Austin Vision Associates

Just went back again to AVA and saw Dr. Donna Shepard. The staff was again friendly. Don’t know what’s wrong with these people and why they are so polite and nice. Again, they were efficient with my time when I felt like wasting it, but they saw me a few minutes early. I didn’t even get time to finish my lobby water or read the article in the magazine. They acted liked they cared and wanted to really get down to business and check out my eyes.
Again, they used the same modern eye testing thingies like last time. Don’t businesses ever slack or go downhill? I’m not sure why these people were as great as my first visit with them. I suppose they are practicing consistency or some other big word like that.
I saw Dr. Shepard again. She was again friendly and well-​dressed with tasteful jewelry. I forgot to tell her how pretty her jewelry was because she was too busy examining my eyes, making me laugh and answering my questions with excellent answers that made sense. She was able to assess that now I need «night glasses» — I cannot tell you how sexy that makes me feel. By day no glasses, by night a whole new look and perhaps I’ll be able to see better while driving … Austin will now have one improved driver on the road at night thanks to Dr. Shepard!
I then wandered over to the «glasses» section or «frames» as they call it. And met some really cool chick with purple hair who shares my love of cats. I’m sure it’s all a ploy just to get me to like their business or something. Somehow the optical tech or whatever the proper name for this violet-​haired glass-​wearing goddess was, was able to show me frames that looked pretty good on this old face. All the ones I chose looked quite stupid. I went with her pick and am supposed to get my glasses in a couple weeks. In the meantime, I’ll just use the road braille to drive at night … oh and my high beams too, of course!
I have forced my husband to go see Dr. Donna Shepard and endure her smiling face, happiness and expertise. I informed her that he will be much better at the eye exam than me due to his years of coke-​bottle glasses and choosing between the «which looks better? one or two? two or three?» I have a hard time making these kinds of decisions.
Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be here AGAIN in another year or two … if you hate smiling, nice, thorough people THIS PLACE IS NOT FOR YOU!

I have been seeing Dr. Donna for years and she and her husband are amazing! Now my teenage son sees her husband and my teenage daughter sees Dr. Donna, too. They are on time, personable, and very thorough. Love AVA!

OK so I liked the optometrist OK, however, I had to return for a second appointment because the glasses were definitely giving me a headache and making my vision clear but disorienting. I was encouraged before returning them to give me time to adjust but I have wore glasses for years for nearsightedness and really only need them with driving and I never had a prescription be so bad right out the gate.
I gave it a week with no improvement, so I scheduled to come back in. After the second appointment he revised the prescription and they put in to get new lenses. I went and got them and put them on immediately knew that while there was some improvement they still did not feel right and there was def some blurriness. And I could feel a headache coming on.
The retail folks got pretty worked up ~ acted like I was being unreasonable ~ and said I just needed to give it time and I will be OK and acted like they didn’t want to have me see the doc a third time. Again I have been getting glasses for years and even with revised prescriptions never had this problem ever. They give me a headache.
So I am not going back. Not worth the hassle. Fortunately I only need them when I drive and don’t drive much but next year when insurance will cover a new pair, I am will for sure find a different provider.

Best frames in town by far! Staff goes above and beyond to make sure you get the right frames and perfect fit. Really like that they pick out several frames for me to consider and there’s always a couple that I wouldn’t even consider — those usually turn out to be the ones that I pick. Always get compliments on my frames and love my glasses.

Today I had my first visual migraine. I had no idea what was going on so I called my eye doctor, spoke with the front office staff, and set an appointment to come in and make sure I didn’t have an eye infection or something worse. Once I could see properly and could do some online searching I realized what I had experienced was probably a visual migraine. I called and spoke with them for several minutes and they confirmed that’s what had happened, talked about reasons it could have happened, and said that they would keep my appointment scheduled but write that hopefully I wouldn’t need to keep my appointment (aka: it was a visual migraine that seemed to be improving). So, bonus points for being so patient and informative with me over the phone during my first visual migraine.

I had been going to AVA for almost 3 years until this past Christmas.
I switched providers because AVA was too far away from home and their service had degraded over the years. The doctors are nice but the staff and store next door are not very sociable compared to when I first started going there. They seem preoccupied and disinterested now.
The interaction that sealed the deal for my divestment from AVA was when I went shopping for new glasses in the store right next to them in the same building. I walked in and was immediately overwhelmed by the daunting layout of the store. I asked the associate how they organize their glasses because there are no signs indicating which gender or brand is displayed. She ignored me until I engaged her. Her response was strike number 1. She said «Oh, well we organize them so we can manage them. It’s easier for us.» She said that gender and brands are mixed throughout the displays. Strike 2 was when she said the wait would be 15 minutes before I would get help to find a pair of glasses. Strike 3 was when I waited for 15 minutes and no one engaged me. So I left.
The bottom line is that an associate should always be available to help you find a pair and then a specialist will require the wait. I shouldn’t have to wait more than 2 minutes to receive help or be engaged by the staff.
I needed a new prescription anyway, so I made an appointment with AVA. They couldn’t see me for 10 days. Way too far out for me. And that was that.
I switched to Northwest Hills Eyecare. I couldn’t be happier with the switch. I recommend other providers and, specifically, Northwest Hills Eyecare.

