Accent On Eyes Optometry

I have got nothing but excellent service from Dr. McIntrye. You da wo-​man Dock.

Dr. McIntyre is very personable and I believe that she is a competent Dr. but my experience was extremely frustrating. The organization of the Dr. and her office was well below the tolerable level. I made an appointment with Dr. McIntyre because of a recommendation and she was listed as a provider in my vision plan. I called the office and got stuck in their phone loop that kept suggesting that I make an appointment online. I made the appointment online but the confirmation and validation feature did not work… that should have been a sign! I was finally able to confirm the appointment by emailing the Dr. I ended up paying more with insurance coverage than I do when I go to an out of plan provider. I was to get a trial pair of contacts and had to keep calling when I could get through to see if they were in. Went through this twice then found out they were closing their office and that she had only given her staff a one week notice on this. I finally got my prescriptions from her the day before her office was supposed to close and ordered my contacts online but the online company cannot reach the Dr. to verify my prescription so I have to fax it to them. This has been 2 months on and off chasing this Dr. around and I still don’t have contacts or glasses although she very quickly submitted her claim to my insurance company. I can see why she is now out of business but I understand that she is going to an established practice in Escondido.

First of all, Dr. McIntyre is congenial and obviously experienced. She has tons of eye-​examining equipment, which she should probably sell off some to streamline her operation, as the patient has to move from room to room throughout the exam. But I’m not an eye doctor, so perhaps they need all that stuff. It just seemed like there was too much and that it would serve the Dr and her clients to reduce and consolidate. Things also seemed a bit disorganized and the Dr a little scattered. And though I can relate, being a middle-​aged woman myself, it didn’t engender confidence. Perhaps this is a new location and they hadn’t yet fully settled. In the end, I let myself be talked out of a pair of glasses that I still (weeks later) feel would have looked better on me. The pair the Dr and her receptionist (optician was out due to injury) talked me into are not my style. I suspect they thought my choice was too «hipster».
Two main issues remain. 1. The cost: Even though we’ve had VSP insurance with various employers for years, this is the first time I used it and went with a VSP provider. These glasses without the insurance, Dr. McIntyre told me, would have been over $ 800! That’s double my cost at non-​VSP providers, which makes me think this, and perhaps other providers, pad the cost because there’s insurance. After insurance, it was the same as I pay without. 2. The prescription: With these new specs my vision is not sharp; I feel like I’m always squinting to see clearly, which encourages wrinkles I was hoping to ease with a new Rx. There’s just a general dullness or blurriness to my world that I didn’t expect with new glasses. Usually, a new pair of glasses makes everything super sharp, but not with these. Dr. McIntyre said my vision had improved after comparing my old (a pair that was 2 Rx’s ago). That should have set off some bells, I guess; my vision has NEVER improved — nothing on the human body does. If I could afford it, I’d go back to Lenscrafters to see if they could «clear» things up for me.
Summary: At Accent on Eyes, using VSP insurance I got insufficient vision correction & frames I don’t like for around $ 400. (Without insurance last year, I got frames I like & clear vision for around $ 400.) Sorry, Dr. McIntyre.

I wanted to write an update on this review. After the post Dr McIntyre reached out to explain that the office had experienced unexpected staff changes and unfortunately some records were incomplete which was the root of cause of my complaint. I did go into the office to get remeasured without charge. I have changed my review from 1 to 3 stars today.

I was there not long after they moved and Dr. McIntyre said her patient records weren’t unpacked so she couldn’t tell me if my eyesight was the same or changed. I thought… why didn’t you pull records first thing in the morning of all your scheduled appointments for the day? I had to go back a week later for more eye tests and I had my new and very expensive glasses within 3 weeks. I called back, asking to get a prescription for contacts and was told to make another appointment!!! This really angered me and I don’t like doctors that love to «milk your insurance.» So 3 appointments within 1 month is ridiculous. I’ve changed doctors.

They had a good selection of frames, and the fish in the lobby (before they relocated, not sure if they are still around) had enough personality to go on the road. After only one visit the doctor and receptionist already knew my first name when I showed up the next time to pick up my frames. Would definitely recommend them! Nice people, thorough exam, and great service.

First of all, I hate doctors. They make me uncomfortable, and I’ve had some bad experiences. That being said, I LOVE Dr. McIntyre (she’s the optometrist at Accent on Eyes)! She is so nice, gentle, and reassuring. She talks you through everything she’s doing and really takes the time that you need as her patient.
Dr. McIntyre isn’t the only great thing about Accent on Eyes. Her staff is also super nice. I had to go back a few times — exam, pick up glasses, pick up sunglasses, and then I had a mystery «issue» with my sunglasses. I felt like they were «off.» Like my depth perception was off and they gave me headaches and threw off my balance. It was weird. The ophthalmologist didn’t see anything «wrong» with my sunglasses, but he ordered new lenses for them anyway. They never once said anything like «give it some time and you’ll get used to it.» They really listened to everything I said, and never made me feel stupid or annoying. Once the lenses were replaced, the sunglasses were great!
I was completely impressed with everything. Even though my experience wasn’t «perfect,» the people at Accent on Eyes made the experience as good as it could possibly be. They were so nice and patient the whole time. They made sure I walked away completely satisfied and able to see! :-)