Laura Chalmers

Review of Chicago Cornea Consultants

I was diagnosed with Keratoconus and was given the...

I was diagnosed with Keratoconus and was given the name of the Chicago Cornea Consultants to perform the CXL surgery. My experience here was EXTREMELY negative - if you need this surgery, please consider going elsewhere.

On my first visit to get a diagnosis, I had to deal with extremely rude receptionists and a brusque, unfriendly doctor. Furthermore, the surgery liaison people were rude and insensitive. They told me, in a very curt manner, that I needed surgery and that it would cost 6000$, and wanted me to sign papers and book the surgery at that very moment - nevermind that they had dilated my eyes during the consultation and I couldn't see what I was signing, or that I was in complete shock. I thought I was going to come in and get special contacts, and suddenly they were telling me I needed surgery with absolutely no compassion or empathy. It was a terrible experience. In addition, they didn't tell me I needed someone to drive me to this appointment - they dilated and numbed my eyes and then didn't even give me sunglasses to go outside. It was very painful and I had to sit in my car for two hours waiting for my eyes to return to normal so I could drive home safely.

When I decided that I would go ahead with the surgery, I had to call the surgical liaison person to schedule it. It took me A WHOLE MONTH to get in touch with her because she was NEVER at work when she was supposed to be. I am not exaggerating - the receptionist would say things like "Oh, she's supposed to be here, I have no idea where she is." I left several messages and it took her weeks to bother to call me back and schedule the surgery.

Finally, we get to the day of the surgery. I'm feeling very nervous and I'm looking forward to getting it over with, so I show up half an hour before my scheduled time. They kept me waiting for HOURS after my scheduled time, and I heard other people in the waiting room complaining of the same issue! When I asked the receptionist what was going on, she was very rude and told me that it was just a day with a lot of bookings. When I spoke to other people in the waiting room, however, they told me it was always this way, with one lady saying she waited FOUR HOURS for her last appointment. By the time they took me in, I was starving and extremely irritated - not exactly the best frame of mind to be in for eye surgery.

The next day I had my follow-up, and AGAIN they kept me waiting for hours. The day after I had surgery. I needed to be at home, resting, but instead I was sitting in their waiting room.

Furthermore, they demand that you pay before your appointment - but when I called to ask how much it would cost, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW. This is insane! I'm supposed to just have thousands of dollars lying around? I have to budget for things that are this expensive! The whole place is poorly run, and they pressure you into using them for future appointments. The girl who was assisting with my surgery actually had me tell her DURING MY SURGERY when I wanted my contact lens fitting! Please, if you need this procedure, go somewhere else. They waste your time and money and are completely inconsiderate of their patients.

EDIT: after learning how unhappy I was with my initial experience, Chicago Cornea Consultants did work very hard to rectify the situation. They called me several times and did make sure my subsequent visits were pleasant and, upon learning my financial situation, they worked with me so I could budget for this expense.