Reviews of iCare Surgical And Optical Centre (Ophthalmologist)

Maureen Hutchinson

I'm not very happy with the reception staff. Giving two weeks notice, I called to cancel my dad's appointment with Dr. Bhatti and got somewhat shamed for not being available to reschedule it before his next appointment, which was only 3-4 weeks later. (My dad is supposed to be in the maintenance phase of injections anyway - not the high frequency ones) Then three days before it, my parents got a call to confirm the previously canceled appointment. That was very upsetting for my 91 year old mother with early dementia. Luckily my dad had remembered that they had canceled.

terry dear

Dr Lee replaced retired Dr Cameron was really good

Maude Bélanger

Dr O'Connor is the best doctor ????

Angela Caparas

Waited sooo long!!!! Then it took less than a minute when the doctor finally see him and said it's all good.

Gilles Galipeau Jr

The three stars goes to the nice staff. The missing ones are for the appointment scheduling. Usually long wait time and when I went to my appointment today, I was told that my doctor was on holiday and that I have to come back next week!

Howl JeanB

I don't understand people complaining about the long wait time, usually when you call to make your appointment they tell you that it is a 2hr wait at least so why all the grumbling? These are the BEST eye doctors in Ottawa and they deal with all sorts of specialized problems people can suffer from. IF you don't want to see the best then go somewhere else! I see Dr. Zackon, I have been a patient of his for a very long time and I am happy knowing I am getting the best service despite the wait times.

Judie

Wait time is way too long. Most patients are elderly and must wait quite a while to be seen. The staff is ho-hum but are seemingly busy behind desks where the phone NEVER rings (not once in the three hours I was there). The doctor himself was very thorough and pleasant as well as patient, but the staff leaves a lot to be desired as to attending to patients and the general workings of the office. It seems the left hand does not know what the right is doing. There does not seem to be much communication between staff and doctors. I have also tried to call the office from home many times, mostly to verify an appointment. I would like to know if my appointment has been changed, is still scheduled or ? but unfortunately I can NEVER get through to an actual person. A message can be left but it is a 99% probability that I will not be contacted by anyone. I really see no need for a staff there at all and yes, they do waste time talking and chatting among themselves. I would really like to involve someone else up the chain of command to fix this whole ICare centre making it a FUNCTIONING professional unit!

Jeanne Pemba

Waiting time is too long

Nam Chu

Terrible customer service. During my 74 year old Vietnamese father's pre-op, the aide got frustrated that he couldn't understand the instructions and used an aggresive tone of voice. When I thought it couldn't get worse, another aide told my mother, "don't stand in the way", while she was standing in the hallway waiting for us. Disgusted by how they treat their customers. I hope it's only a small number of staff that do this.

Fred Caillou

Best place to go if you don't mind waiting 3 hours each time you visit, whether for an exam or just a follow-up. When I asked Dr. Smith for a prescription, he said "It's not my job, go see an optician....." Really! After all the tests are done and the results are in, why go somewhere else and pay again. Extremely bad PR and experience each time over many, many years. I will be going to a place that actually cares about me, my needs and respects that MY TIME is also valuable.

EK N

I went with my mom twice for her checkup and both times were good. Reception was friendly and I get to sit in the room with my mom while she was doing those eye tests with the computer. The waiting time is reasonable because it's always full of patients.

Sylvia Corzato

I was referred to ICare and had a very positive experience. I had been informed in advance that my appointment could take approximately 3 hours so I came prepared with snacks and an audible book to listen to. This is a VERY busy office, however, every single person I interacted with was friendly, kind and organized. Thank you!

Chris

I love the doctors. They are great. Pay everyone else more so they can smile. Please. Wait times are x3 longer then a normal eye doctor. Always, and I mean ALWAYS overbooked. Sometimes so much so old ppl cannot sit down. Desktop pc doing my eye test (green dots) runs windows XP. While completely acceptable by the ministry (office lady gets super pissed if you randomly ask her about it), take a moment to let that sink in. XP. Support ended how long ago? Ask really really nicely, you might even find out those pcs have access to the internet, and the rest of the office. So not airgapped...

