Gerstein Eye Institute

Dr. Craif Gerstein did a cataract operation on me, and when the tech had trouble getting measurements, Dr. Gerstein told he «just use the other eye.» As a result, he put in the wrong lens, leaving me off by SIX DIOPTERS and unable to ever wear glasses again because of anisometropia. I would never recommend him.

THANK YOU DR. GERSTEIN AND STAFF!!! Dr. Craig Gerstein performed my cataract surgeries flawlessly. From the first visit, I was immediately put at ease with the friendly front desk staff. After seeing Dr. Gerstein, he had me schedule my surgery with his lovely surgical coordinator. She answered all of my questions and was very patient and kind. I will continue to see Dr. Gerstein for all of my eyecare needs, as well as my family. Thank you for giving me my sight back!

I saw Dr. Melvyn Gerstein this week and learned i have ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision and healthy eyes. The staff was extra helpful and Dr. Gerstein was great and answered all my questions in detail.
Thanks!
Steve W.

I had Lasik done with Dr. Gerstein on 12÷12÷14. I am so happy with the procedure. The office was very friendly and knowledgeable.
I have been wearing contacts/​glasses for 17 years and now I have ²⁰⁄₂₀ vision and no complaints.
The Dr explained everything in detail (more than once) and made me feel very comfortable with having lasik done. If you are looking for a great Dr for Lasik, go here!

This is the first time that I am writing a truly negative review since I’ve joined Unilocal ! I felt bad about it in a way, but after reading some of the other reviews on here I feel better !!
I have to start of by saying that Dr. Craig Gerstein is awesome ! I like his personality, he is very kind, quick, always answered all my questions and I felt like I received a thorough exam from him. He is definitely 5 stars.
Now on to the horrible part… the front desk staff… the one star !
I have been going to this place for a long time now. My insurance has been the same for the last five years. Today when I showed up for my appointment I was told that I need to have a referral in order to be seen (this was NEVER mentioned before). The receptionist (I wish I remembered her name) told me that since I have an HMO I cannot be seen without a referral. When I pointed out that no one ever asked me for this in the past, and that I have used the same insurance for a while now, she looks at my records and goes «oh, it looks like you insurance never covered the visits, that is why you always had a high co payment». (Let me tell you, I almost lost it at this point!!!) I took a deep breath, and asked her how in the world no one ever said anything, I have been overpaying for YEARS !!! All she could say was that she was not here, she does not know and cannot do anything to help me besides reschedule my appointment. No one was there that knew what they were doing so that was all that could be done. I have two jobs, go to school and a four year old, rescheduling is not helpful! It occurred to me that maybe she is not being helpful because I have an HMO (and they dont get as much money as they would from a PPO) I turned away from her and walked out.
In retrospect, its partially my fault for not looking at all the paperwork my insurance sends me. In my defense, I am married to a Marine and moved a lot and did not keep track. Since my family lives in Chicago I always made sure to have my exams at this office since I love Dr.Gerstein. No more of that, the front desks incompetence ruined it for me!
Any recommendations for a good eye doctor?

Update. So I went to lens crafters in Northbrook mall with my dad because we felt like our prescriptions were not right (especially my contacts one).
Apparently the optometrist here told me that I had an astigmatism and that Dr. G was not giving me contacts for people with this problem. Instead he was trying to get away with somehow fudging with the prescription numbers (I don’t know too much about how this works but I am happy with my new oasis contacts for people with astigmatisms).
Since Dr. G is an ophthalmologist which is a doctor who specializes in eye disorders I can’t speak to how he treats people with these problems or is as surgeon. If you need to get a prescription avoid this place and go to a optometrist!

I went here looking for a skilled doctor who could do the Lasik operation on my eyes. I was done with contacts and glasses and wanted to have my eyes back. Honestly, couldn’t have picked a better place. All the staff was friendly, Dr. Gerstein answered all my concerns, after my thorough research. I went in as informed as possible. It’s been a few weeks and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the procedure! I can see! If your looking for a skilled doctor and like me couldn’t see more than 6 inches in focus, then look no further. Lasik is nothing short of a miracle!

