Empire Visionworks Southside Mall — Local services in Town of Oneonta

I had a terrible experience at Visionworks. I arrived promptly at 10am for my appointment and was told that my insurance would not cover the exam or contacts. I was advised to call the insurance company so I stepped outside to call the insurance company and had everything squared away. I walked back in and let them know I spoke with an insurance representative and wanted to have the exam anyway. The lady at the desk told me that I could no longer have my appointment because there is a “10 minute rule” and can only have so many appointments per hour due to COVID. I was there AT 10 and did not take more than 10 minutes outside to talk to insurance.

As I talked to her, she was scrolling on the computer and rudely says “This is private information. Do not look at this screen”. I was not purposely looking for any information and could not read the screen from where I was standing. I was simply watching her as we had a conversation. Not only did she have a unpleasant tone of voice when speaking with me, I explained to her that it had taken me 40 minutes to get to the appointment and I did not have extra time from work to take off because I am pregnant. Her response was a short “I appreciate what you are saying but we have rules here”. Rules? I followed all of the rules.

When I explained that my annual exam was due in April but could not have it done due to COVID, she simply replied “sorry”. When I told her that my insurance provider was offering a discount on exams and contacts due to COVID, she said “I’ve never heard of that, I’ve done this a long time and have never had that happen”. As if I was lying? Very unprofessional.

Turning a patient away that needs a prescription to order contacts is unacceptable. I’ve never experienced worse customer support and do not plan on going back to...

They have Great Selections at this Store, I had a Couple of Pairs of Glasses that I absolutely Loved from here. The doctors really Listen to what you have to say and make all the Necessary Referrals if Need be. I told them I was having an eye problem to where I go Temporarily Blind for 30-45 Minutes, and they referred me and Recommended me To One of the Best Eye Doctors in The Area!

I do Like the deal and coupons that they Do! Like Buy A Set of Frames, Get One Free!! Besides them Losing a Eye doctor, and Not Being able to Operate Fully, They still are doing a Wonderful Job, and Try their Very Best!! All the Optometrists are Super Friendly, and Efficient in Their Work. The front Desk lady with Short Brown Hair, is super sweet, and Inviting! They lack Nothing when it comes to making sure everything “checks out” and Fits when it comes down to it! I do Like all the Options, and I Love Coming here to Get my Yearly Eye Test, and To have all my “Seeing-Needs” Taken care of!

—————————————————————————— My Recommendations:

•If you know you’re going to Get your Eyes dilated to get a new set of Glasses, Choose your Glasses First!! You won’t be able to see ANYTHING after you get them Dilated! • Take advantage of Coupons and Deals! • The Mobile Alert- For when your Glasses Come in- is Extremely Helpful, sometimes they won’t call you. And you’ll just get a Text saying they Arrived Instead. :) —————————————————————————

Pros: -Nice Optometrists! Cordial Staff! -Proficient in Knowledge! -Speedy and Efficient!! -Awesome Deals -Neat, Organize, and Sanitary! -They have Quite the Selection Of Styles and Options! -Walk In, So you can Be Helped almost Immediately!

Cons: I have...

What a terrible experience! On September 30th, After waiting 2 weeks for an appointment, receiving a confirmation phone call the day before and driving an hour to the Oneonta location I was told my son's insurance would not cover his appointment until October 4th.... When I questioned why I was not told about this prior to my son missing school, me taking time off of work and driving an hour I was told they only check the insurance a few days before, and they had no idea why I was not told. When I asked to speak to the manager a woman named Kathryn came over to talk to me. Her fix for the mess up was to tell me "Well you can pay $69.00 for an exam and come back another time to get glasses" Why would I pay when he is covered by insurance??? When asked why I was not informed about the mix up Kathryn said" Well the computer shows we called you yesterday" When I explained I spoke to one of her staff the prior day and it was a confirmation call she said, " Well I don't know what to tell you" No apology, no problem solving, no accommodation made due to their error. Totally unprofessional & rude. My family has been a customer of Vision Works for 9 years for 2 children. I have always gone to the Kingston office and had no issues, this was my first & last trip to Oneonta, may never return to a Vision Works location ever again after this! No choice but to give 1 star to post this when they...