Something was irritating my right eye and I couldn't seem to rinse it out. I called Dr. Shotwell and they got me in right away. Every experience I have had with her and the team has been positive, so I wasn't surprised when she was able to remove the foreign object without a hitch. Amazing how such a small "seed like" object could cause so much irritation. read more

Vision Source - Donna L. Shotwell, OD - This was actually a very tiny speck in my eye, but felt huge. - Optometrists Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Dr. Shotwell and her staff were great during my two visits. They provide a sense of family atmosphere in the office that makes one feel comfortable and at ease. My examination was thorough and once I received my new glasses, the prescription Dr. Shotwell determined for me was right on. Her husband, and optician, Michael, was very helpful and took a lot of time with me in deciding the correct frame for my face and how my lenses should perform for my particular prescription. I have gone to other sources in the past to "save money" on frames and lenses, but what it really comes down to is you get what you pay for in the end. I am very happy with the glasses made for me and with Michael's suggestions, I can honestly say these are the best and most comfortable glasses I have had in a very long time! You will not find a friendlier or better place for your eye care. I highly recommend Dr. Shotwell, I have become a patient for life. read more

Dr. Shotwell is an absolutely excellent optometrist. She has state of the art equipment, a friendly and helpful staff and provides high quality examinations and treatment. She took a lot of time to examine me and provide clear explanations for her diagnoses. She is quite personable and compassionate. Her husband, Michael, is the on-site optician. He went out of his way to explain how my new lenses would allow me to see more clearly. He was precise in his determinations and measurements to make sure that my new glasses would be appropriate for my facial structure. He also has a good eye when it comes to color of the frames. Holly, Beth and Lindsay were so kind and helpful when I called to make an appointment. I was concerned about a very recent decrease in vision and they were able to give me an appointment the same day! In short, personalized and friendly care, combined with a compassionate and very knowledgeable doctor makes for one amazing optical practice! read more

I have been going to Dr. Shotwell since I moved to the region 4 years ago. I feel like she has taken excellent care of me with my constantly changing vision. My glasses are always well made, although not inexpensive, but I have never had to have them redone. The only reason I am not giving five stars is because I would like to see some more designer line frames offered at their office. I highly recommend them. read more

I forgot who recommended her, but this does not matter, because I felt very comfortable as soon as I walked in. Her staff is very sweet and most efficient. Every time I have to go for a appointment, the are all ready for me, and everything is been taken care off. I have a eye Injury and Dr. Shotwell has been monitor this very close. Dr. Shotwell talks to me about my eyes (I'm 78). Over the years I have purchased all my sunglasses in her store. I'm a sunglass "freak" . Automatically on my visits her staff cleans, and adjust them, without me having to ask. I been there for a long time, and will stay with Dr. Shotwell as long as I'm around. The five stars belong to her, she deserves them. It is not only her knowledge, it is her way she takes care of her patients. Almost like there are family. I'm happy with Dr. Shotwell and her staff. Always will be. Ulrike H. read more

I was recommended to dr. Shotwell several years ago by a coworker. After using the large chains for exams and low quality glasses I was thrilled to find a local eye doctor with great customer service. The eye exams are thorough, Dr. Shotwell goes out of her way to answer questions and although they only have a small amount of glasses to choose from the quality is better than the major chains. They take my eye insurance so my exams are free and I can always find a good frame within my insurance limits. Her assistant Roberta is super helpful. I have broken my glasses from there and even from other eye doctors and she always fixes them for me. Also, I like supporting local businesses. read more

I am not one to drag someone or a business through the mud, but poor customer service is poor customer service. Even if it is done with a smile. On the rare occasion I have a bad experience somewhere, but normally I just keep silent and never go back. In this case, I can't do that. On 10/6/16 I had a bad experience with the office staff. I never met Dr. Shotwell, which I have been told is a very nice sweet lady. My bad experience starts when I had a 4pm appointment. I got stuck in traffic and arrived about 5 minutes late. I walked in and filled out my paperwork. Then I was told it was too late for me to have my eye exam. I was told that I should've been (but was never told) to be there approximately 15 to 30 minutes earlier than my appointment time to complete paperwork. (NOTE: It doesn't take that long to complete the paperwork) Once I completed my paperwork which took probably 2 minutes at the most, I was told that it was too late for me to have my appointment and that they would have to reschedule for another date. I told the staff that I left work early to make the appointment. Was there anyway to still have my eye exam? Basically in a friendly and smiling way, they said sorry you was too late. Yeah, like 5 minutes late. If I had been told to be there earlier I would've been. There wasn't another customer in the office so it wasn't like me being 5 minutes late allowed someone else to get in front of me. No one else was waiting to see the Dr.. They held firm and didn't make an exception under the circumstances to please a new customer. They wouldn't budge a bit. Honestly, they close at 5pm and I have never had an eye exam take more than 30 minutes max. So they did have time, but didn't want to help me or even budge. Sure I was late, but not so late to still get in to see the doctor. I honestly think that if I had walked in at straight up 4pm they would've still made the excuse that I wouldn't have time for the exam because of needing to be there earlier than my appointment time. After making another appointment, they told me to be there on time next time and laughed. They went on to jokingly say, well now you get to go home early. The whole experience was done with smiles, but I didn't like the fact that they wouldn't budge on the appointment time. I was really sad and disappointed when I left. By the time I got home I was really angry. I thought about it more and called back and cancelled, saying that I couldn't do business with a staff that would not be flexible with only being 5 minutes late. They lost a customer that day. In fact, they lost 3 customers that day because my wife and son both will not be going back to that office for any services. I wish they would've been just a little more understanding and made the exception or had told me to be there earlier than my appointment time. Words to the wise..... If you do go there, make sure you arrive earlier than your appointment or they will send you away with a "tough luck" "too bad for you" attitude. read more

I have been going to Dr. Shotwell for fifteen plus years, have had four retina detachments in that time she has done a outstanding effort to get my vision the best as it can.She takes time with me and I would recommend her to anyone. read more

Dr. Shotwell was my eye doctor for many many years. I cannot recommend her more highly. She is extremely friendly, highly professional and I always felt like I was very important to her. Over the years she has taken as much time as needed to insure that I had the best fitting contacts possible (at times, even trying a pair for a week and then going back and trying another). The only reason I've moved on is because I moved out of the state...and believe me, I thought seriously about just coming back to Sarasota each year to have my eyes checked...she's that good! read more