I have worn glasses for over 50 years and was really tired of wearing them. When I was told that I had cataracts, I was hopeful, based on news reports concerning advances in cataract surgery, that afterwards I would be able to see without glasses. A friend recommended Dr. Balin for the surgery. She and her staff were thorough, took plenty of time to explain the procedures and various alternatives to me. They were meticulous in their measurements. I never felt rushed and always felt I was in good hands with anyone in the office. Dr. Balin was personable and obviously an excellent surgeon since I am able to see near and far without glasses! The procedure itself was painless and quick and I was able to see clearly soon afterwards. This is really a wish come true and I am grateful to Dr. Balin for making it possible! I highly recommend anyone facing any eye issues contact Dr. Balin.
I understand the general frustration with wait times, scheduling, and the general manner of some of the staff. However, I am basing my review on the medical skill of Dr. Balin and her associates at the Center (after all, I would prefer to have a highly competent physician than have a spa experience at the office but go home blind). I had Lasik performed the summer of 2014 and previously wore -8.5 contacts with astigmatism in both eyes. I am now 20/20 with no adverse effects. Truly, I understand - the wait times can be long, and the some of the staff leave much to be desired - but if you're looking for a competent doctor with years of experience and a remarkable track record (esp compared to other opthos in the area!!), Dr. Balin should be your choice.
Dr. Balin and Dr. Brown are amazing doctors. I just had PRK surgery on August 11 and even though my eyes are still healing and adjusting, my vision is so much better already! I've been a prisoner to glasses and/or contacts since 3rd grade (I'm 45). I had been on the fence about vision correction surgery for years. After finally deciding to bite the bullet and go for a consult, my fears were quickly put to rest. The entire staff is very compassionate and thorough. They never made me feel rushed and always made sure everything was explained and understood. On the day of the procedure, I had laryngitis and couldn't speak, I was only able to whisper, and they were extra accommodating on that behalf as well. They even let my husband stay with me for the whole visit, except the actually surgery itself; but he was able to wait right outside the door and even got to watch my procedure on a TV in the surgery waiting room. The price was fair as well. But...how can you even put a price on being able to see again and not have to depend on glasses! I can't say enough good things about the Balin Eye and Laser Center. I wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone looking to ditch the glasses! And finally, a HUGE shout out to JoAnn. She is beyond amazing. We communicated mostly via email for setting up appointments and my questions and such. Super friendly, efficient and responsive! THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE ENTIRE STAFF!
I am reluctant to "post" any one of the stars above, as none reflect the totality of my experiences with my 3 appointments thus far in 2015 with Balin Eye Center in Florence. Every one of the professionals with whom I have interacted — medical assistants, Dr. Brown the optometrist, or Dr. Balin herself — has demonstrated impressive strengths during my appointments. On the other hand, what happened this past Friday 2/27/15 — to me as well as to another woman patient there at the same time — was beyond egregious. Both of us arrived late afternoon to be told by the receptionist that we had cancelled our appointments. Not that Balin Eye Center had — that would have been bad enough without a phone call (no relevant message on my machine) — but that I myself had. I insisted I had not, but to no avail. Where was Dr. Balin? The other woman and I were told the office staff did not know. (We both thought we had seen Dr. Balin with coat on minutes earlier.) I can fully appreciate emergency, if that is what called Dr. Balin away, but a rude and false front such as was handed to us was inexcusable. When would be the soonest I could have an appointment with her? In 3 weeks! The offer of Dr. Brown as an alternative for an appointment that afternoon was not one I was enthused to take given the severity of my problem and my assumption he did not know my eye history. In the end my accepting him as a substitute proved fortunate, for though his skill area differs from Dr. Balin's, he is highly competent as well as personable. Even so, some aspects of our communication reminded me of prior frustrations I had had in asking for and receiving information from persons at the center, especially (though not solely) by phone. There has been a notable lack of consistency, a notable lack of transparency, and not just incomplete information but also information that contradicted previously given information. This would be understandable if it related simply to expectation of my progress. When — as with me — it related to interpretation of the usefulness of medications and protocols, it exacerbates problems.
Nancy A Balin Md is a US Doctor based in Northampton, Massachusetts. Nancy A Balin Md is located at 269 Locust St, Suite NB, Northampton, MA 01062, USA.
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