I asked him is it okay he turned it down a little bit, he snapped at me with obnoxious tone I GUESS I HAVE TO SHUT IT DOWN THEN. After that, he started to be rude and more disrespectful towards me and my mom. He said usually her husband took her. Why are you here with this lady? I said that was my husband which is her son in law. Why are you assuming things like that? He said it was a DUDE so I thought it was her husband. I asked him why even it matters who is here with her.... Long story make it short, I went up to talk to Laura which is the manager. She is also another horrible human being in this office. She asked me how did he rude to us? Did he call me and my mother names? I was just laugh at her because there is no way a person run the business would ask their patients such a questions like that. Laura is a manager and run the office with RUDE, NASTY ATTITUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL AND DISRESPECTFUL THAT IS A REASON WHY HER EMPLOYEES ACTED THE SAME. As manager she did not know how to solve the problem. She did not know how to talk to the patients and patient family in the nice way and in the right way she assume I just make a show because I want to be a Karen. She assumed things just like her employee. Most of people come here are elders. I could not believe that how they treated elderly people. If you do not want to experience the most disrespectful and unprofessional experience in this office, please go to different Eye Center. You do not want your parents get treated like this. If i can give this place a NEGATIVE STARS I WOULD read more

This is the worst eye doctor I've ever visited! I'm 59 and worn glasses since I was 18. So I've seen a LOT! They have you check in 3 times. Once online before you arrive, then again yourself when you arrive, then again, a girl in person then you get a tech to check your eyes then you easy again. Then another test and wait again then they tell you no contacts at this location then you owe them for the visit that didn't help you get the contacts. When you were clear about your appointment reason when you made the appointment. Don't go here they run you through like cattle and don't care about you except for the money you give them. read more

The doctors, MAs & RNs were great, and even Michelle & Julie who i think works for Finance are great! The front desk princesses? Not so much. Very rude actually. We came in on time, but it has been 45mins passed our appnt time & we were still not called so i checked in. Very disrespectful of time too! You make time, you sched your appnt, you come in early but wont be called until ah hour or even after an hour later than your appnt time. read more

While Southwestern Eye Center has good doctors and their office staff at the Apache Junction Office and Outpatient Surgical Center were friendly and responsive. Their billing practices border on deceptive. I was told in my pre-operative financial meeting that in order to get the higher quality Toric Single Focus cataract lens, I would have to pay an additional fee for the upgraded lens. I was told the additional cost of the lens would be $3,000. As their billing computers were down for over six weeks, I was not able to get an itemized, detailed invoice related to this cost, even though I asked for it several times. I went forward with the surgery, believing that the only outstanding bill would be for the high quality premium lens. When the itemized bill arrived (after insurance had paid their share), I discovered I was not only paying for the upgraded lens, but Southwestern was tacking on additional surgeon and facility fees. The actual cost of the Toric lens, according to the itemized bill, was $800. Additional fees for the surgeon ($1,385) and facility ($840) were also added to the bill. Southwestern Eye Center was paid $2,323.90 for the 90 minute, out-patient surgery. The surgery to implant the Toric verses the standard cataract lens is the same. The amount of time it takes to do the surgery is the same. The skill needed by the surgeon is the same. The only extra cost should have been for the upgraded lens, which was $800. Southwestern Eye Center is not only charging a premium for the better lens, but they are double-billing patients for additional facility and surgeon fees. Patients need to be aware of these overbilling practices. read more

This office and the staff are very unprofessional. If you have a question or concern they don't agree with - they act rude and inconsiderate of your feelings. Even when you ask for the Dr to call you back they tell you that's not gonna happen. What kind of Drs Office refuses to give a Dr a message from a patient. I just found out my insurance isn't renewing them - no wonder - the service is inferior and the office staff is horrible. Steer clear of this office as they are only interested in selling their overpriced glasses and optical service. read more

Dr Phister is one of the rudest human beings I know. I will never go to him again.. Even his staff said he is always like that. 7 times and he was worse each time. He should not be working with people who needs care!!! A horrible person!! read more

Quality care with latest equipment. Is on multiple Medicare advantage plans including mine

No regard for patient's time Today I have a 1050 appt & I have been waiting 45 minted! How about the value of my time. We are expected to arrive on time & I was here 10 minutes early. Furthermore cataract surgery on left eye performed here was unsuccessful. Frustrating place read more

