Based my experience here, I would not recommend coming here if you have other alternatives available to you. What a different experience going to an optometrist with two different health insurances! I came here because my job status changed and my wonderful, old optometrist in Arlington does not take Medicaid. This is one of the very few places that takes Medicaid DC (state Medicaid) based on my research, which is why I came here. Maybe this is why I felt like 2nd class citizen during the whole experience. When I got here at around 10:30am, the waiting room had a long waiting line, the atmosphere seemed a bit chaotic and I think they were running a bit late. The lady at the front desk, while wasn't directly rude to me, clearly acted like her time was more important than mine, to the point of me feeling guilty when I was asking her how to check in with their terribly ineffective computer system. So note, they clearly have high demand. Once I got called in, I went through three pairs of hands - two assistants and then the optometrist herself - another difference from my previous optometrist experience; you definitely do not feel like you have a relationship with your doctor. An assistant did some original tests, then sent me back to the waiting room, then another assistant did some more tests in a different room, then sent me back to another waiting room, and 15 minutes later I finally got seen by the doctor, who on and all spent about 15 minutes with me. While Dr. S was very smiley, I did not feel like she was really present with me. Yes, I understand that she probably had dozens of customers to see that day. However, I got a feeling that she wasn't overly knowledgeable, because to each of my specific questions about my eyes, I got a short, brief, "no, it's ok; everything is just fine and dandy" type of an answer. I appreciate receiving insightful answers when I go to a doctor, from a person who spent years in medical school and has a lot more years of experience than I do in the field; unfortunately this wasn't it. One more important detail: if you have Medicaid, you get coverage for lenses and frames, but this office has 8-9 classes to choose from and none of them... how should I put it... will make you visually appealing. They have no other frame options for Medicaid customers that are covered by insurance. Eventually, I also decided to replenish my contacts - something Medicaid does not cover. After my first appointment at this office, I called the to inquire how much a contacts eye exam will cost, since they already spent an hour with me for a comprehensive medical exam and a wellness eye exam. I was told $89 for the exam + $110 - $210 for contacts fitting for a total of $200-$300. All out of pocket. Then I called my former private optometrist who doesn't take Medicaid at all. They were pretty appalled at the quoted price of this business (as much as I was, independently from them) and that they didn't offer any discounts after a regular eye exam. My old optometrist instead charges everyone $120 for everything - contacts exam + contacts fitting, that's without insurance. So, the main take-away is as follows: it's very eye opening that my old optometrist charges 1/3 of what this place charges, and this place is supposed to cater its services to clientele that might be less privileged (mostly Medicaid customers). I learned for myself that sometimes it's better to go to a better place that gives you an overall better experience (no wait, no 10 people in the small waiting rooms, more than 8-9 glasses to choose from, not being handed over from one assistant to the next to the next, and finally more experienced doctors) and doesn't take your insurance, than going the other route. And it might even be cheaper, as I found out myself with this place charging 2.5 times what my other optometrist charges for contacts related services out of pocket. Verdict: if you have nowhere else to go, don't mind waiting for an unknown amount of time in a crowded waiting room, and don't mind being very limited in your frame choices, then you won't mind this place. Otherwise, I would recommend another option. P.S. I strongly dislike that individuals who are covered by Medicaid are limited to such experiences, which are not terrible per se, but clearly do not compare to experiences in other optometrist offices. Just a different experience all together. Best of luck! read more

Had been years since I had my last eye exam and was thankful that the staff here was so knowledgeable and thorough. I recently saw Dr. Hosseini and he made sure to not only give me a normal checkup but a scan of my eye to make sure my contacts weren't overly irritating me. He let me know that my prescription was stable which is good because I want to get Lasik soon! Will be back for a follow up soon to make sure I'm a good candidate. read more

TLDR: This office is not only unhelpful, but they will charge you at every turn for whatever service you need, including small things like fitting you for glasses (which should be included in price of regular office visit). More concerned about making money off you than providing good care. The moment I walked into the office the front desk attendant walked away, leaving me wondering how to check in. Patricia came out & asked if I had an appointment & directed me to the kiosk to check in. The entire process felt very awkward and unwelcoming. As a new patient, I expected information about how the office handles vision exams, what is included, & pricing information about ordering glasses/contacts in office. None of this was communicated. After my exam, I asked for a prescription so I could order glasses online, as the selection in office was very small (and all bolted down making it impossible to browse while waiting). The prescription was printed and handed to me with a dismissive wave. I knew that I needed my PD measured and wasn't sure if that had been done during the exam so I asked Patricia, "Is this all the information I need to order glasses?" She responded "yes, that's it" and went back to her computer. Well, it was not all the information I needed and when I called to ask if they had the information but didn't include it/why they didn't include it, I was told they don't measure PD unless doing an in-office glasses fitting. If I wanted to come back in, they could definitely measure it but it would cost $40 to hold a ruler up between my eyes to have the PD measured. Doesn't that strike you as a little ridiculous? The vision exam also costs more if you want to have your prescription tested for both contacts and glasses, which is most unusual. It basically seems like this office will nickel & dime you for just about every tiny procedure. Additionally, when I mentioned wanting to get LASIK, the doctor seemed unhappy and tried to talk me out of it, even though I've been told previously that I'm an excellent candidate since I'm basically blind without glasses/contacts. As I was leaving the office she said "good luck, I guess." Which wasn't really kind or helpful and left me feeling like she was mostly concerned about making money from me, rather than helping me improve my quality of life. read more