Gordie Poirier

Follow up service for my wife laser treatment is awful. She has had a problem after surgery on one of her eyes and has tried to contact the DR many times and keeps on getting put off. Save your money go elsewhere once they have your cash they lose interest they don't want to hear about problems!!

Stanko Vuleta

The wait is always too long.

Hai Tu

Have been waiting for more than a year for eye surgery, not hear anything from them. Based on Ottawa survey, 90% people had surly within 6 months. I guess they put me in bottom of the list or completely ignore. Called them 4 months ago, they had no idea and excused on busy hospital facility. Tried to call them this month, no one around to answer, left message but they never returned the call. It is last place for you for eye surgy.

Finola Shanahan

Receptionist is rude and unhelpful. Refused to help get my results after waiting almost 3 months. Ignored requests from my family doctor. They take in way too many clients to make money but not interested in customer service.

Bette Walesiak

Almost impossible to get an appointment. I drove from out of town one time for an appointment and was told that it wasn't on the schedule and had to go back home. No follow up on procedures. Worst eye clinic I've attended.

Cindy Davidson

February 26, 2020 It is impossible to contact this clinic. I have made and finished my 7th attempt in 2 weeks via telephone - to change an appointment. Will not attempt again. Wait times are 30-60 minutes with a prompt to go back into the que by hitting # - what does that mean? The current appointment will be abandoned and we will find another service provider. I am paying them not OHIP, so they will do without my money. If I am paying, I expect to be catered to period. My time is worth more money than paying them. Total nonsense.

Yegui Cai

Overbooked. Average wait time is more than 3 hours based what the front desk said. The owner of this clinic really need to adjust their strategy of booking. If you need to wait at least 3 hours, what is the point of having an appointment?

Troy Smith

Discrimination is never good. Very unfortunate and unpleasant experience, especially from ‘medical professionals’ who should be well studied in mask efficacy and the spirit and intentions behind mandates and ordinances. Obviously, I will never return.

R GF

Shouldn't doctor be the one who orders the 80$ [optional] photography (if deemed necessary by the doctor) rather than asking the patient if he/she wants such a photography?

Bob Liu

It asked you to go through several eye cheking equipments one by one each time take much of the time but after that the dr took very little time to talk with you didn’t explain the results of all the checking.if you ask him email you the test results he will ask pay a big fees. It seems to me this clinic only care go through all the test to earn more money from OHIP, and save the doctor time to see more patients for more money, and pay little con yon your eye conditions. Our OHIP is going down to a black hole with little contribution to the patient eye health!

Yusri Altamimi

The staff were very friendly and meticulous keeping the hygiene of examination rooms.... the place buzzed with energy like a bee hive. This was my second visit during this year ..... the dreadful year of covid19!

Michelle Coe

Unfortunately I have been unable to reach the manager Tracy to fix this issue. I believe I was frauded when an intake tech told me "Your doctor recommends you get this test, it's $80 is that ok?" Because I later learned my doctor did not recommend the test and it was not necessary for me. My doctor is lovely. I am thankful for her but I want to be refunded for the false claim. I solely purchased it out of fear for my vision under the pretense my doctor recommended it. This appt was May 18th, today is July 15th. They are unreachable and had time to repair this.

Rogerio gil

I'm not one bit happy with them. My dr got my results back before Christmas . I've tried calling. They do not pick up the phone. The system doesn't work. I've tried to leave message but it doesn't work. I have left message for the Dr. assistant. Its says leave a message and it says she will call back within 24-48. Still waiting....... its been 3 day + the original message 3 days before the!!

D T

The overall star rating of this place doesn't necessarily represent the location very well. The wait times you read are indeed very long. However, that is because this place is very busy with a lot of patients. The tests they do are done in a timely manner with proper care to their patients. None of the staff waste time by having long-conversations. Overall experience is a 4 star, because it is a long-wait, but the service is great and they don't waste time conversing.

