This was my first experience here. The office was not very busy when I walked in, but no one made eyencontact with me or helped me understand where to go. FThe reception/registration staff were loudly carrying conversations and gossiping the entire time I was waiting. This was unprofessional. Another person who was waiting before me was asked by a staff person to go ait at the counter. Then, another staff person loudly called his name a few times then got upset, thinking she was being ignored. I had to speak up and say he was in the other room. Why was the communication so poor vehind people at the same desk?
When I was called over, the staff person mispronounced my last name multiple times, even after I corrected her. I did not feel welcomed or valued as a new patient. She further loudly confirmed my full name and my DOB even though there were others in the waiting room. I'm not sure this falls under proper HIPAA procedure. The staff person who called me over to take me to the back room was curt, did not look me in the eye or treat me politely. She gave confusing directions, and was visibly irritated when I did not immediately know where to sit and wait. When I was taken to the back room, another staff person joined and they started gossipped about their coworkers (and their coworkers' mothers) as if I was not there. Then, they both intermittently ask me questions about my health. I was confused as to when they were speaking to each other and when they were speaking to me. For example, after gossiping to her coworker about something one asked "do you smoke?" And I was not sure if the question was for me or for her coworker. I suspect that I did not need two members of staff questioning me at the same time. It felt unprofessional, and I did not think my health information was being handled appropriately nor privately.
However, once I was seen by the doctor, everything went a little more smoothly. She was polite and informative. She patiently answered my questions and helped me understand next steps.
I am considering looking for another optometry practice for next year's exam. If it were not for the doctor, I would immediately find another practice.