I can’t say enough positive things about Dr Sheppard and staff. If I could give more stars, I would. They are always on time, extremely thorough and the customer service is over the top.

AMAZING! I have been in glasses since the age of 2 and contacts since 9 and this was the FIRST time I’ve had someone get my contact prescription correct AND on the first try! To put it in perspective… I couldnt tell you it was an «E» on the top of an eye chart other than for the fact that I just know it’s always an «E». I’ve never been able to see ²⁰⁄₂₀ in contacts, EVER. until now. I’m so so happy with Austin Vision Associates. The service was awesome and they take great care of you. Would highly recommend this place!

The exam itself was just fine, but the reception staff is highly incapable. After my exam I paid the exam fee and the fee for my contacts. They never called to tell me my contacts were in and when I called to see what was going on they said they’d forgotten to call and there was a fee they’d left off when I paid after my exam so I owed an additional $ 50.
Will not be back.

I have been seeing Donna Shepard for 22 years and she has always been wonderful and the office staff is friendly and helpful. AVA imagine next door has wonderful techs that help you find the best frames for you glasses! Love this place!

Went here because they are on my vision plan, close to work, decent reviews, and one of the office staff goes here. It was my first visit to an eye doctor in about 30 years. Oh the joy of aging.
I was not disappointed.
Made my appointment without issue. The staff on the phone was fine. I showed up 15 min early, filled out my paperwork and waited about 20 mins. Not bad, didn’t see anyone just milling around not working. The office staff was pleasant.
Dr Shepard got me herself. Easy exam, easy to talk with, didn’t give me the ‘used car salesman’ treatment I half expected.
Picking out frames was as painless as it could be. No rush, no upsell, the lady didn’t bring me the most expensive frames.
The only area I could see they could improve on was if everyone introduced themselves.
Will happily recommend them.

Been coming here since they had an office at Brodie Oaks. I hate coming to north Austin but the 2 dr Shepherds are worth it!
And I get to practice my Swedish with Tina from Norway! :)

Love this practice! I recently moved to Austin, and my last optometrist (in California) was such a stick in the mud, I didn’t realize how much fun a trip to the eye doctor could be! Luckily, a coworker recommended Austin Vision Associates.
First of all, the administrative staff is fantastic. I gave the front desk the wrong information about my insurance. After she was unable to find any coverage through the plan I had mistakenly given her, the woman at the front desk helpfully suggested that my vision coverage might be different from my main healthcare coverage, and she checked a few other providers for me. She was right! We got it all sorted out and she was super nice about it, even though I had wasted her time. Class act.
Next, I saw Dr. Donna Shepherd for my exam. She is easygoing, a great listener, and full of awesome advice. After a great eye exam that was both informative and efficient, I was introduced to a new brand of contact lenses that suits my budget and my lifestyle much better than my old brand. This all occurred while I was having great conversation with Dr. Shepherd, who is just a cool lady. I don’t know how else to say it: she’s cool! I had a great time.
Finally I needed to purchase new glasses, and AVA just kept impressing! Vicki (I believe this is her name) was SO helpful! Talk about bedside manner! I had a blast trying on different frames, and she even let me stay past closing time so I could try on a few more. She was always ready to give her opinion, but was never pushy about anything, just supportive.
Just a great experience all around. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Wonderful practice. They squeezed me in for an emergency. I had to bring my 2 young boys along, and they were exceedingly patient and accommodating. The office is beautiful and staff super friendly. During my exam with Donna, she asked how I drove there if I didn’t have my contacts in and wasn’t wearing glasses. I told her my glasses were taped together and in my bag. She asked to see them, and took them over to the «glasses» side where they fixed my frames free of charge! For a busy mom, that was huge! I had to wait about 15 – 20 minutes for my appt, but I didn’t mind because they were working me in on a Friday at the last minute anyway. I’ll be back fr sure!

I have seen both Donna and Steven Shepard. They are both very knowledgeable and professional as well as very friendly. My last few visits were to see Steven Shepard. I had unrelated surgery but I was having problems with my right eye getting proper lubrication. The Dr. found out I was allergic to the ointment the hospital had prescribed to me. He made sure I came in to see him every other day
(at no charge) and got my eye on the right track. BTW, the staff is very friendly as well. You just can’t go wrong with the Shepards. Thank you, Pam Collings

Great exam, Dr. Shepard (Steven) did a very thorough exam, broke down my vision in terms I could understand.
Next I was sent over to get my current glasses cleaned, and sized back to fit the way they should. I didn’t really need a new pair of glasses as this was just routine maintenance on the old eyes, but the gal selling glasses spent time with me looking at possible options for new glasses and didn’t make me feel as if I was wasting her time.
I love this office and their customer service.