Carmen Duperron

The staff and Ophthalmologists are very friendly and efficient. The only complaint is that to go through the whole process takes too long.

Judy McPhail

I am extremely happy with my experiences. Staff has been courteous and very helpful. Signs are posted explaining the 2 hour wait times. My doctor is the best. Very considerate and very well educated. No complaints!

Joan Muller

Very professional

Jack Wood

Great professional staff. Waiting time is well explained considering all the steps one must go through before seeing the doctor. Lots of parking.

M Yc

My 80 yr old mother had an assessment appointment today for her recently diagnosed cataracts and risk of glaucoma at the iCare clinic on Carling. While initially very nervous, she was comforted upon arriving by the staff’s efficiency and professionalism and immediately felt that she was in good hands. She was even able to have her glaucoma procedure done at the same time which saved her another trip. Dr Li had a reassuring manner and put my mother at ease. Very grateful to Dr Li and the team for the great care!

Gabriel Caldwell

I had a good experience yesterday, I found staff very busy but they managed to be quick and professional in these difficult COVID 19 times, Dr. Bhatti was very informative and has a pleasant way about him. My thanks.

Dina Bell-Laroche

I am not sure if people read this or if the company cares but we had such a bad experience today that we left. My older parent was scheduled for an appointment and without her knowing was shuffled to another doctor for her eye lazer surgery. At no time was she asked if she was okay with another doctor doing her surgery. A call earlier that day to ask her if she was OK with this would have prevented my mom from driving in from out of town and from me, her daughter, having to take time away from work. We arrived early and were greeted with a sign at the front desk stating "we will not accept any foul language or verbal abuse". Nice touch. Is this the I CARE climate they want to communicate to their patients? That was the first warning sign. My mom was seen 25 minutes later and then was told to wait. We waited a further 45 minutes before she inquired as to when she might be seen. The very nice assistant said that there were quite a few people ahead of her and that it would be 'a long time'. By this time we were there for nearly two hours. I am sharing this concern as with so many of the patients being elderly, I worry about their capacity to be there for that length of time. I worry about their health and anxiety levels of not being informed or being asked if they are OK with another doctor doing their surgery. Eye surgery is delicate and you need trust between patients and doctors. It is not just a quick check up. To simply assume it's OK to have someone else do this without giving control to the patient is a lack of respect. In addition, at no time did people ask my mom if she was OK for the longer wait time - we ended up leaving and her appointment will be rescheduled. I would hope that as a I CARE company, they would care about involving their patients in the decision making. I would hope that they would CARE enough to let people know that there will be added wait times. I would hope that they would CARE enough to put the PATIENT in their I CARE experience. Deeply disappointing and I hope that whomever reads this takes the necessary steps to ensure that the values they say they CARE about, they live through their actions.

Guss Aweidah

Not efficient with appointments. .. wait more than 1hr to see a Dr. Really ....I do not apreciate seeing my 88yr old Father having to wait this long . Unconciderat. ..

DAVID K

The worst experience that I have ever had during covid. This place is busy and in my opinion, they fail to follow the rules regarding social distancing and face masks. While I was there and under one of the tests, I heard one of the staff was coughing repeatedly. When I looked up I saw her in her room not even wearing a face mask. When it comes to health and safety and you see medical people do not follow the rules, it is really disappointing

Katie Blake

The wait times are long but I have been going to an ophthalmologist for over 12 years and they are no longer than anywhere else I have been. We have an aging population and with that comes eye issues. These doctors are extremely busy! I agree there are improvements that need to happen however keep in mind how busy they are when writing your review. Sometimes it is not a simple fix. I see Dr. bhatti and he is great! I have a rare eye disease. He has been more than helpful. He takes time to answer all of my questions and when I asked for a second opinion he set one up for me right away, he even called me after hours to arrange the appointment for me. We are very lucky to have access to such wonderful doctors!

