Category: | Eye Care Center |
Address: | 4301 W Boy Scout Blvd #140, Tampa, FL 33607, USA |
Phone: | +1 877-852-2020 |
Site: | tlcvision.com |
Rating: | 4.4 |
Working: | 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 10AM–9PM |
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robert luong
Im happy to report that my recent surgery was a life-changing success. I went from a -9 to 20/15 vision in 24 hours. The surgery itself was one of the coolest experiences Ive ever had. It wasnt scary at all, though I admit that I was given two valiums a half an hour prior. There were basically two procedures in each eye. Each procedure lasted about 30 seconds. The first procedure was cutting of the flap. This lasted about 30 seconds. The second procedure was shaping of the cornea, beneath the flap. This lasted another 30 seconds. Went home, took a short nap, woke up, and my vision was more or less perfect, with the exception of some hazing from swelling. Its interesting to note that the advertising literature states that Dr. Probst has performed over 110,000 lasik surgeries in almost 20 years. In todays dollars, thats close to a half Billion Dollar in fees. Also, regarding the sheer number of surgeries, I did the math and fail to see how this is possible. Assuming its not almost but actually 20 years, this calculates to 5,500 surgeries per year, or over 15 per day if he operates 7 days a week including holidays. If he operates 5 days per week for 52 weeks straight without a vacation, then hes doing an average of over 21 surgeries per day. I asked how often they operate, and was told that the office conducts surgery on Wednesdays and Fridays, every other week. On Wednesdays, they average 20 surgeries. On Fridays, they do as many as 40 surgeries. This works out to about 60 surgeries every two weeks... or 1560 surgeries per year (26 weeks). 1560 surgeries per year adds up to 31,200 surgeries over a 20 year span. Alternatively, in order for him to achieve 110,000 surgeries, he would have to maintain his current rate for over 70 years. Assuming he completed ophthalmology residency in his late 20s, he would be in his late 90s by the time he reaches his 70th year of practice. Perhaps Im wrong. If there is a reasonable explanation, Im sure TLC will shed light. If they dont shed light, their silence also speaks volume. UPDATE: It has been two weeks since I posted this review. One thing is clear: TLC has a full time marketing person who maintains this and other social media accounts. It is inconceivable that they are unaware of my comment. Therefore, the fact that they have not attempted to explain their 110,000 surgeries claim means one of two things: 1) they feel that my comment is trollish and not worth responding to; or 2) there is no reasonable explanation. Ive posted using my real name under a real account, and the contents of my query are such that there would be no basis to conclude #1. Therefore, I would have to conclude that the reason for their silence is #2. As such, I am obliged to downgrade their rating from a five stars to a two star. Here is how the new 2 star rating is calculated: Zero stars for public relations Five stars for the surgery 1 star for lack of (apparent) truth in advertising 0+5+1 divided by 3 = 2 stars.
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Jessica Leasure
(Disclosure: THESE PEOPLE DONT CARE ABOUT YOU!) This was by far the most awkward appointment of my life. I had a consult with LASIK plus and it was great, the staff were super nice and were great at instructing me while doing the vision tests, with that in mind I assumed that TLC would be similar. I was wrong, the front desk girl was very flat, she looked pained trying to be friendly, she asked if I had two forms of ID which no one told me I had to bring. After all that was over with I over heard her and who I thought to be an eye tech speaking about my case at the front desk while someone else was in the very quite waiting room (HIPAA). After he brought me back he didnt introduce himself or say "Hi, how are you?" He just said to have a seat and we started testing. He didnt instruct me AT ALL, I was trying to keep my eyes open for so long that they started watering and became uncomfortable, I was not enjoying this consult at all. I final asked him if he was a physician and he said no but that Id be meeting her soon and offered noting up about who he was. Then I asked if he was an eye tech and he said, "No, I am an assistant surgeon." He made me feel uncomfortable and like he didnt want to be there as much as I didnt. He asked me how much LASIK PLUS quoted me and then he said "Well, do you know how much we are?" Which angered me because when I called to schedule my appointment they said they couldnt give me a flat starting rate. When I told him that he laughed and was like "Are you serious?". Needles to say I ended up leaving before I even met the physician because why go somewhere that has a bad attitude that costs over $2000 more when you can go to a great environment with great staff? Worst appointment ever! Oh, and to top it off I told the man I was leaving and he said "okay", not "why?" Or "Is there any questions I can answer for you?" Nothing. Awful experience.
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Ralph Lundi
I would absolutely recommend TLC Laser to any of my friends. I had some real reservations about LASIK and hence I put it off for years. I decided to get a free consultation (why not?) and introduced every single concern Id ever had about LASIK to the doctor. Not only was she very forthcoming and informative, but she was really kind, understanding, and empathetic. She cleared up all of my concerns and I proceeded with the plan for surgery. Jessica is another reason why I give TLC 5 stars. She put me totally at ease with her bubbly disposition and relatability. She worked with me through all the processes of getting ready for the surgery and although I admittedly was a little difficult to work with at times, she never appeared burdened or annoyed. The entire staff was lovely but total hats off to Sarah. Any and all of my concerns were relayed to her -- including the initial process of seriously considering the consultation -- and she was helpful every step of the way. Shes super sweet and polite and it was an absolute joy to work with her. As far as the surgery itself goes, it was a rousing success. The procedure was quick, painless, simple and not at all the burden on my life I expected. Within a week, I am back to all of my regular activities and my vision has been solid and still improving. Bottom line, if youre considering LASIK, I dont think theres a better spot in the Bay Area to do so than TLC. Ill vouch for them every single time.
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Bradley Austin
I am an Optometrist and as such only would ever get LASIK done with someone I truly trusted and took the time to do research on. Ive referred quite a few patients to TLC myself because of how much I believe in them. So when it came time to have LASIK done myself, they were the obvious choice. Dr. Probst is one the most qualified, intelligent, respectful and down to earth surgeons Ive ever had the pleasure of knowing. Dr. Hair, the Optometrist on site, is such a sweet person and an amazing doctor. Everyone at the office made my experience smooth and enjoyable. For such a complex surgery, they made it very straight forward. Even if youre nervous or scared about the concept of surgery, or just simply curious, give them a call. The consultation is free and you have the chance to be free of glasses and contact lenses. Give them a call and in my opinion you will most definitely not be disappointed.