Deborah Distefano Md's Online Review Report Card

Great people!!

Dr. Deborah Distefano was my eye doctor many years ago and did my LASIK surgery in 2005. I was very pleased with the results and continued to go to her because I trusted her. However, when I went for a routine appointment two years ago, complaining of glare and difficulties with seeing when I drive at night, she stated that I need to have cataract surgery as a result of my LASIK surgery which has damaged my cataracts. She also diagnosed me with glaucoma when there is not a family history of glaucoma. Trusting her word, I had the surgery that she recommended which was completed by her partner, Dr. Courtney Ridner. As a result, my eyesight is much worst. My far vision is worse, and my near vision is absolutely horrible. Years ago, she had a wonderful group of doctors, and they all have left her practice which I now understand why. I found a new ophthalmologist and he stated that he cannot determine if there are any issues with my cataracts because they are no longer there, but indicated that I should not have had this surgery because of my age, I am quite young to need cataract surgery and it is extremely rare that patients my age have cataract surgery. I never had glaucoma, either, like Dr. Distefano stated. I have a large optic nerve and the pressure was a bit higher than usual. There was no need for that surgery either. He essentially provided the converse of what Dr. Distefano stated. Her partner, Dr. Courtney Ridner may have all of these accolades next to his name, but he does not know how to communicate and is extremely arrogant. Dr. Distefano is extremely money hungry. Drones of patients are going one after another to talk about payment plans-they are constantly generating money. They are very expensive too compared to other doctor's offices. When I told Dr. Distefano about my concerns, she stated that she would meet with me to discuss these concerns; however, she never followed up with me. She and her partner are a disgrace to the medical profession. They do not practice the thoughtfulness, care, and consideration that is necessary when dealing with the health of others that is necessary of doctors. We as patients trust our lives in their hands, but they are simply interested to make money and not provide the quality care that they boast about. I would describe this group of ophthalmologists as butchers. I have lost much of my eyesight because of their negligent, and greedy practices. DO NOT GO TO THIS OFFICE. Your eyes are in danger. There are other doctors that are more caring and sincerely want to help you without emptying your pockets.

Awesome staff and very caring doctors. I’m very thanking to have DrD as my eye doc!

I was referred to this clinic, when they called to schedule the appointment I asked about the cost and if they were in network with my insurance. The whole experience was full of lies. I was told I would pay $30, and that they are in network with my insurance. They charged me $90 and now are billing me $230 because they are NOT in network. They only deducted $30 from my bill instead of the $90 I paid. I was told my appointment was with Doctor DiStefano. I never met Doctor DiStefano. I was there for a diabetic eye exam, they did every exam an eye doctor's office could do, and wanted to schedule me for surgery! Now they are billing me for all of it! They gave me a prescription for glasses that I don't need. I was not there to get a prescription for glasses, that's not what my doctor ordered. I did not sign the form agreeing to pay for an exam and prescription, they did it anyway and charged me for it. I feel cheated and lied to, will NEVER go there again, and I DO NOT recommend them.

Be careful when you see this Dr. And also her partner Dr. Ridener. My experiences with this Dr. Has been mostly negative. Many years ago my son needed a corneal transplant in which the cornea promptly died. I understand these things do happen, but she did little to correct it. In coming to her office recently, I was told I had cateracts. I actually failed to see them, but then I'm not the Dr. I went ahead with the cataract surgery, but wish I had not as I dont think I had cateracts at all. What did look like a small slither of cateracts at the top of each eye is still there, but where there appeared to be nothing, has all been removed and replaced with lenses that are loaded with floaters and halos. Also make sure you point out that you dont want to wake up while they are digging in your eye. I woke up and had my head not been taped down, my eye would be greatly damaged as I was trying to move. I also had lid surgery, and the stitches fell apart and I had to go along with open wounds to my eyelids until they finally healed. When I presented with my original complaint, I was told that she would get to the bottom of it, but after these two surgeries, I'm told they dont do that particular problem, that i needed to see someone else for that. I'm not saying any of this is going to happen to you, I am saying what happened to me. I will NEVER go back to Dr. Destefano or Dr. Ridener ever again. Your eyes are to precious to put them in the wrong hands.

Terrible Experience

I could write a million things here, but I think it says it best to just tell you to RUNNNNNNN as fast as you can in the opposite direction from this Dr. And her partner. You would run if you truly value your eyes.

Dr Deborah DiStefano is the best! I’ve been to Huntsville, Birmingham and Georgia trying to get help with my eyes for 6 years now. No one, none of these specialists ever wanted to listen to me or cared enough about listening to me. Dr Deborah DiStefano treated me with kindness and a caring heart. She listens to her patients, she and all the people that work their are so very nice and caring. If you really want a fantastic smart caring very professional doctor then you need to make an appointment

Office has soooooo many patients that I latterly sat there 2 1/2 hours and was seem for like 30 seconds to a minute.

Dr. D has given me the gift of sight that is priceless. I absolutely would not trust my eyes with anyone but her. My experience started many years ago with her and she has never let me down. Never any after the fact issues. Always on top of the situation, no matter what it has been. Her office staff have always been most kind and professional. This is where you need to be if you want the best.