Lenscrafters, Metropolitan Optometric Assoc, OD CONNIE DONG - fraudulently overcharged

Lenscrafters, Metropolitan Optometric Assoc, OD CONNIE DONG - fraudulently overcharged

April 28, 2006 - Business Reply - From: Email User

April 28, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

This is in response to the complaint posted by Winnie on July 29th, 2005 (see link below).

http://www.complaints.com/directory/2005/july/29/42.htm

First of all, I would like to say that the consumer who filed this complaint is actually my friend's sister in law. My friend, who is also an optometrist, moved out of state several years ago and has since referred many of her previous patients and family to me for their eyecare. Winnie, her husband, her daughter (whom I examined just a few weeks ago), her Aunt, and cousins have been patients of mine for many years. Until I found this complaint, I was not even aware that Winnie had any issues or problems with our office.

I have reviewed her records thoroughly and can only say that we did absolutely nothing wrong. Our policies and fees ($70 for the glasses exam, $40 for the Optomap retinal exam and $60 for a contact lens fitting) have NOT changed in a decade. If anything ,with Winnie, we made an exception and have never charged her for a contact lens fitting since she had been fiitted previously by her sister in law. We have always honored that lens prescription. We have always given her a copy of her prescription at the end of every exam including the exam in July 2005.

As for the Optomap, we have a form in our office that every patient reads and signs. This form explains what the Optomap is, how much it costs, and asks whether or not the patient wants the test done. Winnie marked "YES" and signed it. That is the only reason why we did the Optomap exam and why she was charged $40 for it. She requested it.

The Optomap is a retinal camera that provides the doctors with a fairly wide view of the inside of the eye. It screens for eye diseases. Our office is in midtown and most of our patients come in during the middle of their workday and therefore cannot be blurred with dilating drops. The Optomap has helped us pick up several retinal holes, detachments and a tumor. So it does serve a clincal purpose and is not there just so "we can pay our debts" as Winnie believes.

We are a very ethical practice. Our optometrists and staff practice honestly and truly in the best interests of the patients. I believe that there was a misunderstanding between Winnie and one of my staff. Instead of speaking directly with me or with one of the other optometrists on staff, she chose to vent her frustrations out on this website. I have contacted her by email and phone to straighten this out but have yet to hear back from her. Hence, my only recourse is to post this response.

Sincerely yours,

Connie Dong, OD

Lenscrafters

Metropolitan Optometric Assoc, PC

542 Fifth Avenue at 45th Street

NY NY 10036

212-302-4889

July 29, 2005 - Consumer Message:

Lenscrafters, Metropolitan Optometric Assoc, PC - (OD Connie Dong) This is a complaint against the office of Metropolitan Optometric Associates, optometrists Connie Dong in 542 Fifth Avenue New York NY 10036 (212) 302-4889 I am writing to complain about the misguided fraudulently overcharged eye examination in Connie Dong's optometrist's office in Manhattan New York. I asked for contact lenses examination, as a result, I paid $110 and did not even get an contact lenses prescription. I got charged for an eye glasses examinations ($70) plus an optomap retinal exam ($40) which I DID NOT ask for. The optomap retinal exam aka Fundus Photography is for specialized diagnostic treatment. I have no problem with my eyes and I did not request for that exam. I called back to get a contact lenses prescription, and they told me I have to pay additional $60. This is outrageous and fraudulent. They give exams to patients who do not require or inquire.

They purchased this hi-tech equipment for optomap retinal exam and try to compensate for the cost of the machine by tricking their patients. Beware! They are not honest people. They are trying to steal your money to pay their debts.

Winnie

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Comment On This

I love Dr. Dong as my doctor and I've been a patient of Dr.Dong for 10 years or more!

I NEVER had any bad experiences. If I did, would I be seeing her for 10 years or more???

Dr.Dong is a wonderful, caring doctor and her prices are very reasonable compared to other private owned doctor's offices/shops!

Whoever made this hideous complaint is out of touch!

Dr.Dong is a very genuine,kind, honest person and I plan to keep on seeing her as my eye doctor!

Her staff are wonderful too.

Truly,

Patient Danielle