frank zappa

Worst eye exam ever, after more than 40 years of exams. Rushed through it, got the prescription very wrong. The doctor rushed through just a few options with each eye and claimed to have the prescription although I hadn't seen anything look clear yet. His optician saw my old prescription and my new one and said it was a huge change, but there I was wearing my four year old glasses and they were working fine, as I proved by reading signs around the office. So I asked for a refund and was refused. Awful job, clearly no sense of pride, no integrity given he made a mistake for whatever reason. And also, they made the process two hours long although you spend mere moments with anyone, just a lot of people sitting around so they can pump us through for extra earnings. Too bad they don't care about the quality of their work. I wouldn't mind the wait so much if they had done a good job. But I've been examined more than 40 times in my life and this was really the worst. He didn't seem to care at all. I'm never returning.

karem langer

The clinic is well located and clean. The staff at the reception is nice, but their phone service is awful. They never pick up the phone, waiting times range from 60-80 minutes. I was seen by Dr. Zackon and cannot understand how on earth he is still practicing. I was referred to him because of acute pain in my eye. He said that he was only being nice to my neurologist and that is why he agreed to see me. He did not discuss my MRI results with me nor the tests done by his team prior to the consultation. He said that it was not his problem I was in so much pain and that I had to learn to endure it... I cannot move my left eye, and I was hoping for some guidance. He said that I was my neurologist problem. I had to repeat my personal information many times, he kept asking the same question about my age. He should not be practicing. I rally feel for people who have to rely on him.

shawagon

Good morning to you, for sure not for me; I had an appointment this morning 7:45am but was refused because I can read and your people CANNOT! I cannot wear one of your paper masks, specially from someone giving me a mask with no gloves on! It took me months to find a mask I can breath in but nope according to your ladies I can only use your masks even though given to me without gloves on. The document right at your front door states very clearly, well to someone who can read; "Exemptions include people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons!" "A mask CAN be cloth (non-medical), disposable or medical." You guys are in the medical field, seriously shame on you, where did you get your medical degree, a cracker jack box? I travelled all the way from Ottawa South to my appointment, 30 minutes there 30 back, what a waste of MY time and MY money! Social media is an incredible thing! I will make sure others don't waste their time or well earned money on hypocrites! ESMAIL KHATIB

Sarah Dykstra

It took a week for the clinic to get back to me after I had to reschedule my first appointment because my daughter was ill. I left my number multiple times in their phone cue (on different days finally I left a message which again took several days to return. My appointment was a 11am, they refused to let me in because there was seating. Fine. I wait in the hall like I'm told. Then they proceed to let 2 other people in ahead of me with the same appointment time that arrived after me. I waited waited 2 hours and 14 minutes for less than 20 minutes worth of testing. Then was told wait for a doctor I wasn't even supposed to be seeing. Needless to say I wasn't impressed. Your scheduling needs a whole lot of work if 15-20 minutes of testing takes 2 hours of waiting. At the very least advise your patients so they can plan to spend half a day there, especially if coming from out of the city.

Chelsea Nash

It was my first time being there, and I thought everything was great. They definitely are busy, but they let me know wait times ahead, and it wasn't so bad. Shout out to Dr. Farmer, he was delightful!

Laurie Majeau

Never had any problems with staff. They tell you the appointment will take 2 hrs. Don't know what people are complaining about.

Leticia Pinon-Zieren

I had my eye test at iCare today for the first time in this facility and my experience is excellent. I was advised during the appointment scheduling that the test waiting time will take 2 hours. It sure did took two hours but in a very organized and thorough tests. All staff including Dr. Abtahi are very nice and professional.

Michelle Gregoire

Brought my mother here for an appointment and it was great! I had read on their website, prior to going, about the $80 test and the 2-3 hour testing process so it was not a surprise when one the technician told us about it. Everyone was so kind and patient with my mother, helping her get from station to station. They are all smiling and very helpful. The only thing is that phones don't appear to be answered by anyone directly; they all go to voicemail where you leave a message which they return. While I took away 1 star because of the phone issue, I gave a star because of the free parking. Way to go Icare team!