I had my first visit to Southwestern Eye center and was excited from all I have heard about them being the best in town. I was handed an I pad and told to check in and bring the iPad back up to the counter. Was a lot of questions, which should have been requested before hand, either on line or sent to patients. When I made apt, nothing was said about needing to fill out anything online. I didn't have a problem, but older people and people not computer literate were very frustrated. Four people at counter and nobody would help!! I helped people where I could. Three people had appointments but were not told they needed a prior authorization from there Dr. They just said sorry , you will have to reschedule! They didn't even try and call their Dr!! Very poor customer service, and long wait. read more

COMPLETELY NEGLIGENT. My mother had cataract surgery 9-2024. They implanted the WRONG lens. Now one eye she is farsighted and one eye she is nearsighted. WHO DOESN'T VERIFY WHAT THEY ARE DOING BEFORE THEY DO IT????? When they found out this morning, instead of the DR coming in they basically brushed her off and said they would talk about it next week. WTF? Not sure what our options are now I'm going to have to figure that out. Don't make the same mistake. It is like a cattle call for senior citizens at this office. They are taking more patients obviously then they can handle. read more

Oh my goodness! I would never refer anyone to this office. First off the girls that I have talked to there who make appointments were extremely rude and snappy. I have had glasses since I was 16 years old and I am now 74. I have never in my life had to pay for an eye exam where I didn't get the prescription to take home with me! They want an additional $52 for a prescription! I went in because my eye doctor before I moved to Arizona told me two years ago that I had cataracts and would eventually need surgery but could get by with a stronger prescription at that time. That's been a couple of years ago and my eyesight has gotten much worse so thought I would get an eye exam to see if I needed surgery. After extensive testing, the gal had me go in and see the surgeon who told me that I didn't need cataract surgery yet just stronger glasses and that if I wanted the prescription I would have to make another appointment to get ANOTHER exam and pay $52 to get it! Funny thing is that I heard people talking in the waiting room about how ridiculous it was that they wanted people to pay an extra $52 and I had no idea what they were talking about until the surgeon told me that in order to get the prescription I need to make another appointment and pay $52! They obviously have my prescription even though they're telling me that they don't! What a bunch of crap! Of course they have my prescription!!! I am so tired of this medical greediness! read more

I was scheduled at 3:05pm for my appointment, and sat waiting until 3:20 when I was taken back by the nurse, which took 20 minutes and then rather than going into meeting with doctor... I was brought back out to the waiting room for another 10 minutes because "she had one more person before me"... how are the scheduling practices so misaligned with when you're actually getting seen? I've been to many eye doctors before, I've never been in there for over an hour (which I was today)... when I mentioned to the front staff that I had to return to work for the rest of the day, and really needed to get in, they told me 1. I should've told them because they would've pushed me through (this was my first time, I had no idea how slow they ran or that they would do that) and 2. that the expectation is their visits will last 1-1.5 hours... that's interesting because it was never listed on anything when I scheduled the appointment. The doctor was sweet and helpful, but it doesn't make up at all for the overall experience. I will definitely be going elsewhere in the future for my eye exams. Finally just to top it all off, the exam cost me as much as it's cost other places WITHOUT insurance... read more

I was referred there for urgent surgery. I waited 2 weeks and left 6 messaged for a return call! Horrible customer service!!!!

Although I waited for a long time, my visit was fine. If you go to a place and there are no other people there, one might question the quality of service. The staff was accommodating. I really like Dr. Pugh. He took time to explain the situation with my retina. He was thorough and i like that about him. read more

They seem to be very good at what they do but I was surprised that they misquoted me on my upcoming surgery. I was told one figure when they called to tell me insurance would not cover it and would I agree to that amount. Two months later (that's the earliest I could get in) I went in to d the pre-surgery paperwork and pay for it but they gave me a total that was $1400 more than I was quoted. They are currently checking to see what can be done so I don'[t know how it will turn out yet. It has taken me over 6 months to get scheduled for the surgery that I need. I assume they are that busy but it is too long to have to wait! read more

I went to Southwestern Eye Center because I battle with double vision. One of my eyes are higher than the other. This is from a car accident in December 1994. I've had a really hard time trying to find a doctor that can help me. Doctor Sinek was very caring and straight forth with what I should expect. Really liked the excellent customer service. read more

