Primary Eye Care Center — Local services in Mary Esther

I have not been to an eye doctor in quite some time, at least 6-7 years, because well, life. College, moving across the country, having my first child, mental health issues, and any other possible thing you can think of. I have been struggling to get my insurance figured out since starting a new job a couple months ago, but now I finally have eye insurance. I have needed new glasses and contacts for some time now and have also been struggling with my vision for as long as I can remember. These are all reasons I was THRILLED and SO excited to finally get an appointment set up. None of my life events are news to me, however it was to the dr here, (who never even told me his name,) but I never got the chance to give him any valuable information about my vision history because he kept interrupting me and belittling me and just seemingly flat out not paying attention to anything I had to say. But had he let me finish any of my sentences, the majority of his questions could've been answered. This dr made sure I didn't forget how awful my vision was, how crazy it is that I have been reading/walking/driving/ etc all around with glasses less than half of the prescription I actually need for as long as I have, and that I'm practically a blind woman, as if I wasn't aware how messed up my vision is. I know how to take a joke; this was not lighthearted or joking in any way. I am well aware my vision is an issue, which is why I scheduled an eye appointment as soon as I was able to have insurance coverage and the extra money to afford my needs and working with what I have in the meantime. I nearly started crying out of frustration during my appointment because this dr treated me so poorly, truly not one positive moment other than the fact I have some contacts I can actually see out of and new glasses are on the way. He had an extremely negative tone and he treated me like I had no idea what I was talking about when it came to MY vision and what I literally see every single day. I felt like I was being barked at, like I was in trouble, and like I was a huge inconvenience for trying to meet my basic needs. This dr also told me I needed to get my eyes caught up with the 21st century, which offended me because he doesn't know my life or my struggles or reasoning behind why it's been so long, but also confused me considering the fact that the entire office is so outdated when it comes to technology and cleanliness. During my appt I was also given some trial contacts to put in. I haven't been able to wear contacts in a while due to the condition of my eyes and not having refills, but it's not new to me and I know what I am doing. I expressed that I felt there was an eye lash in my eye as I was trying to adjust the contact, to which the dr responded with rinsing his hands off with just water (no soap) and then digging his fingers in my eye to adjust the contact before I could even realize what was happening or get it adjusted on my own. I did not appreciate how harshly I was treated, and how I did not have the opportunity to voice my concerns completely, and I also did not appreciate the way my personal space was violated in more than one way. To add to the overall lack of bedside manner, I felt his private area resting on my knee as he was examining my eyes. I understand that the machinery calls for being close, but I have never had a physical situation like this at another eye dr, or any other kind of dr besides when I gave birth, and I was extremely uncomfortable when I felt the dr adjust his junk on my knee twice during the exam. I do not plan on returning to this place for my eye care after picking up the glasses I already ordered because I NEED them and can't continue to wait on it. I should have done my research before scheduling, but it was something I have been tired of waiting on. It should not be this much of a negative experience or hassle just to get some...

False co-pay charges......optometrist...not a specialist ophthalmologist.....is a specialist. Visited with my son, was referred by my insurance (staywell) and was able to get me in quick. The lady at the desk was super nice, polite, and patient with my child, the optometrist, not so patient and rough around the edges along with the man who did his measurements. I turned a blind eye and brushed it off. At the end, we had a $10 co-pay on his glasses (expected) and a $5 specialist co-pay (unexpected). To sum it up, they are charging specialist fees when they are not a specialist, when tried to explain to them, they argued, and my insurance company had to call and get my money issued back to me, she was told he mixed up the insurance. I know they lied to her because he verified everything with me before he hung up on me after I said I was calling the insurance company back. This is fraud. The insurance company is going to look into this further.

Edit....they did refund the extra money I was charged after insurance contacted them. They mailed me a letter explaining we are no longer welcome back due to this review, instead of trying to turn things around for a...

I have been going to Dr. Bazarte for about 10 years now. The Dr. and the Staff are always professional and efficient. I get an exam and glasses in about an hour and I can always see better when I leave. A couple of people have complained that his equipment is dated. So what? Everyone can see better when they leave. New isn't always better. I use vintage and "dated" tools everyday by choice. Like another reviewer here I get irritated by how soft and easily offended people are today. Dr. Bazarte is a no nonsense, focused on the task at hand type guy. He has to be to be as efficient as possible to get as many people seen as possible. The majority of people are covered by Medicaid. Staywell and Wellcare are Medicaid providers. Medicaid pays ridiculously low. Most doctors don't accept Medicaid for good reasons. They can't stay in business with the low rates and the excessively time consuming paperwork and approvals etc. He is not required to coddle any one or to just ignore your disruptive, uncooperative kids. Stop all the...