It's Christmas morning and I just returned from Dr. McClintock checking my eye pressure. Read that…read moreagain - it says EVERYTHING about him as a Dr. and human being. His staff is equally impressive- bright, caring and fun to engage with. You simply can't make a better selection for your eye care.

I recently moved to Alabama and I've been a patient here for the past 3 years. Each year, there…read morehas been a problem with my glasses, my husband's glasses and my contact lenses The eyewear & contact lens staff seem to be very unorganized. They were supposed to mail me my contact lenses in 2025 and 2026. Each year, when I elect to have them mailed, the office sends me a text saying that they are at the office and ready for pick up. In turn, I have to leave work to get my contacts. My husband ordered eye glasses after his appointment, and it took them over a 6 weeks to finally locate them, after he had to continuously call to check on his order. In addition, my computer glasses still seem "off".....even after I provided them with the prescription from my eye doctor in Ohio. Although I'm pleased with Dr. McClintock and his professionalism, I cannot take the office staff being so unorganized. I'll be seeking a new facility for my eye care.

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.

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.

If you don't want to feed the Luxottica monster (my friend G told me that they dominate the the…read moremarket, as well as own LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut), iiis is a perfect way to rebel. The design of the shop is quite funky and artsy (be careful not to fall into the pit!) and has all of the frames out so you can try them on as you like. I hate when all the frames are under lock and key; it really hinders the trying-on process. I checked out a couple of eyeglasses places in Birmingham and found myself drawn to the more obscure and unique frames at iiis. No Ray-Ban, Prada, or Vogue here. The ladies are all very nice and are very helpful and patient if you take hours to decide on your frames (ahem, me). Low pressure sales tactics. They are happy to help to find frames or if you want to browse solo, that's okay too. Plus they will even write down the glasses you're considering, both in their book and on a little card for you to take home. I'm not crazy about the location of Five Points but at least it's centrally located. iis is a little more expensive than what you might pay at other places but rest easy in the knowledge that you've got a very special pair of frames and are supporting a locally-owned shop. I did consider buying eyeglasses online but you just can't get personalized service like this online. This is great if you need adjustments later on. I'm very happy with my handcrafted-in-the-USA hipster specs!

Unique, top designer quality drama and lenses. Pricey but impaired to Ray Ban and other top…read moredesigners. Moscot was the brand that fit my pleasure.

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.

Great selection of glasses and affordable glasses. Other companies like lenscraters and America's…read moreBest and My Eye Doctor are way expensive.

I must take a second to brag on an associate that helped me yesterday. His name is Dontae. Hold on…read moreto him as long as possible. He was such a delight and so helpful with the glasses I wanted to try on. He went out of his way even when he knew it was not going to result in a sale. I truly was just trying on different styles.

Christina is a manager or the store manager of the sunglass hut galleria, she is awesome!! and…read morehas helped my mom and me several times!! she's great!

Came in to return a pair I decided wasn't for me and they helped me quickly and without hassle…read more They also recommended me a new pair and gave me the exact model number so I could order it online. Shout-out to Thomas!