I went in a few days before I was headed on vacation to get a box of contacts — Now, I don’t normally purchase my contacts from the doctor’s office (I’m no Miss Moneybags), but I was in a pinch and just hoping to get a pair of trial lenses to hold me over for three or four days.
The receptionist was not the nicest person, but I expected that going in — they were totally unwilling to give me a trial pair of lenses and claimed to be totally out of stock in my prescription.
Dr. Donna Shephard walked by and saw what was going on and mentioned that they had a different brand of contacts in my prescription sitting in the back and that the receptionist could give me those. SAVED, I thought.
No… when the receptionist went to go find that pair, Dr. Shephard went with her and told her she could charge me $ 20 for one trial pair of lenses. $ 20 for a pair of lenses that were clearly marked «NOT FOR SALE» on the box.
I get it that this is a business and that these people need to make money, but really? I have been a loyal patron for a few years and this is the treatment I get?
Did I also mention that I went to see her once because my eyes were super puffy and I thought it was a result of my contacts? Turned out to be cedar allergies. Anyway, I called before going in and was assured that I would not be charged because I was due for a follow-​up to my appointment the week prior anyway. After I left, her assistant called me like a stalker to get my medical insurance so they could bill it there instead of vision. Great bedside manner, wouldn’t you say?
No sir, I will not be headed back here.

This is, by far, the best eye care office I’ve ever been to. Dr. Donna Shepard is quick, attentive, and easy to relax around. Dealing with the staff has always been a pleasant experience, even when I’ve had to wait in high volume times.
A couple of years ago, I was experiencing blinding eye pain (literally) and couldn’t get in to see an opthamologist for weeks. I called Dr. Shepard to see if she could help get me in somewhere more quickly, and she just had me come in immediately to look at my eyes herself. (Incidentally, avoid using store brand or Opti-​Free saline solution, unless you’d like to run the risk of experiencing a corneal chemical burn, as well.)
But the icing on this ocular cake is Michael the optician. I and every single person I’ve referred to this office have left with a pair of glasses they were REALLY excited about. He can see if you’re not up for eyewear adventure, but if you are, he has an amazing sensibility for what will look good on you and he can make you feel comfortable taking the leap. If If you never get that excited about getting new glasses, Michael (and other staff members, Dr. Shepard included) will change that.
Update: I guess they noticed Michaels’ popularity, and they’ve expanded their optician department. It’s now a full, expansive room with several equally talented and enthusiastic opticians. The lady that worked with me this time was awesome, and, of course, I love my glasses.

Did you know I have astigmatism? Neither did I! And unless it was something that just developed over the last year and a half, neither did any of my previous eye doctors.
I got to my appointment 15 minutes early since I was a new patient, and was greeted warmly by the staff. I filled out my paperwork, and I staff member took me back for a couple of tests to prepare for the doctor. I sat back down for a couple of minutes and Dr. Donna Shepard appeared almost exactly on time. Like magic!
Donna is a sweet heart, and beautiful. What makes her so great is that she explains everything to you. Why you are having the problems you’re having, what will work to correct your vision, and why my old glasses/​contacts weren’t working. She was informative, but casual, and didn’t talk AT me.
Next, she handed me over to Michael to get some glasses. After reading the reviews here, I had high hopes. Michael is great. He is fun, funny, and made me feel like he only wanted to put me in glasses that looked great on me. I explained what I liked and my «style» and he said, I like where you’re going,. I just want to girl you up a bit.” And he didn’t put me in pink glasses! Or glasses with sparkles or swirly details. Just frames that were not as bold and harsh on my face. Now, I have stylish, not too expensive, smart looking glasses. He even laughed at my jokes!
Unfortunately, they didn’t have one of the contacts I needed for a fitting. However, they are ordering some for me to try, so I’ll be back later this week!
If you aren’t in love with your eye doctor, you really need to come see Dr. Shepard and Michael!

The short version: This place is awesome, the people are super friendly and helpful, they are fast, and I now have the coolest glasses ever.
The slightly more detailed version: My insurance recently changed, so I compared places I found in my insurance directory with Unilocal to find something that looked good. I went here to see Dr. Steven Shepard for my annual eye exam about a week ago. I got there about 10 minutes before my appointment, filled out my forms, sat down and started to read my book. No sooner had I read one sentence when they called me back. Honestly I can’t remember the last time I was seen on time at an eye doctor. The doctor was very friendly and did a super thorough exam in record time, while somehow not making me feel rushed.
Once my exam was done I went over to the glasses shop to pick some frames out. I wasn’t sure what time they closed so I mentioned to the guy helping me to let me know if I was keeping them. He picked out several frames for me to try based on what I said I was looking for, and even got a second opinion when I wasn’t sure which frames to choose. By the time I left I realized that I had kept them about 20 minutes past closing, but they never once rushed me or were rude.
It took about a week for my glasses to come in. A few days after picking them up and getting them fitted I felt like they could use a slight adjustment. Once again they were super friendly and happy to help, and they even gave me an extra pair of temples for my glasses! So now it’s like I have a wild pair of glasses for going out plus an everyday pair, for no extra charge.
I am totally blown away at how friendly and helpful everyone is.