I was a long time patient of this office prior to Dr. Burns taking over. It used to be called Eye Maxx and was in a different location. 5 members of my family wear glasses. I myself have a very rare form of Ocular Melanoma and was seen by this office for years for my eye glass prescription needs. We recently had a vision emergency. My 27 year old daughter found herself without glasses. She is legally Blind without glasses and has double vision. She also has a 4 year old son to supervise. I called the office in a panic. They said they had a cancellation. We informed the receptionist that we needed to have glasses or temporary contact lenses today. During the exam my daughter was given a temporary pair of contacts to be able to pick a pair of glasses as she can't see to even do that. During the exam some very unprofessional comments were made to my daughter as well as Dr. Burns removed the temporary contacts from my daughters eyes and threw them in the garbage when she was done examining my daughter . My daughter was in shock. She asked if she could at least have the temporary lenses until the glasses come in. Dr. Burns responded rudely to my daughter as well as her staff. Dr. Burns informed my daughter she was not there for contact lenses and that she had not paid for the contact fitting. The office was well aware of why we were there. By the way the exam was paid for in cash at full price as well as the glasses had been paid for prior to the removal of the contacts by Dr. Burns. My daughter was so insulted I opted to speak to Dr. Burns as I was a long standing patient as well as 4 family members. Thousands of dollars had been spent on the practice over the years purchasing glasses. When I explained to her we informed the office prior to arrival that we were in an emergency situation and they were aware we needed to leave with some type of corrected vision as caring for a 4 year old and without a corrective lens of some sort posed a safety risk. We were told we could come back the next day and pay for a contact fitting then she could help us. I was mortified. We canceled the eye glass order and had the money refunded. We went to Lens Crafters and they even stayed late to fill the prescription. When I called to pick up my records the office manager who knows me very well apologized and said Dr. Burns had a change of heart and called in temporary contact for my daughter. Too little too late. If she gave me a lifetime supply I would never go back and nor will any member of my family. By the way this was the second incident of Dr. Burns being rude. The first time I let it go as my youngest daughter had an appointment last year and reported being made to feel very uncomfortable in the office by her. I took it as typical 18 year old on her own at an appointment. We miss Dr. Sheimbob who used to work in the practice. This would never have happened if he was there. He saved my life by discovering the Ocular Melanoma. Money was no object during the visit by the way. We would have paid for a contact fitting. I have since received an apology letter in which we were basically blamed for the confusion and oh by the way she wanted to tell my daughter about her high ocular pressure and high blood pressure. This was discussed at the appointment. Most health professionals would not let someone leave their office with a blood pressure of that nature. Dr. Burns was more concerned about being paid for a contact fitting. We would have happily paid for the service if we knew it was not done. Look for a different office if you need a Optometrist. Better yet look for an Ophthalmologist. I don't mind posting my name. The Christensen family in Winchester, CT.
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