East Tennessee Eye Care's Online Review Report Card

Two Experiences Here First Experience (2022): My visit in 2022 was outstanding—10/10! I have a lesser-known insurance plan, and I chose this clinic because my insurance provider confirmed they accepted it. Though it took the staff a bit of time to sort out the details, they were incredibly patient and kind, even involving the doctor to ensure everything was in order. After about 15 minutes, they figured it out, and I was taken back for my appointment. The doctor was highly knowledgeable and very friendly. I received my eyeglass prescription, selected my frames, paid the balance, and returned a few weeks later to pick up my glasses. They even stayed open a little after closing (about 10 minutes) so I could pick them up after work. Exceptional service! Second Experience (2024): Fast forward to 2024, and it was time for new glasses, so I scheduled another appointment. They called to confirm, and I wanted to ensure they still accepted my insurance, so I called to double-check. Unfortunately, this time, the experience was far from pleasant. The woman I spoke to was dismissive and made minimal effort to check my insurance. She bluntly told me they didn’t accept it. I tried to explain that it wasn’t traditional insurance but a discount plan managed by a third party on behalf of my insurance, but she wasn’t interested. I called my insurance again, and they confirmed the clinic should accept it. When I called back to relay this, she seemed irritated. I asked if they had stopped accepting my insurance in the past two years, but she insisted they had never had anyone with my plan. She must not have been there during my 2022 visit. I then asked if I could have my last known prescription to get new frames elsewhere, but she refused, saying it had been over two years, so I would need a new exam. Now I’m left unsure of how to get new glasses. I’m nearly legally blind, and keeping my prescription up to date is crucial. I hope to get different insurance soon—one that’s more widely accepted.

Best Eye Doctor around

Took my daughter and she had a great experience. She's only 5 and they were all so friendly and knowledgeable.

For starters the lady at the front desk is a smart aleck. She has been rude to me every time I come in. She has messed up my contact order along with processing my insurance wrong. This is my second year going to East Tennessee Eye Care and yet again another problem. I will not be going back. I know Dr. Russell personally and he is a nice guy but I can’t deal with the unprofessionalism of his staff.

Thank you GOD for your Grace and mercy, and forgiveness. Dr. R we do forgive you for letting our mom go, Via TEXT message, that was a bit disrespectful and unprofessional, a phone call or a face to face meeting is the appropriate way to handle a serious discussion. When your in the wrong, it causes guilt, shame and fear, so its an honest mistake, You turned your phone off right after you sent it, cause you know you were wrong for what you done, and that's sorrowful, too bad you couldn't see things the way we do! could've really Blessed up! 🙌 "Where there is strife , there is pride, But wisdom is found in those that take advice" Proverbs 13:10 "Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; All the weights in the bag are of of his making." Proverbs 16:11 "The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished " Proverbs 16:5 wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9 Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 28:25 “The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper." Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Praying

Dr. Russell is a greedy man, who will not pay his employees a fair wage. so he lets them go instead of paying them. when they brought in glasses sales for him. Let’s not forget about all the drama😂 10/10 would not recommend going here for glasses or as employment.

I went for my initial consult in 11/22 for a contact and glasses exam. I had to go back multiple times attempting to get the correct prescription for my contacts, which was fine because I obviously wanted the correct fit and there were other things that kept me from going back for few months. In May I thought we finally had the prescription that would work and I was just waiting on a sample for one eye to come in. I called numerous times for a couple months to see if the contact sample was there, and each time I was told there was a back log on contacts and I wasn't the only patient waiting. This month I got a text that is was time to schedule my next exam. I had already scheduled with another office, but I did call to get the contact information, and at that time I was advised my contacts were there and ready to pick up at my convenience. Seriously.... I have been waiting on contacts since May and never got a call back. I feel Dr. Russell himself did everything he could to get me in the correct fit, but waiting 6 months on a sample contact to come in and not even be called and told the sample was there is not acceptable. You have lost a patient due to the office staff incompetency.

Absolute BEST! Dr. Greg Russell truly listens to his patients needs to give them the best eye care. Great staff! 10/10 recommend

I went to pickup glasses for my 2 kids today and was super upset to find out I drove 40 mins and there was no one there who could adjust them. It’s very upsetting since I scheduled the appointment yesterday and wasn’t told there wouldn’t be anyone there who could adjust them. I definitely wouldn’t have wasted my time and gas had I known before hand. I hated the experience especially since one of my kids has never worn glasses before. Then I was told that “Dr Russell can do adjustments but he is with patients right now.” Aren’t we patients too? I ended up having to go somewhere else to get them adjusted. I won’t be returning.

The staff are super friendly and time efficient!