I saw Dr. Funke so professional and knowledgeable compassionate patient and kind. The staff was timely professional and efficient. The facility was clean and followed covid protocol. I like and would reccomend thus facility to others. read more

Ive been a patient at SW Eye Center for decades and have always had a great experience with Dr. Owens. She is professional, thorough, very nice and extremely accommodating in answering all of my questions and concerns. She also aways tries to find ways to save me money on my prescriptions and is extremely hospitable. I recommend Dr. Owens and SW Eye Center wholeheartedly! read more

I so appreciated south western eye center for getting me in so promptly, I'm from out of state and developed and eye problem. Truly appreciated the professionalism. read more

I had a Retinal Emergency. I was referred to Southwestern Eye Center, however, my insurance company sent my authorization to a different company. However, Valerie, Amber and Laura, the manager... took nearly an hour to work with my insurance company and the other Eye Center and set up my appointment and organized my paperwork. They were professional and courteous. I cannot recommend them highly enough! Thank you! read more

My appointment ran almost an hour and 40 minutes late with no explanation or apologies. I finally saw the doctor for 5 minutes to confirm eye drops worked. My prior visit was also an hour late. Never again. read more

A clinic and a zoo way too long of a wait 1.5 hours. Nobody told me this, when I set this appointment up. I just needed a new confirmed diagnosis and RX of Xiidra for a free patient program I'm would have never come here, not gif my minimal needs. read more

Southwestern Eye Center - Optometrists Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I paid out of pocket for elective cataract replacement surgery, over 6k, and was told follow up services were included. Not true. They are untrustworthy and do not live up to their promises. read more

Attempted to make an appointment, horible menu of choices followed by 47 notices that you can make an appointment online was really all I needed to know. About 15 yrs ago I had a bad experience with Southwestern Eye Center. Based on a friends recommendation I was going to give them another chance but after todays experience I will be going to one of your competitors. If it's that hard to get you to take a referal for a surgery then how is it going to be from here on out. Strike two and SW Eye Intitute will not get a 3rd strike. read more

As a new patient, I was very happy with my experience. Everyone was super friendly, and even though there was a bit of a wait as they were crammed with patients, the process was efficient. Dr. Kevin Pugh was kind, friendly and answered all my questions. I have to return in a year for a routine check and will definitely be back. read more

Southwestern Dr.'s and all employees are very professional. They are always personable when working with you.

WARNING!!! Do not cancel your appointment because you will be charged a $25 cancellation fee. I have never heard of this from any medical office that would charge you. Even if I cancelled way ahead of time so they can get someone else to take my appointment, they still charge you! I will never come back here again. read more

I am very impressed with Southwestern Eye Center. I had high hopes for my visit with Dr. Lewis and I was not disappointed. In fact, I could not be happier. He has exceeded all my expectations. I am so impressed with this eye center and with Dr. Lewis. I feel very blessed and I am very, very thankful. A+++++ Five Hundred Stars read more

My husband and I have bern using Southwestern Eye Center in Mesa for over 20 years. Our primary eye doctor is Dr. KRISTA OWENS. She is accurate, through, professional and just a great person. We've also had successful Lasik eye surgery with Dr. CHAMPION and have been pleased. Now that we are in our Medicare years we will continue our annual eye exams at this facility with these qualified, professional doctors. read more

My eye exam was completely done by a 21 year old tech. Dr Palmer came in to review the techs work but was not helpful in answering my questions (which had to do with a recent PRK surgery). He told me I needed eye drops and suggested glasses. He didn't write down what kind of eye drops I needed even though I didn't understand what kind to buy. I went to their lobby to get my new glass prescription filled and the staff was putting away papers and too busy to help me. They didn't close for another hour. I got my glass prescription filled elsewhere. THEN 5 months later I get a bill for almost $400. I gave them my insurance information when I was there. This will be covered and if they try to pull anything, I'll post another review. I certainly won't go back. read more

Got no answers for the issues with my eye and said it was allergies, allergies in one eye??? Did not get any answers on how to solve my issue. Looking for another eye Dr. read more

Shaina was as helpful as one can be! Amazing service and advice from her ! I will definitely be returning and recommending all friends and family to this location! Thank you very much Ms.Shaina read more

Doctor Garcia and the staff at Southwestern are fantastic. I would recommend this clinic to everyone.

Very please with my visit thank you Dr.Garcia Very professional and she answered all my questions