Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/20/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had a good LASIK experience with Dr. ********************** about a decade ago and returned to him when my vision declined. He informed me he could sell me a PRK treatment for $6200 that would be less invasive than LASIK but take a bit longer - 3 months - to see the final results. Based on this, I purchased the ***. Only after having the *** did he inform me that I would need to be on ocular steroid drops for approximately 12 weeks. He said it would help me heal and mentioned no risks. He did mention I should get a pressure check at a certain week out but it was very casual. I asked why and he said it was unlikely, but pressure might go up a little. I was concerned because I had not been told this prior to the *** and asked what it would mean if pressure went up. He said it was no big deal and I'd just "take a drop" and it would go back down. Unfortunately, the steroids caused serious eye pressure issues, ongoing for long after he assured they would end, resulting in the need for expensive medical follow up and medications. Had I known that prolonged steroid use for PRK could lead to chronic increased eye pressure which requires expensive medication and repetitive, costly medical follow-ups I never would have moved forward with the procedure. Given that Dr. ********************** put me on steroids for 3 months significantly longer than the 5 days prescribed after the original Lasik and that, as that Lasik surgeon, he was uniquely aware of the need to be considerate of pressure readings, he should have warned about the risks, including how thin corneas can produce incorrectly lower pressure readings. This information would have been critical to know and monitor.I feels strongly that future patients deserve to be warned about these risks, no matter how small this doctor might believe them to *****'s been over 7 months since the procedure but vision continues to fluctuate, which he says could be due to the pressure; another reason patients should be warned in advance.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/30/2024

  I am happy to refund the money to the patient. I am happy to inform patients that the steroid drops can cause a temporary increase in pressure, that will then go away once the patient stops a steroid drops. I have been informing patients of this since I began performing PRK in 1996. I require that the patient sign a waiver which includes a non-disparagement clause. She repeatedly states facts that are not true, particularly that a limited time course of steroid drops can cause an ongoing Increase in the pressure. In spite of talking to an independent ophthalmologist, performing research on the Internet, including reviewing an summary article on exactly this subject, she obviously continues to believe something that is not true. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/03/2025

   
  Complaint: 22716047
  
  I am rejecting this response because: a blanket waiver requirement proves the physician does not himself believe there is no continuing concern regarding the pressure.  I fairly put his counterpoint in my review and he is also welcome to respond to it on the review site but it is a true and accurate review of my experience.  The repeated denials of medical facts in front of his face are what led, regrettably, to a loss of trust and this complaint following a positive first experience.  He also never warned me of increased pressure prior to the procedure as he falsely implied in his response.  I would be happy to agree to stop reviewing him and walk away from this if he complies with the refund and warning other patients of this risk going forward.  Otherwise, I will take the complaint to the **** and seek their counsel.  Thank you.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 01/03/2025

  I believe your complaint is that your ongoing increased eye pressure is a result of the steroid drops you were asked to take for 9 to 12 weeks following your PRK surgery. If that is your complaint, then you have your medical facts mistaken. Temporary use of steroid drops does not cause an ongoing increase in pressure after the drops have been discontinued. Please note that your pressure was normal during your postop visit with me after you had stopped the steroid drops. If it is now elevated, it is not because of the steroid drops that you took after your surgery. Please discuss this with the second opinion doctor that you saw, or please get a third opinion.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/09/2025

   
  Complaint: 22716047
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The amount paid was not refunded.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 01/10/2025

  We will refund the fee in its entirety if the patient signs a general release. This is the compromise we are offering. Otherwise, we are not offering a refund.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/10/2025

   
  Complaint: 22716047
  
  I am rejecting this response because: it fails to address the issue.  Given the physician's surprising refusal to refund and notify patients without a board waiver of all patient rights, I will file a complaint with the office of professional medical conduct.  I thank the BBB for their time and assistance.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *****