Tanglewood Vision Center

So I stopped here to get my contact lenses, mainly because they were super close to my house, and I needed to make an early appt so the closer the better.
Upon walking in, I was greeted and asked what I was there for (pretty standard) I can understand some of the reviews where they talk about the front desk staff being snobby, BUT in their defense they get their job done so I can’t really complain, they haven’t been RUDE.
When it came to the exam itself it was also pretty standard. Nothing super warm but, I guess I don’t really care how much people TALK to me as long as the job is getting done correctly. The optometrist herself was very pleasant. the second time I went in to actually get my contacts the male optometrist was late by like 20 minutes, and wasn’t really my cup of tea but one again whatever.
The ONLY issue I had was the fact that they got my Rx mixed up. I’ve never worn contacts before so I didnt really know what to expect. They put the «L» Sticker on the «R» box so I ended up wasting like, 3 pairs of contacts before that came to my mind of just switching eyes. You kinda trust the people to do their job. But they did rectifiy the situatuion and gave me a replacement pairs. So Hey, as long as you can acknowledge your mistake, it’s all good.
I would recommend for contacts, their glasses selection is not super great.

This is a review of the optical, not the doctor, as I did not have an eye exam here. Frankly, I was surprised to see so many negative comments about the staff because my experience with the opticianry was wonderful. I’m not a patient here but was greeted politely as a walk-​in by a young woman at the front desk and then was seen immediately by Ashley, an extremely nice and experienced optician, who helped me with a broken frame in need of some TLC. Not once was I treated with anything but respect and friendliness, and I never felt rushed or pushed. I found the front office to be clean and stocked with nice, reasonably priced frames. Docking 1 star because I have no experience being treated by the doctor, so I can’t comment on the practice as a whole, but it is not intended to be a reflection on the front office/​staff; they get 5 stars.

Soooo I freaked out because I didn’t read any of these reviews before I made an appointment here so I went in freaking out like oh no they may over charge me but…
I actually had a very pleasant experience here!
When I called the day before to make my appointment the receptionist was knowledgable about my insurance. When I went in I made sure that I was only paying the copay and wasn’t snuck into anything I didn’t want to pay extra for. Everything was in writing there when you go in — it’s not like they don’t tell you everything. I asked the questions and they gave me answers.
My eye exam was quick and even after spending some time picking frames I was only there for like 45 minutes. I didn’t pay anymore than what I thought I would.
Also the staff are all really nice people!
So in conclusion the reviews I read here made me worry for nothing.

I came here for the sole purpose of being in network with insurance. I was not impressed.
My reason for seeing an eye doctor was to establish my new place since I recently moved here. Also, for the fact that I am out of contacts.
First thing that went wrong, they tried to charge me $ 80 for a contact fitting. I was told that it was not covered by insurance. Low and behold I got on the phone with insurance and what do you know, it’s only $ 40. They also do try to guilt trip you into getting the optimap which is $ 39 a top of the art test checking for glaucoma and other eye issues. However, they fail to mention that they can do the exact same thing for free by dilating your pupils and checking that way instead.
I think what bothered me most is that the staff was rushed I was their last patient and it was obvious. The sad part is I showed up early and they took me back early so they were going to get out earlier than usual anyways. They were rushing me around trying to get me out to the point that they told me I could call back to order my contacts. Again, the whole reason I went in the first place. Do not waste your time. The doctor was nice but he needs a new staff trained in customer service. If it were up to me I’d give it zero stars.

I’ve been a customer of Dr. McGowan for 7 – 8 years now, and will be going back for my next exam and glasses/​contacts. After reading some of the other reviews I felt compelled to post my experiences & opinion. Every staff member has always been friendly & professional, and Dr. McGowan has been a great doctor.
The 2^nd time I went for my exam there was a different doctor substituting for him. I did not like him at all — I almost didn’t go back. I told Dr. McGowan as much.
I’ve never smelled cigarette smoke there… the place has always been clean & tidy. I’m just a customer; I don’t know the staff’s names. I don’t know anyone outside the store. I’m a repeat customer because I trust them. They’ve always given me a fair deal and reliable service.

I had my very first visit with them today in order to inquire about contacts. The first girl that did tests with me wasn’t very polite at first. I had to explain that I was nervous about getting contacts and had a lot of questions. I had filled out paperwork online prior to my appointment so her not knowing why I was there annoyed me. Everyone I dealt with after that was nice especially the girl that taught me how to put in and take out my contacts. I also appreciated that I was able to get my contacts same day.

not very impressed with this place. Went w/​my husband to get an exam and felt like they suckered him into getting this exam that replaces the dilation test. It was $ 40 more and they didn’t confirm that he was indeed going to have to pay more for it. The «rejection» spot for it was misleading.
We proceed to order contacts for him and they replace the major brand name w/​their brand. I was told it was the exact same thing just a different label on it. Either way I dont like feeling like we are not being told things up front. I feel like they snuck this stuff in when you can’t do much once it’s caught.
Don’t plan on having the rest of the family going here.

I’ve had glasses since I was 3, so I have definitely had my fair share of eye doctors. This was my first visit to Dr. McGowan, and he is as friendly and professional as they come! Dr. McGowan was very personable during the customary routine of exams, and outfitted me with the perfect contacts and glasses, which is not an easy feat considering my wonky prescription!
Overall great experience. I will definitely be back.

I wanted to like this place and the people, but it just didn’t happen. First thing I noticed was the cigarette smell and the general lack of cleanliness. Next, I listened to the staff (very loudly) gossip and repeatedly put-​down a nice enough customer who had just walked out after enduring a sleazy sales pitch from one of the ladies and spending quite a bit of money. When Dr. McGowan finally saw me 30 minutes after my appointment time, he was professional enough except for complimenting me on my physique a few times. Lo and behold, I was being given a contact lens exam fitting that I wasn’t made aware of, or agreed to. I made it clear on my forms and in discussion that I was simply there to establish new eye care and get a prescription for glasses. After the sleazy sales lady tried to charge me $ 60 for the exam, and I politely declined, she rudely turned me over to someone else who tried to convince me further that «this is just what you get done when you go in for an eye exam.» Horrible customer service from a group of unprofessional ladies, if you ask me. I’d recommend taking your business elsewhere. I’m certainly going to!

I had a great visit! The staff and optometrist were fast, friendly and efficient. I had a thorough exam with my eyes dilated and everything and I was still out of there in less than an hour. The staff member that helped me pick out glasses was very knowledgeable and guided me to choosing a great pair.
I found my eye center.

Well, I got my glasses in and the prescription seems fine, but my $ 300 frames are scratched and wonky. I’m taking them in tomorrow to ave them take a look and see if I can get new frames.