Second review for Visionary with glowing praises. The staff there is superb with a real knowledge of the intimacy of the eye and eye conditions. They take a great deal of time to understand their patients and clearly care about helping versus simply making a buck. My father has severe, severe dry eye that has caused him crippling pain over the past two years. Dr. Cremers has been a monumental support in helping him through care and treatment. She spent over an hour in our last visit (my father has seen her many times over the past year) answering all of our questions in specific detail. Additionally, the staff there, specifically Allie and Josh, have taken a great deal of time to help and support us with all the little details in insurance, scheduling, etc. Huge asset to the team at Visionary. I would highly recommend anyone with severe eye pain, specifically dry eye, to take the time to visit Dr. Cremers. read more

I've now been seen twice by Dr. Friedman at Visionary. I will go see them every year!

Very intelligent staff and doctors, would recommend never had a problem, I have been seeing Dr.Friedman for years..not sure what the complaints are about on here ..professional office read more

It has been four (4) years since I was diagnosed with macular degeneration. To date, I can thankfully say my eye surgeries were successful. I thank God many mornings for leading me to Dr. Garfinkel. Both he and Dr. Garfinkel are the reason I am able to still see the love in my grandsons' faces when I visit them; the sunsets in the evening; and each day see and experience life as it happens. Dr. Friedman is patient, sensitive and skillful. Thank-you Dr. Friedman. read more

At first, I was favorably impressed by the technology and politeness of the staff, but decided to have cataract surgery elsewhere because: 1) They were not clear about what they would charge. Dr. Martinez told me special lenses would cost $3000 per eye above what insurance would pay. The contract I was given cited $3400 per eye. When I later asked about additional costs for the operating facility and follow-on corrections the contract mentioned, they did not reply. 2) I paid for a series of tests done in two visits. When I decided to go elsewhere for the operation, VED refused to provide me with images on a disk so that I could avoid having to repeat the tests and pay for them again at my new opthamologist's practice. 3) Dr. Martinez kept me and other patients waiting two hours for our appointments because he was busy at another facility. He did not know that I was referred to him by a doctor that I consulted for several years who had joined his practice. read more

I have been going to Dr. Friedman for eight years, and he is the best doctor I think I've ever had. He is patient, informative, gentle, and wholly trustworthy. In addition to my ordinary care, which has always been excellent, he performed LASIK on me several years ago, with spectacular results. His expertise and wisdom is unparalleled: before the surgery, he walked me through his recommendation to undercorrect one of my eyes slightly so that I wouldn't need reading glasses for some years yet. After seeing one of my colleagues need reading glasses right after her LASIK surgery, I am very thankful. (I recognize that this may not be a recommendation that applies to everyone, but was grateful he offered it in my case.) I recommend Dr. Friedman without reservation. read more

Dr. Moainie is my primary dr I have seen for years for my eyes. He is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. I also saw Dr. Friedman for an eye emergency. They were quick to get me in and he was very pleasant, thorough, and professional. Also the staff are really kind and helpful. read more

I have called over the past month to speak to surgical coordinators, regarding my previous surgery, who never pick up their phone and do not return phone calls in a timely manner, only call back in the following day or never call back unless you call the office asking to speak to them repeatedly. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Leonard Friedman for over 30 years. Whenever I interacted with Dr. Friedman and his staff, they have demonstrated concern for me. Because of my visual challenges, I am a very demanding patient, both medically and intellectually. Besides being an outstanding surgeon, I have always found Dr. Friedman helpful, relaxed and personable. He has performed three surgeries on me in the past 30 years. Equally important, with all of my visual challenges, Dr. Friedman is always patient and takes his time to thoughtfully explain my options in a clear and useful manner, enabling me to make decisions that are right for me. It is always nice to experience outstanding care from such a friendly and knowledgeable doctor. read more

Dealing with this place is a nightmare. I don't understand why. They have wasted soo much of my time. It took three frustrating phone calls just to schedule an appointment. I finally showed up for my appointment and they had to re-schedule me for another day. I needed something very simple and basic but could not get a clear answer on anything. Sorry to leave a negative review, but I would recommend you try somewhere else until they get their act together. read more

Dr. Friedman and the staff here were very patient and thorough during my appointment. I'm glad I chose them for my vision needs.

