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:07/11/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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 went to Vision Care Consultants on July 10, 2025, for a Diabetic Eye Exam. I am on traditional ******** and have no other insurance covering eye care. I asked to the diabetic eye exam. During my visit the doctor informed me that the pressure test was not covered by ******** and there would be a $35 charge for it. I declined the service. When I was leaving the person at the desk handed me a bill for the visit. There were four items that were submitted to ******** totaling $432. There was a charge for $66 titled refraction listed under patient balance. I was confused and asked about the charge. I was told the charge was standard with the eye exam. Having never paid this in the past at other doctors, I don't believe that the charge is proper. As with the pressure test, I should have the option to skip the refraction. I ask that the amount be deducted from my bill.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2025

  I would like to correct and clarify both of your misunderstandings regarding your eye exam.  First, you were offered an optional additional test called a Macular Pigment Density Test (****) for $35 - NOT a "pressure test".  Intraocular pressure test (IOP) is included as part of the MEDICAL vision exam at no charge.  The **** test is optional and we presented the fee in full disclosure before the test was performed. You choose to decline the test and there was no **** fee charged to you. Secondly, the refaction charge of $66 is absolutely proper expected to be charged and not billed to ******** by ********'s own rules.  Here is a quote from the ************ website for your review: "******** doesnt cover eye exams (sometimes called eye refractions) for eyeglasses or contact lenses."  This because ******** does not consider a refaction a medical test but a vision test to be billed out of pocket to the patient.  Every eye doctor I have ever spoken with performs and charges for a refaction with every eye exam.  Our fee for a refeaction is right at the national average so no price gouging there.  Refractions are not optional, but an essential part of a comprehesvive vision exam to determing the best corrected visual acuity which not only aids in a proper eye glass prescription but in understanding eye disease impact on your vision.  In 40 years of practice, I have never had a ******** patient complain to us or the BBB about a refaction charge. You complained about leaving your previous eye doctor becaause he only spent one minute with you.  I spent over 2 hours with you in a very complex case carefully diagnosing and explaining everything to you.  You were very please at the end of the exam.  That to me would sure be worth a lot more than $66.   The $66 refraction charge will stand and is expected to be paid in full.  After which, we are are happy to provide a copy of your records to return to your previous doctor *** did not charge you for a refaction, did not spend anytime with you and that you left due to poor quality care.  - Dr. ***** ******.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/14/2025

  Complaint: 23586070
  
  I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because:

  I didn't expect a positive outcome after I contacted the billing individual before writing the complaint.  When I mentioned contacting the BBB, I was told to do whatever you want the charges will not be dismissed.  If they would have been upfront about uncovered charges, I would have chosen another provider.   I will go back to my old doctor next year.  

  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****