Halpern Joel OD

I am an «out-​of-​town-​client» that experienced a superior /​initial consultation followed by horrible follow-​up service @ Halpern Associates.
In a nutshell, I travel from Fairfax, VA to visit my elderly folks in Dover, DE on an alternating weekly basis. During a recent visit, I accidentally tore a contact lens and needed an immediate replacement. Halpern Assoc. accepted my request for an appointment on 5÷15÷12. I enjoyed my experience so much, that I decided to purchase both new glasses and contact lenses after my initial consultation. At the conclusion of my evaluation, I was provided with two new contact lenses and I both paid for my (initial) lenses and new glasses. Dr. Halpern supposedly instructed me to call him directly to confirm my lenses were acceptable after wearing for one week — so he could provide me with the additional lenses. Apparently I misunderstood. Additional lenses were never sent to me after a month without any communication, I re-​established communication on 6÷13÷12 to relay my concerns. Additionally, after speaking with Dr. Halpern (on 6÷13÷12), my glasses were not ready for pick-​up either when I visited the S Govenors La. location on 6÷15÷12. I learned during this second visit that my glasses were not ordered until 6/13…AND that my contact lenses were to cost me an ADDITIONAL $ 320.00, which I hesitantly paid for on 6÷15÷12…
To date, I have a supply of contact lenses ample for one year. I have yet to receive my glasses and have spent in excess of $ 800.00. This type of carelessness warrants NO REPEAT BUSINESS. I could have had the same procedures performed & received my final products in less that a week for LESS THAN HALF THE COST than Dr. Halpern’s practice charged me in the Washington, DC area.
BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT ALL PROCEDURES & RELATED EXPENSES BEFORE DOING BUSINESS WITH HALPERN ASSOCIATES!
If the back-​end of my transaction was performed much more quickly /​and with ample communication, I would have had a MUCH better customer experience. Unfortunately, the poorly trained personnel & unambitious staff has cost Dr. Halpern any future business on my behalf.