Dr Christopher G Schanel
| Related: | lenscrafters madison wi |
| Category: | Optometrist |
| Address: | 346 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA |
| Phone: | +1 608-256-1814 |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | 9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–5:30PM 9:30AM–5:30PM 9:30AM–5:30PM 9:30AM–5:30PM 9AM–3PM Closed |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 5
MA
Max
Dr Schanel and his staff are very professional, very quick and highly friendly and helpful. They go out of their way to get you what you want, and will tell you how each frame you select fits your face in an honest manner: if you want to look "smart" or "trendy" or "distinguished" or "hardly noticeable", they will help you find the frames that make those statements. They are also cheaper and charge far below retail on their products which is a surprise for a local business on State Street where rents are high and the cost to run a business is often prohibitive. And Dr Schanel is local and independent. Eye Contact of Madison is also local, but even at list prices on State Street, they left State Street and now only are in the two Malls in town, still charging list prices. Plus they have put frames and lenses together for me and the lenses have fallen out a few times and smashed and I had to pay LIST for new ones because they used the wrong screws. I left Dr Schanel for Eye Contact for 5 years and then fled back to Dr Schanel when I realized just what I was missing in value and quality. It shows how two different business models apparently work when it comes to how much they feel they should make in profits and how much they should satisfy the pocketbook of their customers. Also, the woman who complained about the insurance card problem is being a bit of a diva. I make sure that my insurance information is up-to-date and have current insurance cards or call ahead to my insurance company to head off any problems before appointments. In the end, IT IS THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY to verify their own insurance coverage. If they dont do it who will and how? If you dont provide them the information, how will they ever guess you are covered...by a card, out of date, that anyone could print and forge? Do you know how much fraud goes on out there with insurance cards and accounts? Moreover, you sign waivers that, insurance card or not, in the end it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the bill is paid and so I make sure I do all I can to get my insurance to do what is necessary so the doctor doesnt come after me for payment, which he/she would have the right to do. And you did stay, and you did get your glasses and it did all work out. You got what you paid for and probably saved in reduced prices what you "lost" in the hours and hours on the phone with your insurance company. Id gladly go through a few phone calls for such great service just to get Dr Schanel to be my doctor. but to rate the guy with ONE STAR for this one problem, well, the majority of the reviews contradict your experience. Maybe that says a lot. Go back, give him a chance, call your insurance ahead, realize ultimate payment is on your checkbook, not your insurance companys. Take a deep breath. Be nice, think of Karma (even if they are "rude") and you wont sound so sour and bitter and if it happens again, then you KNOW you did all you could and that his low review was truly warranted. Also mention your problems to them at that time...how you felt and give them the chance to make it better, make you feel good about your experience. They would have probably given you some discount, some free items, some complimentary perks or services because they want happy customers. You sound so smart and I hear the frustration, but sometimes these administrative things are more a problem with our insurance and health industries and how they communicate with doctors and patients get caught in the middle...at least for now until our new ACA takes full force and begins to treat everyone with respect and wont have to worry about who can pay or who cant and how they will pay because we will all be covered somehow and processing of claims will be much easier and much more efficient. It will take some time for the new ACA to fix many of the problems that have been ignored during the first decade of 2000 when it comes to affordable health insurance. You GO Dr Schanel and Team-Schanel!!!
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Chris H.
Several bad experiences here with the front desk. I no longer purchase my glasses there. The gentleman (if you can call him that) who handles the store part is rude, condescending and cant be bothered unless you catch him on a good day and there is nobody in the store. He is ok when you order frames and stuff but if you EVER have a problem or need an adjustment he cant be bothered. I also had to have an argument with him to get a copy of my prescription after my visit with the doc so I could purchase the glasses elsewhere. On the other hand, Dr Schanel himself is not only delightful but has given me the best prescriptions ever. He also correctly diagnosed a problem I had in one of my eyes which had been misdiagnosed by several other doctors. His correct diagnosis was crucial in saving my eye. So I keep coming back to him because he is so excellent. I hope he keeps practicing for many more years! I just avoid interactions with the front guy as much as feasible.
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Gregory Frahm-Gilles
This was my first time buying glasses. I have worn contacts for a little while but finally got around to buying prescription glasses. My experience was fantastic. With the wide selection, I had an initial set of 16 "potentials" that I then whittled down to the two pairs that I wanted. Great prices, great service, and extremely helpful staff. Since I had never bought glasses before, I had no idea what type of lenses, coatings, tints, etc. that I needed. They were honest and helpful and in no way trying to "upsell" worthless add-ons. While I did not go through an exam since my previous prescription worked, buying frames/lenses was great and I will go back. This place was recommended to me by a friend, who found out about it from another recommendation. I will follow and also recommend this place to others!
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Nadia Smith
Excellent place! Dr. Schanel is thorough and accurate in his assessment. Greg is very helpful and simply great to work with. Even as Ive left Madison, I still choose to order my prescriptions through Greg. He is always helpful and never hesitates to walk the extra mile to design and deliver a custom order. Ive never waited more than a week to receive a new prescription of contacts or glasses (even despite being in a different state!). They also maintain the best selection of frames Ive seen anywhere. Theres something for everyone and their collection never grows old. There are always new frames to choose from. Im a highly satisfied customer and will keep going back.
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Katherine Carey
Very helpful in picking out & ordering glasses. But, they hadnt arrived for many days past projected time. I stopped by just to get a new arrival date and the shop keeper rudely told me theyd probably arrive later that day and tried to push me aside and requested I wait 20 mins to help 2 people who had arrived after me. (Guess he already had my money so what do I matter?) I kindly asked him to verify. He calls and finds out the glasses havent even been made! So, I ask to cancel and just get a refund. Which he was further rude about. I understand delays happen, but the rudeness and disregard was not necessary.