Excellent experience from Visionary. Very thorough exam. Professional staff, good selection of well priced frames, on time service. Took my FEP BlueVision insurance. read more

Dr. Friedman is the consummate professional. His medical skills are top-notch, his staff is friendly and efficient, and the Friendship Ambulatory Surgery Center where he operates is stellar. I have had one cataract surgery and look forward to the next. read more

As a long-time patient of Dr. Friedman I can attest to his competence and his concern for his patients. In February 2015 he performed cataract surgery on mi right eye, with no complications. My late wife suffered from diabetic retinopathy, which he successfully stabilized with laser treatments. Over the years -- beginning when Dr. Friedman had his practice on Capitol Hill -- my eyeglasses prescriptions have changed from time to time, but I've never encountered a problem that wasn't easily resolved. I'm please he's taken Dr. Moanie into his practice because on the two occasions I've seen the younger ophthalmologist I've been impressed with his knowledge and manner. I can recommend both doctors without hesitation. Also, I've found their office staff to be helpful and efficient. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Friedman for 20 plus years since I had RK corrrective surgery in my early 20s. He is top class in all respects. Unfortunately, I can not say the same for Visionary Eye Doctors. The office is neither helpful nor friendly. The office has transformed the once friendly and personable experience of seeing your doctor into the assembly line feel of being rushed in and seen for 5 minutes and pushed out the door as quickly as possible. Further I am truly disappointed by the practice of charging an additional fee to be provided with a prescription as you leave - as if this is not the main reason most of us come to an eye doctor in the first place. As an insult to injury I will relate my most recent experience with their office manager. I was last seen by Dr. Friedman and 'bought' a prescription 13 months ago. I used this to buy a pair of regular glasses, but kept my old pair of sunglasses that I use to drive during the day (similar prescription but 4 years old - my eyesight does not fluctuate much and hasn't in years). I lost sunglasses over the weekend, and took my most recent prescription in to get a new pair. As the prescription was only good for 1 year, I was told to contact my Dr and have the prescription renewed. On a call to the office this morning I was told that they were unable send me an updated prescription without my coming in for an visit and thus paying for both the visit and new prescription. This impersonal way of treating people is shameful, I expect more from my medical caregivers. Dr. Friedman's office was not run like this in the past. It takes a lot to motivate me to write a negative review - congratulations Visionary for spurring me to action. I have decided to take my eyes and business elsewhere. read more

My husband goes to Visionary Eye Dr's this was my first visit with him and the office was beautiful! Stephanie at front desk was so helpful and sweet. The office is well organized with the check in and check out process. Allie was amazing with my husband and answered all of our questions. Over all my husband was taken care of and very happy with his visit. Will definitely recommend to all my friends. read more

Unhappy with an increased-prism new prescription and becoming severely cash-strapped unable to see to work as an editor, I became a new patient of Leonard Friedman. About five minutes into his first exam and after explaining my financial concerns, with earlier prescriptions and old glasses in hand, I offered that my distance vision in my most-recent prescription was good but the lenses hurt my eyes. Dr. Friedman then said, "If you tell me anything about your previous prescriptions, I am going to spank you." I am a refined 60-year old. Taken aback, I said nothing. When I did not respond, he repeated the comment, whereupon I said firmly and with noticeable annoyance: "I heard you the first time." Diagnosed years ago with strabismus, for years, I comfortably wore 4 prism. I learned many months after my visit to Dr. Friedman that prism count rarely changes. If changed, prism adaptation sets in: "the more you get the more you need"--except, if too strong, pain occurs after about an hour of wear. Refusing to consider my history, Dr. Friedman raised my count from the recently prescribed 6, to 8. His prescription costing $695 caused me greater pain and my vision was worse. I saw Dr. Friedman again. Halfway through this exam, angrily, he pushed his equipment hard and fast from my eyes and said loudly: "Your eyes are all over the place. I am going to have to bring you back a third time and I have already spent more time with you than any other patient." Upset, I said: "but I have needed this...." Dr. Friedman then suggested I needed eye-muscle strabismus surgery. He sent me to his friend, Dr. Mohamed Jafaar. Dr. Jafaar immediately began to measure my prescription for glasses but had no time to finish my exam. (He never recommended surgery.) About to leave town, he asked that I return in 5 weeks. Desperate to return to work, I contacted Dr. Friedman for another referral. He said, "You should wait for Dr. Jafaar. Word about you is going to get out in this town and no one is going to see you." These words were frightening to me. He had shared with me worrisome insight into his attitudes and what I came to experience as those of his immediate Washington ophthalmology community. With no ability to see well enough to edit and proof, I had no income and faced financial ruin. I needed a prescription right away. Eventually an optometrist changed my prism count back to 4 and diagnosed the (20/400 glare-test) cataract that explained why, hard to focus, Dr. Friedman found my eyes to be "all over the place." This cataract was suggested in my records Dr. Friedman so unprofessionally refused to review our first visit: Over an 8-year period my left eye had changed very little; but my right eye had changed close to several diopters. Something was wrong with my right eye, which proved to be a "large" cataract. During some of this time, to help me pay my rent, I invited a young Hungarian scholar to live me. When I shared with her Dr. Friedman's dismay that he had "already spent more time with me than any other patient..." she said, "In my country, it is the desire to help others that motivates my friends to become doctors. It is not greed." I had a horrifying experience with Dr. Friedman. read more