I was referred to Dr. Craig Gerstein by my general doctor since my cataracts started to create more and more problems for me. I spend a lot of time reading, on the computer and driving at all times of day and night & throughout all Chicago seasons & weathers.
My experience at Dr. Gerstein’s office was very pleasant. I did not encounter any issues with the staff in his office. Dr. Gerstein examined my eyes, explained the procedure, presented available options, & we set a date for the removal of the cataracts from both eyes with a one week interval in-​betwen the two procedures. Now, I have monofocal lenses implanted in both eyes and I am amazed by the results. Dr. Craig Gerstein is very professional in his interaction with the patient, however, he is also very friendly. I have already told a number of my friends about my experience and I intend to refer to Dr. Craig Gernstein anyone who may be looking for a highly skilled opthamologist.
Barbara S., Chicago

I had terrible eye pain and needed help fast. Called a couple of offices in the area. I either reached a machine or someone telling me that there was no way they would see me. Then I called the Gerstein Eye Institute. The receptionist (yeah a real person) told me that the doctor would fit me into the office that day. I saw Dr. Craig Gerstein. He gave me a drop that immediately took care of my pain and told me I had a scratch on my eye. Yikes! He was very helpful and kind. Made sure that all my questions were answered and even told me to call if I had any issues. I followed up with Dr. Craig the next day ((a Saturday) and my scratch had completely healed. No more pain! Since then I’ve sent a couple of friends to the office and they have all enjoyed their experience there. It’s great to have a doctor who not only knows what he/​she is doing but they actually care and take time to make sure you have all your questions asked. Go here if you need a great doctor who’s a got a great bedside manner.

Clinically, Gerstein Eye Insitute is great. The office receptionists & manager are very unprofessional. After being a patient since 1979 I was really disappointed in the attitude of the staff. Shame on you guys!

I had horrible eye issues and went to many eye doctors in the city who misdiagnosed me and then I went to the Gerstein Eye Institute and they finally were able to treat my infection. I then had Lasik done and it was the most amazing experience, Dr Craig was so great and even came in on a Sunday to check how I was doing. I have also bought many pairs of great designer sunglasses from them as well.

I went here for my Lasik procedure. I was referred by my Optometrist with glowing reviews. I went for the test to see if I’m a candidate and went through that without any problems. The office workers were nice and I didn’t have any problems. Cathy took care of my test and then Dr. Gerstein came in for the review and gave me the thumbs up. I schedule my appointment a few months later and took another test just to make sure nothing changed. I never had a problem with scheduling or billing with them. They were extremely helpful and caring. Cathy deserves 5 stars alone! The hospital (Illinois Masonic) was easy to get to and had convenient parking attached. The operation was super fast and Dr. Gerstein really does help take the edge off. He’s got a great personality and attitude and he helps you feel at ease. I went back for my followup the next day and things were good. I’ve been going to my normal Optometrist for all my followup so I can’t vouch for the followup care but the operation and everything else leading up to it were a breeze. They are not a cut-​rate hack job place. I received excellent care and am very satisfied with the service provided. I would recommend to anybody looking to get Lasik!

I went to Gerstein Eye Institute because I was in need of an opthamologist when I developed contact lens intolerance that didn’t clear up after the treatment prescribed by the optometrist at LensCrafters. Pros: I was able to get in within just a few days, and I really appreciate that they have Saturday appointments, as I hate to use precious PTO for a doctor’s appointment. I also have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Craig Gerstein… he took great care of me and is very personable as well. I was more impressed with him than with other opthamologists I’ve seen here in Chicago. He took plenty of time to explain everything to me and answered all of my questions. He also remembered me by face when my chart was misplaced (see below). My main complaint about Gerstein pertains to wait times. I waited OVER an hour past my scheduled appointment time at my first of 3 appointments there. The next 2 appointments also ran late, but 30 minutes or less, which is more acceptable but still annoying. They also misplaced my chart for my final appointment, which meant I had to fill out some forms and such a second time. The administrative staff clearly needs to get some things together. I would definitely recommend Gerstein Eye Institute for the quality of care, but be prepared to wait for your appointment.

My family has been visiting Dr. Gerstein’s office for at least 10 years. They have purchased many expensive glasses there over the years, but will absolutely NEVER go there again after the way they were treated on the last visit.
A year ago, my grandma spent over $ 500 on glasses. When she picked them up, she immediately told them there was a problem with the frames. She was told it’s no problem, they can be adjusted. The frames were too small for her and fell on her cheeks no matter how they were adjusted. She went back again to have them adjusted, and was told they were fine and didn’t need adjustment.
After a year with these glasses she can’t use, she went in to Dr. Gerstein’s office and asked for them to exchange the glasses for another pair. Dr. Gerstein refused to take responsibility for the poor-​fitting glasses, saying there was no warranty, and they don’t have to replace them. Dr. Gerstein said he would offer her 20% discount only if she bought another expensive pair of glasses. My grandma cannot afford another pair of glasses and is now left with glasses that she needs, in order to read, but hurt her face every time she puts them on. This doctor’s office cares only about profit. You should avoid his office like the plague!