Schaeffer Eye Center

I will never wear glasses again, and the amazing thing is that I don’t need them, thanks to Schaeffer 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.

I was scheduled for lasik eye surgery this month but has to cancel last minute (literally a day before) due to a schedule conflict. However, my pre-​op experience with Scheaffer and Chad Simmons the Director of Laservision, in particular, was excellent and Chad did such an above and beyond job for working with my hectic work schedule that I felt compelled to write this review. I went through 2 pre op examinations involving an assessment of my corneal thickness to determine whether I was a good candidate for lasik or not. Chad and the other associates took their time explaining the details of my chart, the procedure and answered every question and concern I had. Plus they are amazingly friendly and you really feel that they have your best interest at heart. I was not able to have my lasik done at this time around but will definitely try again. Amazing folks!

Schaeffer performed lasik on my wife, and its been several months now and she’s happy with the results. And if she’s happy, I’m happy. I realize that my 2-​stars from my last review might have been a bit much.
If this place was a revolving door, I’d probably be worried about the quality and care they give their patients. I’m glad they take their time.
I still think that there can be improvement regarding the wait time, because no one wants to be at the doctor office for hours, no matter how good it is.

My daughter, aged 23 and college educated, needed to renew her contact lens prescription. I told her 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 went in looking for a new pair of Ray band sunglasses to replace my current pair, which was starting to get a little old. When I first entered the store I was greeted by an associate who made every attempt to assist me in my search for a new pair of sunglasses. The associate was very informed and was able to answer any questions I had about the products. I mentioned that I was primarily interested in a new pair of Ray Bands, and the associate recommended I try the slim Wayfarer style of frame. His recommendation was exactly what I was looking for and I have enjoyed the sun glasses ever since. Overall, it was a great experience and I will most definitely be a repeat customer!

I had problems with my visit and after I posted a review about my issues, they contacted me and settled them straightaway. I was also told they were changing the way they are doing things to be more clear about their services and charges and such.
The staff was very nice and the contact that I received after my review was very professional and friendly.